Isolation And Identification Of Bacteria Associated With Non-Alcoholic Local Drinks Sold In Azare, Bauchi State.

The aim of this research is to isolate and identify bacteria associated with the non-alcoholic drinks samples.The physiochemical properties such as the pH, moisture, fat and protein were all determined using standard methods. The total bacteria count was obtained using serial dilution and pour plate method. Streak plate method was employed to obtain a pure culture. The bacterial isolates were characterized and identified by observation of colonial and morphological characteristics, Gram reactions and biochemical tests. The pH of the Zobo drinks samples ranged from 2.6-2.8, while that of Kunun-zaki drinks samples ranged from 4.10-4.40. The bacteria count of Zobo drinks samples ranged from 13.00 ± 0.57 × 102 CFU/mL to 16.00 ± 2.00 × 102 CFU/mL while that of Kunun-zaki drinks ranged from 2.50 ± 4.61 × 104CFU/mL to 2.90 ± 5.00 × 104 CFU/mL. Four bacterial isolates were obtained from Kunun-zaki drinks samples which were Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus vulgaris, and Staphylococcus epidermidis, while three bacterial isolates were obtained from Zobo drinks samples which were Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus vulgaris. It was concluded that some of the Kunun-zaki and Zobo drinks samples were contaminated and also contained different pathogenic microorganisms which can serve as sources of infection to human. Therefore, proper hygienic and sanitary measures need to be enforced during processing and packaging of these local non-alcoholic drinks.