Abstract
Background:
Meat and meat products are vital sources of nutrition, but are also associated with foodborne illnesses worldwide. Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a pathogenic strain known to cause severe conditions, such as hemorrhagic colitis, hemolytic-uremic syndrome, and diarrhea. This strain is particularly dangerous due to its very low infectious dose and can be transmitted to humans through contaminated meat.

Aim:
This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 infection in chicken liver samples sold in butcher shops and supermarkets in Tripoli, Libya, and to highlight the associated public health risk.

Methods:
A total of 175 chicken liver samples were collected and analyzed. The presence of E. coli was determined using classical culture techniques and the analytical profile index 20E system. The specific strain of E. coli O157:H7 was confirmed using a latex agglutination test with specific antisera.

Results:
Of the 175 samples, 81 (46.3%) were positive for E. coli strains. Of these positive samples, 14 (17.3%) were confirmed to be E. coli O157:H7.

Conclusion:
Chicken liver may serve as a significant vehicle for E. coli O157:H7 transmission, posing a considerable public health risk. The findings underscore the need for effective control and preventive measures to ensure the safety of meat and meat products throughout the entire meat supply chain.

Key words: Chicken livers; Escherichia coli; Latex agglutination test; Pathogenic bacteria.