BACTERIAL BURDEN OF TWO VARIETIES OF KOLANUTS COLA NITIDA

ABSTRACT

Kolanut is a fruit from kola tree native to the tropical rainforest of Africa. Its extracts have antimicrobial properties which help to fight dental pathogens and other infections. Packaging of kolanut has been alleged to be done with little or no concern for hygiene, good presentation or adequate packaging to the consumers. The aim of this research was to assess the bacteriological quality and safety of two species (Cola accumunata and Cola nitida) of kolanuts in five markets around Benin City. Four objectives were raised for the study. A total of ten (10) mature kolanuts samples of the species cola nitida and colaaccumunata were purchased from five markets: Oluku old market, Uselu market, Oluku new market, Ring Road market and Mission Road market in Benin City, two species each from the markets. The nuts were immediately transported to the laboratory for microbiological examination. The kolanuts were cultured on nutrient agar, MacConkey and blood agar which were prepared and incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. The Isolates were identified using standard bacteriological test. The bacteria Isolates obtain from the samples were Escherichia coli which shave the highest percentage (70%), Klebsiella spp (20%) and Proteus spp (10%). Antimicrobial susceptible test was carried out using an antimicrobial disk for Gram negative bacteria, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp and Proteus  spp is succeptible to  ofloxacin and gentamycin and resistant to Ampiclox.  It is concluded that traders should be enlightened on the need for proper hygiene and consumers should wash kolanuts to reduce microbial load or treat it before consumption.