Volume 6 | Issue -14
Volume 6 | Issue -14
Volume 6 | Issue -14
Volume 6 | Issue -14
Volume 6 | Issue -14
The prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in street foods near educational institutions in Dhaka and nearby areas in Bangladesh is a pressing public health concern. This study aimed to identify and characterize the bacterial contaminants in food and water samples collected from various street food stalls (tea stalls, fruit juice stalls, panipuri/chotpoti stalls, and fried samosa/chicken stalls) and to evaluate their antibiotic resistance profiles. Samples were analyzed using selective media, and bacterial identification was confirmed through biochemical tests. The results revealed significant contamination with E. coli (68%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (38%), Salmonella spp. (23%), Klebsiella spp. (18%), and Enterobacter spp. (10%). E. coli was the most prevalent, with counts up to 7.6 x 105 cfu/g in chicken and samosa stalls. Antibiotic resistance testing showed alarming levels of resistance, particularly in E. coli, which exhibited 100% resistance to ampicillin, cefuroxime, and cefoxitin. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella spp., and Klebsiella spp. also demonstrated significant resistance to multiple antibiotics. These findings indicate a high risk of foodborne illnesses and the potential for the spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria among students and staff in educational institutions. Improved hygiene practices and stringent monitoring of street food vendors are essential to mitigate these health risks.