The potential widespread of highly virulent organisms and possible transfer of resistance genes due to consumption of unregulated, locally manufactured Zobo and Soya milk drinks is a serious public health concern. This study aims to determine the scope of this dangerous trend. Nutrient agar was used to estimate the mean aerobic plate count (APC). The bacterial isolates were characterized and sensitivity testing was carried out on the isolates. The microbial quality of the Zobo drinks is good but its safety is questionable as it contain indicator organisms like Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Corynebacterium spp. and Clostridium spp.. 40 % of the soymilk drink had an unsatisfactory microbial quality and 50 % are unsuitable for consumption as they contain E. coli and Staph. aureus. The antibiogram showed that most strains of the isolated organisms were susceptible to all the antibiotics with each organism having almost 100 % susceptibility. However, Clostridium spp. were completely resistant to amoxicillin and Corynebacterium spp. were completely resistant to rifampicin. Also one strain of E. coli was multi-drug resistant. Poor monitoring of Zobo and Soymilk drinks among other alcoholic drinks sold in Awka, could cause food poisoning and lead to the spread of bacteria resistance.

Login Required

Please login to access the full PDF of this article.

🔑 Author Login