Food Science and Technology Vol. 7(3), pp. 23 - 30
DOI: 10.13189/fst.2019.070301
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Occurrence and Enumeration of Multiple Bacterial Pathogens in Edible Snails from South East Nigeria

Arthur C. Okafor ^1,*, Frank C. Ogbo ^2
1 Department of Microbiology, Edo University Iyamho, Nigeria
² Department of Applied Microbiology and Brewing, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Edible snails are usually obtained from the forest and in high demand among consumers. Data on the level of contamination of edible snails with bacterial pathogens are needed for making legislations that will improve food safety and protect public health. This study aimed to determine the occurrence and distribution of counts of selected bacterial pathogens in Achatina achatina from major markets within South East Nigeria. A total of 300 samples of A. achatina were examined for occurrence and counts of Citrobacter, Shigella, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus, Aeromonas and Bacillus cereus using enrichment broth, differential and selective media. Snail samples from Ogbete market had the highest mean aerobic plate count (9.32 ± 0.308 Log CFU/g), while Abakaliki market samples had highest mean count of coliforms (7.63 ± 0.389 Log CFU/g). Among pathogens, highest counts were observed for Citrobacter and E. coli which ranged from 6.0 to 8.0 Log CFU/g in 300 (100%) and 180 (60%) samples respectively. Significant differences were observed among the locations (p < 0.01). Our findings highlight the need for formulation and implementation of strategies for the reduction of bacterial pathogens in edible snails along the value chain.

KEYWORDS
Achatina achatina, Aeromonas, Bacillus cereus, Citrobacter, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Arthur C. Okafor , Frank C. Ogbo , "Occurrence and Enumeration of Multiple Bacterial Pathogens in Edible Snails from South East Nigeria," Food Science and Technology, Vol. 7, No. 3, pp. 23 - 30, 2019. DOI: 10.13189/fst.2019.070301.

(b). APA Format:
Arthur C. Okafor , Frank C. Ogbo (2019). Occurrence and Enumeration of Multiple Bacterial Pathogens in Edible Snails from South East Nigeria. Food Science and Technology, 7(3), 23 - 30. DOI: 10.13189/fst.2019.070301.