ASSESSMENT OF PATHOGENIC BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM SOIL ALONG ZAMFARAWA RIVER JEGA, KEBBI STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT This study was carried out to assess the pathogenic bacteriological quality of soil in Zamfarawa Farms, Jega town. A total of 9 samples from three different farms were collected. A total plate count was used in isolating the pathogenic bacteria. Biochemical tests were also carried out to identify the bacteria, and a conventional PCR technique was used to detect the DNA of the isolated bacteria. At the end of the study, three bacteria were isolated: Bacillus cereus (44%), Listeria monocytogenes (44%) and Bacillus subtilis (11%), which indicates that agricultural practices, hygiene, fertilizing, and irrigation could be the source of contamination of soil used today for agricultural purposes. The use of untreated wastewater and water supplies contaminated with sewage for irrigation or untreated organic manure may be one of the important sources of pathogenic microorganisms.