Determination and Incidence of Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. in Ready-to-Eat Game Meat Sourced from Various Regions in Nigeria

Determination and Incidence of Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. in Ready-to-Eat Game Meat Sourced from Various Regions in Nigeria

ABSTRACT

The consumption of ready-to-eat game meat is a cherished culinary tradition in Nigeria, contributing to the cultural and dietary diversity of the nation. However, concerns persist regarding the potential presence of pathogenic microorganisms, particularly Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp., which can pose significant risks to public health. This study seeks to comprehensively determine the incidence of Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. in ready-to-eat game meat sourced from diverse regions across Nigeria. A total of 800 samples of ready-to-eat game meat were collected from vendors in urban and peri-urban areas of various regions in Nigeria. Isolation and identification of Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. were performed using standard microbiological techniques, followed by serological and biochemical confirmation. Molecular characterization through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays targeting specific virulence genes provided further confirmation of the isolates. The study revealed a notable incidence of both Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. among the sampled game meat. Salmonella spp. were isolated from 22% of the samples, while Shigella spp. were detected in 18% of the samples. Serotyping and molecular analysis provided valuable insights into the diversity and genetic characteristics of the isolates, highlighting multiple serotypes and genotypes circulating within the sampled regions. Furthermore, antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed varying degrees of resistance, indicating the potential for antimicrobial resistance dissemination through the food chain. The incidence of Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. in ready-to-eat game meat underscores the significance of implementing stringent food safety measures. The diversity of serotypes and genotypes observed suggests multiple sources of contamination, warranting a multifaceted approach to mitigate risks. Additionally, the detected antimicrobial resistance emphasizes the need for prudent antibiotic use in both clinical and agricultural settings. This study provides crucial insights into the prevalence and genetic diversity of Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. in ready-to-eat game meat sourced from various regions in Nigeria. These findings emphasize the urgency for rigorous food safety practices along the game meat supply chain and underscore the need for heightened consumer awareness to ensure safe consumption practices

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