Isolation of various Pathogenic Bacteria Associated with Rotten Tomatoes Sold at Tungan Goro Market, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

This chapter aimed to determine the various pathogenic bacteria associated with tomatoes sold in Tungan Goro Market, in Minna Niger State Nigeria. Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) has a high-water content which predisposes it to spoilage by pathogenic bacteria that can pose significant health threats to consumers.   40 pieces of rotten tomatoes from Tungan-goro market were taken to the laboratory in a clean polythene bag. The tomatoes were subjected to microbiological analysis such as culturing on Nutrient agar, and MacConkey agar. The antibiogram of bacterial isolates was determined by Kirby-Bauer disc-diffusion method. Biochemical analysis was conducted for isolation and characterization of bacterial strains. Five bacteria strains where isolated and characterized; Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus anthracis, Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Among the isolated organisms, four isolates, Listeria monocytogens, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus anthrasis are identified as pathogens. The appearance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa among the bacteria that spoiled tomato is no longer a surprise because a related studies reveals the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa as among the bacteria identified with post-harvest rotting of tomatoes caused by microorganism. While Bacillus subtilis is the only non-pathogenic organism isolated. Recommendations. The research discovered that few organisms isolated are food borne pathogens, that can cause food poisoning in humans when consume. It is recommended that proper handling of harvested tomatoes fruits, proper screening of the harvested tomatoes fruits and provision of disease resistance varieties.