Microbial contamination and antimicrobial resistance linked to genomic profiles in artisanal Merguez from Agadir, Morocco

Aims: Artisanal Merguez sausages on sale in Agadir, Morocco, often carry a substantial microbial burden that may compromise food safety and public health.The aim of this study was to investigate microbial contamination and antimicrobial resistance linked to genomic profiles in artisanal Merguez from Agadir, Morocco.Methodology and results: A total of 60 retail portions were examined for hygiene indicators and key pathogens.Average counts (log CFU g⁻¹) reached 7.88 ± 0.69 for total aerobes, 5.20 ± 0.93 for total coliforms, 4.76 ± 0.81 for thermotolerant coliforms and 4.74 ± 0.79 for Escherichia coli; these values point to inadequate handling or processing.Staphylococcus aureus was present in three samples (5%), whereas Salmonella enterica was recovered from six samples (10%).All Salmonella strains demonstrated resistance to at least one antimicrobial, most often tetracycline (three isolates) and penicillin or chloramphenicol (two isolates each).Whole-genome data obtained earlier confirmed the corresponding resistance genes and virulence loci.No sample yielded Listeria monocytogenes.Conclusion, significance and impact of study: Taken together, these results reveal persistent safety gaps in Agadir's Merguez trade and call for tighter hygiene oversight and more judicious antibiotic use throughout the production chain.