OCCURRENCE AND ANTIBIOGRAM OF ESCHERICHIA COLI O157: H7 IN READY TO EAT BEEF ‘SUYA’ SOLD IN ZARIA METROPOLIS, NIGERIA.

OCCURRENCE AND ANTIBIOGRAM OF ESCHERICHIA COLI O157: H7 IN READY TO EAT BEEF ‘SUYA’ SOLD IN ZARIA METROPOLIS, NIGERIA.

Abstract:

Meat and meat products especially ready to eat beef ‘suya’ are hazardous group of foods that can potentially transmit pathogens to humans. In Nigeria, the incidence of toxigenic and multidrug resistant E. coli O157: H7 in human cases is said to be on increase. Previous studies in kano and Benin cities indicate the presence of E. coli O157: H7 in ready to eat beef ‘suya’ sold. Hence, it’s considered a major public health risk. The specific objective of the study was to determine the occurrence and antibacterial resistance patterns of E. coli O157: H7 in ready to eat beef ‘suya’ sold in Zaria metropolis, Nigeria. A total of three hundred samples (fifty each) from six purposively selected sample areas using three target locations, namely; Motor parks, Main Markets and Educational institutions as selection criteria. ISO 2001 isolation and identification method was used. Isolates were screened using the conventional biochemical characterization and further confirmed using Rapid latex agglutination test for E. coli O157: H7. Agar disc diffusion method was used to evaluate the antibacterial resistant pattern; data obtained were interpreted using clinical laboratory standard institutes 2011. A total of 4 (1.3%) E. coli O157: H7 and 6 (2.0%) E. coli O157 were isolated. The isolates exhibited one hundred percent resistance to Gentamicin, Streptomycin, Ciprofloxacin and Trimethoprim while the isolates one hundred percent demonstrated susceptibility to Beta – lactam group (Penicillin and Ampicillin). The isolates were moderately resistant to Kanamycin, Chloramphenicol and Tetracycline. However, none of the isolate was multidrug resistant. The high resistance to four commonly used antibiotics has raised a serious public health concern. Therefore, this finding of the occurrence of E. coli O157: H7 in ready to eat beef ‘suya’ should prompt the public to keep in mind that food-borne illnesses due to mishandling of foods should be avoided. viii Thus, Education and public awareness programs are important measures in sensitizing the general public and people at risk on dangers of self-medication so as to minimize the increased rate of antibacterial drug resistance. There is need to legislate and enforce laws to limit the prescription and indiscriminate dispensing of antibiotics to only qualified professionals.

OCCURRENCE AND ANTIBIOGRAM OF ESCHERICHIA COLI O157: H7 IN READY TO EAT BEEF ‘SUYA’ SOLD IN ZARIA METROPOLIS, NIGERIA.

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