Review study on external-hospital bacteria as a source of infection and antimicrobial resistance in Lebanon

Most studies done on bacteria in Lebanon are on hospital isolates. However, someof the sources of hospital isolates might be from contaminated foods and waterthat are imported into hospitals. Studies done in the Department of ExperimentalPathology, Immunology and Microbiology at the American University of Beirut onbacteria isolated from seafood, fruits, vegetables and poultry are reviewed, andattempts made to isolate V. cholerae from various water sources is reported. Theuse of antibacterial agents as food additives for poultry as a contributing factorfor the increase in resistant isolates is demonstrated. Methods to decontaminatefoods prior to getting into the kitchens of hospitals and homes are recommended