Prevalence and molecular characterization of Acinetobacter species in retail chicken meat: implications for food safety and antimicrobial resistance

Abstract

The present study investigated the prevalence of Acinetobacter spp. in 132 retail chicken meat samples using phenotypic and molecular methods to assess their potential role as reservoirs for antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The study identified Acinetobacter spp. in 24 samples, corresponding to an occurrence rate of 18.18%. Molecular analysis confirmed the presence of Acinetobacter spp., but none of the isolates were identified as A. baumannii. The detection of Acinetobacter spp. in chicken meat underscores the significance of maintaining stringent hygiene practices during food processing. These bacteria can harbor AMR genes, posing risks to public health. While A. baumannii was absent, other Acinetobacter species in food may act as reservoirs for resistance genes, necessitating continuous surveillance and targeted interventions to mitigate their impact on public health and the food chain.