OCCURRENCE AND ANTIBIOGRAM OF ESCHERICHIA COLI ON FRESH AND READY TO EAT CAMEL MEAT FROM BUTCHERS IN MAIDUGURI ABATTOIR, BORNO STATE
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This study investigates the prevalence, antibiogram, and public health implications of
Escherichia coli in fresh and ready-to-eat camel meat sold at Maiduguri abattoir, Nigeria.
Atotal of 100 camel meat samples (50 fresh and 50 ready-to-eat) were collected and
analyzed. The findings revealed a high prevalence of E. coli in fresh meat (78%), while
only 4% of ready-to-eat samples tested positive, underscoring the critical role of heat
treatment in reducing microbial contamination. However, the detection of E. coli in ready
to-eat products points to possible post-processing contamination or poor handling
practices. In addition, antibiotic susceptibility testing using 10 panels of. antibiotics was
carried out and the resultsrevealed an alarming resistance to commonly used
antibiotics, including Penicillin (80%) and Ceftriaxone (60%), whileOfloxacin, Pefloxacin,
and Co-trimoxazoleexhibited 100% susceptibility. These results highlight the growing
challenge of antimicrobial resistance in foodborne pathogens, raising significant public
health concerns. This study emphasizes the need for stringent hygiene practices in
abattoirs, proper handling of meat products, and the implementation of robust antibiotic
stewardship programs to mitigate health risks. Enhanced public awareness and
regulatory policies are critical to ensuring food safety and combating antimicrobial
resistance in developing region
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