Multi-Drug Resistance and Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Producing Gram-Negative Bacteria from Pig Meat in the Southern Senatorial Zone of Ebonyi State, Nigeria

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria poses a significant global health threat by undermining the efficacy of antimicrobial drugs and increasing the risk of treatment failure in common infections. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Gram-negative bacteria in pig meat obtained from Ebonyi South Senatorial Zone. Samples were systematically collected from five local government areas (Afikpo, Edda, Ohaozara, Onicha, and Ivo), with four samples obtained from each location. Gram-negative bacteria were isolated, subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and screened for ESBL production using standard methods. The results showed that out of the bacterial isolates identified, Escherichia coli (n = 13) exhibited MDR in 9 (32.1%) cases and ESBL production in 10 (35.7%). Similarly, Salmonella spp. (n = 14) had 10 isolates (35.7%) displaying MDR and ESBL traits. Klebsiella spp. was isolated once (n = 1), and this isolate was both MDR and an ESBL producer, contributing 3.6% to the total resistant isolates in each category. Overall, 28.5% of E. coli isolates, 32.1% of Salmonella spp., and a single Klebsiella spp. isolate were identified as MDR ESBL producers. The findings underscore significant contamination of pig meat in the study area with MDR and ESBL-producing Gram-negative bacteria. These resistant pathogens present a serious public health risk due to their potential transmission to humans via consumption or improper handling of contaminated meat.