Identification and Anti-bacterial Testing of Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Jollof Rice sold at selected Cafeterias in Federal University Dutse Campus, Jigawa State

Abstract

This research was aimed at identifying Staphylococcus aureus isolated from jollof rice samples at selected cafeterias in the Federal University Dutse campus. A total of fifteen (15) samples were collected and processed within an hour in sterile containers from five (5) different cafeterias (A, B, C, D, and E). The total aerobic bacterial counts recorded from samples A, B, C, D, and E were 1.6 × 10⁵, 1.1 × 10⁵, 1.1 × 10⁷, 9.3 × 10⁴, and 1.3 × 10⁷ cfu/g, respectively, while total Staphylococcal counts recorded from samples A, B, C, D, and E were 1.3 × 10⁴, 6.5 × 10³, 6.0 × 10⁵, 4.0 × 10³, and 1.5 × 10⁸ cfu/g, respectively. Based on the Staphylococcal counts recorded, the result for sample A is unacceptable, while samples B and D fall within tolerable microbiological quality. However, samples C and E are of poor quality. The presence of S. aureus was higher in samples C and E than in samples A, B, and D. The isolate was found to be susceptible to Ofloxacin and Gentamicin based on susceptibility tests conducted. Closer supervision of food handlers preparing and serving food must be routinely carried out by relevant authorities within the campus to prevent possible outbreaks of foodborne illnesses caused by S. aureus.