Braide, W. and Nwaoguikpe, R. N. and Oranusi, S. U. and Udegbunam, L. I and Akobondu, C. and Okorondu, S.I. (2011) The effect of biodeterioration on the nutritional composition and microbiology of an edible long- winged reproductive termite, Macroterms bellicosus. Smeathman. Internet Journal of Food Safety, 13. pp. 107-114.
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Abstract
Macroterms bellicoccus, an edible long-winged reproductive termite is an important food source and its harvesting is becoming a major activity in some rural areas in Nigeria. The microbiology and proximate characteristics of the fresh products had been reported. Proximate analysis and gross energy determined for the deteriorated sample proved the effect of microorganisms on the nutritional composition of the sample. There was a drastic reduction in the protein and fat content as well as the gross energy value of the deteriorated sample as a result of disintegration of valuable food components by microorganisms. Moisture content was high and may encourage deterioration and spoilage. Seven genera of bacteria and six genera of moulds and one species of yeast were isolated from the deteriorated sample. The colony count of bacteria are Staphylococcus ( 3.0 × 105) , Bacillus (1.2 ×104), Pseudomonas ( 6.0 × 103), Lactobacillus (2.0 × 102), Acinetobacter (2.0 × 104), Proteus (1.4 × 103) and Enterococcus (3.0 × 104), while the fungal counts were Mucor (3.0 × 102), Rhizopus (1.0 × 102), Aspergillus (3.0 × 102), Penicillium (5.0 × 102), Fusarium (4.0 × 102), Geotrichum (3.0 × 103) and Sacchoromyces (2.0 × 104), Mucor sp (1.5 × 102), Aspergillus flavus (3.0 × 101). Staphylococcus and Bacillus species produce potent toxins and their presence portends health risk to the consumers. Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium verrucosum produce mycotoxins that cause cancer and liver disfunctioning amongst others. Mucor sp are involved in food deterioration and spoilage. Deterioration appeared to be a concerted effort of microorganisms, moisture and high nutrient composition of the sample.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | biodeterioration,termite,microbiology,nutrition |
| Subjects: | Q Science > Q Science (General) Q Science > QH Natural history > QH301 Biology |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences > School of Biological Sciences |
| Depositing User: | Mrs Hannah Akinwumi |
| Date Deposited: | 17 Mar 2015 15:49 |
| Last Modified: | 17 Mar 2015 15:49 |
| URI: | http://eprints.covenantuniversity.edu.ng/id/eprint/4017 |
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