DETERMINATION OF MULTI-DRUG RESISTANT BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM READY-TO-EAT CHICKEN SOLD IN MAKURDI, BENUE STATE.

ABSTRACT Multi-Drug Resistance (MDR) is the ability of bacteria to resist different classes of antibiotics (three or more than three classes of antibiotics) which are strueturally different and have different molecular targets. The study identified and characterized multi-drug-resistant bacteria isolated from ready-to-eat chicken using microbiologicaltechnique. A total of 50 samples, were collected directly from retailers and taken to the laboratory for bacteriological examination in sterile polythene bags and labeled appropriately from Wurukum. North Bank, High Level and Wadata in Makurdi metropolis. These samples were collected between local time. Iml of the stock was collectedusing a pipette to the first test tube and from the first test tube to the second test tube up to the ninth test tube respectively ie. 104, 107, 104, 104. 107, 10% 107, 109, 10° respectively. Culture media utilized were; Nutrient Agar, MannitolSaltAgar, Eosin Methylene Blue Agar,and Salmonella-Shigella Agar. Bacteria colonies were counted using hand lens. TheConfirmatory Biochemical Tests were carried out using catalase test citrate test,ureasetest,indole test. coagulase test and sugar utilization test. Results showed that five (5) genera of bacteria: Staphylococcus, Escherichia. Klebsiella Salmonella and Pseudomonas were isolated from ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken sold within Makurdi metropolis. Out of 50 ready-to-eat chicken samples examined, 22(44.0%) had Escherichia coli, 17(34.0%) had Salmonella typhi, 4(8.0%) had Klebsiella pneumoniae, 3(6.0%) had Staphylococcus aureus and 4(8.0%) had Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Wurukum market has the highest prevalence occurrence of bacteria isolated from ready-to-eat samples based on location with 16(32.02%), followed by Modern market 12(24.00%) while the least prevalence is recorded in Wadata with 11(22.00%) and North Bank with 11 (22.00%)with difference in rate of contamination with respect to location is statistically significant (x2 = 24.6. df = 4. P = 0.002) The Susceptibility pattern of isolates shows that the isolates were more susceptible to sulfamethoxazole 38(76.0%) while the isolates were resistant Gentamvein 12(24.0%). The study concludes the bacterial contamination of fried and smoked chicken sold within Makurdi metropolis is as a result of unhygienic environmental condition. improper handling duringprocessing and preservation and the common practice among Chicken retailers to expose the Chicken to open air to attract potential customer which is laden with dust particles and fumes from vehicle that contains microorganism that can contaminate ready-to-eat Chicken. It is therefore recommended that, goverment agencies should regulate chicken processing and sales establishment as well as ensure strict compliance to sanitary laws.