Microbial safety and molecular characterization of microorganisms associated with sliced water melon fruits in selected markets in Akure, Nigeria

Résumé

Water melon is one of the most commonly consumed sliced fruits in Nigeria, that is being hawked around particularly in markets. This study was therefore aimed at evaluating microbial safety and characterising microorganisms associated with the sliced water melon fruits in Oja-Oba, Isinkan and Shasha markets in Akure, Nigeria. A total of 54 fruits were randomly sampled from six different fruit vendors (A-F) across the 3 markets. The samples were serially diluted and pour plate technique was used for microbial counts and isolation. Each isolate was characterised using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) analysis. Results showed that bacteria counts (×104 cfu/mL) of the sliced fruits ranged from 0.67 ± 0.67 in Isinkan to 202.33 ± 8.11 in Shasha, while total coliform counts (×104 cfu/mL) equally ranged from 1.67 ± 1.67 in Isinkan to 270.33 ± 33.39 in Shasha. Remarkably, no fungus was observed in both, the control and sliced fruits across the 3 markets. Besides, PCR analysis revealed the presence of Providencia rettgeri, Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Proteus mirabilis and Kersytersia gyiorum as identified bacteria isolates in the sliced fruits. The high microbial load and the presence of identified isolates consequently suggest the health hazards associated with consumption of such sliced fruits.

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