Bacteriological analysis of different types of fresh fruit juices from market

Bacteriological analysis of samples of fresh orange and pineapple juices collected from different shops confirmed the presence of bacteria. The isolated bacteria were identified as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus by employing techniques like Microscopy, Culture and Biochemical Reactions. The presence of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli may be interpreted respectively as contamination of fruit juices by the bacteria present on the skin surface of the juice maker or by the bacteria present on the water used for preparing those fresh juices. It has been proved that Staphylococcus aureus can exist as commensals on skin. Similarly E.coli being a common water contaminant can easily contaminate fresh juice. Hence it is advised to take necessary precautions to avoid bacterial contamination of juices during the preparation of fresh juices without preservatives. This can be achieved by proper hand washing techniques before juice preparation and also by using filtered cold water for juice preparation. In order to suggest a suitable therapeutic regimen in case of infections occurred during the consumption of such contaminated juices, antibiotic susceptibility testing of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was done using antibiotics like Amoxicillin, Chloramphenicol, Tetracycline and Streptomycin. From the results obtained it has been assumed that Amoxicillin was more effective against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The antibacterial effects of Amoxicillin, Chloramphenicol, Tetracycline and Streptomycin against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli showed the biocide effects of these antibiotics against the Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria.