Research Article | 30 Aug 2025

Biofilm-mediated antimicrobial resistance among meat-borne pathogens in Al-Suwaria, Iraq: A cross-species investigation from retail markets

Manal H. G. Kanaan1 , Zena Kassem Khalil2 , and Ahmad M. Tarek3 Show more
VETERINARY WORLD | pg no. 2487-2498 | Vol. 18, Issue 8 | DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2025.2487-2498
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Abstract

          
Background and Aim: Biofilms formed by foodborne pathogens represent a significant threat to public health by enhanc­ing microbial survival and facilitating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In Iraq, data on the biofilm-producing potential of key meat-borne pathogens remain scarce, particularly for fastidious organisms such as Campylobacter, Arcobacter, and Salmonella serovars. This study investigated the prevalence and intensity of biofilm formation in selected meat-borne bac­terial isolates and examined their correlation with phenotypic AMR, focusing on moderate to strong biofilm producers.
Materials and Methods: A total of 44 bacterial isolates – including Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-resistant S. aureus [MRSA]), Arcobacter butzleri, Arcobacter cryaerophilus, Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli, Salmonella enterica sero­vars Enteritidis, and Salmonella Typhimurium – were recovered from retail meat samples collected between 2018 and 2023 in Wasit, Iraq. Biofilm-forming ability was quantified using microtiter plate assays and interpreted per Stepanovic’s criteria. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed through the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method, with resistance patterns statisti­cally analyzed for associations with biofilm strength.
Results: Among all isolates, 25% were strong and 40.91% moderate biofilm producers. Salmonella serotypes showed the highest biofilm strength (100%), followed by C. jejuni (75%) and MRSA (57.14%). A significant correlation (p ≤ 0.05) was observed between biofilm production and resistance to vancomycin, ofloxacin, gentamicin, enrofloxacin, and cefoxitin. Gram-negative isolates with strong to moderate biofilm capacity exhibited resistance rates ranging from 61.90% to 95.24%, while Gram-positive MRSA showed higher resistance to fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides.
Conclusion: Biofilm production significantly contributes to increase AMR among meat-borne pathogens, compromising food safety and treatment efficacy. Enhanced surveillance, targeted biofilm control strategies, and molecular studies are crucial to mitigate the rising threat of biofilm-associated AMR in the food chain.
          
Keywords: antimicrobial resistance, Arcobacter, Biofilm, Campylobacter, Iraq, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, retail meat, Salmonella.