Browsing by Author "Olu-Taiwo, M."
Now showing 1 - 7 of 7
Results Per Page
Sort Options
Item Bacteriological Analysis of Raw Beef Retailed in Selected Open Markets in Accra, Ghana(Hindawi, 2021) Olu-Taiwo, M.; Obeng, P.; Forson, A.O.Beef is an important and popular source of protein and nutrients. Constant monitoring and evaluation of the microbiological contamination is pertinent for its safety and quality. This study aimed to assess the bacteriological profiles and the bacterial loads in beef, as well as investigate food safety practices among beef retailers in selected open markets in Accra, Ghana. This was a cross-sectional study with beef samples randomly purchased from six selected open markets in Accra metropolis. Beef samples were examined for total aerobic count (TAC) and total coliform count (TCC). Bacterial identification was performed by standard bacteriological methods and a well-structured questionnaire was administered to assess food safety and hygienic practices of beef retailers. Overall, mean TACs ranged between 2.2 ×103 and 1.3 ×104CFU/g, while mean TCCs ranged between 1.9 ×102 and 7.4 ×102CFU/g. Beef samples were mostly contaminated with Staphylococcus spp. (34%), Klebsiella oxytoca (17%), Enterobacter spp. (15%), and Proteus vulgaris (3%). +is study showed varying levels of bacterial contamination of retailed beef sold in different Accra markets. According to the Health Protection Agency guidelines for assessing microbiological safety of ready-to-eat foods, our mean TACs were satisfactory, while mean TCCs were within borderline quality. +e results of this study revealed that the majority of beef vended in open markets in Accra is contaminated with coliform and pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, more training in safe food handling and good hygiene practices is required for beef retailers. Conclusively, effective monitoring of the bacteriological profiles and bacterial loads of meat and meat products in abattoirs and points of sale should be established, since such a continuous monitoring system could help prevent potential health problems for consumers and provide information on possible sources of meat borne intoxication and infection.Item Intestinal parasitic infections and risk factors: A cross-sectional survey of some school children in a suburb in Accra, Ghana(BioMed Central Ltd., 2015) Forson, A.O.; Arthur, I.; Olu-Taiwo, M.; Glover, K.K.; Pappoe-Ashong, P.J.; Ayeh-Kumi, P.F.Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and establish some risk factors associated with the acquisition of gastrointestinal parasitic infections in school children in Accra, Ghana. Results: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 15%. Giardia lamblia (10%) and Schistosoma mansoni (1.7%) were the common parasites found. Out of the 15% students postive for intestinal parasites, 13.6% had single parasites and 1.3% had double parasitic infections. Children between the ages of 4-5 and 6-7 years (20% each) had the most parasitic infections. The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was not significantly related to gender (p = 0.1451), and source of drinking water (p = 0.8832). However, a statistically significant association between children infected with parasites and close proximity to domestic animals or pets was observed (p = 0.0284). Continuous education on personal hygiene, environmental sanitation and deworming of domestic animals or pets are required to reduce the prevalence of intestinal parasites in school children in Accra.Item Microbial Assessment of Tomatoes ( Lycopersicon esculentum ) Sold at Some Central Markets in Ghana(BioMed Research International, 2018-11) Obeng, F.A.; Gyasi, P.B.; Olu-Taiwo, M.; Ayeh-Kumi, F.P.Background Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) has a high water content which predisposes it to spoilage by pathogenic bacteria that can pose significant health threats to consumers. Aim The study aimed to determine the various pathogenic bacteria associated with tomatoes sold in some central markets in the Accra Metropolis. Method A total of 120 tomatoes were sampled, out of which 60 fresh, firm, undamaged tomatoes and 60 spoilt tomatoes were analysed. Cut portions of the fresh and spoilt tomatoes were swabbed with sterile swabs and cultured on Blood agar, Nutrient agar, and MacConkey agar. The antibiogram of bacterial isolates was determined by Kirby-Bauer disc-diffusion method. Results Out of the 120 tomatoes analysed, a total of 66 bacterial isolates were recovered, 68.2% were associated with spoilt tomatoes, and 31.8% were from fresh tomatoes. Klebsiella sp. (34.8%), Enterobacter sp. (24.2%), and Citrobacter sp. (7.6%) were the predominant bacteria isolated. Agbogbloshie market (36.4%) had both fresh (18.2%) and spoilt (18.2%) tomatoes contaminated, whilst Makola market (31.8%) had a higher spoilt (30.3%) tomatoes contaminated. Although none of the isolates expressed resistance to ciprofloxacin, resistance was found for ampicillin (63.1%), tetracycline (60.1%), and cefuroxime (59.1%). Conclusion Varying levels of antibiotic resistance bacteria amongst tomatoes sold at various markets were found. Contamination might have been caused by poor sanitation, improper handling or transportation from the farms to the markets. The presence of antibiotic resistance bacteria amongst tomatoes raises concern on public health risks associated with the consumption of fresh tomatoes.Item Microbial Quality of Sliced Pawpaw (Carica papaya) and Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) Sold on Some Streets of Accra Metropolis, Ghana(Hindawi, 2021) Olu-Taiwo, M.; De-Graft, B.M.; Forson, A.O.In most African countries, street vending of fruits is prevalent and the likelihood of predisposing consumers to microbial contamination is very high. ,is study aimed to determine various bacteria and risk factors that are associated with fruits sold by street vendors in Accra. Sliced watermelons and pawpaws were randomly purchased from selected suburbs in Greater Accra Region of Ghana. One gram (1 g) of each watermelon and pawpaw was homogenized in 9 ml of sterile peptone water, and 0.1 ml from each serial dilutions of each fruit was spread on plate count agar, blood agar, and MacConkey agar plates for total aerobic counts and coliform counts. Agar plates were incubated at 33–37° C for 18–24 h. Bacterial identification was done by standard bacteriological methods. Additionally, questionnaires were administered to the vendors to gather data on food hygiene and knowledge on foodborne illness. ,e study revealed that although some of the fruit vendors were educated on food hygiene, most sold fruits were contaminated with mean total aerobic plate counts of 2.6 ×105 –8.1 × 105CFU g−1 and 3.7 ×104 –7.1 × 104CFU g−1 for watermelon and pawpaw. ,The mean coliform counts for pawpaw and watermelon ranged between 1.2 ×103 –8.1 × 103CFU g−1 and 1.6 ×104 –3.1 × 104CFU g−1 , respectively. Overall, mean aerobic counts and mean coliform counts were not significantly different among vendors in selected locations (p > 0.05). However, predominant bacteria isolated included Enterobacter species (33.3%), Citrobacter sp. (20.0%), and Klebsiella sp. (15.9%). ,e study revealed that watermelon and pawpaw sold on the streets in Accra could be possible source of foodborne illness. Therefore, street food vendors must be educated on food hygiene protocols and measures to improve microbial quality of street vended fruits.Item Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria on the Mobile Phones and Computer Keyboards of Healthcare University Students in Ghana(Hindawi, 2021) Olu-Taiwo, M.; Laryea, C.A.; Mykels, D.K.; Forson, A.O.Globally, mobile phones and computers (laptops and desktops) are indispensable part of human lives for communication, entertainment, and educational purposes. However, there are concerns about the increasing risk of bacterial contamination and antibiotic resistant trends from the surfaces of these devices. ,is study aims to assess bacterial contamination of mobile phones and computer keyboards and their resistant profile at the University of Ghana, Korle-Bu Campus, Accra. ,is was a cross sectional study conducted from March to June 2017 with 240 swabs collected from the surfaces of mobile phones and computer keyboards used by healthcare students. Swabs were cultured on MacConkey, blood, and mannitol salt agar. Bacteria identification was performed with a standard bacteriological method. A total of 91 bacterial isolates were obtained from the devices, and they were tested against 9 commonly used antibiotics by the Kirby–Bauer disc method. ,e study revealed mobile phones and computer keyboards had contamination levels of 83.3% and 43.3%. Bacteria isolated included Staphylococcus epidermidis (25.4%), Klebsiella spp. (12.9%), Staphylococcus aureus (9.2%), Escherichia coli (6.7%), Pseudomonas spp. (5.4%), Enterobacter cloacae (2.1%), and Enterobacter spp. (1.7%). Overall, 91 bacterial isolates were highly resistant to ampicillin (96.7%) and tetracycline (75.8%) and moderately resistant to chloramphenicol (49.5%) with lower resistance to cefotaxime (18.7%), ceftadizime (14.2%), ciprofloxacin (25.3%), and gentamycin (24.7%). Additionally, 45.1% of isolates were multidrug resistant. Findings from this study revealed mobile phones and computer keyboards of healthcare students in the university were contaminated with pathogenic bacteria. Hence, frequent hand hygiene and disinfection of mobile phones and computer keyboard surfaces is encouraged to minimize the spread of resistant bacteria pathogens.Item Prevalence of gastro-lntestinal parasites in chickens sold in some major markets in Greater Accra, Ghana(Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2016) Ayeh-Kumi, P.F.; Nii-Dodoo Gerald, L.; Olu-Taiwo, M.; Akua, F.O.Gastrointestinal parasitic infections in chicken production industry are known to be one of the factors responsible for the high mortality rate in poultry farming in Africa. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in chickens sold in major markets in Accra, Ghana. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 152 alimentary tracts of chicken randomly collected from the chicken dressing units from major markets (Achimota, Agbogboloshie, Nungua, Kaneshie and Dansoman markets) in Accra, Ghana. The samples were examined for gastrointestinal parasites by examination of fecal samples of birds, collection of parasites from different part of gastrointestinal tractand examination of the collected parasites by standard parasitological techniques followed by morphological identification as far as possible up to the species level. Out of 152 chickens examined from the five markets, 121 (79.9%) chickens were found to be infected with gastrointestinal parasites. The chickens were found to be commonly infected with Capillaria spp (46.1 %), Heterakis gallinarum (39.5%) and Ascaridia galli (36.9%). Out of the 121 chickens examined, 63.63% had mixed infection. No trematodes were encountered in this present study. The different market locations did not have any significant influence on the prevalence of the different gastrointestinal parasites detected. However, chickens from Nungua market were found to have the highest level (90%) of gastrointestinal parasite, whilst Kaneshie market (67.5%) had the least. Present study revealed that mixed infection with gastrointestinal parasites of different species was more common than infection with single species in chickens in Accra. � Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2016.Item Surveillance of Bacterial Pathogens of Diarrhoea in Two Selected Sub Metros Within the Accra Metropolis(Ghana Medical Journal, 2015-06) Dzotsi, E.K.; Dongdem, A.Z.; Boateng, G.; Antwi, L.; Owusu-Okyere, G.; Nartey, D.B.; Olu-Taiwo, M.; Adjabeng, M.J.; Amankwa, J.; Sarkodie, B.; Addo, J.; Antwi, E.; Aryee, E.; Opintan, J.A.In recent years, many localities within the Greater Accra Region (GAR) have witnessed several episodes of cholera outbreaks, with some deaths. Compared to previous epidemics, which usually followed heavy rains, recent outbreaks show no seasonality. To investigate infective bacterial diseases in selected sub metros within the GAR. We used existing disease surveillance systems in Ghana, and investigated all reported cases of diarrhoea that met our case-definition. A three-day training workshop was done prior to the start of study, to sensitize prescribers at the Korle-Bu Polyclinic and Maamobi General hospital. A case-based investigation form was completed per patient, and two rectal swabs were taken for culture at the National Public Health and Reference Laboratory. Serotyping and antibiogram profiles of identified bacteria were determined. Potential risk factors were also assessed using a questionnaire. Between January and June 2012, a total of 361 diarrhoeal cases with 5 deaths were recorded. Out of a total of 218 rectal swabs cultured, 71 (32.6%) Vibrio cholerae O1 Ogawa serotypes, and 1 (0.5%) Salmonella (O group B) were laboratory confirmed. No Shigella was isolated. The Vibrio cholerae isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin and tetracycline. Greater than 80% of patients reported having drank sachet water 24 h prior to diarrhoea onset, and many (144/361) young adults (20-29 years) reported with diarrhoea. Enhanced surveillance of diarrhoeal diseases (enteric pathogens) within cholera endemic regions, will serve as an early warning signal, and reduce fatalities associated with infective diarrhoea. (PDF) Surveillance of Bacterial Pathogens of Diarrhoea in Two Selected Sub Metros Within the Accra Metropolis. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281031544_Surveillance_of_Bacterial_Pathogens_of_Diarrhoea_in_Two_Selected_Sub_Metros_Within_the_Accra_Metropolis [accessed Sep 18 2018].