MOLECULAR DETECTION AND ENUMERATION OF GRAM-POSITIVE PATHOGENS IN SOME POWDERED INFANT FOODS IN IKOT EKPENE METROPOLIS, NIGERIA
Uko, E.A.1& Adenugba, I.T.2
Department of Science Technology
Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, Nigeria
ABSTRACT: The present study was conducted to detect and enumerate Gram positive bacteria in some powdered food sold within Ikot Ekpene metropolis using the polymerase chain reaction(PCR) based method. Ten different samples were obtained from different supermarkets and pharmaceutical stores and were tested for Gram positive bacteria. The results obtained using the culture based method indicated that samples were contaminated by Gram positive bacteria (spore forming and non-spore forming). The PCR based method was further used for identification and the results revealed the identity of Lactobacillus sp, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens and Staphylococcus aureus. The use of molecular method has facilitated pathogen detection in powdered food as they have posed some health challenges to consumers. From the result obtained, greater emphasis are placed on good manufacturing practices with careful attention to heat inactivation of bacterial spores, hygienic conditions, sanitation of equipment and processing plants. Implementation of food safety policy by government with the objective of reducing food-borne illness among consumers is recommended. This will ensure microbial quality, food safety and standards of powdered infant foods. Further study should be carried out on bacterial spores, their ability to survive during processing in food industries and the step to kill the vegetative cells.
Keywords: Gram positive bacteria, contamination, Polymerase chain reaction, pathogen.
