Screening, molecular identification, population diversity, and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of Actinomycetes species isolated from meat and meat products of slaughterhouses, restaurants, and meat stores of a developing country, Iran.

The findings suggest that meat and meat products play an important role as a reservoir for the transmission of Actinomycetes to humans, thus causing life-threatening foodborne diseases such as gastrointestinal and cutaneous disorders. Therefore, it is essential to incorporate basic hygiene measures into the cycle of meat production to ensure food safety.