Phenotypic and molecular characterization of potential pathogens from raw fish, meat and milk samples sold and consumed in Calabar Metropolis, Cross River State, Nigeria

Objectives: This study isolated and characterized potential pathogens from raw fish, meat (goat and ram), and milk samples using cultural and molecular techniques, and their susceptibility to routine antibiotics. Methods: This design was a cross-sectional study where raw fish, meat (goat and ram), and milk from various markets were characterised using cultural and molecular susceptibility to antibiotics used to manage infections they cause in clinical use. Furthermore, the isolates were subjected to pathogenicity tests using amylase and protease screening. Results: Cultural technique identified a total of 42 isolates and these were: Morganella sp (n=6), Providencia sp (n=7), Klebsiella sp (n=10), E. coli (n=11) and Salmonella sp (n=8). All the isolates showed multi-drug resistance (MDR) to gentamicin, levofloxacin, clindamycin, ciprofloxacin, cefoxicin, piperacillin-azobactam, amikacin, and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid antibiotics. Following antimicrobial sensitivity, 9 isolates with multidrug resistance were selected for molecular characterisation and these were identified as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Morganella morganii subsp. Morganii, Providencia stuartii, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella enterica subsp. Enterica. All the isolates showed amylase and protease activity. Conclusion: The MDR and pathogenicity potential of the isolates indicate their ability to elicit a potential foodborne infection in the study area and it is a cause for concern.