The role of Khat in spreading antimicrobial-resistant Bacteria
The "The role of Khat (Catha edulis) in spreading antimicrobial-resistant Bacteria: A quantitative risk assessment from Farm to end-users using a one health approach" is one of the chosen One Health Network Funds 2021/2022 projects, led by Ahmed Zeynudin Kasim.
Khat (Catha edulis) is an evergreen leafy plant chewed daily by 20 million people worldwide as a mild, amphetamine-like psycho-stimulant drug, with Ethiopia being its largest producer and exporter globally, accounting for 13.4% of the export earnings of the country. Preferred by farmers as cash crops, it is harvested 2-3 times throughout the year, with lands being used for Khat production increasing by 160%, and the practice rapidly expanding to new regions in Ethiopia. Socio-culturally, Khat chewing has also been a deep-rooted, lawful traditional practice for generations and particularly prominent in the eastern and southwest parts of the country, including the Jimma town.
Khat, like any other fruits and vegetables, has the potential for carrying and disseminating antibiotic-resistant bacteria at multiple stages in the food supply chain. At the pre-harvest stage, farmers usually use manure and irrigation water, which are known to contain bacteria. During harvesting, Khat leaves and shoots are picked and trimmed with hands, sorted and wrapped up with banana leaves in unhygienic conditions. It is then delivered to the points of sale carried by humans, animals or open tracks and finally retailed at open markets and verandas. Moreover, fresh, raw Khat is consumed by end-users without prior washing it.
Previous studies have shown that Khat consumption practice was associated with unacceptable levels of microbial contamination. But, the role of Khat in spreading antimicrobial-resistant bacteria among humans, animals and the environment is currently unknown.
