Identification of BlaTEM Gene Encode Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL) Producing Escherichia coli Isolated from Fresh Beef

Background: The community needs fresh beef of good quality. Dirty sanitation causes Escherichia coli to easily contaminate fresh meat and E. coli is one of the bacteria that can produce ESBL enzymes that impact human health. This study aimed to isolate Escherichia coli from fresh meat at the Surabaya Traditional Markets to identify the presence of the ESBL-encoding blaTEM gene. Methods: One hundred fifty fresh beef samples were collected from six traditional markets located in Surabaya city. Then, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test was performed to detect the blaTEM gene which codes for ESBL in isolates that unveiled positive results for MDR (resistant to three antibiotics) and suspected beta-lactamase enzyme (resistant to ampicillin). Results: The research showed that from 150 samples of fresh beef at the Surabaya Traditional Market, 68 Escherichia coli isolates were found (45.3%). Escherichia coli isolates were shown to be susceptible to the antibiotic’s ampicillin (73.5%), gentamicin (95%), tetracycline (7.5%), aztreonam (100%), and ciprofloxacin (95%). The highest percentage of resistance of Escherichia coli isolates to the antibiotic ampicillin (19.1%). PCR analysis of ampicillin-resistant isolates showed that the blaTEM gene encoding ESBL was present in 7 (53.8%) of the 13 Escherichia col isolates. Conclusion: The research results show that there is a risk of ESBL transmission to the community through Escherichia coli which was identified in fresh beef at the Surabaya Traditional Market. Therefore, it is hoped that public awareness can increase regarding food safety issues which can have an impact on public health.