Assessment of bacteriological quality of Rastrineobola Argentea along its value chain in lake Victoria, Mwanza, Tanzania
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Date
2015
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Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture.
Abstract
A cross-sectional study design was used to assess bacteriological contamination in Rastrineobola argentea along its value chain in Lake Victoria, Mwanza. Rastrineobola argentea were collected from different points along the chain. Fresh, dried on raised racks and on ground samples of R. argentea were purposively collected from landing sites, drying areas and retail markets. Bacterial counts were performed and Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp were identified using bacteriological standard procedures. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed on Muller Hinton Agar. The findings showed a significant difference (p<0.05) in bacterial counts between ground and raised racks dried R. argentea. Results for E. coli quantification showed that fresh R. argentea had significant difference (p<0.05) in mean counts to those dried on raised racks and ground at processing and market levels. Overall prevalence of Salmonella spp along the chain was 15.8% (n=120). The prevalence of Salmonella typhimurium and unidentified Salmonella spp in fresh R. argentea were 20% and 5% (n=40) respectively. Prevalence of S. typhimurium in R. argentea dried on ground at processing and markets were 20% and 15% (n=20) respectively. Salmonella spp were not detected in R. argentea dried on racks. The overall prevalence of E. coli was 43.3% (n=120). Prevalence of 62.5% (n=40) was found in fresh R. argentea and 70% (n=20) in those dried on ground at market while none of R. argentea dried on racks were contaminated. Salmonella spp and E. coli were resistant to ampicillin, tetracycline and co-trimoxazole, however were sensitive to norfloxacin and ciprofloxacin. Escherichia coli showed sensitivity to chloramphenicol too. Therefore, sundried R. argentea using raised racks is recommended as it is more hygienic than drying on ground to provide quality products for consumptions. Antibiotics susceptibility revealed that R. argentea contains antibiotic resistant Salmonella spp and E. coli of public health implications.
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Keywords
Bacteriolocal assessment, Rastrineobola argentea, Value chain, Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Lake Victoria, Bacteriological standard procedures