Published in PLOS One on 2026-08-05, 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: Rownak Jahan, Naeem Ahammed Ibrahim Fahim, Md Abdullah Evna Hasan, Md. Liton Rana, Md. Tabeer Hossain Antor, Samia Salam, Rony Ibne Masud, Dilruba Akter Jany, Zuhayr Bakhtiyar, Md. Saiful Islam, Muhammad Tofazzal Hossain, Md. Tanvir Rahman
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0355410
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Fruits are important in the diet because of the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals they provide for a healthy life; however, they can also serve as a potential source of opportunistic pathogens, including enterococci. They are considered zoonotic pathogens that cause severe infections in humans. This work aimed to isolate Enterococcus faecalis from fruit surfaces and to detect its virulence genes, biofilm-forming ability, and antibiotic resistance patterns. A total of 76 samples of seven different types of fruits were collected and surface-washed, and used to isolate and identify E. faecalis by cultural and biochemical tests, followed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the disk diffusion method for antimicrobial susceptibility testing, a Congo Red Agar test for the determination of biofilm-forming ability, and PCR for virulence gene detection. Out of 76 samples, 47 (61.84%) fruit samples were found to be positive for E. faecalis, with the highest prevalence in oranges compared to the other six fruits. In the phenotypic antibiogram study, resistance was most frequently observed against commonly used antibiotics, including ampicillin (90.00%) and erythromycin (57.50%), while notable resistance was also detected against vancomycin (47.50%) and the last-resort antibiotic linezolid (47.50%). The ampicillin-resistance gene, blaTEM, was present in 65% of the isolates. Additionally, 60% of isolates exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR), with the MAR index ranging from 0.33 to 0.78. Key virulence genes (agg, ace, gelE, fsrB, and pil) and biofilm-forming capabilities were distributed among the isolates, indicating their potential for persistence and pathogenicity. These findings suggest that fruit surfaces harbor antibiotic-resistant E. faecalis; therefore, fruits should be thoroughly washed before eating and monitored using One Health strategies to reduce the risk to human health.
Introduction
Enterococci are commensal bacteria found in the intestines of both humans and domestic animals. They may also be found in the environment, including soil, water, plants, insects, birds, and wild animals. Currently, they rank third among the organisms that are often found in nosocomial infections [1]. Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium can cause bacteremia, infective endocarditis, urinary tract infections, and wound infections in humans [2]. Enterococci can also infect the central nervous system [3]. Approximately 80–90 percent of human enterococcal infections are caused by E. faecalis, while most of the remaining cases are attributable to E. faecium. Among the various types of antibiotic-resistant enterococci, vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are a major global public health concern [4].
A healthy diet should include fruits, as they are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, which are essential for maintaining good health, supporting immune function, and aiding digestion. Considering the nutritional benefits of fruits, fruit consumption is increasing significantly day by day. However, fruit safety is most seriously threatened by microbial contamination, particularly foodborne pathogens, as large and diverse bacterial communities can be found in fresh fruits and vegetables [5]. Sometimes, fresh fruits can be a source of entry point if they are eaten without washing or proper cleaning, making bacterial contamination a major concern for consumers [6,7]. Climate change, excessive pesticide use, inadequate postharvest handling and cleanliness, and fruit contamination all raise the danger of foodborne illnesses, financial losses, and food insecurity [8]. Enteropathogenic bacteria on the edible peel of fruits also increase consumer health risks. More than 10 pathogenic organisms were isolated from fresh-cut fruits in China, highlighting the potential role of fruits in the dissemination of microorganisms among community members [9]. Additionally, when fruit vendors use contaminated water to clean and wash their fruit, enterococci can spread and cause foodborne infections [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 public health 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 Rownak Jahan, Naeem Ahammed Ibrahim Fahim, Md Abdullah Evna Hasan, Md. Liton Rana, Md. Tabeer Hossain Antor, Samia Salam, Rony Ibne Masud, Dilruba Akter Jany, Zuhayr Bakhtiyar, Md. Saiful Islam, Muhammad Tofazzal Hossain, Md. Tanvir Rahman. 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.
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- Evidence brief: Bacterial profile and antimicrobial resistance patterns of bloodstream infections at Amhara Public Health Institute, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
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