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Microbiological Quality of Poultry Products from Three Farms Located in Port Harcourt Metropolis in Rivers State

Ugboma, CJ, Nrior, RR, Okonkwo, OR, Amadi, E, and Amaechi, G

Abstract

Food-borne illnesses linked to poultry meat and its processed products remain a significant public health concern. This study assessed the microbiological quality of poultry products from three farms—Di Life, Mechis, and Ngozi & Ibeka—located in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. A total of 152 samples, including water, feed, air, faeces, meat, cloaca, gizzard, and egg, were randomly and aseptically collected monthly over a three-month period. Samples were subjected to standard microbiological techniques to determine total heterotrophic bacterial count (THBC), total coliform count (TCC), total heterotrophic fungal count (THFC), and total Campylobacter count (TCBC).The THBC values ranged from 2.10±0.72 to 3.36±1.02 ×10? CFU/mL (Di Life), 1.67±0.15 to 2.30±1.97 ×10? CFU/mL (Mechis), and 1.57±0.49 to 3.20±0.90 ×10? CFU/mL (Ngozi & Ibeka), with water and feed samples showing significantly higher bacterial loads (P<0.05). TCC, THFC, and TCBC values showed no statistically significant differences across the farms (P?0.05) A total of 386 bacterial isolates were identified, spanning 17 genera, including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., and Listeria spp. These isolates tested positive for biofilm formation and hemolysis. Fungal species identified included Candida, Penicillium, Fusarium, Mucor, Aspergillus, Rhizopus, and Saccharomyces. Antibiotic resistance gene screening revealed ESBL (OXA-48) in S. aureus and Campylobacter upsaliensis, and Quinolone resistance gene (qnrB) in E. coli and Campylobacter upsaliensis. Antibiotic susceptibility profiles varied, with some bacteria showing sensitivity to Gentamycin and Ciprofloxacin, while others exhibited multidrug resistance. These findings underscore the urgent need for improved hygiene practices in poultry production and responsible antibiotic usage. The detection of virulent, drug-resistant organisms in poultry products prese

Keywords

Poultry meatEggCloacaGizzardAntibioticsBiofilm.

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