Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance of Escherichia coli Isolated from Table Eggs in Kabul City, Afghanistan

A cross-sectional study in Kabul (2025) found substantial contamination of table eggs with Escherichia coli, detected on 43.3% of eggshells and 18.0% of egg contents, indicating hygiene and handling issues across the supply chain. Contamination was significantly higher in locally produced eggs compared to commercial sources. Alarmingly, the isolates showed high resistance to commonly used antibiotics such as tetracycline, ampicillin, and sulfamethoxazole, with 57.7% classified as multidrug-resistant (MDR). The findings highlight a significant food safety and public health concern, emphasizing the urgent need for improved hygiene practices and stronger antimicrobial stewardship in Afghanistan.