Genomic characterization of foodborne Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli isolates from Saboba district and Bolgatanga Municipality Ghana

Salmonella and Escherichia coli are well-known bacteria commonly associated with foodborne illnesses in humans and animals. Genomic characterization of these pathogens provides valuable insights into their evolution, virulence factors and resistance determinants. This study characterized Salmonella (n = 14) and E. coli (n = 19) from milk, meat and its associated utensils in Ghana using whole-genome sequencing. Most of the Salmonella serovars (Fresno, Plymouth, Infantis, Give and Orleans) identified in this study are yet to be reported in Ghana. The Salmonella enterica isolates were largely pan-sensitive but genes conferring resistance to fosfomycin ( fosA7.2 ) and tetracycline ( tet(A) ) were detected in one and three isolates respectively. While 7of the Salmonella isolates carry the IncI1-I(Gamma) plasmid replicon. While antimicrobial resistance was not common among Salmonella strains, most (11/19) of the E. coli strains had at least one resistance gene and almost half (8/19) were multidrug resistance and carry mobile elements. Three of the 19 E. coli strains belong to serovars commonly associated with enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) lineage. While strains belonging to virulence-associated lineages lacked key plasmid-encoded virulence plasmids, several plasmid replicons were detected in most of the E. coli (14/19) strains. Food contaminated with these pathogens can serve as a vehicle for transmission, posing a significant public health risk and necessitating stringent food safety and hygiene practices to prevent outbreaks. Hence, there is need for continuous surveillance and preventive measures to stop the spread of foodborne pathogens and reduce the risk of associated illnesses in Ghana.