The occurrence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in foods of animal origin is a potential
health threat because resistance can be transferred among bacteria, and antibiotic-resistant
pathogens may not respond to antibiotic treatments. Thirteen brands of ready-to-eat
shrimp representing four countries of origin were obtained from local grocery stores.
Total heterotrophic plate counts were determined, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria
were isolated. Total heterotrophic colony counts ranged from 3.3 to 5.6 log CFU/g,
which was within approved quality limits. A total of 1,564 isolates representing 162
bacterial species were recovered during screening of resistance to 10 antibiotics:
ampicillin, ceftriaxone, chloramphenicol, clindamycin, erythromycin, nalidixic acid,
streptomycin, tetracycline, trimethoprim, and vancomycin. Six hundred fifty-seven
(42%) of the isolates and 131 (81%) of the species had acquired resistance to antibiotics.
Numerous resistant human pathogens were isolated, including Escherichia coli, Enterococcus
spp., Salmonella, Shigella flexneri, Staphylococcus spp., and Vibrio spp. Nonresistant
Yersinia spp. also were isolated. Ready-to-eat shrimp is sold with instructions to
thaw the product before serving, which may result in consumer exposure to antibiotic-resistant
bacteria. Widespread trade of this product provides an avenue for international dissemination
of antibiotic-resistant pathogens.