Occurrence of Enterobacteriaceae in Raw Chicken Meat Samples with Identification of Salmonella enterica subsp. Diarizonae as the First Report in Iraq

The present study was performed to assess the presence of Enterobacteriaceae in raw meat in Iraq using cultivation and the VITEK®2 compact system. A total of 20 chicken raw meat samples were randomly purchased from butchers and local meat retailers located in Najaf, Iraq. Five bacterial isolates were recovered from these samples. Proteus mirabilis (70%) was found to be the most abundant, followed by Enterobacter cloacae complex (15%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella enterica subsp. diarizonae (10%), and Enterobacter aerogenes (5%). The discovery of Salmonella enterica ssp. diarizonae in local chicken meat is the first of its kind in Iraq. Moreover, the presence of several Enterobacteriaceae in locally produced retail raw chicken meat raises concerns about the possibility of cross-contamination with other food items. Also enhances the danger of human infection from eating raw or undercooked meat. To lessen the danger of infection, veterinarians and public health authorities must coordinate and take synchronized action.