ISOLATION, CHARACTERISATION AND ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE OF SALMONELLA IN GAME MEAT AND FRESH PRODUCE IN SOUTH-WEST, NIGERIA

Abstract

Salmonella is one of the most frequently isolated foodborne pathogens. Salmonella infections that involve invasive serotypes causes infections that are often life-threatening. Ready-to-eat (RTE) foods such as fresh produce and smoked game meat are vehicles of transmission of Salmonella. This study conducted a survey of street vended RTE game meat and fresh produce. A total of 55 game meat samples were obtained from markets in South-western parts of Nigeria, while a total of 60 samples of fresh produce were obtained from road-side vendors in various parts of Ogun state. Molecular typing of isolates was performed, using Salmonella spp. specific PCR, antimicrobial susceptibility and ESBL (Extended Spectrum Beta lactamase) testing using Kirk-Bauer disk diffusion method was carried out. The prevalence of Salmonella spp. in game meat was 89% while fresh produce samples had a low prevalence of 20%. Multidrug resistance was observed in 12 Salmonella isolates from fresh produce. It was concluded that game meat and fresh produce collected from South-western parts of Nigeria are contaminated with strains of pathogenic multidrug resistant Salmonella spp.