| Abstrak/Abstract |
Introduction: Chicken is a source of protein that becomes a reservoir for pathogens under poor hygienic environments. Uncontrolled use of antibiotics in the poultry industry may result in the development of multidrug-resistant
(MDR) bacteria. This study aimed to assess the microbiological quality of raw chicken breasts sold in Terengganu,
Malaysia, as well as the antibiotic profile of isolated pathogenic bacteria and their survival in high salt concentrations. Methods: Isolation of foodborne pathogens was performed via selective media according to the Food and Drug Administration’s Bacteriological Analytical Manual. Phenotypic identification was carried out using the Analytical Profile Index (API) 20E Test Kit, followed by an antimicrobial susceptibility test using Kirby–Bauer methods. The growth of MDR bacteria was determined using optical density and was compared to that of the antibiotic susceptible isolates after 24 h incubation in high salt concentrations. Results: C. youngae, E. aerogenes, E. coli, K. oxytoca and Salmonella spp. were identified from the samples. All samples showed unacceptable microbial count limit. Out of eight bacteria isolates, six were MDR (75%) and three expressed resistance to all six antibiotics tested (37%). The bacteria isolates had a multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index of 0.33–1.0. C. youngae, E. coli, K. oxytoca and
Salmonella spp. exhibited enhanced survival at 6% or 8% salt concentration. Conclusion: This study revealed the poor microbiological quality of raw chicken breasts due to contamination of MAR foodborne pathogens that developed cross-protection under high salt concentrations, thus indicating food safety risks and challenges. |
