PREVALENCE AND ANTIBIOGRAM OF Salmonella species, Staphylococcus aureus AND Shigella Species ISOLATED FROM RETAILED MEAT (BEEF AND CHICKEN) SOLD IN IHIALA TOWN, NIGERIA

The prevalence of some pathogenic bacteria in retailed meats is becoming a major challenge to human health. The main factor contributing to the contamination of retailed meats, especially in Africa, is poor hygienic practices amongst meat vendors. Poor personal hygiene amongst food handlers coupled with the improper handling of meat could result in its contamination. This study reviewed the prevalence and antibiogram of Salmonella species, Staphylococcus aureus and Shigella species isolated from retailed meats sold in Ihiala town. 50 raw meat samples (25 beef and 25 chicken) were used, they were homogenized in a buffer and inoculated in two selective media (SSA and MSA). The bacterial isolates were further identified after various biochemical tests. It was observed that Staphylococcus aureus occurred more (45.3%) in the samples used, also the beef samples were seen to contain more microorganisms than the chicken samples. After the Antibiotics susceptibility test, it was discovered that Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella species and Salmonella species were resistant to some antibiotics. It is therefore expedient that meat vendors take caution when handling meats, so as to prevent meats from being contaminated with these drug resistant bacteria, thereby preventing health challenges.