Assessment and characterization of human bacterial Diarrheapathogens in street-vended ready-to-eat meats in Havana informal settlement, Namibia
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Date
2024
Authors
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
The study aimed to evaluate and characterize human diarrhea pathogens
potentially present in street-vended ready-to-eat meats sold in Havana,
Windhoek. A total of fifty (50) samples, including fresh beef, dried beef
(biltong/droëwors), polony, sausages, fish, and chicken, were assessed for
the prevalence of diarrhea pathogens (Salmonella, Shigella, Escherichia
coli, and Staphylococcus aureus). Selective media and biochemical
confirmation tests were used for the assessment of bacterial pathogens, and
a multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction system (Seeplex®Diarrhea-B1/B2
Ace detection kit) was employed for the detection and characterization of
additional diarrhea pathogens (Vibrio spp, Campylobacter spp,
Clostridioides difficile toxin B, E. coli O157:H7, Clostridium. perfringens,
Yersinia enterocolitica, Verocytotoxin-producing E. coli, and Aeromonas
spp). Results showed positive findings for aerobic plate count (80%), E. coli
(46%), S.aureus (36%), Shigella (46%), and Salmonella (24%). Mean
microbial counts were 5.15±0.32 log cfu/g for aerobic plate counts,
3.22±0.30 log cfu/g for E. coli, 3.27±0.54 log cfu/g for S.aureus, and
3.80±0.57 log cfu/g for Shigella. Unsatisfactory levels were recorded in
18% ofthe samples for aerobic plate count, E. coli (46%), S.aureus (12%),
Shigella (46%), and Salmonella(24%). From the Seeplex system, additional
enteric pathogens were detected, including Campylobacter spp., C. difficile
toxin B, E. coli O157:H7, and O157, C. perfringens, and Y. enterocolitica.
Vibrio spp was present in 2% of the Russian sausage meat sample. With the
B2 system, C. perfringens was detected in 38% of samples, E. coli
O157:H7 in 32%, E. coli O157 in 20%, and Y. enterocolitica in 14%.
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Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed between dried beef
(biltong/droëwors) and fresh beef, chicken, and fish samples for aerobic
plate count, with dried beef samples recording higher APC. No significant
differences were observed between samples for E. coli, S. aureus, and
Shigella
Description
A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science
Keywords
Human diarrhea pathogens, Street-vended meats, Unsatisfactory levels, Havana-Windhoek, Namibia, University of Namibia