Evaluation of Bacterial Contamination of Fruits and Vegetables Obtained in Markets in Abia State, Nigeria

The study explored bacterial contamination of fruits and vegetables obtained from markets in Abia State, Nigeria. It was a cross sectional descriptive survey. A sample size of 360 fruits and vegetables were collected from different markets in Abia State, Nigeria. It used laboratory systematic manipulation of a few variables at a time while others that may affect the outcome of the result were held constant. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts, normative, percentage, barchart and inferential statistics of chi-square (×2). The results showed high bacterial contamination of fruits and vegetables. Five bacterial isolates exhibited varying levels of occurrence, Escherichia coli occurring highest in the three zones of Abia State; Abia South (42%), Abia central (34.5%) and Abia North (23.5%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella sp, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Shigella sp, were detected in (26,%), (12%), (18%), and (10%) respectively in (Abia South). Salmonella sp, was highest in Abia Central followed by Abia South and Abia North. Prevalence rate of salmonella paratyphi and typhi were highest in Abia central (211 & 83.07), followed by Abia South (208 & 68.42) and Abia North (154 & 75.12). In conclusion, this investigation recorded a high load of bacteria isolates in fruits and vegetables sold in six markets across the three senatorial zones of Abia state, Nigeria. Microorganisms identified are both of health importance and spoilage value. Poor sanitation in markets, fruits and vegetables displayed on dirty table surfaces/grounds in Abia state can be identified as a major sources of microbial contamination of fresh produce.