ISSN: 0973-7510

E-ISSN: 2581-690X

K.C. Edward and C. Chikwem
Department of Microbiology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria.
J Pure Appl Microbiol. 2012;6(2):659-664
© The Author(s). 2012
Received: 25/10/2011 | Accepted: 05/12/2011 | Published: 30/06/2012
Abstract

The antibiotic sensitivity pattern of Escherichia coli isolated from vegetable salad samples sold in Umuahia, Nigeria was investigated. A total of 30 different E. coli isolates from 30 different vendors were used for the antibiotic sensitivity test which was carried out by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Eight different antibiotics, Ofloxacin (OFL), Augmentin (AUG), Tetracycline (TET), Amoxycillin (AMX), Co-trimoxazole (COT), Nitrofurantoin (NIT), Gentamicin (GEN) and Nalidixic acid (NAL) were used in this study. All E. coli isolates were sensitive to Ofloxacin (100%). The percentage sensitivity recorded in the case of Gentamicin, Nalidixic acid, Nitrofurantoin, Co-trimoxazole and tetracycline were 96.7%, 90%, 80%, 50% and 6.7%, respectively. All the isolates were resistant to Augmentin and Amoxycillin. This study suggests the need for better personal, environmental and food hygiene of street vendors as well as judicious application of antibiotics for the safety of the public.

Keywords

E.coli, vegetable salad, antibiotic sensitivity, Umuahia, Nigeria

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