Published in PLOS One on 2026-05-07, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Samuel Abie, Solomon Lulie Abey, Gashaw Getaneh Dagnaw, Wassie Molla, Mebrie Zemene Kinde, Seleshe Nigatu, Mebrat Ejo, Habtamu Tassew, Anmaw Shite Abat, Eyerusalem Belay, Shimelis Dagnachew, Abebe Tesfaye Gessese, Takele Adugna, Bemrew Admassu Mengistu, Yitayew Demessie, Melkie Dagnaw Fenta, Asnakew Mulaw Berihun, Wudu Temesgen Jemberu, Adugna Berju, Getaw Deresse Tadesse, Yoseph Kerie Kebede, Kenaw Birhanu, Takele Abayneh, Esayas Gelaye, Abebe Belete Bitew
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0334585
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a common zoonotic bacteria, responsible for a wide range of infections and is well known for developing resistance to multiple antibiotics. In Ethiopia, information on methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), particularly from a One-Health perspective, is limited. This study aimed to detect S. aureus, identify MRSA strains, and assess their antibiogram patterns in swab samples collected from two municipal abattoirs in Northwest Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2021 and April 2022. A total of 150 swab samples were collected from beef carcasses, abattoir equipment, surfaces, workers’ hands and clothes. Isolation and identification of S. aureus followed ISO 6888−2 standards. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested against ten commonly used antibiotics using the disk diffusion method. Conventional PCR was used for detection of the mecA gene and Sanger method was used for sequencing. Overall, S. aureus was isolated from 25.3% (38/150) of the samples. The prevalence of S. aureus was 27.1% in beef carcasses, 26.9% in abattoir workers, and 23.1% in the abattoir environment. The prevalence was 22.7% in Bahir Dar and 28.0% in Debre Markos abattoirs. The highest detection rate (35.7%) was from workers’ hands and hooks, while the lowest (11.1%) was from splitting axes. All isolates were susceptible to gentamicin but resistant to penicillin and methicillin. Multidrug resistance was observed in 60.5% of the isolates. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the mecA gene showed that the current isolates were highly similar and clustered closely with mecA from Staphylococcus capitis and Staphylococcus fleurettii, but were distinct from other S. aureus strains. The detection of S. aureus and MRSA in beef carcasses, abattoir environments, and workers highlights potential risks to workers, consumers, and surrounding environments exposed to abattoir waste. Strengthening hygiene and sanitary practices in abattoirs is essential within a One Health framework.
Introduction
Foodborne diseases (FBDs) are caused by infectious or toxic agents in contaminated food or water [1]. Of more than 250 foodborne diseases, about two-thirds are attributed to pathogenic bacteria [2]. Common bacterial pathogens include Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, and Campylobacter species, all of which can lead to severe illness and even death [3]. The World Health Organization [4] estimates that up to 30% of people in developed countries suffer from foodborne diseases annually, while in developing countries, about 2 million deaths per year are linked to these infections.
S. aureus is among the most common bacteria implicated in foodborne illnesses, particularly in foods of animal origin such as meat and milk [5–7]. S. aureus can produce heat-stable enterotoxins in food before it is eaten, and these toxins can cause food poisoning and gastrointestinal illness. [1,8,9]. In animals, S. aureus is also a leading cause of mastitis [10].
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider research & evidence desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Samuel Abie, Solomon Lulie Abey, Gashaw Getaneh Dagnaw, Wassie Molla, Mebrie Zemene Kinde, Seleshe Nigatu, Mebrat Ejo, Habtamu Tassew, Anmaw Shite Abat, Eyerusalem Belay, Shimelis Dagnachew, Abebe Tesfaye Gessese, Takele Adugna, Bemrew Admassu Mengistu, Yitayew Demessie, Melkie Dagnaw Fenta, Asnakew Mulaw Berihun, Wudu Temesgen Jemberu, Adugna Berju, Getaw Deresse Tadesse, Yoseph Kerie Kebede, Kenaw Birhanu, Takele Abayneh, Esayas Gelaye, Abebe Belete Bitew. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
Explore connected evidence
- Evidence brief: Bacterial isolates and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of pediatric meningitis at comprehensive specialized hospitals in Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia
- Evidence brief: Antimicrobial-resistant pathogens on the plate: A semi-quantitative hygiene risk evaluation of raw beef consumption in Ethiopia within a One Health context
- Evidence brief: Contamination of Hospital Inanimate Surfaces with Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase producing bacteria at Ocean Road Cancer Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
