A Potential Cholera Epidemic Source:

Abstract

Most of the reported outbreaks of gastrointestinal disease are linked to the consumption of fresh products contaminated by bacteria. In view of these problems, this research wishes to determine the presence of Vibrio cholerae, in fresh vegetables sold in some Gombe markets, by isolating and identifying the biotypes. A total of 184 vegetable samples consisting of 3 vegetable types: Cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.), Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Mill.) were collected and analyzed, during the month of August, 2016. Samples were inoculated on Thiosulfate Citrate Bile-salt Sucrose Agar and subjected to biochemical tests.Of the 184 cultured samples, 73.39% had yellow colonial growth, out of which 16.25% were confirmed to be V. cholera. Further screenings demonstrated that 23.08% are of each O139 and O1 Eltor biotypes, and other Vibrios were represented by 53.85%. Isolates from cabbage were 50% of each O139 and O1 Eltor biotypes. There were different biotypes observed among the sampled vegetables, thus indicating close association of contamination source to the vegetables, and collectively possess the risk of cholera not only at sporadic cases but of epidemics capacity to consumers.