Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance of Escherichia coli Isolated from Table Eggs in Kabul City, Afghanistan

Ezatullah Jaheed; Sayed Arif Ahmadi

doi:10.62810/jnsr.v4i1.296

Authors

Ezatullah Jaheed Department of Para clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Kabul University, Kabul, Afghanistan
Sayed Arif Ahmadi Department of Food Technology and Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Kabul University, Kabul, Afghanistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62810/jnsr.v4i1.296

Keywords:

Antimicrobial resistance, Escherichia coli, Food safety, Kabul, Multidrug resistance, Table eggs

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was carried out from January to March 2025 to assess the prevalence of Escherichia coli contamination in table eggs sold throughout Kabul and to characterize the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of the isolated strains. A total of 150 eggs were collected systematically from various retail outlets, including supermarkets and local markets. To determine the contamination source, eggshells and internal contents were cultured separately. Presumptive E. coli colonies were confirmed using standard biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility was subsequently evaluated using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method against a panel of six clinically relevant antibiotics. The findings revealed that E. coli was present on 43.3% of eggshells and in 18.0% of egg contents, suggesting potential failures in handling and storage practices. Notably, contamination rates were significantly higher in eggs from local production systems than in those from commercial sources. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing demonstrated high levels of resistance to commonly used antibiotics, including tetracycline (76.9%), ampicillin (69.2%), and sulfamethoxazole (61.5%). Critically, multidrug resistance (MDR), defined as resistance to three or more drug classes, was observed in 57.7% of all isolates, with a significantly higher rate in isolates from local eggs (68.4%). This study reveals a high prevalence of E. coli contamination in eggs sold in Kabul, with the isolates displaying alarming levels of AMR and MDR. The findings underscore an urgent need to implement improved hygiene practices across the entire egg supply chain and to strengthen antimicrobial stewardship policies to safeguard public health in Afghanistan.

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