Isolation and Identification of E. coli from a Poultry Wet Market in Sulaymaniyah Province, Iraq
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56286/NTU-JAVS.2026.6.3.250-257Keywords:
E. coli, hygiene, poultry meat, Sulaymaniyah, wet marketsAbstract
Global poultry production has expanded rapidly due to high consumer demand for lean, protein-rich meat and the birds’ short production cycle. However, poultry meat is highly perishable and prone to microbial contamination during slaughter and processing. This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological hygiene status of a poultry wet market in Sulaymaniyah Province, Iraq, with a focus on isolating and identifying E. coli as an indicator for contamination. A total of 168 samples were collected from carcasses, tools, workers' hands, and water sources across eleven locations from October 2024 to February 2025. International Organization for Standardization- based methods were used for swab collection, microbial culturing, and serial dilution for total plate counts. E. coli was initially identified using eosin methylene blue agar and confirmed with the VITEK 2 system, yielding a 96% identification probability. The study found that 66.07% of the samples were contaminated with E. coli. The highest E. coli contamination rates were observed on table surfaces and machines, each with 91.67% positivity. Overall, contamination was most prevalent on contact surfaces and carcasses, underscoring the need for stricter hygiene controls during slaughter and processing. Out of 111 isolates of E. coli, 47 (42.34%) were found to be extended-spectrum beta-lactamases -positive isolates. The findings show that E. coli contamination is common in poultry wet markets in Sulaymaniyah, mainly due to poor handling and unclean surfaces. Water sources were not a cause of contamination. Better hygiene practices and regular monitoring were needed to improve meat safety and reduce health risks.
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