Molecular characterization and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of bacteria isolated from wara (west african cheese) sold in Osun state, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the species distribution and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of bacteria isolated from thirty samples of Wara (West African Cheese) sold in Osogbo, Ede and Ikire, all located in Osun State, Southwestern Nigeria. The bacteria were isolated from the samples using standard protocol and subjected to RAPD-PCR to determine the probable variants in each species. Antibiotic sensitivity test and plasmid profiling were also carried out on each isolated bacterium. Five bacteria species namely, Serratia marcesens, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, Lactobacillus casei, Corynebacterium species and Staphylococcus aureus were isolated from the samples. Results of RAPD-PCR showed two-band patterns of genes for S. aureus and four-band patterns L. casei and Corynebacterium species. Most of the isolates had multiple resistances to antibiotics but did not harbour plasmids. The contamination of the cheese with human body flora which has been implicated as causative agents of gastrointestinal, urinary tract, and food poisoning indicates poor hygienic conditions in the processing and handling of the cheese. Therefore, there is need for periodic public health enlightenment for the people involved in the processing and handling of the cheese to reduce the incidence of microbial contamination.