Research article

Isolation and identification of bacteria associated with retailed and unsealed drugs sold in Aba, Nigeria

*¹Ezeigbo OR, ²Asogu GO, ¹Uhiara S, ¹Ekaiko MU and ¹Ojukwu K

¹Department of Biology/Microbiology, Abia State polytechnic, Aba, Nigeria

²Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana, Nigeria

*Corresponding Author E-mail: obyezeigbotxt1@yahoo.com; Tel: +2348035465795

Accepted 26 November 2014

Abstract

Bacteria associated with several retailed and unsealed drugs purchased from the open market, maternities and patent medicine stores in Aba, Nigeria were investigated between January and March, 2014. The examined drug samples were three different branded syrups (Chloroquine, Paracetamol and Benylin) and three different branded tablets (Metronidozole, Chloroquine and Paracetamol). The bacterial load was determined using standard methods. Results indicated that all the retailed and unsealed collected samples were contaminated. The total viable count of bacteria was in the range of 1.1 × 10³ to 2.3 × 10³ cfu/ml for the syrups and 1.4 × 10³ to 2.9 × 10³ cfu/g for the tablets which is beyond NAFDAC limits. The bacteria isolated and their percentage occurrences were Lactobacillus spp (66.7%), Pseudomonas spp (50.0%), Staphylococcus spp (33.3%), Escherichia coli (33.3%), and Klebsiella spp (16.7%). The presence of the isolates could possibly be through the production process, equipment used, sources of water and frequent opening of the containers containing the products during sales. This is an indication of improper handling and inadequate sanitary measures required for such important products. It is recommended that monitoring agencies should ensure that these drugs do not present health hazards to the public.

Keywords: Retailed unsealed drug, sealed drugs, bacteria isolates, open market, patent medicine stores, maternities