PREVALENCE, MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION, AND ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE PATTERNS OF SALMONELLA SPECIES ISOLATED FROM RETAIL CHICKEN MEAT IN THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, NIGERIA
Salmonella species contaminate a wide range of animal products and remain among the leading causes of foodborne illnesses globally. Poultry meat is widely consumed in Nigeria because of its nutritional value; however, it is also recognized as a major vehicle for the transmission of foodborne pathogens to humans. This study investigated the prevalence, antibiotic resistance patterns, and molecular characterization of Salmonella species in retail chicken meat across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria. A cross-sectional study design was employed, and 165 raw chicken meat samples were collected from retail markets in three Area Councils of the FCT: Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, and Kuje. Isolation and identification of Salmonella were carried out using standard culture and biochemical methods, followed by 16S rRNA Gene-Based Molecular Identification. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the disk diffusion method against seven commonly used antibiotics. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The overall prevalence of Salmonella was 18.8%, with prevalence rates of 12.7%, 20.0%, and 23.6% in AMAC, Bwari, and Kuje, respectively, indicating a significant public health concern. All isolates were identified as Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica, with predominant serovars including Montevideo and Typhimurium. High resistance to nitrofurantoin and erythromycin was observed, consistent with global trends, and multiple drug-resistant Salmonella serovars were detected. The prevalence recorded in this study was higher than previously reported values in the FCT. Salmonella detection was significantly associated with weak regulatory control, underscoring the need for stricter enforcement of food safety regulations. Continuous surveillance of Salmonella in poultry meat and routine antimicrobial susceptibility testing are recommended to mitigate the public health risks associated with foodborne salmonellosis.
Keywords: Salmonella enterica; Poultry meat; Antimicrobial resistance; Molecular characterisation; Foodborne disease; Nigeria
