Determination of Bacterial load of some selected fruits and vegetables sold in Kaduna Central Markets, Northwestern Nigeria.

Abstract

Fruits and vegetables served as the major sources of plant proteins, vitamins and fibers that support human health. This study was conducted to assess the bacteriological quality of some selected fruits and vegetables sold in Kaduna central market, northern Nigeria. A total of sixty (60) samples of fruits and vegetables were collected from Kaduna central market (Kaduna north local Government area), they include: Pepper (Capsicum annum L.), Tomato (Lycopersicumesculentum Mill.), Irish potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), Garden egg (Solanum melongena L.), Carrot (Daucus carota L.), Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), Water melon (Citrullus lanatusThunb.), Onion (Allium cepa L.), Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) and Okra (Albelmoschusesculentus L.).  The samples  were  analyzed using serial dilution technique and inoculation was done on MacConkey and Nutrient agar and incubated for 48 h. Results: The result obtained showed the presence of six bacterial species: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus sp., Enterobacter sp., Escherichia coli, Citrobacter sp. and Klebsiella sp. Staphylococcus aureus was the most abundant (with 80% relative occurrence) while Streptococcus sp. was the least abundant with 2% relative occurrence. Conclusion: It was concluded that 6 different bacterial species prevailed on the fruits and vegetables sold in Kaduna central market: The result therefore implied that people consuming these fruits and vegetables are at a higher risk of pneumonia and toxic shock syndrome due to Staphylococcal infection, strep throat, rheumatic fever, scalded skin syndrome, scarlet fever and puerperal fever due to S. aureus, gastrointestinal disorders due to E. coli and bronchopneumonia due to Klebsiella sp. These findings highlight the microbial contamination of fruits and vegetables and the need for public health measures to control the spread of infectious diseases caused by local foods in the region.Their is urgent need for orienting the general populace on the inherent dangers associated with consumption of these types of fruits and vegetables without thorough disinfection.