The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial isolates is one of the intractable problems in the health-care sector that threatens human and livestock health. β-lactamases are among the most common enzymes involved in antibiotic-resistance mechanisms. Enterobacterial isolates were isolated from commercial poultry farms from the Makkah region. A collection of 40 Enterobacteriaceae isolates resistant to one or more third-generation cephalosporins was examined for the existence of β-lactamases, including extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL), AmpC β-lactamase, and metallo-β-lactamase (MBL), both phenotypically and genotypically. Based on the phenotypic examinations, 97.5% of the isolates were ESBL, 5% were AmpC, and only 2.5% were MBL. Out of these 40 resistant isolates, 9 (22.5%) were multidrug-resistant (MDR). Based on genotypic examinations, five resistance genes were detected, with the most prevailing gene being TEM (10, 25%), followed by CMY-2 (5, 12.5%), FOX (5, 12.5%), SHV (1, 2.5%), and CTX-M universal (1, 2.5%). The gene mobile factors of Class 1 integrons, transposons, and plasmids were also detected in 5 (12.5%), 5 (12.5%), and 2 (5%) of the examined isolates, respectively. An interesting ESBL MDR isolate was identified which includes genetic elements (transposon and plasmid). In conclusion, the data presented in this study indicated that commercial farm poultry in the Makkah province, Saudi Arabia, is colonized by β-lactamases producing Enterobacteriaceae. This supports the hypothesis that non-human sources could be a source of ESBL/AmpC-producing bacteria in humans.

The fact that multidrug-resistant bacteria are common on eggshells sold in wet markets is very vulnerable for public health, especially since eggs are often handled poorly. As part of this study, chicken eggshells from different wet markets in Taif, Makkah area, Saudi Arabia, were collected and tested for bacterial pollution. Overall, a total of 150 eggs were randomly selected and examined for both external and internal microbial contamination. The VITEK 2 antimicrobial sensitivity showed significant multidrug resistance, especially in the Salmonella enterica strain. 16S r-RNA was used to identify five types of bacteria: Escherichia hermannii, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus xylosus, and a new strain of S. enterica (A10). Finding S. enterica A10 on eggshells in this area is the first narrative of its kind, showing that eggshells are an underrated way for antibiotic-resistant bacteria to spread. More protection, limits on drug use in chicken, and better cleanliness in local markets are all needed because of these results.

Breakdown of cold-chain integrity drives the persistence of foodborne pathogens in poultry supply chains in warm, mountainous climates. This study used Al-Mandaq (Saudi Arabia) as a model to assess genetic diversity and contamination in bacteria from poultry storage units using 16S rRNA sequencing, VITEK 2, selective culturing, and ISSR/RAPD fingerprinting on 150 swabs. The Salmonella enterica complex comprised 15/29 isolates (51.7%), followed by Escherichia spp. 6/29 (20.7%) and Bacillus spp. 3/29 (10.3%). Five Salmonella serovars were identified: Enteritidis (8), Waycross (3), Minnesota (2), Typhimurium (1), and Dublin (1). S. Enteritidis accounted for 8/29 isolates (27.6%) and predominated among Salmonella in supermarket retail samples in Al-Mandaq. Combined ISSR and RAPD cluster analysis revealed highly clonal S. Enteritidis groupings, consistent with cross-contamination and prolonged survival in refrigeration equipment. In resource-limited settings, the combined ISSR and RAPD approach enhanced identification and differentiation of bacterial contamination sources within refrigeration equipment, providing superior strain-level discrimination compared to single-marker systems and improving epidemiological traceability of cross-contamination events. These results highlight the risk of clonal pathogen persistence in poultry cold-chain environments and the value of integrated molecular fingerprinting for surveillance in challenging climates.

Natural and bio-based alternatives to synthetic preservatives are gaining popularity in recent years. This study evaluates the antimicrobial potential and physicochemical properties of five types of honey vinegar. The investigation included 1,400 vinegar samples representing five types of formulations. Inhibition zone analysis was performed to assess the antibacterial activities of vinegar samples. All types of vinegars demonstrated antibacterial activity against at least one of the tested bacterial strains. Notably, honey-propolis and honey-black seed vinegars exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against all pathogens. Honey-garlic and honey-propolis vinegars contained the highest levels of total phenolics. These findings suggest that enriched honey vinegars, particularly those containing propolis or garlic, could be promising natural alternatives for antimicrobial applications. Their efficacy and rich bioactive profiles advocate their future use in functional health products and food preservation.

Saudi Arabia’s extensive coastlines along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf offer vital marine resources where Lethrinus nebulosus faces threats from parasitic and bacterial coinfections. This study investigates the prevalence and interrelation of the digenean parasite Pseudoplagioporus sp. Yamaguti, 1938 and various pathogenic bacteria, examining their correlations with host morphometric traits (weight, length, width, age, and sex). This research provides novel insights into the synergistic impact of these pathogens on fish health, a neglected area of study in Red Sea fisheries. Over 5 months (September 2022-March 2023), 35 fish were collected from Al-Qunfudhah. A total of 35 samples were initially collected; however, 7 samples were excluded from the study due to severe clinical sickness/poor condition, which made them unsuitable for accurate dissection and parasitological examination. Therefore, a final sub-sample of 28 specimens was successfully dissected and analyzed. successfully examined. Six bacterial genera, including Staphylococcus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella, were identified alongside internal parasites (n = 16 Digenea). Statistical analysis (ANOVA and t-test) revealed significant inverse correlations (P < 0.05) between bacterial frequency index and host morphometric parameters. Notably, male fish exhibited higher susceptibility to both bacterial and parasitic infections compared to female fish. Furthermore, the interaction between Pseudoplagioporus sp. and pathogenic bacteria appeared competitive rather than symbiotic, suggesting that coinfections significantly alter host immunity and condition factors. These results prompt the development of integrated strategies for monitoring fish health and controlling infectious agents in marine ecosystems.