Isolation, identification and characterisation of bacteria from ripe tomatoes grown under different agronomic conditions

Authors

  • Oviness Mapiki Micheal Chilufya Sata, School of medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola Zambi
  • Chinkuli k. Mulele Micheal Chilufya Sata, School of medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola Zambia
  • Seter Siziya Micheal Chilufya Sata, School of medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola Zambia
  • Mubbunu Lumamba Micheal Chilufya Sata, School of medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola Zambia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21276/apjhs.2017.4.3.23

Keywords:

Bacteria, Contaminants, Pathogens, Tomato

Abstract

Background: Tomatoes are exposed to potential microbial contamination. The objective of the study was to determine the presence of bacteria in and on tomato fruits grown under different agronomic conditions in Lusaka. Methods: Bacteriological survey of 27 samples of fresh tomatoes collected from different sources was carried out and analysed. Analysis was done by culturing the tomatoes on different medias: MacConkey, chocolate, blood and shingella and salmonella agar. Following isolation of pure colonies, biochemical tests were done, SIM, catalase, oxidase, TSI, simmons citrate agar and the urease test. Results: Nine bacteria were identified: Escherichia coli, citrobacter, enterobacter, Vibrio spp, Shigella, Salmonella, Klebsiella and Streptococcus aureus. E. Coli and Staphylococcus aureus were found to be the dominant species. Results indicated that the microbial load in samples from fields near the sewer was higher than in samples from far away from the sewer system. Conclusion: Tomatoes grown near the sewer streams are contaminated with bacteria from entrobactriaceae family.

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Author Biographies

Oviness Mapiki, Micheal Chilufya Sata, School of medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola Zambi

1Clinical Sciences Department, a

Chinkuli k. Mulele, Micheal Chilufya Sata, School of medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola Zambia

Basic Sciences Department, 

Seter Siziya, Micheal Chilufya Sata, School of medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola Zambia

Clinical Sciences Department,

Mubbunu Lumamba, Micheal Chilufya Sata, School of medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola Zambia

Basic Sciences Department, 

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Published

2017-09-30

How to Cite

Oviness Mapiki, Chinkuli k. Mulele, Seter Siziya, & Mubbunu Lumamba. (2017). Isolation, identification and characterisation of bacteria from ripe tomatoes grown under different agronomic conditions. Asian Pacific Journal of Health Sciences, 4(3), 139–150. https://doi.org/10.21276/apjhs.2017.4.3.23

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 3 (2017): Vol 4 | Issue 3 | July - September 2017

Section

Table of Contents

License

Asian Pacific Journal of Health Sciences applies the Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) license to published articles. Under this license, authors retain ownership of the copyright for their content, but they allow anyone to download, reuse, reprint, modify, distribute and/or copy the content as long as the original authors and source are cited. Appropriate attribution can be provided by simply citing the original article.