Shigella Counts Research Articles

Antibiogram and Bacteriological Assessment of Raw Meat Sold in Owerri, Southeast Nigeria

This study assessed the antibiogram and bacteriological assessment of raw meat sold in Owerri. Samples of fresh beef were taken from beef vendors from three (3) markets; Relief market, Ekeonuwa market and Amakohia market in Owerri, Imo State. Three samples each weighing 100g were aseptically collected in sterile polythene pouches, sealed and transported in ice to the Imo State University Microbiological Laboratory for microbiologic alanalysis within some few hours of collection. The results of this study showed that the total heterotropic bacteria counts of ranged from 3.72× 105cfu/g - 4.2 × 105cfu/g , the coliform bacterial counts ranged from 1.9 × 105cfu/g - 2.7 × 105cfu/g while the total salmonella shigella count ranged from 0cfu/g -4.12x103cfu/g. Bacteria isolated were Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Streptococcus spp., Bacillus spp. and Staphylococcus aureus. Of the 50 bacterial isolates obtained, E. coli [15 (27.7)] and Staphylococcus spp [15 (27.7)] were the prevalent isolates. Other bacterial pathogens incriminated in this study were Salmonella spp [9(18.0)], Bacillus spp [7(14.0), and Streptococus spp [4 (8.0)].Most of the Gram-positive bacteria were highly susceptible to ceftizoxime and the Gram-negative to gentamicin and cefotaxime. E. coli, was susceptible to ampicillin/sulbactam (71% susceptibility), cefotaxime (71%), ciprofloxacin (94%), chloramphenicol (94%), ceftizoxime (100%), ofloxacin (82%), and amikacin (100%). S. aureus was susceptible to ampicillin/sulbactam (75%), cephalexin (75%), cefotaxime (100%), roxithromycin (75%), lincomycin (75%), and gentamicin (100%). Bacterial quality of fresh beef sold in Owerri has shown that beef sold in Owerri is contaminated with Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. but the prevalence of Salmonella spp. was low.This findings shall guide clinicians in the management of food poisoning/enteritis from possible meat consumption. Effective supervision and health education of meat sellers and their abbatoirs is highly recommended.

Bacterial Assessment of Selected Ready-To-Eat Foods Sold at Some Restaurants Within Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara State

Foodborne illness can occur following the intake of food containing high number of viable bacteria and their toxins, although highly common and of public health concern, it is a very preventable occurrence. The research aimed at isolating and identifying the microorganisms that are present in ready to eat foods sold at the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State, Nigeria and to study their antibiotics sensitivity patterns. A total of three (3) samples of ready to eat food (White Rice, Beans and Moin moin) were collected from three different canteens within the school premises. Standard methods were used for the total aerobic bacterial counts, coliform counts, Staphylococcus count and Salmonella-Shigella counts. Identification of isolates were performed using various biochemical tests and the antimicrobial sensitivity of bacterial isolates obtained from the food samples was also performed using disc diffusion assay. Beans sample has the highest total aerobic bacteria, Staphylococcus, Salmonella and Shigella counts of 26.67 ± 8.32 x 105 cfu/mL, 3.00 ± 1.00 x 105 cfu/mL and 4.67 ± 3.06 x 105 cfu/mL respectively and Moin moin sample has the highest total coliform count of 6.67 ± 4.93 x 105 cfu/mL. The bacteria isolated from the samples were identified as Enterococcus aerogenes, Proteus vulgaris, Citrobacter freundii, Escherichia coli, Bacillus species, Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus and Salmonella enterica. Proteus vulgaris produced the highest zone of inhibition of 15.00 mm with ciprofloxacin while none of the isolates produced a zone of inhibition with rifampicin. It can be concluded from this study that some of the foods sold have considerable number of bacteria which can pose a health risk to the consumers.

Characterizations of novel broad-spectrum lytic bacteriophages Sfin-2 and Sfin-6 infecting MDR Shigella spp. with their application on raw chicken to reduce the Shigella load

The evidence and prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Shigella spp. poses a serious global threat to public health and the economy. Food- or water-borne MDR Shigella spp. demands an alternate strategy to counteract this threat. In this regard, phage therapy has garnered great interest from medical practitioners and researchers as a potential way to combat MDR pathogens. In this observation, we isolated Shigella phages from environmental water samples and tested against various clinically isolated MDR Shigella spp. In this study, we have defined the isolation and detailed physical and genomic characterizations of two phages Sfin-2 and Sfin-6 from environmental water samples. The phages exhibited potent lytic activity against Shigella flexneri, Shigella dysenteriae, and Shigella sonnei. They showed absorption within 5–10 min, a burst size ranging from ~74 to 265 PFU/cell, and a latent period of 5–20 min. The phages were stable at a broad pH range and survived an hour at 50°C. The purified phages Sfin-2 and Sfin-6 belong to the Siphoviridae family with an isometric head (64.90 ± 2.04 nm and 62.42 ± 4.04 nm, respectively) and a non-contractile tail (145 ± 8.5 nm and 148.47 ± 14.5 nm, respectively). The in silico analysis concluded that the size of the genomic DNA of the Sfin-2 phage is 50,390 bp with a GC content of 44.90%, while the genome size of the Sfin-6 phage is 50,523 bp with a GC content of 48.30%. A total of 85 and 83 putative open reading frames (ORFs) were predicted in the Sfin-2 and Sfin-6 phages, respectively. Furthermore, a comparative genomic and phylogenetic analysis revealed that both phages represented different isolates and novel members of the T1-like phages. Sfin-2 and Sfin-6 phages, either individually or in a cocktail form, showed a significant reduction in the viable Shigella count on raw chicken samples after 72 h of incubation. Therefore, these results indicate that these phages might have a potential role in therapeutic approaches designed for shigellosis patients as well as in the biological control of MDR Shigella spp. in the poultry or food industry during the course of meat storage.

Preliminary Investigations on the Therapeutic Efficacy and Safety of Mixed Probiotic Lactic Acid Bacteria on Albino Rats Challenged with Shigella dysenteriae

This study investigates the potential of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from the Nigerian beverage “kunun zaki” as alternative therapeutic agents against Shigella dysenteriae infections. In light of rising antibiotic resistance, the decline in probiotic usage prompted interest in LAB’s role in countering bacterial dysentery. Shigella dysenteriae, a significant cause of dysentery in developing nations, prompted this research which aims to carry out a preliminary investigation on the therapeutic efficacy and safety of mixed probiotic lactic acid bacteria on albino rats challenged with Shigella dysenteriae. Lactic acid bacteria, known for treating infections, were isolated from the beverage and tested against Shigella dysenteriae. The study employed 15 albino rats for in vivo trials, inducing diarrhea and treating with Lactococcus lactis and Lactobacillus brevis separately (T1 and T2) and combined in a 1 : 1 ratio (T3). Clinical parameters were observed before and after treatment. This revealed that L. lactis and L. brevis administration lowered rectal temperature from an average of 42°C caused by infection to 36.5°C. Stool consistency improved from light brown loose to dark brown semisolid, signifying reduced diarrhea. Bacteriological analysis displayed significant reduction ( p < 0.05 ) in Shigella counts in rat intestines across all treatments— 220 ± 2.88 C F U / g to 19.00 ± 1.77 C F U / g , 8.33 ± 0.88 C F U / g , and 65.00 ± 2.88 C F U / g for T1, T2, and T3, respectively. The mixed LAB treatment was notably effective. Lactic acid bacteria counts increased significantly in Shigella-treated rats versus the positive control. Hematology and liver function parameters showed no significant differences between treatments and untreated controls. Lactic acid bacteria from “kunun zaki” exhibited curative potential, individually or combined, against Shigella dysenteriae. These lactic acid bacteria also positively influenced gut microbiota in Shigella-infected albino rats.

Bacteriological quality of raw cow milk at a collection center in Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria

Dairy milk provides essential nutrients for humans, but microbial contamination can occur from the point of milking to storage. There has been sparsity of data on quality of raw cow milk (RCM) at collection points in Nigeria. This study investigated the bacteriological quality of RCM from a bulk-tank in Iwo, Osun State, South-West Nigeria. Raw milk samples were collected from the storage tank during a six-week period and evaluated for aerobic plate count (APC), aerobic spore-formers count, Enterobacteriaceae count, salmonella and shigella count and Staphylococcus count. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan’s multiple range test were used to compare differences in means among the various bacterial counts assessed, using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SSPS). The mean aerobic plate count (8.2±1.71 log CFU/ml) and Enterobacteriaceae count (5.8±1.12 log CFU/ml) obtained were significantly different (P≤0.05) and were higher than the acceptable threshold limits of 5.0 log CFU/ml and 3.0 log CFU/ml, respectively. The bacteriological profile found in the milk samples included Enterobacter spp., Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Staphylococcus spp., and Pseudomonas spp. Enterobacter spp. and Staphylococcus aureus had the highest and least occurrence of 30 % and 2.5 %, respectively. Good sanitary practices are recommended at every stage of the milking process prior to storage in a bulk-tank so as to ensure safe dairy derivative products.

Multidrug resistance, biofilm formation and detection of blaCTX-M and blaVIM genes in E. coli and Salmonella isolates from chutney served at the street-food stalls of Bharatpur, Nepal

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) amid the bacteria found in ready-to-eat foods is a grave concern today warranting an immediate intervention. The current study was undertaken to explore the status of AMR in E. coli and Salmonella species in ready-to-eat Chutney samples (n = 150) served at the street food stalls in Bharatpur, Nepal, with a major focus on detecting extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and metallo β-lactamase (MBL) genes along with biofilm formation. Average viable counts, coliform counts, and Salmonella Shigella counts were 1.33 × 106±141481.4, 1.83 × 105±91303.6, and 1.24 × 105±63933.19 respectively. Out of 150 samples, 41 (27.33%) harbored E. coli, of which 7 were E. coli O157:H7; whereas Salmonella spp. were found in 31 (20.67%) samples. Bacterial contamination of Chutney by E. coli and Salmonella and ESBL-production were both found significantly affected by different sources of water used, personal hygiene and literacy rate of the vendors as well as by the type of cleaning materials used to wash knives and chopping boards (P < 0.05). Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed that imipenem was the most effective drug against both types of bacterial isolates. Additionally, 14 (45.16%) Salmonella isolates and 27 (65.85%) E. coli isolates were found to be multi-drug resistant (MDR). Total ESBL (blaCTX-M) producers reported were 4 (12.90%) Salmonella spp. and 9 (21.95%) E. coli. Only 1 (3.23%) Salmonella spp. and 2 (4.88%) E. coli isolates were blaVIM gene carriers. Dissemination of knowledge of personal hygiene amongst the street vendors and consumer awareness regarding ready-to-eat foods are crucial factors that can be suggested to curtail the emergence and transmission of food-borne pathogens.

Assessment of Physicochemical and Microbiological Qualities of Potable Water Sources in Okorenkoko, Delta State Nigeria

Accessibility of Potable water in rural and riverine communities have reduced drastically in recent times. A total of six borehole water samples and a freshwater sample were obtained from Okerenkoko community in Delta State, Nigeria. The water samples were analyzed for physicochemical and microbiological parameters using standard procedures. Pearson correlational analysis was employed to evaluate the level of association of the data using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23. Our results showed that pH concentration values ranged from 5.62 to 7.81, electrical conductivity had 10.03 to 490.01 µS/cm, dissolved oxygen varied from 3.90 to 7.91 mg/L, COD had 10.01 to 50.03 mg/L. The fecal coliform count ranged from 4- 2400 MPN/ml, while the surface water had a fecal coliform count 2400 MPN/ml; fungal count 3.1 Log10CFU/ml and 3.6 Log10CFU/ml respectively, Total aerobic count had a maximal concentration value of 5.8 Log10CFU/ml and 5.4 Log10CFU/ml; Total Salmonella Shigella Count it had a concentration of 4.0 Log10CFU/ml. Microbes associated with the water samples were Bacillus sp., Escherichia sp., Staphylococcus sp., Streptococcus sp., Shigella sp., Proteus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Klebsiella sp., Vibrio sp. and Micrococcus sp. There is an urgent need to source-track the trajectory of pollutants from both from domestic and industrial activities. There is need that the government at all levels should improve the available potable water resources in Okerenkoko community.

Prevalence of Salmonella in Sea Foods and Its Resistance to Drugs

Salmonella are non-spore forming, predominantly motile enterobacteria with peritrichous flagella (all around the cell body). They are intracellular pathogens causing illness. They usually invade only the gastrointestinal tract and cause Salmonellosis. Humans become infected most frequently through contaminated food or water. Sea foods are mostly associated with Salmonella infections. This study therefore was carried out to isolate Salmonella and determine the antibiotic sensitivity patterns of the Salmonella isolates from sea foods associated with food-borne diseases. These sea foods were obtained from three different selected markets within Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State. A total of three (3) sea food samples were collected at random from each of the market. The samples were put through standard microbiological techniques. The result of total heterotrophic bacterial counts showed that Prawn from Mile 1 market had high count of 2.06x108 cfu/g while Crab from Creek Road market had the least count of 1.15x108 cfu/g. The result of total coliform count showed that Crab from Mile 1 market had the highest count of 2.86x106 cfu/g while Periwinkle from Creek Road market had the least count of 2.30x106 cfu/g. Also, the result of salmonella shigella count showed that Periwinkle from Mile 1 market had the least count of 0.76x105 cfu/g while Crab from Creek Road market had the highest count of 2.80x105 cfu/g. Characteristics of bacterial isolates from the sea foods showed that Proteus sp., Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas sp., Micrococcus sp., Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella spp. were present and identified from the samples. The result of the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the Salmonella isolates showed that all the isolates were 100% susceptible to Tarivid, Peflacine, Septrine and Ciprofloxacin while they exhibited 100% intermediate sensitivity or resistance to the other antibiotics such as Ceporex, Nalidixic acid, Ampicillin, Gentamycin, Streptomycin, and Augmentin. The result of the multidrug resistance index of 3 (100%) of the 3 Salmonella isolates had a MAR index ≥ 0.2. The presence of these organisms in sea food could pose threat of food-borne infection as well as resistance to some commonly used antibiotics. Enforcement of existing laws associated with food storage, preparation and hygiene should be done in order to prevent or reduce these food-borne diseases such as salmonellosis.

Impact of Abattoir Activities on the Physicochemical and Bacteriological Properties of Soil Samples from Choba Slaughter, Rivers State, Nigeria

Slaughtering and processing of animal products at abattoirs generate different waste that may be transported into the nearby water bodies through runoff and other processes. Evaluating the soil characteristics within the abattoir will provide critical information regarding the soil health, for environmental management and health care planning. The aim of the study was therefore to assess the impact of abattoir activities on soil physico-chemical and bacteriological properties. The soil sampling involved five (5) different points, representing regions where the live animals were kept, where the animals were slaughtered, where the animal hides were roasted, where the waste bones were stacked, and a control sample collected 20 meters away from the abattoir site. The result of the physicochemical parameters showed that all the sample points were either higher or lower than that of the control soil sample. Statistical analyses however showed that there was a statistically significant difference (p &lt; 0.05) between the nitrate concentration in the region used for roasting of animal hides and the control sample. The result of Total Heterotrophic Bacterial Count (THBC) showed that the highest value of 7.2 x 108cfu/g was obtained from the location where the animals are slaughtered, while the least value of 1.0 x 108 cfu/g was from the control soil sample. The other bacterial counts varied between 0.8x105 cfu/g and 5.0 x 106 cfu/g; 4.3 x104 cfu/g and 1.0 x105 cfu/g; 3.7x104 cfu/g and 5.6x104 cfu/g, for the Total Coliform Count (TCC), Fecal Coliform Count (FCC), Salmonella and Shigella Counts (SSC), respectively. A total of 28 bacterial isolates were characterized and identified to belong to seven genera, and their percentage prevalence showed that Staphylococcus spp., Bacillus spp., and E. coli were the most occurring, with a frequency of 21.7% each, followed by Salmonella spp. (13.1 %), Klebsiella spp. (8.7 %), Serratia mercescens (8.7 %) and Shigella spp. (4.4 %). The result of the response of the bacterial isolates to the conventional antibiotics revealed that all the isolates where sensitive to most of the antibiotics tested. This study has shown that abattoir activities have significant influence on the bacteriological and physicochemical characteristics of the soil, thereby accentuating the need for proper waste management.

Gamma Radiation Exposure Towards Shelf-Life Extension of Brine-Treated Indigenous Climbing Perch, Anabas testudineus

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of gamma radiation (1.5 and 3.5 kGy) on quality and shelf-life of brine-treated (18% NaCL) cultured and indigenous Climbing perch, Anabas testudineus during storage at low temperature (4°C) through sensory (Organoleptic Score, OS), chemical (Tyrosine Value, TV) and microbial analyses (Total Bacterial Count, TBC; Total Salmonella and Shigella Count, TSS; and Total Staphylococcus Count, TSC) at weekly intervals for a period of 35 days. The quality of both cultured and indigenous perch deteriorated with the increase of time. The values of TV (23.69 – 86.20 mg/100 g) and TSS (0 – 4.43 cfu/g) were tended to be high in non-irradiated perch while the values of TBC (3.00 – 11.63 cfu/g) and TSC (2.00 – 6.52 cfu/g) showed increasing trends in irradiated samples for both stains. The findings demonstrated that the synergistic effects of brine and gamma radiation in combination with low temperature could be the most effective treatment for the shelf-life extension of perch and this technique might be applied for large scale preservation of any other local fishes of Bangladesh towards food security. Bangladesh J. Zool. 50 (1): 107-119, 2022

Evaluation of Microbiological Quality of Water, Sediment and Soil Characteristics in Okrika Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

Water is the most important resource on earth and safe drinking water is essential to sustain life. Most rural communities do not treat their water before consumption. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the microbiological quality of water, sediment and soil characteristic in Okrika LGA, Nigeria. Samples were collected using sterile bottles from boreholes, hand-dug wells, surface water, sediments and soils using standard methods and analysed accordingly. Results show that Total Heterotrophic Bacterial Count (THBC) ranged from in Kalio-Ama to at Okari-Ama. Total Fecal count (TFC) ranged from 0 to at Isaka Town. Total Coliform Count (TCC) ranged from 0 to at Ogan-Ama. Total Salmonella Shigella Count (TSSC) ranged from 0 to in Ogan-Ama. Total Vibio Count (TVC) ranged from 0 to at Kalio-Ama. The most prominent bacterial isolates from all the stations are of the genera such as Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Escherichia Coli, Micrococcus, Kiebsiella, Pseudomonas, Vibrio, Aeromonas, Serratia and Alcaligenes which were isolated across the samples with Bacillus as more frequent with 50%. In the dry season, bacterial isolates were 100% susceptible to Gentamycin and Ofloxacin and 100% resistance to Augumentin, Cefuroxime and Cefixime. In the wet season, isolates had 100% susceptibility to Ciprooflozacin and 100% resistance to Cloxacin, Augmentin and Gentamicine. The result of this study poses a public health risk to consumers who use these sources of water for domestic purposes, recreation and treatments. Diseases like typhoid, cholera, polio, skin and lung infections are eminent.

PHYSICO-CHEMICAL AND BACTERIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF PACKED JUICES CONSUMED IN THE CAPITAL TERRITORY OF ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN

Modern soft drinks constitute a variety of different products. The high temperature in most nations necessitates a substantial intake of liquids to compensate for the predicted losses from respiration. Fruit juices aid detoxification in humans by utilizing acid, which is an essential universal ingredient of juices. Citric acid is the most widely used acid in juices. Physicochemical and microbiological assessments of packed juices have been conducted in the Chemistry Lab of Bahria University Islamabad. A set of eleven locally manufactured packed juices and nine imported juices samples were collected from four different shopping malls and roadside shops in Islamabad. All the twenty samples were quantitatively analyzed for their microbial contamination and physicochemical properties. First, the samples were subjected to the microbial analysis where they were tested for the total bacterial count, total coliform count, and salmonella and shigella count using Nutrient agar, EMB agar, and S.S agar, respectively. All the collected 20 juice samples were examined separately and individually and then compared with water quality standards given by World Health Organization (WHO) and PAK-EPA. After microbiological assessment of juice samples, they were further analyzed with physical and chemical parameters. Physical parameters such as pH, salts, temperature, electrical conductivity, etc. of the juices have been tested. Chemical parameters such as chlorides and alkalinity of the juice samples have been tested. After the testing, the results have been noted down and further calculations have been generated.

Comparative effects of Lime and Garlic extracts on the Bacterial Load and Nutritional Quality of processed Shrimps (Penaeus notialis) from Sombreiro River, River State

Shrimps are highly valued worldwide. They deteriorate rapidly after harvest except preserved. This study was undertaken to determine the bacterial load and nutritional quality of shrimps subjected to 20% lime juice, 50% garlic extract and distilled water followed by smoking and storage at ambient (room) temperature for 28 days. Fresh shrimp samples from Sombreiro River in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State were used for this study. The Shrimps were analyzed for total viable counts (TVCs), Coliform, Staphylococcal, Vibrio, Salmonella, and Shigella counts. The control samples had highest protein content of 21.2±0.018 immediately after treatment while after smoking, samples treated with lime and garlic had higher protein content; highest in samples treated with lime juice with protein content of 63.27±1.20, garlic-treated samples and control sample had protein content of 60.5±2.49 and 51.27±10.76 respectively at end of storage. Garlic-treated samples had highest ash content of 15.46±0.11, lime-treated samples and control had ash content of 13.29±0.11 and 11.75±0.11 at the end of storage period. There were slight increases in nutrient level with storage. Samples treated with lime juice had lowest bacterial count throughout the four weeks of storage. At day 0, samples treated with lime, garlic- treated samples and control had total viable count of 1.7×103, 2.11×103 and 4.5×104 respectively, at the end of storage period. Lime-treated samples, garlic-treated samples and control had coliform count of 2.3×102, 5.89×102 and 5.27×104 respectively at the end of storage period. Total Staphylococcal count for lime-treated samples, garlic-treated samples and control at the end storage period were 4.9×102, 4.8×102 and3.5×103 respectively. Samples treated with lime and garlic had no Vibrio, Salmonella and Shigella after smoking till end of storage. In this study 20% lime juice proved more effective against bacteria though with no significant difference (p&gt;0.05) and increased the nutritional value of smoked shrimps more than 50% garlic extract.

Prevalence of Shigella spp and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Select Commercially Processed Meat Products

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Shigella spp and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus in some selected commercially processed ready-to-eat snail (Archachatina marginata) and edible worm (Rhynchophorus phoenicis).&#x0D; Study Design: Cross-sectional analysis.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Samples were obtained from vendors along the Benin-Sapele express road, South-South Nigeria, over a two months period (November to December, 2019).&#x0D; Methodology: The enumeration of total heterotrophic counts, total Shigella counts and total Staphylococcus aureus counts were done using nutrient agar, Salmonella Shigella agar and mannitol salt agar respectively. All isolates were further identified by their cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics. Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus were identified using methicillin-oxacillin agar, while the antibiogramic profile of selected isolates and their multidrug resistant profile were done according to the CSLI guideline.&#x0D; Results: The mean heterotrophic bacterial counts (THCs) obtained in Rhynchophorus phoenicis ranged from 0.00 × 10³ ± 0.00 cfu/g to 500.00 × 10³ ± 0.00 cfu/g, while the mean THCs obtained in Archachatina marginata ranged from 13.3 × 10³ ± 1.15 cfu/g to 500 × 10³ ± 0.00 cfu/g. The total Staphylococcus aureus obtained in Rhynchophorus phoenicis was between 0.00 × 10³ ± 0.00 cfu/g to 294 × 10³ ± 4.7 cfu/g and the Shigella bacteria counts from 0.00 × 10³ ± 0.00 cfu/g to 258 × 10³ ± 14.64 cfu/g. The antibiogram of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from both Rhynchophorus phoenicis and Archachatina marginata, found the majority of isolates (96.67%) to be resistant to ceftazidime and cefuroxime, while 83.33% of the isolates were sensitive to ofloxacin. All Staphylococcus isolates were resistant to ceftriaxone, cloxacillin and amoxycillin clavulanate. The multidrug resistant index recorded was between 37.5 and 100. All Staphylococcus (9) isolates tested for methicillin resistance was observed to be positive.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study demonstrated that RTE vended meat products sold in along Benin City By-pass, contains Shigella and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus species, which are potential foodborne pathogens and efforts should be made at eliminating them from these vended meat products.

Assessment of Physicochemical and Bacteriological Quality of Well Water Samples in Ido Community, Nigeria

This study was carried out to investigate the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of well water samples in Ido community. Thirty water samples were collected from five different wells ( six samples from each well) and subjected to standard microbiological and physicochemical analysis. All physicochemical properties showed difference (p&lt;0.05) in all the wells analyzed except temperature and turbidity. Temperature ranged between 25.3±3.50C and 26±2.350C; pH, 6.3±0.7 and 6.9±0.3; electrical conductivity, 127.6±1.9 and 157.8±7.7μs/cm; total suspended solids, 25.2±8.9 and 53.2±1.8mg/l; turbidity, 0.15±0.7 and 1.20±1.4NTU; dissolved oxygen, 4.40±2.8 and 5.35±2.1 mg/l; Biological Oxygen Demand, 9.40±2.8 and15.4±2.8mg/l; Chemical Oxygen Demand, 177.2±1.6 and 260.3±1.6mg/l; chloride, 59.8±8.5 and 101.2±2.6mg/l and total hardness, 246.6±1.9 and 395.6±2.7mg/l. All values fell within WHO standards except Chemical Oxygen Demand (WHO Standard 40mg/l) and total hardness (WHO Standard 100mg/l). Results of microbial population did not show any difference (p&gt;0.05) across the wells. However, Total Heterotrophic Bacteria ranged from 2.15±0.91×104 to 5.3±0.86×104cfu/ml; total coliform, 3.00±0.77×104 to 6.18±0.73×104 cfu/ml; Total feacal coliform, 2.61±0.71×104 to 4.39±0.76×104 cfu/ml; Total vibrio count, 2.68±0.81× 103 to 4.4±0.86×103 cfu/ml; Total salmonella shigella count. 2.02±0.84×103 to 4.8±0.95×103 cfu/ml. Total coliform bacteria ranged from 220 to &gt; 1600 coliform MPN index /100ml-1, while thermo tolerant coliform bacteria ranged from 220 to 1600 coliform MPN index /100ml-1. A total of forty bacterial isolates belonging to ten genera were identified. They include species of Bacillus 22 (26.4%), Staphylococcus 14(16.8%), Vibrio 13(15.7%), Serratia 6(7.3%), Enterobacter 6(7.3%), Chromobacterium 4(4.8%), Salmonella 4 (4.9%), Shigella 4(4.8%) and E. coli 4(4.8%). This result highlights the fact that well water in Ido community are not safe microbiologically for drinking without additional treatment such as boiling or disinfection and this could lead to outbreak of water borne diseases. Good and proper environmental and personal hygiene is advocate especially by the users of those wells to prevent their contamination with bacterial pathogens.

Antimicrobial Cocktail Combining Specific Peptide Extracts from Native Probiotic Bacteria Hamper Adulteration of Ready-to-Eat Mango Wedges

Consumption of ready-to-eat chopped fruits sold in the streets is a concern, as such activities are outside the regulation and protection in most developing countries. Ready-to-eat mangos are commonly sold as wedges in plastic cups at ambient temperature by mobile vendors in Ecuador, thus they are prone to contamination by bacteria, which poses a safety issue of concern. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of several antimicrobial cocktails consisting of previously designed specific peptide extract combinations from two probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus plantarum UTNCys5-4 and Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis UTNGt28, along with nisin, a commercial food additive, on mango wedges artificially inoculated with a logarithmic phase culture of a five-strain bacterial mixture (FSBM). Preliminary bacteriological analysis of mango wedges purchased from mobile vendors showed the presence of multiple antibiotic-resistant isolates such E. coli spp., Enterobacter spp., Shigella spp., Salmonella spp., along with yeasts and molds, indicating non-compliance with the food safety standards. The results revealed that two antimicrobial cocktails, T2 and T5, containing cell-free supernatant based (CFS) and precipitated peptides (PP) based cocktails from UTNCys5-4 and UTNGt28 strains applied at dose 1:3 (v/v), were the most efficient combinations that inhibited the colonization of total bacterial counts with 56.03% and 55.61% in mango wedges stored with refrigeration. The reduction of total E. coli counts was 64.93%, while Salmonella and Shigella counts were reduced by 98.09% and 97.93%, respectively, when mango wedges were treated with T5-cocktail. The commercial nisin inhibited total Salmonella spp. counts by 40.13%, while E. coli spp. and Shigella spp. diminished by 28.20% and 37.22%, respectively. Moreover, we showed that T5 but not T7 (nisin) damaged the target cell integrity, thereby eventually inhibiting their growth and reproduction. The selected antimicrobial cocktails exerted a bacteriolytic effect by killing the FSBM simultaneously in a fruit matrix and preventing their accumulation in mango wedges. Furthermore, there is a possibility of using peptide combinatorial treatments to combat drug-resistant bacteria in ready-to-eat fruits.

Bacteriological examination of Obibia stream during wet and dry seasons in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

Diseases caused by contaminated water consumption are among the leading causes of death in children, the elderly, and people who are immunocompromised. Hence there is an important need to ensure that drinking water sources are free from pathogens that can endanger the health of consumers. This study was undertaken to investigate the influence of seasonal changes on the bacteriological distribution of the Obibia stream. A total of 30 water samples (500 ml each) were collected for the study at rainy and dry seasons for a period of May to July 2015 and December 2015 to Feb 2016, respectively. Bacteria present in the water samples were isolated and characterized using 16s rDNA sequencing. Total heterotrophic aerobic bacterial counts were determined using standard microbiological biochemical procedures. Their frequencies of occurrence were also determined. Total heterotrophic aerobic bacterial counts (THABC) were significantly higher (P=0.039) > total coliform count > fecal coliform counts > Salmonella - Shigella counts > Vibrio counts throughout the periods of sampling in the wet season, with the highest counts obtained in July. THABC was also significantly higher (P = 0.018) than other examined bacterial groups and had its peak in January. Bacterial genera present in the examined samples were identified as Shigella, Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Vibrio, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Enterococcus, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, and Serratia with their respective frequencies of occurrence as 4.55%, 18.18%, 13.64%, 27.27%, 4.5%, 9.09%, 4.55%, 4.55%, 9.09% and 4.55% in the wet season. Their respective occurrences in dry season were 4.17%, 16.67%, 12.50%, 25.00%, 4.17%, 8.35%, 4.17%, 8.33%, 8.33%, and 8.33%. This bacteriological analysis has shown that wet season samples from the Obibia stream had more bacterial counts than dry seasons. Thus, the water samples from it require further purification steps before being used for domestic purposes by the inhabitants of its surrounding communities.

Isolation of Diarrhea Causing Organisms (Salmonella and Shigella) from Selected Seafood

Aims: The study investigated the presence of entities causing diarrhea (Shigella &amp; Salmonella) from some selected seafood.&#x0D; Study Design: The study adopted a completely randomized experimental Design.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medical Microbiology, Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), between January 2020 and February 2020.&#x0D; Methodology: Simple random technique was employed to collect sufficient quantities of five different fresh raw seafoods (shrimp, periwinkle, crab, sardine fish and mudskipper) across fish harbors and fish markets (Nembe waterside, Abonema Wharf and 1 Fish Market) in Port Harcourt, and were evaluated for bacteriological quality. Sample collection was a cross-sectional type. The isolation and identification of isolates were done according to standard bacteriological analytical methods. The study employed Frequency counts, percentages and one- way ANOVA statistics, and the analysis was done using SPSS version 23. Although, one-way ANOVA statistics was used to test the hypothesis of the study at 0.05 level of significance, while Tukey’s test was used for ranking means.&#x0D; Results: The finding showed that 53 percent of the isolates (i.e. 8 out of 15 isolates) were characterized as Salmonella and Shigella. Also, the result shows that all the seafood evaluated contain unacceptable levels of Salmonella and Shigella contamination, which ranged from 1.79 x107 CFU/g to 2.96 x107CFU/g. The level of contamination found in the selected seafood is shown in descending order from the highest to the lowest: Sardine&gt; Periwinkle&gt; Shrimps&gt; Mudskipper&gt; Crab. More so, result from the hypothesis showed that there was a significant mean difference in the Salmonella and Shigella count amongst selected seafood (P &lt; .001).&#x0D; Conclusion: The results of this study constitute an indicator of fecal contamination in selected seafood from fish markets in Port Harcourt. Amongst others, it was recommended that Government should enforce laws discouraging the dumping of untreated waste into water bodies.

Sanitation and Water Quality in Port Harcourt Waterfront Settlements

Sanitation and water quality are a good measure to judge the living standard and health status of a community. This study focused on the assessment of surface and ground water resources from selected waterfront areas within Port Harcourt metropolis notable for their poor sanitary conditions as receptacles for domestic wastes. Surface water (river) and ground water samples were collected from Abuloma waterfront, Marine Base and Afikpo (Diobu) and their microbiological and physiochemical parameters determined using standard laboratory methods. The microbiological parameters analyzed include total heterotrophic bacteria count (THBC), fecal coliform count, total coliform count, Salmonella count, Shigella count and Vibrio count. The physiochemical parameters monitored include pH, temperature, conductivity, salinity total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), turbidity and biological oxygen demand (BOD). The THBC ranged from 15x101cfu/ml to 1.3x102 cfu/ml; total coliform count ranged from 0 to 17cfu/ml; all the samples had no fecal coliform; the Salmonella count ranged from 0 to 15 cfu/ml; the Shigella count ranged from 0 to 30cfu/ml and Vibrio count ranged from 0 to 15 cfu/ml. The pH values ranged from 5.9-7.6; temperature from 27.5°C to 29.6°C; salinity from 0.012 mg/l to 0.379 mg/l; conductivity from 17.8 s/cm to 19370 s/cm; TDS from 12.3 mg/l to 13610 mg/l; DO from 2.41 mg/l -3.4mg/l, turbidity from 0.24 NTU to 1.11 NTU and BOD from 16 mg/l to 120 mg/l. The results obtained showed that the water resources are not safe and pose risk to human health. These findings highlight the need to improve the sanitary condition of waterfront areas and promote water treatment to ensure the health and safety of the public.

Microbiological quality of &lt;i&gt;Lactuca sativa&lt;/i&gt; (lettuce) salad vegetables sold in restaurants in Kigali, Rwanda

Background: Salad which is served at restaurants in uncooked form can be source of bacterial contamination.Aim: To assess the microbiological quality of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) salads sold in two restaurants in Kigali, Rwanda.Methods: Lettuce samples were collected using aseptic techniques and immediately analysed using standard media for E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella and Staphyloccocus aureus besides total aerobic count.Results: The number of total aerobic bacteria ranged from 1.15 x104 to 2.87x104 cfu/ml for restaurant 1 and from 1.91x104 to 2.13x105cfu/ml for restaurant 2. Staphyloccoci count ranged from 3.6x102 to 1.173x103 cfu/ml for restaurant 1 and from 1.9 x102 to 3.2 x102 cfu/ml for restaurant 2. Gram negative bacteria count ranged from 8.3 x102 to 1.03 x105 cfu/ml for restaurant 1 and from 5.05 x102 to 2.30 x105 cfu/ml for restaurant 2. Salmonella and Shigella count ranged from 2.54x103 to 2.04x104 cfu/ml for restaurant 1 and from 3.65x103 to 2.5x104 cfu/ml for restaurant 2. E. coli was found in 75% of the sample from restaurant 1 and 100% of the sample from restaurant 2.Conclusion: Improvement in hygiene is needed during preparation and handling of lettuce salad in these restaurants.Keywords: Lactuca sativa, microbiological quality, restaurants, Rwanda