Molecular detection and antibiotic resistance profile of Escherichia coli and closely related Enterobacteriaceae from cattle carcasses and meat contact surfaces at slaughterhouses in Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

These findings indicate substantial contamination of slaughterhouse environments with multidrug-resistant <i>E. coli</i> and underscore the need for improved hygiene practices, prudent antimicrobial use, and strengthened molecular surveillance to limit the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance along the human food chain.