Occurrence, diversity and antimicrobial resistance of Enterobacterales isolated from artisanal ‘coalho’ cheese produced in north‐eastern Brazil
Lucilene Martins Trindade Gonçalves, Pollyanne Raysa Fernandes de Oliveira, Denny Parente de Sá Barreto Maia Leite, Valdir Vieira da Silva, Maria Aparecida Juliano, José Wilton Pinheiro Júnior, Rinaldo Aparecido MotaBackground
Artisanal ‘coalho’ cheese is widely consumed in north‐eastern Brazil and plays an important role within the Brazilian dairy sector. However, its production often involves limited hygienic–sanitary control and the use of raw milk, which may compromise microbiological quality and facilitate contamination by Enterobacterales , including antimicrobial‐resistant strains. Data on the diversity and resistance profiles of these bacteria in artisanal cheeses remain scarce.
Aims
This study aimed to investigate the occurrence, species diversity and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Enterobacterales isolated from artisanal ‘coalho’ cheese marketed in Pernambuco, Brazil.
Methods
Twenty artisanal ‘coalho’ cheese samples were obtained from open markets and local vendors in ten municipalities of Pernambuco State, Brazil, with each sample originating from a different producer. Enterobacterales were isolated using MacConkey agar. Bacterial identification was performed by MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed by the disc diffusion method following Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Biofilm formation was evaluated using a microplate assay. Resistance and virulence‐associated genes were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and expressed as frequencies and percentages.
Major Findings
A total of 33 Enterobacterales isolates belonging to 12 species were recovered, with predominance of Klebsiella pneumoniae, Raoultella ornithinolytica, Enterobacter cloacae and Citrobacter freundii . The overall frequency of antimicrobial resistance was 10.8%, with the highest resistance rates observed for amoxicillin–clavulanic acid, cefoxitin and tetracycline. Most isolates were classified as weak biofilm producers. Beta‐lactam resistance genes were detected in three isolates, and virulence‐associated genes were identified in 30.3% of the isolates.
Scientific/Industrial Implications
The presence of antimicrobial‐resistant and biofilm‐forming Enterobacterales in artisanal ‘coalho’ cheese highlights potential food safety concerns and reinforces the need for improved hygienic practices and continuous microbiological surveillance within artisanal dairy production systems.