Microbiological Quality, Biochemical Characterization, and Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles of Foodborne Bacterial Pathogens Associated with Ready-to-Eat Foods Served During Public Gatherings in Kano State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Large-scale public gatherings in Nigeria, particularly in Kano State, frequently 
involve mass preparation and serving of ready-to-eat (RTE) foods. When hygiene 
practices are compromised, these foods can serve as vehicles for foodborne 
pathogens, including multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains, posing significant public 
health risks. This study evaluated the microbiological quality, biochemical 
characteristics, and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of bacterial pathogens 
isolated from RTE foods served at festive and public events in Kano State, Nigeria. 
A cross-sectional laboratory-based study was conducted on 100 RTE food samples 
comprising rice-based dishes, salads, and meat products, collected aseptically using 
stratified random sampling. Total viable counts (TVC) and coliform counts were 
determined using the pour-plate method. Isolates were identified by colony 
morphology, Gram staining, and conventional biochemical tests. Antimicrobial 
susceptibility was assessed using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method according 
to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. MDR was defined 
as non-susceptibility to at least one agent in three or more antimicrobial 
categories. Mean TVC ranged from 4.82 ± 0.41 to 6.15 ± 0.53 log CFU/g, with salads 
having the highest microbial loads. Pathogen detection rates were Escherichia coli 
(34%), Staphylococcus aureus (29%), Salmonella spp. (19%), Klebsiella pneumoniae 
(12%), and Bacillus cereus (8%). Resistance to ampicillin (78–92%) and tetracycline 
(61–74%) was high, while 58% of isolates were MDR. Salads and meat products 
were significantly more contaminated than rice-based dishes (p < 0.05). These 
findings demonstrate substantial microbial contamination and MDR pathogens, 
emphasizing the need for improved food-handler training, cold-chain 
infrastructure, and routine microbiological surveillance.