Growth and survival of Shigella flexneri in commonly consumed foods in Nigeria

The incidence of shigellosis is on the increase in Nigeria and foods have been strongly implicated as vehicles of transmission of infection. In this study the survival and growth of Shigella flexneri were investigated in foods that are commonly consumed in the country which include cooked rice, beef, cooked beans, fish, cooked maize and banana ( Musa sapientum ). Survival at 5°C and growth at 25°C and 37°C were quantitated by viable cell counts on MacConkey agar. The organism survived and showed considerable growth in all the foods examined. Cell growth increased from 10 5 to 10 10 within 6 and 24h following inoculation at 25°C and 37°C. Keywords : foods, survival, Shigella flexneri , shigellosis, Nigeria Nigerian Food Journal Vol. 23 2005: 205-209