Assessment of Salmonella Species and Escherichia Coli Prevalence, as well as Antimicrobial Profiles, in Sliced Pineapple Vended within Abakaliki Metropolis

Abstract

The prevalent practice of vending sliced pineapple and various fruits on the streets of Nigeria due to cost constraints among buyers has raised concerns regarding potential contaminations and subsequent health risks to consumers. This study procured sixty samples of sliced, ready-to-eat pineapple from street vendors in Abakaliki Metropolis, analyzing them for Salmonella and E. coli contamination using microbiological and biochemical techniques. The isolates underwent antibiotic sensitivity screening via the disc diffusion method. The findings revealed a 20% prevalence of Salmonella species and a striking 70% prevalence of Escherichia coli in the sliced pineapple fruits. Further investigation into antibiotic susceptibility exhibited a concerning pattern of high multidrug resistance among the isolated organisms. Salmonella species showcased resistance percentages ranging from 50% to 100% against ceftriaxone, nitrofurantoin, meropenem, pefloxacin, chloramphenicol, ofloxacin, and amoxicillin. In comparison, Escherichia coli exhibited resistance values varying between 28.6% and 100% against the same antibiotics. This study emphasizes that the prevalent practice of slicing and vending fruits on the streets significantly contributes to the dissemination of multi-drug resistant pathogens. Urgent intervention and discouragement of this practice by pertinent authorities are imperative to mitigate the escalating health risks associated with such contaminated fruit vending practices. Keywords: Street vended fruits, sliced pineapple fruits, fruit contamination, multi-drug resistance, Samonella species, E. coli.