May 2017 Vol.5 No.3

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Original Research Article

Entero bacterial pathogens associated with palm wine sold in Calabar metropolis

Iquo Bassey Otu-Bassey, Maurice Mbah^*, Ofonime Mark Ogba and Thangod Jumbo Sunday

Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Calabar, Nigeria

*Corresponding Author’s E-mail: mauricembah@yahoo.fr

Accepted May 15, 2017

Abstract

Two brands of palm wine from Elaeis guineensis and Raphia hookeri sold in Calabar, Cross River State were examined for entero-pathogenic bacteria using standard bacteriological methods. A total of 35 samples were examined, 20 from Elaeis guineensis brand of palm wine and 15 from Raphia hookeri brand. Out of the 35 samples examined 6(17.1%) tested positive for enteric pathogens. Palm wine from Raphia hookeri was observed to be more contaminated with enteric bacterial pathogens 3/15(20%) than that from Elaeis guineensis 3/20(15%)(X2=0.1311; P>0.05). This difference was statistically insignificant. According to bacterial genera, Raphia hookeri brand of palm wine was contaminated with Shigella and Salmonella while Elaeis guineensis brand was contaminated with Shigella and Vibrio. Among the bacteria isolated, Shigella ranked highest, 3(50%) while vibrio rring , vibrio parahaemolyticus and Salmonella had 1(16.7%) occurrence each. The presence of entero pathogens in palm wine revealed faecal contamination of the product, hence a threat to consumers. Thus potable water should be used in diluting the product and washing of utensils and government should regulate palm wine production for quality control, the public should as well be enlightened on the implications of palm wine contamination.

Keywords: Palm wine, Bacteria, Elaeis guineensis, Raphia hookeri, Contamination