Survey Of Enteric Pathogens Present In Kunun Drinks Sold In Umuahia Metropolis, Nigeria:- Obuh, Kingsley O

ABSTRACT

Thirty Kunun drink samples were obtained as freshly formulated drinks from ten different local hawkers in Umuahia Metropolis, Umualiia North Local Govemnient Area, Abia State, Nigeria and screened for microbial contamination basically enteric pathogens. The mean pH of the samples ranged from 3.23 to 4.37. The enteric pathogens present were Escherichia coli, Enlerobacter spp., Salmonella spp, Shigella spp., Klebsiella spp. and Pseudomonas spp. E. coli and Scibnonella spp had the highest occurrence of 30(100%) followed by Pseudomonas spp. with percentage occurrence of 20(67%). The least occurrence of 8(27%) was obtained from Klebsiella spp. followed by Enlerobacter spp. with 10(33%) percentage occurence. Across hawkers, the highest occurrence of enteric pathogens was seen with hawker J while the least was recorded against hawker C. The genus and density of enteric pathogens present in the samples calls for serious, immediate measures to be taken by food regulatory authorities on the processing and handling ofthe food drink before being marketed to the expectant consumers.