Abstract

This investigation aimed to evaluate the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of Salmonella species and Escherichia coli
isolated from 100 garden egg samples obtained from diverse vendors in Abakaliki. Samples were transported to
the Department of Applied Microbiology Laboratory, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, for analysis. Organisms
were isolated and identified using standard microbiological techniques, while their antibiotic susceptibility was
assessed through the disc diffusion method. Results indicated a prevalence of 60% for Salmonella species and 80%
for E. coli among the analyzed samples. The antibiotic susceptibility testing unveiled alarming resistance patterns:
Salmonella species displayed complete resistance (100%) to meropenem, perfloxacin, colistin, aztreonam,
neomycin, gentamycin, ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol, and ofloxacin, with only 16.67% susceptibility to
streptomycin. Similarly, E. coli isolates exhibited 87.5% susceptibility solely to ofloxacin and 12.5% to
chloramphenicol, while showcasing absolute resistance (100%) to other antibiotics tested. This study underscores
the role of garden egg sales and consumption in facilitating the widespread dissemination of multi-drug resistant
bacterial pathogens within the region. It emphasizes the urgent need for stringent adherence to hygienic practices
among garden egg and other fruit vendors as a crucial preventive measure to curb this escalating threat.
Keywords: Garden eggs, Salmonella species, E. coli, antibiotic resistance.