Molecular Characterization of Multi-Drug Resistant Histamine-Producing Gram-Negative Bacteria Isolated from Fermented 
Prosopis africana Seeds (okpee) in Nigeria

Adonu, Cyril; Urama, Sunday; Felix, Abugu; Victor, Eze; Ujam, Treasure; OKpara, Gospel; Okorie, Hannah; Imanyika, Eucharia

doi:10.61882/ibj.5259

Volume 30, Issue 3 And 2 (4-2026) IBJ 2026, 30(3 And 2): 153-164 | Back to browse issues page

‎ 10.61882/ibj.5259

PMID: 42438352

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Adonu C, Urama S, Felix A, Victor E, Ujam T, OKpara G, et al . Molecular Characterization of Multi-Drug Resistant Histamine-Producing Gram-Negative Bacteria Isolated from Fermented Prosopis africana Seeds (okpee) in Nigeria. IBJ 2026; 30 (3 and 2) :153-164
URL: http://ibj.pasteur.ac.ir/article-1-5259-en.html

Molecular Characterization of Multi-Drug Resistant Histamine-Producing Gram-Negative Bacteria Isolated from Fermented Prosopis africana Seeds (okpee) in Nigeria

Cyril Adonu ^*

, Eze Victor

Abstract:

Background: Fermented Prosopis africana seeds (okpee) are naturally protein-rich but exude odors that attract houseflies. These flies can carry contaminants, including pathogens and histamine-producing bacteria. Bacterial histamine in food can cause illnesses and pseudo-hypersensitivity reactions. This study investigated multidrug-resistant, histamine-producing Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) isolated from okpee sold in Enugu Ezike, Nigeria.
Methods: Histamine content of the mesquite seed samples was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. Bacteriological isolates from randomly sampled okpee were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Antibiotic susceptibility of the isolated bacteria was assessed using the Kirby-Bauer disk agar diffusion method. The isolates were also screened for resistant plasmids and virulence genes (Stx2 and toxA).
Results: Histamine levels of the fermented samples averaged 1.0 × 10^-4-6.2 × 10^-1 mg/kg. Of 240 samples of okpee screened, 25 (10.5%) were contaminated with histamine-producing GNB, including Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia coli, E. fergusonii, and Shigella flexneri. All the isolated histamine-producing bacteria were resistant to amoxicillin, erythromycin, ampicillin, and cefuroxime, with more than 50% exhibiting resistance to the other antibiotics tested. The test isolates were found to harbor multiple resistant plasmids (size: 0.5 kbp-10 kbp) and virulence factor genes Stx2 and toxA.
Conclusion: This study observed a high prevalence of bacterial contaminants capable of producing histamine in okpee sold in Enugu Ezike, Nigeria. The isolates were multidrug-resistant and harbored virulent genes, posing a serious public health risk. Therefore, strengthening hygiene practices during the production and handling of okpee is necessary to prevent contamination and ensure product safety.

Keywords: Fermentation, Gram-negative bacteria, Histamine, Virulence factors

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Type of Study: Full Length/Original Article | Subject: Molecular Microbiology

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