ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE IN E.COLI ISOLATED FROM LOCALLY CULTIVATED MINT IN HEBRON, PALESTINE
Date
2026-05-12
Authors
Ali Alkoumi
Omama Shabaneh
Ashraf Abdeen
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Deanship of Scientific Research - Al-Quds University
Abstract
Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global public health concern. Fresh leafy vegetables may act as reservoirs of resistant bacteria because contamination can occur during cultivation, irrigation, harvesting, transport, or sale. *Escherichia coli* is widely used as an indicator of fecal contamination and has frequently been isolated from fresh produce worldwide. In Palestine, information on antibiotic-resistant bacteria in vegetables is limited, particularly in mint, which is commonly consumed fresh.
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate whether locally cultivated mint sold in grocery markets in Hebron, Palestine, is contaminated with antibiotic-resistant *E. coli*. The objectives were to isolate and confirm *E. coli* from mint samples and to evaluate the antibiotic resistance patterns of confirmed isolates.
Methods: A total of 14 locally cultivated mint samples were collected from grocery stores in Hebron between January and March 2024. Presumptive *E. coli* isolates were obtained through enrichment and selective culturing. Phenotypic identification was performed using biochemical tests, and confirmation was carried out by colony PCR targeting the *uidA* gene. Confirmed isolates were tested for antibiotic resistance using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method in accordance with CLSI guidelines.
Results: Among 28 presumptive isolates, 13 were confirmed as *E. coli*. Resistance was observed primarily to tetracycline (53.9%) and chloramphenicol (46.2%). Heteroresistance to levofloxacin was detected in 15.4% of isolates, while 61.5% showed intermediate resistance to cefuroxime. No multidrug-resistant isolates were identified. These findings indicate the presence of antibiotic-resistant *E. coli* in mint sold in Hebron grocery markets.