Occurrence of multidrug-resistant Salmonella in cattle carcass and contact surfaces in Kwata slaughterhouse, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background and Aim: Contamination of meat with Salmonella could result in food-borne disease outbreaks among the consumers. However, there is a dearth of data assessing the presence of Salmonella in beef in Anambra State. Therefore, this study determined the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella in beef and slaughter/processing facilities in Kwata slaughterhouse. Materials and Methods: Swab samples (200) randomly collected were cultured for the isolation of Salmonella and the isolates subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility test. Data obtained were analyzed using t-test and analysis of variance with p< 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Of the 200 samples cultured, 33.5% (67/200) yielded Salmonella isolates. The mean Salmonella load (colony-forming unit [CFU]/cm2) for different contact surfaces (before and after contact with carcasses) was as follows: Slaughter floor, 1.1×1010±1.1×106a and 1.0×1010±1.1×106b; display table, 1.1×1010±11.1×106a and 1.0×1010±1.1×106b; washing bucket 1.01×1010±1.0×106a and 0.8×1010±0.1×106b; knife, 1.1×1010±1.10×106a and 1×1010±1.0×106b; boot, 1.1×1010±1.0×106a and 1.0×1010±1.10×106b; file, 1.1×1010±1.0×106a and 1.0×1010±0.1×106b; and wheelbarrow, 1.1×1010±1.0×106a and 1.01×1010±0.11×106b. Salmonella counts decreased significantly (p<0.05) in the presented order from slaughter floor to wheelbarrow after contact with carcasses. On the other hand, there was a significant (p<0.05) increase in washing water Salmonella counts before and after (0.7×1010±0.10×106a and 1.0×1010±1.0×106b CFU/100 ml) carcasses wash. To each of the antimicrobials tested, the percentage of the 67 isolates found resistant was as follows: ciprofloxacin, 25.4%; ofloxacin, 27%; ceftriaxone, 35.8%; amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, 88.1%; chloramphenicol, 59.7%; gentamicin, 34.3%; streptomycin, 49.3%; nalidixic acid, 49.3%; trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, 76%; nitrofurantoin, 89.6%; and ampicillin, 100%. Conclusion: Antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella were isolated from beef and slaughter/processing facilities in Anambra State. This underscores the need for a coordinated one health approach for the improvement of hygienic standard during slaughter/processing in the slaughterhouse surveyed, to limit meat contamination and hence safeguard human health.

Keywords

• beef
• contact surfaces
• kwata slaughterhouse
• resistance
• salmonella