Tsepo Ramatla^{1, 2,}, Lubanza Ngoma^{1, 3}, Mulunda Mwanza^{1, 3}

The rich nutrient composition of meat and its sufficient water activity supports the growth of both spoilage and pathogenic bacteria. The microbial quality of 150 raw meat samples (50 chicken, 50 pork and 50 beef) were evaluated for foodborne pathogens using Analytical Profile Index (API Staph-Ident kit, API-20E strips and API-20A), MALDI-TOF-MS, and conventional PCR. Thirty isolates (30) were identified using biochemical tests and Confirmatory biochemical test (API). All 30 isolates were confirmed by 16S rDNA PCR and sequencing. Detected isolates are Macrococcus caseolyticus 57%, Enterococcus faecalis 23%, Bacillus cereus 3%, Enterococcus mundtii 3%, Escherichia coli 3%, Citrobacter freundii 3%, and Clostridium subterminale 3%. Seven (23%) isolates were correctly identified using MALDI-TOF MS, whilst 18 (60%) isolates were misidentified, and 5 isolates were not detected (No peaks). Seventy three percent 73% (22) of the organisms showed high degree of resistance to tetracycline, followed by sulphonamide with 13% (4/30), and ciprofloxacin 3% (1/30). However, Bacillus cereus, Citrobacter freundii were not resistant to any of the antibiotics. All the isolates were susceptible to streptomycin. Furthermore, some bacteria exhibited multiple antibiotic resistances with tetracycline. Due to the presence and potential hazard of pathogens in meat samples, the detection of these pathogens in different types of meat is vital to maintain public health.

MALDI-TOF MS, API, PCR, antimicrobial resistance, meat contamination, food safety