Antibiotic Resistance of <i>Escherichia coli</i> and <i>Salmonella</i> Isolates from Table Eggs, Poultry Sausages, and Clinical Samples in Southwest Benin

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in foodborne pathogens poses a major public health risk in Benin. Table eggs and poultry sausages have been identified as potential reservoirs of resistant bacteria. Nevertheless, the lack of integrated AMR data from food and clinical sources limits the ability to assess public health risks and design evidence-based interventions. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of <i>Escherichia coli</i> and <i>Salmonella</i> in table eggs and poultry sausages and to evaluate the antibiotic resistance profile of isolates from these foods and clinical samples alongside clinical isolates. A total of 135 table egg pools, 90 poultry sausages, and 81 clinical isolates of <i>E. coli</i> (56) and <i>Salmonella</i> (25) were collected between August and December 2023. Table eggs and poultry sausages were analysed for <i>Escherichia coli</i> and <i>Salmonella</i> using conventional methods. Antibiotic resistance (<i>n</i> = 99 isolates) was tested using Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion. Clinical isolates (<i>n</i> = 77) were included for comparison. High <i>Escherichia coli</i> prevalence (eggs: 59.3%, 95% CI: 50.9–67.3%; sausages: 14.4%, 95% CI: 8.6–23.2%) and lower <i>Salmonella</i> prevalence (eggs: 2.2%, 95% CI: 0.8–6.3%; sausages: 5.6%, 95% CI: 2.4–12.4%) were observed. According to antibiotic resistance data, predominant multidrug resistance to tetracyclines, streptomycin, and fluoroquinolones, followed by preserved sensitivity to nitrofurans and chloramphenicol, was noticed. These findings highlight the urgent need to regulate antibiotic use in Benin’s poultry and medical sectors.