microbial contamination

The potential public health risk associated with ready-to-eat (RTE) fruits sold in open markets was investigated through a microbiological assessment of three popular fruits: Apple, Pineapple, and Watermelon. A total of three samples were purchased from a market in Benin City and analyzed using standard microbiological techniques, including serial dilution, plating on selective media, and biochemical analysis. The mean total bacterial count was highest in Pineapple and lowest in Apple, while the mean total fungi count was highest in Apple and lowest in Watermelon. Bacterial isolates included Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus spp, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter. Fungal isolates included Aspergillus niger, Yeasts, Penicillium species, and Mucor. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed isolates with resistance to multiple drugs, including Rocephin, Pefloxacin, and Ampliclox (for Gram-positive bacteria), while showing susceptibility to agents like Ciprofloxacin, Gentamicin, Levofloxacin, Ofloxacin, and Amoxicillin. The presence of these pathogenic and opportunistic micro-organisms confirms the contamination of the RTE fruits, which poses a significant public health hazard. This poor microbiological quality is likely due to unhygienic preparation environments, contaminated water, improper handling, and environmental exposure. Regulatory bodies must enhance surveillance, and vendors should strictly adhere to safe food handling practices. Consumers are advised to ensure proper washing of fruits before consumption.

Access to safe drinking water is essential for preventing waterborne diseases and maintaining public health, particularly in high-density living environments such as student hostels. This study assesses the microbial quality of water from Osasogie Hostel, Osasogie, Benin City, Nigeria, to determine contamination levels and potential health risks. Water samples were collected from a bore-hole and an overhead GeePee tank and analyzed using the membrane filtration method to detect the presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli), total coliform bacteria, and fungi. The results revealed E. coli counts of 1 CFU in borehole water and 3 CFU in the overhead GPee tank, indicating fecal contamination and potential exposure to pathogenic microorganisms. Total coliform bacteria were found at 3 CFU in borehole water and 7 CFU in the overhead tank, suggesting inadequate water sanitation and possible environmental contamination. Additionally, fungi counts were higher in the overhead tank (4 CFU) compared to the borehole water (2 CFU), indicating poor storage conditions, biofilm formation, or organic matter accumulation.
The findings underscore the urgent need for improved water management practices, regular microbiological monitoring, and proper disinfection methods to ensure safe drinking water. Recommended interventions include chlorination, filtration, UV disinfection, and frequent cleaning of storage tanks to prevent microbial proliferation. Public health awareness campaigns should also be conducted to educate hostel residents on safe water handling and sanitation practices. Implementing these measures will help mitigate contamination risks and protect students from waterborne illnesses

Microbial contamination is a major factor affecting the shelf life and safety of bread. This study was carried out to analyze the bacterial and fungal growth in bread fortified with different levels of Scomber scombrus (0%, 10%, 20% and 30%) over a three-day period immediately after processing. The bread was prepared with varying levels of Scomber scombrus and the treatments (A, B, C and D) were assigned based on the percentage of of the fish concentrate. The bread samples were stored under controlled conditions for three days, small portions of each bread samples were taken at different time points (Day 0, Day 3) and the samples were placed in sterile containers to prevent external contamination. Bacterial counts (CFU/g) on Day 0 ranged from 4.10 × 10² (Treatment A) to 1.20 × 10³ (Treatment D), while by Day 3, these values increased significantly, with Treatment D reaching 2.40 × 10³ CFU/g. Similarly, fungal counts (CFU/g) on Day 0 ranged from 1.70 × 10² (Treatment A) to 3.40 × 10² (Treatment D), increasing by Day 3 to a maximum of 4.20 × 10² CFU/g in Treatment D. Statistical analysis (P < 0.05) showed significant differences across treatments, indicating variations in microbial growth rates. The results suggest that proper storage methods and preservation techniques, such as refrigeration, airtight packaging, and antifungal agents, are crucial for maintaining bread quality and safety. Future research should explore the impact of different preservatives and environmental conditions on microbial proliferation in bakery products.

Abacteriological evaluation of Garri, a cassava product, one of the most popular foods derived from cassava fermentation, is a staple Nigerian food, its raw product Cassava (Mamihot esculenta Crantz), is a dicotyledonous perennial plant. It was conducted in five major markets in Benin City, Edo State. The aim and objectives of this study was to isolate bacteria from garri sold at different markets in Benin City, in order to determine the bacterial count of the garri samples, determine the species of bacteria resent in the garri samples and gain insights into the susceptibility of the isolated bacteria. Methodology utilized in this research study include: isolation of bacteria utilizing nutrient agar, a total of six isolates (bacteria) with a sample size of five (Olukwu, Uselu, ingRoad, NewBenin, and Mami ) were examined. The mean total heterotrophic bacterial count ranged from (7.00- 7.91±2.0 log10cfu/g) in the five different markets and the pour plate method was employed in achieving the colony count in the Garri
samples. The primary bacteria strains identified after observing the cultural, morphological and biochemical test results, included Pseudomonas spp., Bacillus spp., Escherichia coli., Streptococcus sp., Micrococcus spp., and Staphylococcus spp. These bacterial strains were prevalent in Garri samples from all five markets, indicating potential contamination during processing or handling. The bacteria obtained from this study were all susceptible to the antibiotic, perfloxacin, but resistant to the others, namely, amoxicillin, rocephin, ciprofloxacin, ampiclox, zinnacef, erythromycin and gentamicin. The high occurrence of bacteria in Garri across these markets could be attributed to suboptimal sanitation conditions, processing techniques, materials used, and inadequate waste management practices. It is recommended that producers and retailers in Benin implement rigorous hygiene measures in preparation and packaging to ensure food safety and the protection of consumers.

This study accessed the microbial analysis of melon seeds purchased from different vendors in New Benin market, Ogida market, Oba market and Uselu market in Benin City, Edo state, Nigeria. Samples were collected in sterile plastic containers and taken to the laboratory for microbiological assessment following standard procedures. The microbiological assessment was carried out using cultural techniques. Identification of the microbial isolates was done using biochemical methods, phenotypic virulence properties were evaluated for the isolates and antimicrobial sensitivity was carried out using agar well diffusion method. The results showed that the bacterial counts ranged from 1.96±0.67 to 3.45±1.15x105 CFU/g. The total coliform counts ranged from 4.73±0.67 to 9.66±0.67 x103 CFU/g. The fungal counts ranged from 1.00±0.00 to 6.00±0.58x103 CFU/g. The bacterial isolated from the melon seed samples were Bacillus sp, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas sp and Staphylococcus aureus. The fungal isolates identified were Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus sp, Penicillium chrysogenum, Fusarium sp and Trichoderma sp respectively. The antibacterial susceptibility testing showed that all isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin, erythromycin and levofloxacin but were also resistant to pefloxacin, gentamycin, ampiclox, zinnacef, amoxicillin and rocephin. It was also evident that all isolates were found to have an MAR index greater than 0.2 which means that the isolates were all pathogens of public health importance. The study therefore suggests regular surveillance and checks to monitor local vended foods on sale to ensure effective food safety.