Bacterial Enumeration and Detection in Rhynchophorus phoenicis (African Palm Weevil Larva) Sold within Yenagoa Metropolis

Microbial contamination of Rhynchophorus phoenicis (larva of the African palm weevil) was examined from street vendors. R. phoenicis larvae sold on the street were purchased from six vendors in the following location including Akenfa, Ekeki, Kpansia, Opolo, Swali and Etegwe in Yenagoa Metropolis, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The pour plate method was used to assess the total viable count (TVC), Total colony count (TCC) and Total streptococcal count (TSC). Samples were homogenized before the plate counting method was applied at respective concentration ranging from 0.1ml-10-7ml, however 10-7ml concentration was used for viable colony counts and aseptically inoculated onto MacConkey agar, Nutrient agar and blood agar for identification of potential pathogens. Results revealed TVC ranging from 48.5±5.4a to 117.5±8.5b, TCC ranging from 44.0±5.1ac to 70.0±8.6ab and TSC ranging from 44.8±4.8a to 60.0±6.7a Similarly bacteria identified in all samples based on morphological and biochemical characteristics were Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus cholermidis, Streptococcus sp, Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp, Enterobacter spp, Pseudomonas spp, Proteus spp and Klebsiellae spp. Street-sold R. phoenicis, can be a source of food poisoning if not handled properly during, handling, processing and hawking.