Foodborne Bacterial Pathogens and Contamination Level in Retail Meat Samples from Kathmandu, Nepal

Foodborne pathogens contaminating meat products represent a significant public health concern, particularly in regions with suboptimal hygiene standards. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria further complicate treatment options and increase morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the distribution of foodborne bacterial pathogens, their antibiotic susceptibility patterns, and contamination levels in retail meat samples from Kathmandu, Nepal. A laboratory-based cross-sectional study was conducted over six months (October 2023–March 2024) at the Department of Laboratory Medicine, Manmohan Memorial Institute of Health Sciences. A total of 80 raw meat samples (40 chicken and 40 buffalo) were collected from retail shops in Kathmandu. Bacterial isolation and identification were performed using standard microbiological techniques. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method according to CLSI guidelines. Phenotypic detection of β-lactamase (ESBL, MBL, AmpC) and MRSA was performed. Total viable count (TVC) was determined using the pour plate method. Out of 204 bacterial isolates, <i>Escherichia coli</i> (59, 28.92%) was the predominant isolate, followed by <i>Klebsiella</i> spp. (28, 13.74%), <i>Proteus</i> spp. (26, 12.75%), <i>Citrobacter</i> spp. (19, 9.31%), and <i>Salmonella</i> spp. (16, 7.84%). Among gram-positive bacteria, <i>Staphylococcus </i><i>aureus</i> was found in 16 (7.84%) isolates and coagulase-negative staphylococci in 7 (3.43%) isolates. The distribution of MDR isolates was 136 (66.7%). Among gram-negative bacteria (n=181), ESBL producers comprised 5 (2.76%), MBL producers 47 (25.96%), and AmpC producers 36 (19.88%) of isolates. Methicillin-resistant <i>Staphylococcus </i><i>aureus</i> (MRSA) was detected in 10 (62.5%) of the 16 <i>S. </i><i>aureus</i> isolates. Mean total viable count was higher in chicken (5.66 log₁₀ CFU/g) compared to buffalo meat (5.64 log₁₀ CFU/g). This study demonstrates a high prevalence of MDR, MBL, and AmpC β-lactamase-producing bacteria in retail meat samples, though ESBL producers were relatively uncommon. These findings underscore the urgent need for stringent hygiene standards and sanitation practices in meat handling and retail environments to ensure consumer safety.