ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF BACTERIA PRESENT IN GOAT MEAT SAMPLES OBTAINED FROM IJEBU IGBO OGUN STATE

The microbial safety of meat is a critical aspect of public health, as contaminated meat can serve as a reservoir for pathogenic bacteria and antimicrobial resistance. This study aimed to isolate and identify bacterial species present in goat meat samples collected from various sellers (hawkers and sitters) in Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State, Nigeria. A total of 20 goat meat samples were analyzed using standard microbiological techniques, including biochemical characterization and PCR for species confirmation. The isolates were identified as Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli, Bacillus spp., and Staphylococcus spp. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed against a panel of 12 antibiotics. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values were determined in mg/mL. The results revealed varying levels of resistance among the isolates. Proteus mirabilis displayed resistance to Gentamicin, Cefotaxime, and Ceftriaxone with MIC values ranging from 0.008-0.064 mg/mL, while showing susceptibility to Ciprofloxacin and Meropenem. Escherichia coli demonstrated high susceptibility to all antibiotics tested, with MIC values as low as 0.0005 mg/mL for Meropenem. Conversely, Bacillus spp. showed resistance to most antibiotics except Vancomycin and Ciprofloxacin, with MIC values ranging from 0.002-0.256 mg/mL. Staphylococcus spp. exhibited broad susceptibility, particularly to Vancomycin, Tetracycline, and Meropenem, with MIC values as low as 0.000125 mg/mL. The findings highlight the presence of pathogenic and resistant bacteria in goat meat samples, underscoring the potential public health risks associated with the consumption of improperly handled or contaminated meat. The study emphasizes the need for stringent hygiene practices in meat handling and the prudent use of antibiotics to mitigate the spread of antimicrobial resistance.