Evaluation of the bacteriological status of cough syrup sold in pharmaceutical stores in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

This work was aimed at assessing the level and type of bacterial contaminants in cough syrups sold in Owerri, as well as the associated public health implications. Thirty bottled samples of five different brands of cough syrup were purchased and assessed bacteriologically. Ten out of the thirty samples had a satisfactory microbial load, whereas twenty samples exceeded the tolerance limit of permissible micro-organisms (103cfu/ml) specified for syrups. The mean counts obtained ranged from 1x103-1.15x107 (cfu)/ml. Syrup D had the highest bacterial mean value of 1.15x107 cfu/ml, while C had the lowest bacterial mean value of 1x103 cfu/ml. Micrococcus luteus, Bacillus subtlis, Serratia macscense, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus were identified as the most predominant contaminants. This level of bacterial load reveals contamination which can be traceable contaminated water and other raw materials used for their preparation, personnel, environment and poor manufacturing practice. This portrays the level of health risks to which the consumers can be exposed. From the results, it can be concluded that majority of the samples were heavily contaminated and can serve as source of infection to users, especially those with compromised immunity and children. This therefore calls for good manufacturing and packaging practices, use of treated water and other sterile raw materials, adequate environmental sanitation and personal hygiene, proper handling and storage which will reduce the bacterial loads to permissible limit and eradicate bacteria of public health importance. In other words auditing and quality control measures should be mandatory for all pharmaceutical companies and environment.