Occurrence of Listeria Monocytogenes in Irrigation Water and Vegetable at Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

In this study, thirty water samples obtained from nvers. streams and ponds used for irrigation of vegetables at thirty different sites in Jos, Plateau state, Nigeria were analyzed for the presence Listeria monocytogenes and other Listeria species using the two-step enrichment method. Ten samples each spinach lettuce and cabbage, which are common vegetables grown in Jos were analyzed for the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. The results obtained showed that out of the 30 water samples screened 10(33.3%) were positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Ponds accounted for 50% of the positive samples, followed by streams (33.3%) and rivers (27.2%). Of the ten samples of vegetables analyzect only two spinach samples were positive for Listena monocytogenes. Other bacteria species isolated from the water samples include L. onnocue. L. ivsnovit. L. gray< Bacillus spp, Streptococcus .70, Aeromcoes SPIJ, Pseodorrcnes sJp. Klebsiella Spp Escherichia coii and Staphylococcus aureus. Dry season farmers and vegetables handlers in the irrigated fields should be educated on measures aimed at minimizing or eliminating the hazard associated with Listeria monocytogenes.