ABSTRACT
The study was carried out to determine the contamination with enteric bacteria in ready –to-eat suya and combinational antibacterial activity of leaf and root extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera (Gum tree) and antibiotics. Samples were collected from six random locations in Benin city metropolis around Ugbowo and Ishior axis namely Uwasota, Uselu, Ekosodin, Evidence, Agen and Aico gas. The aim and objectives of this study is to identify the enteric bacteria present in the meat, to determine the effect of smoking in the meat, to determine the effects of certain antibiotics on the isolates and to determine the combinational effect of Tetrapleura tetraptera leaf and root extract and antibiotics on enteric bacteria. Different tests were carried out to identify the bacteria present in the samples. These tests include phenotypic identification (Gram staining test and KOH test), biochemical tests (Indole test, Catalase test, Oxidase test, Citrate utilization test, Urease test, Manitol test and TSI test). The identified bacteria isolated from the samples were Escherichia coli, Morganella spp., Klebsiella oxytoca and Enterobacter aerogenes. In klebsiella oxytoca in 100% concentration, it showed an inhibition zone of 8.33mm, 5.33mm in 75%, 8.00mm in 50% and 6.67mm in 25%. In Escherichia coli, in 100%concentration, it showed an inhibition zone of 8.33mm. There was no inhibition shown in 75%, 50% and 25% concentrations. It showed no zone of inhibition in Morganella spp. and Enterobacter aerogenes. The percentage minimum inhibitory concentration of the leaf and root extract of Gum tree and antibiotics combination was taken into consideration. It had a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 25% for Klebsiella oxytoca and 100% for Escherichia coli. It showed no MIC for Morganella spp. and Enterobacter aerogenes. This study proves that the use of natural herbs and plants are the future in ensuring safe and efficient medications in the fight against enteric bacteria causing diseases in man.
