Misihairabgwi, JaneNdjabayondume, Hilma N.2026-07-082026-07-082024http://hdl.handle.net/11070/4279A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of ScienceThe 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%. ii 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 ShigellaenHuman diarrhea pathogensStreet-vended meatsUnsatisfactory levelsHavana-WindhoekNamibiaUniversity of NamibiaThesis