Prevalence and Characteristics of Pathogenic Bacteria in Fresh Beef, Goat, Poultry, Pork and Sheep Meat in West Africa: A Systematic Review

Microbiological safety associated with fresh meat is growing a public health concern in West Africa, where meat consumption is on the rise, but regulatory systems are weak or poorly implemented. Many previous investigations have demonstrated that meat is frequently contaminated with foodborne pathogens and some of them are also carrying alarming levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The objective for this systematic review was to estimate the prevalence and AMR of key bacterial pathogens from fresh meat sold in West Africa. A systematic review of literature in three databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar), with peer-reviewed articles from 2010 to 2025 being selected. Analysis was based on 23 studies qualifying inclusion requirements. The information taken included: study design, sampling place, type of meat (beef, chicken, goat, and pork) and species of bacteria, and patterns of resistance. The findings reveal high contamination rates in all meat types, with Campylobacter spp. being particularly prevalent in poultry. Multidrug-resistant strains of E. coli and Salmonella spp. were also frequently reported. Contributing factors include poor hygiene during slaughter and handling, lack of cold chain infrastructure, and widespread, often unregulated, use of antibiotics in animal farming. The presence of AMR pathogens in meat not only threatens food safety but also complicates treatment options for foodborne illnesses. Given the scale and severity of these issues, urgent actions are required. These include the implementation of standardized microbiological monitoring, strict enforcement of hygiene and slaughterhouse regulations, and the development of regional guidelines for antibiotic use in livestock. Public awareness campaigns and training for food handlers should be prioritized, along with investment in infrastructure and surveillance systems. Future research should also focus on evaluating the effectiveness of mitigation strategies and improving country specific data to support policymaking. Adopting a regional “One Health” approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health perspectives is essential for a sustainable and effective response to foodborne microbial threats in West Africa.