Isolation and Identification of Bacteria from Peeled and Ready to Eat Pineapple (Ananas Comosus) Fruits Retailed at Eke Awka Market, Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is an indispensible fruit that is cherished by many people due to its huge health benefits. It is peeled and sold in many markets and roadsides for easy accessibility. The presence of bacteria in the peeled and ready to eat fruits was checked in this study. Peeled, sliced and cellophane packaged pineapple fruits were purchased from Eke Awka Market in Anambra State Nigeria. Nutrient agar was used to carry out bacterial isolation using pour plate technique. Results showed that colony count of the pineapple fruits ranged from 3.5 - 9.5-2cfu/ml of the rinsed water. The isolates were identified on the basis of their colony and morphological features as well as biochemical and sugar fermentation tests. Gene sequencing was used to confirm the species of some of the isolates. A total of six bacteria species were isolated and identified with frequencies as Streptococcus spp (13.9%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (22.2%), Staphylococcus aureus (25.0%), Micrococcus luteus (11.1%), Escherichia coli (19.5%) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (8.3%). Staphylococcus aureus has the highest frequency followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Staphylococcus epidermidis has the least frequency. Almost all the isolates are pathogenic in nature and their presence in the consumable fruits indicates possible health problems to the consumers. The presence of E. coli indicates direct or indirect fecal contamination. Proper handling of pineapple fruits, hygiene and proper storage will help reduce the risk of contamination by these organisms.