ABSTRACT
Consumption of fruits and vegetables which are known to be highly nutritious has been linked to foodborne disease outbreaks which constitute food safety and public concern. This study aimed to assess the safety of selected fruits and vegetables from fruit markets and home gardens, within the South-West region of Nigeria. A total of fifty-three (53) samples of watermelon, cucumber, tomatoes and garden eggs were collected and subjected to microbiological analysis. Isolated bacteria were screened for their pathogenicity and spoilage potential using haemolysis and amylase production tests respectively. A total of 146 bacteria were isolated, 75 (45.7%) were from retail samples and 71 (43.3%) from the home garden. The genera: Bacillus (15.9%), Corynebacterium (11.0%), Lactobacillus (1.2%), Listeria (1.8%), Staphylococcus (12.8%), Enterococcus (1.2%), Micrococcus (1.2%), Acinetobacter (3.7%), Aeromonas (2.4%), Alcaligenes (0.6%), Brucella (0.6%), Vibrio (0.6%), and the family Enterobacteriaceae (36.0%) were identified. Isolates with haemolytic potentials were 51 (31%) while 49 (30%) could cause spoilage. The overall microbiological quality and safety of fruit and vegetable samples analysed in this study is low, as they were contaminated by diverse pathogenic, and spoilage microorganisms. The presence of these pathogens in retailed and home garden fruits and vegetables is a pointer to public health risks and food safety threats. Hence, the need for improved hygienic practice through training handlers along the supply chain.
ABSTRACT
Background: Influenza is an acute respiratory disease that has caused pandemic in birds and humans. Therefore, this study was designed to isolate and identify influenza A virus strains from live bird handlers in life bird markets (LBM) and poultry farms in Ibadan metropolis. Methods: A total of 43 oropharyneal swabs were collected over a period of four months and tested for influenza A virus. Isolation was done by virus culture in MDCK cells and ten to twelve day old embryonated chicken eggs. Detection of RNA of the virus was carried out using real time PCR. Statistical tools employed were percentages (Multiple Bar Chart) chi square (P=.05 and 1 degree of freedom). Results: Out of 43 samples collected and tested, 5 (11.6%) were positive for influenza virus in MDCK, 2 (4.7%) in embryonated egg while 16 (37.2%) were positive for influenza A virus by real time PCR. Only 1 (2.3%) was confirmed by the three methods used for detection of influenza A virus in this study. Conclusion: The occurrence of influenza A virus particles in the samples obtained from live bird handlers confirmed by the methods employed in this study revealed the possibility of cross infection by the virus.