Journal of Advances in Microbiology

Antibiotic susceptibility of pathogenic bacteria isolated from locally produced soymilk hawked in Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt was carried out. Three samples of soymilk were obtained from Rumuokoro Market, Rumuolumeni Market and Choba Markets. Standard microbiological techniques including the pour plate method and relevant biochemical tests were used to isolate, characterize and identify the bacteria cultures. The result of the bacteria count was high in Rumuokoro market 4.2x10³ cfu/ml and lowest in Rumuolumeni market 3.4x10³cfu/ml. The probable bacteria isolates identified are Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebseilla pneumonia, Salmonella spp and Streptococcus faecalis. E. coll had the highest percentage occurrence (38.18%) and klebsiella pneumonia the lowest (7.27%). The antibiotic screening showed that the gram-positive isolates S. aureus and Stretococcus faecalisare sensitive to Ampiclox (80%), (100%). Among the gram-negative isolates E. coli was most sensitive to Augumentin (71%), Klebsiella pneumonia was sensitive to Ampicilin (15%) Salmonella spp most sensitive to Streptomycin (70%). The result of this research work shows that all soymilk samples are contaminated with different bacterial species. The implication is that the quality of locally produced soymilk must be closely regulated to avoid transmission of infections to customers. It is also critical that local producers are educated on good manufacturing practices.