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Occurrence and Antibiotic Resistance Profile of Bacteria Isolated from Freshly Sliced Ready to Eat Fruits Sold Across Major Retail Outlets within Owerri Metropolis

100%

Dike K. S.

World News of Natural Sciences

2024

vol. 55

60-68

In recent years, there has been a substantial rise in the consumption of sliced ready-to-eat fruits sold across numerous retail outlets in Nigeria. This is because of their high accessibility, convenience, and, most significantly, their lower cost than whole fruits. Nevertheless, these food items have continually acted as carriers for human diseases on a global scale. This study evaluated the occurrence and antibiogram of bacteria from ready-to-eat sliced fruits sold across major retail outlets in the Owerri metropolis. One hundred and fifty samples comprising oranges, watermelons, pineapples, and paw-paws were analysed using standard microbiological techniques. Bacteria isolates were identified using cultural, biochemical, and molecular methods. Antibiotic sensitivity was performed using the Kirby-Bauer diffusion technique. Results showed that orange samples had the highest total viable count (2.50 log cfu/g), total coliform count (2.70 log cfu/g), and faecal coliform count (2.05 log cfu/g), respectively. Staphylococcus aureus predominated in the fruit samples with a percentage occurrence of 29.4%. Isolates exhibited different resistance levels, with Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus spp showing a high resistance against Gentamycin and ofloxacin. These findings demand further investigation due to the possible health risks of coliform bacteria, faecal coliform and antibiotic resistance. Therefore, monitoring and implementing food safety standards is necessary to protect consumers.

Diversity of Microorganisms Associated with Deteriorated Tomatoes Sold by Vendors in Major Markets in Owerri

63%

Dike K. S., Onuoha N.

World News of Natural Sciences

2024

vol. 54

123-132

Tomatoes hold considerable significance in Nigeria due to their substantial contributions to the employment sector, income generation for cultivators, and satisfaction of domestic and nutritional food requirements. Nonetheless, postharvest deterioration of a considerable quantity of tomato produce occurs in Nigeria as a result of the growth of spoilage organisms. The diversity of microorganisms associated with the deterioration of tomato fruits sold by vendors in four major markets in Owerri was analyzed. One hundred and twenty samples were randomly drawn from the various markets and subjected to standard microbiological techniques Total viable count (2.6 × 104 CFU/g), total coliform count (4.2 × 104 CFU/g), and total fungi count (7.0 × 105 CFU/g) were highest from deteriorated tomato samples analyzed from the relief market. A total of six bacteria genera belonging to Micrococcus sp., Klebsiella sp., Escherichia coli, Proteus sp., Bacillus sp., and Staphylococcus spp. were identified. Staphylococcus spp (31.75%) was the most predominant bacteria isolate associated with the deteriorated tomato samples. This was followed by Escherichia coli 4 (25%), Bacillus sp. 3 (18.75%), Proteus sp. 2 (12.5%), Enterobacter sp. 1 (6.25%), and Micrococcus sp. Penicillium sp., Aspergillus sp., and Rhizopus sp. were also isolated from the deteriorated tomatoes, with Rhizopus sp. being the most predominant isolate 6 (40%) while Aspergillus sp. 4 (26.7%) was the least predominant isolate. The isolation of potential pathogens from deteriorated tomatoes sold by vendors in the four major markets in Owerri represents a significant health risk to consumers. A robust measure to combat post-harvest deterioration of tomatoes should be put in place by government agencies at all levels. Additionally, public enlightenment and awareness campaigns on the consequences of consuming deteriorated tomatoes should be encouraged.

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2 World News of Natural Sciences

2 2024

2 Dike K. S.

1 Onuoha N.

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Occurrence and Antibiotic Resistance Profile of Bacteria Isolated from Freshly Sliced Ready to Eat Fruits Sold Across Major Retail Outlets within Owerri Metropolis

Diversity of Microorganisms Associated with Deteriorated Tomatoes Sold by Vendors in Major Markets in Owerri