ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANT PROFILE OF THE BACTERIAL STRAINS ISOLATED FROM GOAT AND RABBIT MEAT OBTAINED FROM LOCAL MEAT VENDORS

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria from food sources is a growing public health concern, particularly in developing regions where meat hygiene standards vary. This study investigated the antibiotic resistance profile of bacterial strains isolated from goat and rabbit meat obtained from local meat vendors in Nkwo ogbe market Ihiala and Afor Nnobi market, both in Anambra State. Fresh samples of goat and rabbit meat were collected from selected vendors. Bacterial strains were isolated using standard microbiological techniques, including selective media, Spread plate, Streak plate technique, and biochemical identification tests. The antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates was determined using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method following Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. The antibiotics tested included, Ciprofloxacin, Tarivid, Reflacin,Nalidixicacid,Ceporex,Ampicillin,Septrin,Augmentin,Gentamycin,Streptomycin,Ampiclox,Norfloxacin,Amoxil,,Chloramphenicol,Erythromycin,Rifampicin,Levofloxacin. A high bacterial load was observed in both goat and rabbit meat samples, with Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Bacillus sp. being the predominant isolates. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed that 100% of the tested Gram negative bacteria pathogens were resistant to Streptomycin and Augmentin, while 57.14% were Susceptible to Ciprofloxacin and Septrin. Also 87.50% of the tested Gram positive bacteria were resistant to Ampiclox, Erythromycin, and Chloramphenicol, while 100% and 87.50% were susceptible to Levofloxacin and Rifampicin respectively. Multidrug resistance (MDR) patterns were detected in 94% of the isolates, raising concerns about potential health risks associated with the consumption of contaminated meat. The findings highlight the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in goat and rabbit meat from local vendors, posing potential health risks to consumers. The high prevalence of MDR strains suggests the misuse of antibiotics in animal husbandry and the need for stricter regulations on antibiotic use. Improved hygiene practices, routine surveillance, and public awareness campaigns are essential to mitigate the spread of resistant bacterial strains and ensure meat safety.