The Prevalence of Candida albican in Garri Sold in Ozoro
Ukolobi O. *
Department of Microbiology, Delta State University of Science and Technology Ozoro, Delta State, Nigeria.
Aphiar A.E
Department of Microbiology, Delta State University of Science and Technology Ozoro, Delta State, Nigeria.
Orogu J.O.
Department of Microbiology, Delta State University of Science and Technology Ozoro, Delta State, Nigeria.
Okobia U.B.
Department of Microbiology, Delta State University of Science and Technology Ozoro, Delta State, Nigeria.
Eze E.M.
Department of Microbiology, Delta State University of Science and Technology Ozoro, Delta State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Garri is a fermented cassava product consumed as a staple food in most parts of West African. The prevalence of Candida albican in garri sold in ozoro was carried out to characterize predominant fungi associated with garri. Ten (10) different samples of garri were periodically bought from Ozoro central markets. The samples were labeled sample A-J. A total of three (3) fungi species were isolated from the test samples: Aspergillus spp., C andida albican, and Mould. The total heterotrophic plate count ranges from 2.4x103cfu/ml to3.2x103cfu/ml. Candida albican have the highest percentage occurrence of 62.5%, while Mould species have the least percentage occurrence of 12.5%. The pH of the samples ranged from 6.0 to 6.2. The occurrence of Aspergillus spp, mould and Candida albican indicates a strong likely hood of cross contamination between handling and utensils used during the garri fermentation or production processes of the exterior region.
Keywords: Candida albican, garri, ozoro, prevalence, sold