Detection of Bacteria Associated With Roasted Meat (balangu) Sold by Roadside Food Vendors in Gusau Metropolis

This study aimed to detect and identify bacteria associated with roasted meat (Balangu) sold by roadside vendors in Gusau Metropolis, Zamfara State, Nigeria. A total of 25 Balangu samples were aseptically collected from five different locations (Gusau Central Market, Samaru Market, Saminaka Area, Damba Market, and T/Wada Market) and analyzed for bacterial contamination. The samples were homogenized, serially diluted, and inoculated using pour plate and spread plate methods. Pure isolates were identified based on their cultural, morphological, microscopic, and biochemical characteristics. The results revealed a range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella species. The total viable counts varied from 3.0 × 10^6 to 7.6 × 10^6 CFU/ml across samples. Gram staining and biochemical tests confirmed the identities of the isolates, and antibiotic susceptibility testing showed that approximately 57.1% of S. aureus and 55.6% of both E. coli and Salmonella isolates were susceptible to common antibiotics such as Tarvid, Ciprofloxacin, Gentamycin, and Augmentin, while significant resistance was observed in a notable proportion of the strains. These findings indicate that roasted meat sold by roadside vendors in Gusau Metropolis is a potential source of pathogenic bacteria, highlighting the need for improved food handling practices and regular microbiological monitoring to protect consumer health.