Bacteriological Analysis of Contamination Level of Selected Vegetables Sold in Some Markets in Niamey, Niger

Abstract

Vegetables are an important food source of nutrients, vitamins and dietary fiber, and therefore play a vital role in human health and well-being. Unfortunately, they are perishable products that could be vectors for the transmission of infectious diseases. The aim of this study was to analyses the level of bacteriological contamination of the samples of tomatoes (29), carrots (12), lettuces (47) and onions (12) sold in five (5) markets of community urban of Niamey. To this end, contamination indicator germs such as Total Aerobic Mesophilic Flora (TAMF), Total Coliforms (TC), Faecal Coliforms (FC), Enterobacteria (Ent), Faecal Streptococci (FS), Clostridium perfringens (CP) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) were enumerated, using methods specific to each germ. Analysis of the results showed tomatoes to be highly contaminated with FS, CP and E. coli (9.75±1.81.105; 1.33±2.30.105 and 2.25±2.48.105 CFU/g respectively), carrots with TAMF, FC, Ent (1.37±1.24.107; 4.48±0.34.106; 7.44±0.34.106 CFU/g respectively) and onions with TC (4.45±0.84.106 CFU/g). The sanitary quality of these vegetables is low. Hence the need for strict compliance with good hygiene practices in markets to ensure a healthy vegetable.