Prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from some Street Hot Beverages in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

Introduction: Staphylococcus aureus is one of the main pathogens found in street food, including hot beverages. However, information about S. aureus isolated from street hot beverages from coffee carts is very limited in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Aims: We aimed to characterize phenotypically S. aureus isolated from street hot beverages sold in Abidjan.

Methodology: A total of 400 samples of hot beverage were collected and analyzed. The identification was made through conventional microbial and biochemical analysis. Macroscopic identification on the Baird Parker agar supplement with egg yolk tellurite. Microscopic observation through Gram staining as well as biochemical tests such as catalase, DNase and coagulase were performed. To confirm staphylococcal strains, the MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry was used. After identification, the susceptibility of the staphylococcal isolates was evaluated using disc diffusion method.

Results: Result showed that most of Staphylococcus aureus (18.4%) were isolated from tea. All the strains of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from street beverages were sensitive to cefoxitin and vancomycin. All the S. aureus isolated from milk were resistant to Erythromycin. Although beverages are consumed hot, the presence of S. aureus in ready-to-drink beverage transmitted infections to consumers.

Conclusion: This drink need attention for the seller and the user to avoid some infections.