Genotypic and Phenotypic Evaluation of Heavy Metal Resistance of Enterococcal Isolates from Seafood Products for Consumption

Abstract

The aim of this study was to genotypically and phenotypically evaluate the resistance to heavy metal salts of enterococci isolated from fisheries sold in our country's market for food safety. Using concentrations computed as 1000 ppm of seven heavy metal salts, copper (Cu+2), nickel (Ni+2), cadmium (Cd+2), zinc (Zn+2), lead (Pb+2), chromium (Cr+2), and iron (Fe+2) heavy metal resistance (MIK) tests were conducted on each of the enterococci isolates. As a result of the analyses made in this context, resistance to heavy metal salts such as copper, lead, nickel, and cadmium in many isolates and the presence of copper (tcrB) and cadmium (cadA) resistance genes in some isolates were determined. It is considered that the isolates and the fishery products from which these isolates were obtained may carry risks in terms of food safety and public health. In addition, genes encoding heavy metal resistance are also effective in antibiotic resistance. For this reason, it is stated that these microorganisms gain importance not only in applications such as bioremediation and biomining but also in the healthcare sector.