ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF BACTERIA ASSOCIATED WITH SURFACE CONTAMINATION OF COLANUT TRADED BY VENDORS WITHIN KADUNA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Authors

  • S. Mohammed Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Kaduna State University, Kaduna,
  • M. Nomsu Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Kaduna State University, Kaduna,
  • J. Mohammad Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Kaduna State University, Kaduna,

Abstract

Garcinia kola (Colanut) is a well-known indigenous plant with several pharmacological activities that is widely consumed in most Northern parts of Nigeria. It is traditionally believed to serve as a remedy in the management of diarrhoeagenic bacterial infections. This study investigated the prevalence of pathogenic bacteria on the surface of colanuts sold within Kaduna North Local Government Area, Kaduna State. A total of sixty-four (64) bacteria were isolated from the samples, and were identified based on their cultural, Gram reaction, and biochemical characterizations. The pathogens were tested against selected antibiotics using Agar well diffusion method. The isolates were confirmed to be Salmonella specie (46%), Escherichia coli (32%) and Staphylococcus aureus (22%). People who consume colanut without proper washing are at high risk of contracting infections caused by the aforementioned pathogens.

Downloads

Published

2023-01-07

Issue

Vol. 17 No. 4 (2022)

Section

ARTICLES