Journal of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
(ISSN: 2659 – 0743)
Volume 7, No. 1, 2025
Pages 242-250
DOI: 10.36108/jvbs/5202.70.0152
Escherichia coli Contamination of Chicken Table Eggs in Maiduguri, Northeastern Nigeria: A Potential Public Health Concern
Abdulrahman Mohammed1*., Isaac Naphtali1; Dawud Jidda1., Adamu Saleh Saidu1., Sani Mohammed1 and Muhammad Mamman Gashua1.
1Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, P.M.B. 1069, Maiduguri, Borno Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
Escherichia coli is a common inhabitant of the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals, including poultry. While most strains are non-pathogenic, their presence in food is widely recognized as an indicator of faecal contamination. This study investigated the prevalence of E. coli contamination in table eggs and their components across selected locations in Maiduguri, Borno State, Northeastern Nigeria. A total of 100 eggs were collected from the University of Maiduguri Animal Farm, Monday Market, Gamboru Market, and Baga Road Market. Each egg was separated into yolk, albumen, and shell, which were cultured on Eosin Methylene Blue agar, and presumptive isolates were confirmed by microscopic examination of thin smear preparations. An overall prevalence of 51% was recorded for E. coli. The highest location-based prevalence of 72% was observed in Gamboru Market followed by 64%, 56% and 12% for Monday Market, Baga Road Market and Animal Science Research Farm of University of Maiduguri respectively. A slightly higher prevalence of 33.0% for albumen was observed compared to 32.0% each for eggshell and egg yolks. These findings underscore the need for strict hygienic practices at both farm and retail levels, including the inspection of cracks, removal of dirty eggs, appropriate washing, and proper storage conditions, to ensure the microbial safety of eggs intended for human consumption.
Keywords: Table eggs; Escherichia coli; Light microscope; Maiduguri; Prevalence