Cucumber Production System as a Reservoir for Clinically Important Extended‐Spectrum Beta‐Lactamase‐ and AmpC Beta‐Lactamase‐Producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains

This study evaluated clinically significant extended‐spectrum β ‐lactamase (ESBL)‐ and AmpC β ‐lactamase (AmpC)‐ producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in a cucumber production system, focusing on their potential sources and public health implications. Samples from water ( n = 16) and cucumber ( n = 12) yielded 40 potentially pathogenic isolates ( E. coli : n = 17, K. pneumoniae n = 23), identified through matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF) analysis. All E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates were phenotypically (Kirby Bauer disk diffusion) and genotypically [whole genome sequencing (WGS) (Illumina MiSeq)] characterized as multidrug resistant. Clinical relevance of these isolates is underscored by the pathogen probabilities (0.925–0.944 for E. coli and 0.534‐0.897 K . pneumoniae isolates). The detection of K. pneumoniae ST985 in both the water source (Hartebeespoort Dam and preparation reservoir) and on the irrigated cucumbers highlights the importance of identifying the source of origin for more effective management and shows the potential that agricultural production environments can serve as conduits for the dissemination of clinically relevant antimicrobial‐resistant bacteria. Understanding the presence of these clinically relevant organisms and antimicrobial resistance within the food system can lead to improved mitigation, on farm management and public health protection.