Journal of Veterinary and Applied Sciences

Abstract
Zoonotic and multidrug resistant extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) E. coli O157:H7 found in raw and processed meat can contribute to the increased chances of infections and drug resistance in humans. The present study assessed the occurrence and antibiotic resistance profile of ESBL-E. coli O157:H7 isolated from fresh and grilled beef meant for human consumption in Osun State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on fresh beef sampled at slaughter slabs and grilled beef sourced from three senatorial districts in Osun State, Nigeria. 120 fresh beef and 60 grilled beef samples were surveyed. Isolation and characterization of ESBL-E. coli O157:H7 followed standard procedures on eosin-methylene blue agar, sorbitol-MacConkey agar and MacConkey agar supplemented with 4 mg/L of cefotaxime, and was confirmed by slide agglutination test using E. coli O157: H7 anti-serum. Antibiotic susceptibility testing of ESBL-E. coli O157:H7 isolates against amoxycillin-clavulanic acid, tetracycline, gentamicin, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin and penicillin was performed by disc diffusion method. Results showed that the occurrence of ESBL-E. coli O157: H7 in the fresh and grilled beef sampled were 14% (17 out of the 120 sampled) and 5% (3 out of the 60 sampled), respectively. Significantly (p = 0.0001) higher occurrence of ESBL-E. coli was recorded in fresh beef samples obtained from government owned slaughter slabs than those obtained from private slaughter slabs. The occurrence of ESBL-E. coli O157: H7 in both the fresh and grilled beef sampled did not significantly (p > 0.05) vary among the three senatorial zones of Osun State, Nigeria. All (100%) of the ESBL-E. coli O157:H7 isolates were resistant to ceftriaxone, penicillin and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. 95% of the isolates were resistant to tetracycline, while 40% and 25% of the isolates were susceptible to gentamicin and ciprofloxacin, respectively. It was concluded that multidrug-resistant ESBL-E. coli O157: H7 occur in fresh and grilled beef in Osun State, Nigeria. This is considered to be of public health importance. It is recommended that slaughter slabs and beef grilling points in Osun State Nigeria should cultivate necessary hygienic practices and implement hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) measures.

Keywords: Escherichia coli; ESBL-E. coli O157: H7; Occurrence; Fresh and grilled beef; Antibiotic resistance; Osun State, Nigeria.

How to cite this article:
Oriolowo AB, Bolatito OK and Adetunji VO (2026). Occurrence and antibiotic resistance profile of extended spectrum beta lactamase producing Escherichia coli 0157:H7 isolated from fresh and grilled beef meant for human consumption in Osun State, Nigeria. Journal of Veterinary and Applied Sciences, 16(2): 1693 – 1702.

Correspondence: E-mail: yemibolatito@gmail.com Phone: +2347069765307