Abstract

Background:
Foodborne diseases pose serious threats to public health. Salmonella is among the most significant foodborne pathogens of major public health concern. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) exhibit high antimicrobial activity and enable the controlled release of antibiotics, helping to address the problem of antibiotic resistance.

Aim:
The primary aim of this study was to develop a highly effective, stable, and novel antimicrobial surface/material to combat multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella in food safety applications.

Methods:
A total of 615 samples were bacteriologically examined and morphologically characterized. Suspected isolates were identified at the serotype/serovar level. Antibiotic susceptibility testing of the identified Salmonella serovars was carried out using commonly used antibiotics, both in the absence and in the presence of MOF nanoparticles.

Results:
The total percentages of Salmonella spp. in the Cairo, Giza, and Qalyubia governorates were 15.23%, 10%, and 12%, respectively. The isolated Salmonella spp. from meat products, including sausage, beef luncheon, beef burger, and minced meat, were 4%, 0%, 0%, and 14%, respectively. Poultry products, including liver, breast muscle, and wings, showed prevalence rates of 17.33%, 23.33%, and 41.66%, respectively. Kariesh cheese and yoghurt showed prevalence rates of 11.66% and 5%, respectively. Salmonella in human stool samples was 10%. Serotyping of Salmonella isolates showed that S. Kentucky and S. Enteritidis accounted for 35.8% and 64.2%, respectively. Antibiotic sensitivity testing showed that the sensitivity of Salmonella spp. without MOFs was 22.22% for levofloxacin, 0% for ampicillin, 19.75% for amoxicillin–clavulanic acid, and 27.16% for ciprofloxacin, whereas in the presence of MOF nanoparticles, sensitivity increased to 84% for levofloxacin, 93.8% for ampicillin, 71.6% for amoxicillin–clavulanic acid, and 100% for ciprofloxacin.

Conclusion:
MOFs provide a promising platform for developing antibiotic carriers to treat Salmonella and other foodborne pathogens.

Key words: Meat and milk products; Metal–organic frameworks nanoparticles; Salmonella serotypes; Zoonotic foodborne pathogens.