Abstract
The prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of bacteria associated with spoilage of avocado pear(Persea americana) were studied.A total of sixteen (16) avocado pear samples were collected from various markets in Abakaliki and these samples were bacteriologically examined.The five (5) bacterial isolates were characterized and identified on the basis of morphological, Gram staining and biochemical tests. The total aerobic plate count was 3.5 x 105 CFU/g. Out of sixteen samples of avocado pear examined, thirty two bacteria were identified which included Staphylococcus aureus 4 (12.5%), Escherichia coli 10(31.2%), Salmonella species 7(21.8%), Shigella species 5(15.6%) and Klebsiella species 6(18.7%). Escherichia coli 10(31.2%) showed the highest percentage prevalence while Staphylococcus aureus 4 (12.5%) showed the least percentage prevalence. Bacteria isolated from the avocado pear samples were highly resistant to more than 55% of the antibiotics tested in this study. E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella and Klebsiella species isolated were also found to be 100% resistant to ceftazidime and oxacillin. The Salmonella and E. coli were found to be highly resistant to over 50% of the tested antibiotics. However, some of the Salmonella and E. coli isolates were also found to be susceptible to gentanicin, ciprofloxacine and ofloxacin. Shigella, Klebsiella and S. aureus were also found to be susceptible to some of the tested antibiotics including ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin and gentamicin. However, the high rates of resistance found in this study showed that some fruits were heavily contaminated with pathogens that may cause infections in humans when ingested.
Highlights
Avocado pear (Persea americana), is a member of the family Lauraceae, which mainly contains shrubs and trees that yield resinous aromatic gum from their cut bark
The prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of bacteria associated with spoilage of avocado pear(Persea americana) were studied.A total of sixteen (16) avocado pear samples were collected from various markets in Abakaliki and these samples were bacteriologically examined.The five (5) bacterial isolates were characterized and identified on the basis of morphological, Gram staining and biochemical tests
The result obtain from this study showed that Staphylococcus Aureus isolated from Avocado pear purchased from Abakaliki were 100% resistant to oxacillin and cefltazidime. Shigella species isolation were susceptible to ciprofloxacine, gentamicin, ofloxacin vancomycin and ofloxacin with the percentage values of 60%, 70%, 40% and 30% respectively
Summary
Avocado pear (Persea americana), is a member of the family Lauraceae, which mainly contains shrubs and trees that yield resinous aromatic gum from their cut bark. It is among the wellknown indigenous fruit trees in the tropical and subtropical rain forest zone of the Southern regions of West Africa (extending eastward from Sierra Leone to Nigeria and Western regions of Central Africa, which includes Cameroun, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Congo Brazzaville and Angola). This study was undertaken to obtain relevant data on the bacteria that are responsible for the high perishability of the ripe Avocado pear fruits and to identify species that could pose a threat to food safety and health hazard to end consumers of spoilt fruits. They are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and are comparable to other currently used vegetable oils [3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
