COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE MICROBIAL QUALITY OF BANANA FRUITS SOLD IN IKEJI AND JOSEPH AYO BABALOLA UNIVERSITY (JABU), OSUN STATE, NIGERIA

This study aimed to isolate and identify bacteria present on banana peels stored under different conditions and to evaluate their antibiotic susceptibility patterns. Banana peel samples were collected from vendors in Ikeji and three vendors from JABU and stored under four different conditions: open air, laboratory locker, air-conditioned room, and refrigerated storage. Swab samples were taken from the inner peel surface and cultured on Nutrient Agar (NA) and Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) to isolate bacterial species. Cultural, microscopic, and biochemical tests (Gram staining, catalase, oxidase, indole, methyl red) were carried out to identify bacterial isolates. Two predominant bacterial species were identified: Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted using six antibiotics: Cotrimoxazole, Tetracycline, Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, Chloramphenicol, and Metronidazole. E. coli showed the highest susceptibility to Tetracycline (53 mm), while S. aureus responded most strongly to Amoxicillin (38.5 mm). Both organisms showed resistance to Metronidazole. Storage conditions significantly affected microbial growth, with samples stored in open air and laboratory lockers showing more bacterial activity compared to refrigerated and air-conditioned samples. These findings highlight the importance of hygienic storage practices in reducing microbial contamination of fruit surfaces. The study recommends improved post-harvest handling and antibiotic resistance monitoring for safer food practices.