Abstract

The prevalent practice of vending sliced pineapple and various fruits on the streets of Nigeria due to cost
constraints among buyers has raised concerns regarding potential contaminations and subsequent health risks to
consumers. This study procured sixty samples of sliced, ready-to-eat pineapple from street vendors in Abakaliki
Metropolis, analyzing them for Salmonella and E. coli contamination using microbiological and biochemical
techniques. The isolates underwent antibiotic sensitivity screening via the disc diffusion method. The findings
revealed a 20% prevalence of Salmonella species and a striking 70% prevalence of Escherichia coli in the sliced
pineapple fruits. Further investigation into antibiotic susceptibility exhibited a concerning pattern of high multidrug
resistance among the isolated organisms. Salmonella species showcased resistance percentages ranging from
50% to 100% against ceftriaxone, nitrofurantoin, meropenem, pefloxacin, chloramphenicol, ofloxacin, and
amoxicillin. In comparison, Escherichia coli exhibited resistance values varying between 28.6% and 100% against
the same antibiotics. This study emphasizes that the prevalent practice of slicing and vending fruits on the streets
significantly contributes to the dissemination of multi-drug resistant pathogens. Urgent intervention and
discouragement of this practice by pertinent authorities are imperative to mitigate the escalating health risks
associated with such contaminated fruit vending practices.
Keywords: Street vended fruits, sliced pineapple fruits, fruit contamination, multi-drug resistance, Samonella species, E. coli.