PREVALENCE OF Salmonella AND Staphylococcus SPECIES IN READY-TO-
EAT FOOD AND DRINKING WATER SOLD WITHIN BENSON IDAHOSA CITY, EDO STATE, NIGERIA
DOKIWARI, E. T., AJAYI, H. I. AND OMORUYI, I. M.
ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of Salmonella and Staphylococcus species in ready-to-eat food and drinking water sold within Benson Idahosa University Legacy Campus, Okha, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. All samples were obtained aseptically in a biohazard bag and transported in ice pack to the laboratory for immediate analysis. All samples were processed and enumeration of total heterotrophic bacterial count, total Staphylococcus aureus counts and total Salmonella counts were determined by pour plate method using nutrient agar, mannitol salt agar and Salmonella-Shigella agar respectively by standard microbiological techniques. All bacterial isolates were identified by their cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics. Their antibiotics susceptibility profile….