Histopathological Responses of Intestinal Tissues to Foodborne Microorganisms from Street-vended Foods in Anambra State, Nigeria
Umeh, S.O.
Department of Applied Microbiology and Brewing, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Ogu, C.T. *
Department of Applied Microbiology and Brewing, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Amagbobi, C.O.
Department of Applied Microbiology and Brewing, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Egbuim, T.C.
Department of Applied Microbiology and Brewing, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study was aimed at histologically evaluating microorganisms associated with food vending in selected towns in Anambra State and their implications in food-borne diseases. Randomly selected towns (Agulu, Nnewi, Oba, Awka, Mbaukwu and Nise) were chosen. A descriptive cross-sectional study and a multistage sampling technique were adopted. The sample size was determined using the standard Fisher’s formula, and a total of 128 food vendors were sampled. Using sterile swab sticks, the vendors’ hands (palms), aprons, plates and spoons were aseptically swabbed. Microbial isolation was done using standard microbiological techniques method. Microbial isolates were identified using biochemical and gene sequencing methods. Using a rat model, histopathological studies were done by staining tissue sections using haematoxylin and eosin stain to assess the pathogenicity of the isolates. A test of statistical significance was carried out using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using SPSS version 21.0. Differences were considered statistically significant when the p-value was < 0.05. Results showed varying percentage prevalence with Escherichia coli (23.27%), Staphylococcus aureus (21.01%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16.89%), Salmonella enteric (13.03%), Bacillus cereus (11.84%), Klebsiella pneumonia (10.90%) and Serratia marcescens (3.06%), Candida albicans (25.42%), Aspergillus niger(23.73%), Microsporium canis (14.41%), Aspergillus flavus (13.56%), Mucor circinelloides (12.71%) and Penicillium chrysogenum (10.17%). All the isolates except Candida albicans showed wide resistance to conventional antibiotics, especially beta-lactams, nitrofuran, griseofulvin and azoles. Histopathological results revealed varying effects in the small intestine of the orally infected Wistar rats. Effects such as intestinal distortion of muscularis, submucosa and mucosa were observed. This study observed the importance of food vendors as potential vehicles for transmitting food-borne pathogens and recommends adequate hygiene monitoring and food safety measures to be adopted.
Keywords: Food vending, pathogenic, histopathology, food-borne diseases, Anambra State