Isolation and Identification of Enteric Bacteria from Tomatoes Sold in Kalgo Market, Kebbi State

ABSTRACT
Tomatoes are a stable crop in Nigeria, and their contamination with enteric bacteria poses significant health risks to consumers. This study aimed to isolate and identify enteric bacteria associated with tomatoes sold in Kalgo Market, Kebbi State, and to enumerate the bacterial load. Tomatoes samples were collected from the market and analyzed for enteric bacteria using standard microbiological techniques. A total of 15 fresh tomato samples were randomly collected from different vendors, packaged in sterile containers, and transported to the microbiology laboratory. Samples were prepared, serially diluted, and cultured on MacConkey and Salmonella Shigella agar for bacterial isolation. Biochemical tests was used to identify the isolates. Identified bacterial species included Staphylococcus spp. (75%), Corynebacterium spp. (20%), and Vibrio spp. (5%). Among these, Staphylococcus spp. was the most prevalent organism, found in high contamination levels in five samples. Corynebacterium spp. and Vibrio spp. were present at lower frequencies. These results highlight the potential health risks associated with consuming contaminated tomatoes, emphasizing the need for improved food handling practices, vendor education on hygiene, and regulatory measures to ensure food safety. The study contributes to understanding the microbial risks associated with fresh produce, particularly in resource-limited settings