Evaluation of the Microbial Load and Antibiotic Resistance Profile of Clostridium Perfringens Isolates from Local Corn Flour for Infants Sold at Markets in the City of Daloa (Haut-Sassandra, Côte d'Ivoire)

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the introduction of adequate complementary foods from the age of six months. However, baby corn porridges, which are often home-made, present significant health risks. In order to assess the impact of Clostridium perfringens-contaminated cornmeal on infant health in Daloa, this study aims to evaluate the presence and antimicrobial resistance profile of Clostridium perfringens-contaminated cornmeal. A total of 26 cornmeal samples were collected from vendors in several markets in Daloa. Samples were grown on TSN medium and incubated at 45°C for 48 hours to enumerate vegetative and spore-forming organisms. Biochemical characteristics such as color, glucose fermentation, lecithin fermentation and gas production were carried out. An antibiogram was performed on extracted isolates to assess antibiotic resistance. The results of the study revealed a preponderance of vegetative forms of Clostridium perfringens in the flours analyzed, with a 100% compliance rate, indicating recent contamination. Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed multi-resistance of the strains to the antibiotics used, posing a serious public health problem. These results underline the fact that the production and packaging techniques used for artisanal cornflour do not guarantee the safety of infants. The presence of Clostridium perfringens in cornmeal constitutes a serious public health problem.