Aim: The present study aims to evaluate the occurrence and characterize E. coli in meat and meat products marketed in Egypt based on their antimicrobial-resistance pattern and production of enterotoxins. Methods: A total of 250 meat samples, categorized as 80 fresh beef, 85 ground beef and 85 beef burger purchased from supermarkets and butchers’ shops were used for isolation of E. coli. All isolates were screened for antimicrobial susceptibility. Plasmid profile analyses were done. Polymerase chain reactions were performed for detection of enterotoxin-encoding genes (astA, eaeA, stx1 and stx2). Results: Twenty-five samples were isolated and identified as E. coli. 14 isolates were multidrug resistant. Plasmids isolation from all isolates revealed that 76% of these isolates harbored plasmids. astA gene was amplified in 7 isolates (28%). Eight (32%) isolates harbored eaeA gene. However, none of the isolates harbored stx1 or stx2 genes. Analysis of multiple drug resistant isolates revealed a significant relation between multiple drug resistance and both astA and eaeA. Conclusion: The study confirmed the prevalence of enterotoxin genes (astA and eaeA) in E. coli isolated from meat product and the association between the presence of these genes and multiple drug resistant phenomena.
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