Antibiotic-resistant bacteria in sliced lettuce
antibiotic-resistant bacteria occur, for example, in liquid manure, sewage sludge and waters. They may also be on ours Food arrive - about ready-cut salads. This is the conclusion of an investigation by the Julius Kühn Institute (JKI). The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) will assess what this finding means for the health risk of consumers.
The food inspectors bought mixed salads, rocket and cilantro in German supermarkets. In 24 samples they determined the totality of the transmissible antibiotic resistance genes in Escherichia coli, a mostly harmless gut germ on these fresh produce. The focus was on bacteria that are against the drug tetracycline were resistant. Because tetracycline antibiotics are in the livestock farming used when animals are sick and can then promote the development and propagation of resistant germs in the intestines of farm animals. These germs are excreted and come via organic Fertilizer on the fields.
In fact, the scientists found in intestinal bacteria from the fresh produce transferable plasmids with resistance genes. Plasmids are inherited carriers that occur outside the chromosomes. All three tested foods carried bacteria that were resistant even to multiple antibiotic classes. The highest transmission frequency was observed in salad, according to the magazine mBio.
If the food is consumed raw, the germs get into the intestine. There, the bacteria may pass on their plasmids to pathogenic bacteria. In antibiotic treatment, such germs can multiply more. However, lettuce is only slightly contaminated with Escherichia coli, the scientists relativize. It is not known how often a transmission of resistance in the human intestine takes place at all.
The nuts and bolts is a good one Hygiene in the kitchen. Wash raw food, lettuce and fresh herbs thoroughly before eating. This reduces the risk of ingesting pathogens and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the BfR explains. Pregnant women, the elderly and the sick As a precaution, avoid eating pre-cut products and making salads better with fresh ingredients.
Heike Kreutz, www.bzfe.de
