ABSTRACT

The present study was aimed at the biochemical characterization of Salmonella species and Escherichia coil from specimens (droppings, feed, water and litter) in some selected poultry farms in Umuahia, Abia state. A total of 48 specimens (12 specimens each) were used for the study and all the specimens were cultured in pre-enrichment medium, Selenite F broth and Peptone water medium and finally subculture on Salmonella Shigella Agar and Eosin Methylene Blue. Gram staining was also carried out showing a rod shaped, pink coloured colony when viewed under the microscope. The organisms were identified using biochemical tests such as Indole, Citrate, and Hydrogen suiphide test. Based on the result of the biochemical tests for Salmonella species 46 samples were positive to Citrate while 2 were negative, 35 were negative to Indole while 11 were positive and 30 were positive to Hydrogen sulphide while 16 were negative. Result of the biochemical tests for Escherichia coli shows that 27 samples were positive to Citrate while 21 were negative, 26 samples were positive to Hydrogen suiphide while 22 were negative and 22 samples were negative to Indole while 26 samples were positive. The biochemical test profile was also carried out showing the number of isolates and also the probable organisms. The incidence of Salmonella species and Escherichia coli in different specimens from poultry farms in Ubakala and Umuagu-Ibeku showed that Salmonella species had the highest number of incidence (18) in Umuagu-Ibeku.. Meanwhile, Ubakala had the highest number of incidence (15) of Escherichia coli. This could pose as a serious threat to health if not properly handled.