Identity and antibiotic susceptibility of enterobacterial flora of salad vegetables

The enterobacterial flora from carrots (organic and non-organic) and salad vegetables has been identified and antibiotic susceptibilities determined. Pseudomonas fluorescens and Pantoea (formerly Enterobacter) agglomerans were the species most commonly found, the former was usually resistant to at least six of the antibiotics under test. Rahnella aquatilis (often producing beta -lactamase) was also found in carrots. There were no clear differences in flora from organic and non-organic carrots. Thus, uncooked vegetables are a potential source of highly resistant opportunistic pathogens. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science BN. and International Society of Chemotherapy. All rights reserved.