Co-Occurrence and Molecular Characterization of ESBL-Producing and Colistin-Resistant Escherichia coli Isolates from Retail Raw Meat

Background: The emergence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing and colistin-resistant Escherichia coli in retail meat poses a significant public health risk. Method: A total of 180 retail meat samples (chicken parts, internals, processed products; lamb; beef; fish) were purchased from markets and butcher shops across Turkiye. Presump- tive ESBL-producing isolates were screened on chromogenic agar and phenotypically confirmed. Species identity was verified by uspA PCR, and...