ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF GRAM NEGATIVE BACTERIA FROM SOME FRESH VEGETABLES OBTAINED AT KALGO MARKET

ABSTRACT Fresh vegetables are commonly consumed raw or minimally processed, making them potential vehicles for transmitting pathogenic bacteria. This study aimed to isolate and identify Gramnegative bacteria present in fresh vegetables obtained from Kalgo Market, Kebbi State, Nigeria. five (5) different fresh vegetable samples were obtained and analyzed using standard microbiological techniques, including serial dilution, Gram staining, and biochemical tests. Bacterial loads in samples were too numerous to count (TNTC), others ranged from 3.0x10 5CFU/g to 1.21×10 6CFU/g and 1.21×10 6 CFU/g with Carrot exhibiting the highest bacterial count. Gram-negative bacterial isolates identified included Citrobacter freundii (15%), Salmonella spp. (25%), Vibrio parahaemolyticus (20%) and Enterobacter spp. (40%), with this varying frequencies of occurrence across the samples. The present of pathogens like salmonella and vibrio parahaemolyticus indicates that contaminated water and poor handling practices can contribute to health risks associated with fresh produce consumption. To minimize bacterial contamination, there should be thorough washing and, where possible, cooking of vegetables before consumption to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. The study call for enhanced safety measures and awareness programs to ensure the microbiological safety of fresh vegetables.