ABSTRACT

This study determined the antibiogram of fruits and vegetables sold in Umuahia metropolis. A total of Twenty (20) fruit (watermelon, pawpaw) and vegetable samples were purchased randomly from five different markets in Umuahia, Abia State. The bacterial species were identified by morphological characteristics, pigmentation on media, microscopy, biochemical and sugar fermentation methods. The major bacteria species isolated include; Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aurues, Salmonella species and Shigella species respectively. The total bacteria mean counts recorded in this study was found higher in Gate six 8.3x105cfu/ml (vegetables), while the least viable bacteria count was recorded for Gate six (2.2x105 cfu/ml), (watermelon). From the findings in this study, it was observed that Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently occurred isolate with a high percentage occurrence of 10(33.3%) followed by Escherichia coli at 9(30.0%). Antibiotics susceptibility test indicated that all the isolated bacteria recorded highest sensitivity with Ciprofloxacin and Levofloxacin while the highest resistance occurred when the antibiotics Amoxil and Ampiclox were used. However, the bacteria species isolated indicated a public health concern as they showed high counts and occurrence on the samples which suggested heavy bacterial contamination of the fruit and vegetables by handling, processing equipment, environment, packaging materials and the personnel’s in the production process. Therefore, it is recommended that retailers and sellers of fruits and vegetables should be properly educated and sensitized on different hygiene practices.