| dc.description.abstract | Catha edulis is a plant that is commonly used as a recreational drug in many parts of the world. Catha edulis twigs have been found to contain high levels of fecal coliforms, exceeding recommended limits for safe consumption therefore posing high risk of spreading bacterial diseases. The presence of fecal coliforms in these twigs is a concern not only for consumers but also for those involved in their production and transportion. The plant has been grown and consumed in the region around Meru for centuries. Studies have indicated the need for effective measures geared at reducing fecal coliform contamination by C. edulis . This study was therefore conducted in Meru County, Igembe South Sub-County, Kenya, between the months of September 2023 and January 2024 to assess fecal coliforms of Khat twigs at different stages of the value chain. This study involved 328 respondents drawn from the 25 locations within the sub- County. It adopted a cross-sectional descriptive study design involving one-time sampling of Khat twigs during farming, handling, vending, and consumption. Khat twigs were collected in aerated bags, processed and evaluated for the presence of fecal coliforms thereafter antibiotic sensitivity was tested at Meru University of Science and Technology Health/Biological Sciences Laboratory. Data on factors associated with the fecal coliforms contamination of C. edulis were gathered through a structured questionnaire. Data collected was analyzed using the Statistical Package of social sciences(SPSS) version 23.0. Descriptive statistics such as Frequency(n) and Percentage(%)s were used to analyze data. Inferential data were analyzed using T-test and chi square and TukeyHSD to test association. Data findings were presented in tables and graphs besides narrative descriptions. Study findings revealed that handlers had significantly higher fecal coliform contamination with mean difference=0.1162; P=.000 than vendors (mean difference=0.0994; P=.002), customers (mean difference=0.1096; P=.001) and farmers having the lowest with mean difference=0.0169; P=.000. There was a statistically significant association between gender, availability of sanitation facilities, level of education, kind of waste, water source, and water storage and fecal coliforms in Catha edulis twigs. Ceftriaxone was found to be (100%) susceptible to all bacteria tested. Ampicillin, Amoxyline and Azithromycin showed moderate effectiveness, with around 9-24% of the isolates being resistant, while Doxycycline was the second most effective drug. The study concluded that fecal coliform contamination levels varied across different stages of the supply chain, with the highest levels found in handlers and the lowest in farmers. Study findings clearly showed that the presence of fecal coliforms in khat twigs is significantly associated with the type of sanitation facility, level of education, irrigation practices, water sources, farmers' feelings, waste, water source, and water storage. The study recommends need for improved sanitation practices at all stages of the khat value chain. Promoting awareness among farmers, handlers, vendors, and customers about prudent antibiotic use can help combat antibacterial resistance. | en_US |
