Posted on

Prevalence and identification of microbial contaminants of reusable plastic containers from informal food vending sites in Calabar, Nigeria

*[1]Usang, A., [2]Omeh, B. A., and [3]Ekuma, V. O.

1Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Calabar, PMB 1115, Calabar, Nigeria

2Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Technology, Calabar, Nigeria

3Department of Parasitology and Entomology, University of Calabar, Nigeria *Correspondence to: akedorusang2rue@gmail.com

 

Abstract

 Background: Reusable plastic containers are widely used in informal food vending sites in developing countries like Nigeria, posing potential risks for microbial contamination and foodborne illnesses. This study determined the prevalence and identify microbial contaminants in 350 reusable plastic containers sampled from selected sites (markets, schools, roadside sellers, hawkers, and motor parks) in Calabar, Nigeria. Continue reading “Prevalence and identification of microbial contaminants of reusable plastic containers from informal food vending sites in Calabar, Nigeria”

Posted on

Microbial contamination of Naira notes circulating in Bauchi metropolis: prevalence, microbial load and detection of extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing  Gram-negative bacteria

1Usman, M.,2Sani J.,3Ibrahim, A., and *4Olowo-okere, A  

1Department of Pharmacy, Nigerian Air Force Reference Hospital, Bauchi, Nigeria

2Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Kaduna State University, Kaduna, Nigeria     

3Department of Medical Microbiology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, Nigeria

4Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria *Correspondence to: olowoahmed@gmail.com

Abstract:

 Background: Globally, contamination of banknotes with various microbial species is increasingly being reported. This usually results from improper handling during exchange of goods and services. In the present study, we aimed to determine the microbial load, prevalence and the presence of Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL) among bacteria isolated from the Nigerian Naira notes circulating in Bauchi metropolis.

Methodology: A total of 400 Naira notes of various denominations were randomly collected aseptically, cultured and total viable counts determined. The isolated microbial species were identified using standard microbiological techniques. Antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates and detection of ESBL were determined by Kirby-Bauer’s disc diffusion method and Double Disc Synergy Test (DDST), respectively. Continue reading “Microbial contamination of Naira notes circulating in Bauchi metropolis: prevalence, microbial load and detection of extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing  Gram-negative bacteria”