MULTI-ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE PROFILE OF BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM STREET-VENDED HERBAL CONCOCTIONS

The multi-antibiotic resistance profile of bacteria isolated from street vended herbal concoctions in Mile 3 Area of Port Harcourt, Rivers State was investigated. Ten (10) different local herbal drugs were purchased from hawkers, examined for bacteriological quality and antibacterial activities. The samples were analysed using standard microbiological procedures as well as disc diffusion method for antibiotic sensitivity testing. The bacterial counts obtained from the street-vended herbal concoction ranged from 3 x 104 cfu/ml to 2.86 x105 cfu/ml while the coliform counts obtained from the street-vended herbal concoction ranged from no growth to 2.87 x105 cfu/ml. The bacteria isolated and identified are Bacillus sp., Enterobacter sp., Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella sp. The antibiotic profile of the test isolates reveals that augmentin, septrin, chloramphenicol and amoxicillin recorded the highest resistance; tarivid, perfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin and sparfloxacin recorded the highest sensitivity and the multi-antibiotic resistance index (MARI) range between 0.1 and 1. Most of the bacterial counts exceed recommended limits for bacteria and coliform, posing a risk for consumers; the identified bacteria indicates prevalence of potential pathogens and most of the isolates were of high antibiotics polluted sources. Training of herbal drugs producers and prescribed antibiotic use advocacy is essential.