ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF PATHOGENIC BACTERIA AND FUNGI FROM LEPTOPTILOS CRUMENIFERUS (MARABOU STORK) DROPPINGS

The aim of the study was to isolate, characterize and identify pathogenic bacteria and fungi from Leptoptilos crumeniferus (marabou stork) droppings in James Gichuru secondary, Dandora secondary and Wangu primary school play fields of Kenya. One gram of droppings was mixed in 10mL of normal saline. The samples were mixed respectively per school. Aliquot (1mL) was transferred into the next test tube and diluted serially. From the dilution of 10-4 of dropping sample, 0.1mL aliquot was transferred aseptically onto nutrient agar plates, spread and incubated at 370C for 24 hours. Biochemical tests were carried out on pure isolates after subsequent sub cultures. Bacteria isolated were Bacillus, Enterobacter, Enterococcus, Proteus, Providencia, E. coli, Shigella, Salmonella, Citrobacter, Staphylococcus, Klebsiella, Morganella. For fungi, potato dextrose agar was prepared and poured to plates aseptically. One gram of droppings was sprinkled on the media and incubated at 280C for five days. Macroscopic and microscopic observations were carried out on pure isolates. Fungi isolated were Aspergilus, Rhizopus, Penicilium, Mucor and Fusarium species. It was concluded that marabou stork faeces is a potential human health hazard. Accumulation of bird droppings poses a public health risk and cause illness.