PREVALENCE OF SHIGA-TOXIGENIC Escherichia coli IN READY-TO-EAT GAME MEAT SOLD IN DIFFERENT CITIES IN SOUTH-WESTERN, NIGERIA

Abstract

Game meat constitutes a necessary part of the human diet, it provides essential vitamins, minerals, and protein. However, the rising consumption of Ready-To-Eat Game meat has probably elevated the number of foodborne illness outbreaks around the world. Game meat are often consumed smoked without cooking, therefore; which potentially increase the risk of contracting foodborne illness and in extreme cases death especially in children. In Nigeria, Game meat is purchased in road side open kiosk and on most occasions are not processed hygienically. This study evaluated the prevalence of Shiga toxin producing E. coli in varieties of Ready-ToEat Game meat (Monkey, Civet cat, Antelope, Grasscutter, Guinea fowl, Porcupine, Rabbit) from various roadside vendors at different locations around the South-west region of Nigeria using cultural method and molecular techniques. A total of 55 samples were tested for presence of E. coli using Sorbitol MacConkey Agar and MacConkey Agar plates. All samples had presumptive STEC, molecular identification of isolates (n = 55) for STEC virulence genes (stx1 stx2 and eae) using multiplex PCR was done. The total viable counts (TVC) for presumptive STEC in the samples was in the range of 4.1 to 9.5log10cfu/g with the highest recorded in samples from Lagos State. Using Multiplex PCR, stx1 gene was detected in some of the isolates which confirmed the presence of STEC in the Game meat. The presence of STEC and a very high microbial counts of presumptive STEC poses a threat to public health which could lead to foodborne illnesses including hemorrhagic colitis (HC) or hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).