The Public Health Significance of Pathogens Isolated from .. Kunun-Zaki .. , Sold in Retail Outlets in Zaria, Nigeria

This study assesses the presence and antimicrobial sensitivity of some pathogens and the enterotoxigenicity of Bacillus cereus isolated from "Kunun-zaki". Counts of B. cereus and S. aureU.\\ the isolation oCEschericlzia r:oli, Salmonella and Shigella and the antimicrobial sensitivity or the pathogens were carried out using standard procedures. The processing of kunun-zaki by one producer was studied to note the possible points of contamination. The ability of B. cereus to produce toxin was tested using ileal loop technique. Out of 240 samples of "kunun-zaki" purchased from retail 4 I outlets, 105 had B. cereus counts ofless than 10 cells rnf . / ., -1 S. aureus counts ranged from 68 to 7 .2x 10- cells ml . All the samples were contaminated with B. cereus, 221(92.1 %) had E. coli and 216(90.0%) had S. au reus. Salmonella and Shigella were not present in any of the products. The pathogenic bacteria isolated were alpha and beta haemolytic S. aureus, faecal strains of E. coli and enterotoxin producing B. cereus. The pathogens were highly sensitive to Floxacin, Gentamycin and Tetracycline. These agents are however, not in common use for the treatment of infections caused by the pathogens isolated. The high frequency of contamination and antimicrobial resistant patterns observed, calls for hygienic handling and control processing ofkununzaki, to reduce hazards to health