ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF BACTERIA FROM HERBAL MIXTURES SOLD WITHIN SOKOTO METROPOLIS

This study evaluates the safety, microbial quality, and contamination levels of herbal mixtures sold within Sokoto Metropolis. Fifteen samples were randomly collected and analyzed in the Microbiology Laboratory of Sokoto State University. Samples were cultured at 37°C for 24 hours, and biochemical tests such as Gram staining, catalase, coagulase, citrate, urease, and TSI were conducted for bacterial identification. The results revealed the presence of several pathogenic bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus, and Klebsiella spp. Staphylococcus aureus had the highest occurrence, while Bacillus magaterium and Pseudomonas aeruginosa had the lowest. The study concludes that most herbal medicines sold in this region are contaminated due to poor handling, inadequate processing, and poor hygiene during production. The findings highlight urgent public health concerns and the need for better regulatory controls.