Prevalence of Antibiotic-Resistant Seafood-Borne Pathogens in Retail Seafood Sold in Malaysia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Omowale A. Odeyemi, Omowale A. Odeyemi, Muhamad Nur Ghoyatul Amin, Fera Roswita Dewi, Nor Azman Kasan, Helen Onyeaka, Deyan Stratev, Olumide A. Odeyemi, Olumide A. Odeyemi
Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine the frequency and extent of antibiotic-resistant pathogens in seafood sold in Malaysia, using a systematic review and meta-analysis approach to analyze primary research studies. Four bibliographic databases were systematically searched for primary studies on occurrence. Meta-analysis using a random-effect model was used to understand the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in retail seafood sold in Malaysia. A total of 1938 primary studies were initially identified, among which 13 met the inclusion criteria. In the included primary studies, a total of 2281 seafoods were analyzed for the presence of antibiotic-resistant seafood-borne pathogens. It was observed that 51% (1168/2281) of the seafood was contaminated with pathogens. Overall, the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant seafood-borne pathogens in retail seafood was 55.7% (95% CI: 0.46–0.65). Antibiotic-resistant Salmonella species had an overall prevalence of 59.9% (95% CI: 0.32–0.82) in fish, Vibrio species had an overall prevalence of 67.2% (95% CI: 0.22–0.94) in cephalopods, and MRSA had an overall prevalence of 70.9% (95% CI: 0.36–0.92) in mollusks. It could be concluded that there is a high prevalence of antibiotic-resistant seafood-borne pathogens in the retail seafood sold in Malaysia, which could be of public health importance. Therefore, there is a need for proactive steps to be taken by all stakeholders to reduce the widespread transmission of antibiotic-resistant pathogens from seafood to humans.