Science Heritage Journal | Galeri Warisan Sains (GWS)

This study investigated the bacteriological quality of Archachatina papyracea (land snail) sold in Benin Metropolis, Edo State, Nigeria. A total of 50 snail samples were purchased from vendors across five different markets within Benin metropolis and analyzed using standard microbiological procedures. Bacterial isolates were identified using cultural and PCR based techniques. Antibiotic susceptibility was done by disk diffusion method. Plasmid detection was carried out by PCR method while plasmid curing was achieved using acridine orange. Results revealed high microbial loads, with total heterotrophic bacterial counts ranging from 18.10 × 10³ to 21.30 × 10³ cfu/g, coliform counts of 11.50 × 10³ to 16.80 × 10³ cfu/g, Salmonella/Shigella counts of 9.60 × 10³ to 11.50 × 10³ cfu/g, and Vibrio counts of 3.70 × 10³ to 10.20 × 10³ cfu/g. Fifteen bacterial species were identified, including Escherichia coli (15.8%), Staphylococcus aureus (10.4%), Klebsiella oxytoca (7.3%), and Salmonella enterica (2.8%). Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed that while some isolates were sensitive to septrin, ciprofloxacin, and streptomycin, others exhibited resistance to commonly used antibiotics such as augmentin, erythromycin, and ampicillin. Plasmid profiling revealed that resistance in some isolates was plasmid-mediated. The presence of enteric and opportunistic pathogens in A. papyracea suggests significant public health risks if the snails are not properly handled and thoroughly cooked before consumption.