Abstract Description

Enterococcus species are ancient members of the intestinal microbiota and are frequently associated with foodborne transmission of antimicrobial resistance. Their ability to persist in diverse environments, combined with rising multidrug resistance (MDR), poses a serious public health concern. In South Africa, limited local data exist on the prevalence and resistance patterns of Enterococcus spp. in meat sold in rural communities. This study focused on meat samples from butcheries in Raymond Mhlaba Municipality, Eastern Cape Province, to assess the presence of Enterococcus spp., their resistance profiles, and genetic determinants of resistance. A total of nine meat samples (ground beef, pork, chicken, ham, tongue, beef, and biltong) were collected from two local butcheries under aseptic conditions. Presumptive Enterococcus spp. were isolated using selective media and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting genus- and species-specific genes. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the disc diffusion method according to CLSI guidelines, while resistance genes (e.g., tetM, blaZ, ermA) were screened by PCR. Out of nine samples, 29 presumptive isolates were obtained, of which 19 were confirmed as Enterococcus spp. Molecular analysis revealed E. faecalis as the predominant species. Antibiogram results showed high resistance rates to meropenem (95%), oxacillin (85%), erythromycin (85%), tetracycline (80%), and clindamycin (70%). Lower resistance rates were observed for gentamicin (60%) and ciprofloxacin (40%). Genetic screening identified the tetM gene in eight isolates, while blaZ and ermA were not detected. These findings demonstrate the circulation of MDR Enterococcus spp. in meat sold at community butcheries. The study highlights the occurrence of multidrug-resistant Enterococcus spp. in retail meat from Raymond Mhlaba Municipality, with E. faecalis being the dominant species. The detection of tetM-mediated resistance underscores the potential for horizontal gene transfer of resistance determinants within the food chain. These results stress the need for improved hygiene practices in meat handling, stricter regulation of antibiotic use in livestock, and continuous surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in food products to protect public health.