Prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus A and B enterotoxins contamination in traditional dairy products, salad and nuggets Presented in Shahrekord and antibiotic resistance of the isolates

Staphylococcus aureus, a gram-positive bacterium known for its resistance to desiccation and production of enterotoxins, is a prominent foodborne pathogen causing gastroenteritis and vomiting through its enterotoxin genes. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of S. aureus strains carrying enterotoxins A and B in traditional dairy products, salads, and nuggets distributed in Shahrekord. Additionally, antibiotic resistance profiles of these isolates were investigated. A total of 300 food samples were randomly collected from the Shahrekord market in spring 2023 and processed under sterile conditions to prevent contamination. Results indicated contamination rates of 63% in salads, 5% in nuggets, and 28.43% in traditional dairy products. Specifically, one seasonal salad isolate (0.33%) tested positive for the A gene, and one sandwich isolate (0.33%) contained the B gene. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed a high resistance rates to ampicillin (86.18%) and gentamicin (88.8%), while resistance was the lowest for imipenem (38.6%) and tetracycline (39.2%). The findings underscore the critical need for stringent regulations to enhance hygiene standards and mitigate the prevalence of toxin-producing microorganisms in fast-food settings, given the serious implications of antibiotic resistance and inadequate oversight on food safety.