Antibiogram of Klebsiella spp. isolated from ice cream samples in Gaza Strip

Abstract:  Ice cream containing milk making it perishable food and good medium for the growth of a wide variety of potential pathogens. Klebsiella pneumoniae is an emerging infectious agent that has been clearly linked with the consumption of contaminated foods especially ice cream. This study examined one hundred locally produced ice cream samples. Out of 100 ice-cream samples analyzed for Fecal coliform and Klebsiella spp., 42 samples were positive for Fecal coliform and 37 samples were Klebsiella spp. positive. Klebsiella spp. was examined for susceptibility to eight antimicrobial agents.  Minocycline showed the lowest activity (11%) followed by Doxycycline (24%). Klebsiella spp. isolates were highly sensitive to Norfloxacin (100%) and Gentamicin (95%). In conclusion, locally manufactured ice cream is a potential source for acquiring Klebsiella spp. Therefore, a more strict surveillance system should be implemented to ensure adherence to good manufacturing practices.