Dlangalala, Manana, Duvenage, Stacey ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5984-1491, Du Plessis, Erika Margarete and Korsten, Lise (2026) Cucumber production system as a reservoir for clinically important extended-spectrum Beta-Lactamase- and AmpCBeta-Lactamase-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains. International Journal of Food Science. ISSN 2356-7015 (Print), 2356-7015 (Online) (doi:10.1155/ijfo/1361352)

Preview

PDF (Open Access Article) 52494 DUVENAGE_Cucumber_Production_System_As_A_Reservoir_For_Clinically_Important_(OA)_2026.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (1MB) | Preview

Abstract

This study evaluated clinically significant extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)- and AmpC β-lactamase (AmpC)- producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in a cucumber production system, focusing on their potential sources and public health implications. Samples from water (n = 16) and cucumber (n = 12) yielded 40 potentially pathogenic isolates (E. coli: n =17, K. pneumoniae n = 23), identified through matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry(MALDI-TOF) analysis. All E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates were phenotypically (Kirby Bauer disk diffusion) and genotypically [whole genome sequencing (WGS) (Illumina MiSeq)] characterized as multidrug resistant. Clinical relevance of these isolates is underscored by the pathogen probabilities (0.925–0.944 for E. coli and 0.534-0.897 K. pneumoniae isolates).The detection of K. pneumoniae ST985 in both the water source (Hartebeespoort Dam and preparation reservoir) and on the irrigated cucumbers highlights the importance of identifying the source of origin for more effective management and shows the potential that agricultural production environments can serve as conduits for the dissemination of clinically relevant antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Understanding the presence of these clinically relevant organisms and antimicrobial resistance within the food system can lead to improved mitigation, on farm management and public health protection.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	This article is part of Special Issue: Global Perspectives on Food Microbiology: Addressing Antimicrobial Resistance, Pathogen Dynamics, and Public Health.
Uncontrolled Keywords:	antimicrobial resistance, cucumbers, enterobacterales, food safety, multidrug resistance, one food, One Health, whole genome sequencing
Subjects:	Q Science > Q Science (General) S Agriculture > S Agriculture (General)
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Engineering & Science Faculty of Engineering & Science > Natural Resources Institute Faculty of Engineering & Science > Natural Resources Institute > Centre for Food Systems Research Faculty of Engineering & Science > Natural Resources Institute > Centre for Food Systems Research > Food Safety and Quality
Last Modified:	13 Feb 2026 17:26
URI:	https://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/52494

Actions (login required)

View Item

Downloads