TitleAntibiogram of Key Microorganisms of Health Importance, Found on Different Species of Banana (Musa spp.)

Aim: The aim of this study was to isolate, enumerate, identify and ascertain the antibiotic profile of the bacterial isolates associated with key body parts (Cut stalk, Tip, Endocarp, Vascular Tissue and Epicarp) of Banana fruits (Cavendish, Dwarf Cavendish, Red, Lady Finger and Grand Nain Banana) collected from Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.

Study Design: The study employs statistical analysis of the data and interpretation.

Place and Duration of Study: Five local markets which includes Oil Mill, Fruit Garden, Creek Road, Mile One and Mile Three Markets, all located in the city of Port-Harcourt, Rivers State were used for this study. Sample collection lasted for a week and the analysis was carried out every day and it lasted for six months.

Methodology: A total of seventy-five (75) banana (Cavendish, Dwarf Cavendish, Red, Lady Finger and Grand Nain Banana) fruit samples were collected randomly, for a period of three months from five different markets (Oil Mill, Fruit Garden, Creek Road, Mile One and Mile Three Markets) in Rivers State. The collected samples were grouped into three groups (Unripe, Healthy-Looking and Spoiled) and were subjected to standard microbiological procedures which includes standard plate counts, identification, sensitivity testing using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method and molecular identification of the isolates.

Results: A total of 83 bacteria were isolated from the different sampled parts (Cut stalk, Tip, Endocarp, Vascular Tissue and Epicarp) of the banana fruit samples. 18.88%. Escherichia coli showed high level of resistance to Cefotaxime (100%) > Augmentin (94.7%) > Gentamycin (78.9%) > Levofloxacin (10.5%). There was complete resistance to Cefotaxime, Levofloxacin, Imipenem/Cilastatin, Ofloxacin and Azithromycin in all isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and susceptibility at 70.8%, 79.2% and 20.8% to Augmentin, Ceftriaxone sulbactarm and Erythromycin, respectively. Pseudomonas aeruginosa were susceptible to Augmentin (25.0%), Imipenem/Cilastatin (66.7%), Gentamycin (83.3%) and Ceftriaxone Sulbactarm at 8.3%. While complete resistance was seen in Cefotaxime, Nalidixic Acid, Nitrofurantoin and Cefexime. The antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of all isolates of Bacillus flexus which shows complete resistance to Cefotaxime, Ceftriaxone Sulbactarm, Cefexime, Imipenem/Cilastatin and Azithromycin. While susceptibility was seen in Levofloxacin at 100% and 22.2%, 33.3% and 11.1% seen in Ciprofloxacin, Gentamycin and Augmentin, respectively. The isolates of Proteus mirabilis showed complete susceptibility in Imipenem/Cilastatin and CefrtiaxoneSulbactarm and complete resistance in Augmentin, Cefotaxime, Gentamycin, Nalidixic Acid, Nitrofurantoin, Cefuroxime, Ampiclox, Cefexime and Levofloxacin. Klebsiella pneumoniae to Levofloxacin and 45.5% susceptibility to Augmentin, Ofloxacin, Ceftriaxone and Ampiclox at 54.5%, 27.3% and 18.2%, respectively. While complete resistance was seen in Cefotaxime, Nalidixic Acid, Nitrofurantoin, Cefuroxime and Cefexime.

Conclusion: Conclusively, this study revealed the Antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the isolated bacteria. Treatment guidelines for use of antibiotics should be formulated based on the hospital formulary and the sensitivity patterns. This should be reviewed occasionally to ensure rational use of antibiotics