Microbiological evaluation and bacterial resistance in pork meat commercialized in Riobamba under a One Health approach: implications for human health
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Abstract
Introduction. Raw pork is a food susceptible to microbiological contamination and the spread of resistant bacteria, which represents a relevant problem under the One Health approach. Objective. To evaluate the microbiological quality and bacterial resistance in pork marketed in a market in the city of Riobamba, under the One Health approach and its implications for human health. Methodology. A quantitative, non-experimental, longitudinal study was conducted. Raw pork samples were collected in duplicate from five points of sale over three-time intervals. The bacterial load (CFU/g) of aerobic mesophiles, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus was determined using MicroFast plates, while the detection of Salmonella spp. was performed using conventional methods, in accordance with the Ecuadorian Technical Standard NTE-INEN 1338:2016. Antimicrobial susceptibility was evaluated using the Kirby-Bauer method following the guidelines of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test with a 95% confidence level. Results. The results showed that all samples met the limits for aerobic mesophiles and Salmonella spp.; for Escherichia coli, although some values were elevated, they remained within the permissible range. For Staphylococcus aureus, only one sample exceeded the established limit, indicating a specific non-compliance. Escherichia coli strains showed resistance to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and ciprofloxacin, while Staphylococcus aureus was sensitive to the antibiotics evaluated. The Kruskal-Walli’s test showed no significant differences among points of sale (p > 0.05). Conclusion. Pork marketed in a market in the city of Riobamba shows partial compliance with microbiological criteria, revealing the presence of contamination indicator bacteria and antimicrobial resistance patterns. Under the One Health approach, these findings reflect a potential risk to human health associated with production, handling, and commercialization practices, highlighting the need to implement integrated sanitary control strategies and rational use of antimicrobials. General study area: Health Sciences. Specific study area: Food Microbiology / Public Health (One Health approach). Type of study: Originally article.
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