DefinePK

Abstract

Background:  Fruits are beneficial to maintain good health, but microbes can spoil them. To avoid spoilage of fruits different harmful preservatives are being used that pose danger to human health and environment. This study was designed to isolate bacterial strains from rotten fruits preserved by using different preservatives. Methods : Different rotten fruit samples were collected from different shops of Moon Market and Neelam block, Allama Iqbal Town, Lahore and used to purify bacterial cultures by growing on simple N-agar medium. Biochemical characterization was performed by different tests including gram staining, catalase, mannitol salt agar, glucose and fructose fermentation and nitrate reduction. Bacterial strains were further subjected to additional tests like HCN, H 2 S production, metal resistance and antibiotic sensitivity. Results : Nineteen bacterial strains were found positive for different tests and were characterized as  Bacillus  sp,  Staphylococcus aureus ,  Micrococcus varians ,  Staphylococcus epidermidis  and  Staphylococcus saprophyticus . Many bacterial strains were resistant to antibiotics and high doses of most metals specially mercury.  Conclusion : Due to the use of high doses of mercury for the storage of fruits, microorganisms have evolved resistance. It is an urgent need to take alternative measures for the storage of fruits for the safe lives. Keywords: Metal resistance; Antibiotic resistance; Fruit preservation;  Staphylococcus  sp.