Isolation and characterization of bacteria from babies heat prickly powder purchased in Imo State University, Owerri

Aim: To isolate and Characterize Bacteria from Babies Heat Prickly powders purchased in Owerri, Imo State. Method: A total of Ten (10) Baby heat prickly powder samples were randomly purchased from different market locations in Umuahia, Abia state. Isolation and identification of Bacteria were conducted using standard microbiological techniques. Bacteria were Characterized using standard microbiological and biochemical test. Results: The isolated Bacteria include Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus sp, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Staphylococcus aureus had the highest percentage occurrence (40%) while other Bacteria had (20%) each with the total bacteria count (TBC) ranging from 4.3 ×104 CFU/g to 1.32 ×105 CFU/g. Conclusion: High bacterial load was observed in the present study which showed there was contamination of most of the products in respect to the international Microbiological standards recommended limits for bacterial contamination in powder/Cosmetic products (1.0 x 103 CFU/g) for bacteria. This could be as a result of poor manufacturing practices, poor hygiene, contaminated raw materials or the susceptibility of the ingredients contained in the baby powders.