Occurrence of Enteropathogens in Traditional Weaning Cereal Pastes in Jos, Nigeria

Abstract

A study was carried out to determine the occurrence of enteropathogens with emphasis on Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp, and Shigella spp in traditional weaning cereal pastes in Jos, Nigeria. A total of 50 uncooked weaning cereal pastes including (maize (n = 18), Guinea corn (n = 15), millet (n = 11), and millet and corn (n = 6) were obtained from different locations within Jos metropolis and examined using standard microscopy and culture. Of the total number examined, 17(34%) were positive with an average microbial load of 1.31x 1O10cfu/g. A total of 30 isolates were recovered and identified which included: E coli 11(36.67%), Shigella dysenteriae 7(23.33%), Shigella spp 5(16.67%), E. coli 0157:H7 4(13.33%), and Salmonella typhi 3(10.00%). Contamination was found to depend on handlers rather than on location. All isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin and all showed multiple drug resistance. Proper processing of weaning cereals is indicated to prevent cases of infantile diarrhea