Assessment of faecal coliforms in Catha edulis (Khat) leaves along the Value Chain in Meru (Kenya)

Catha edulis leaves have been found to contain high levels of faecal coliforms, exceeding recommended limits for safe consumption therefore posing a high risk diseases spread. The presence of faecal coliforms in these leaves is a concern for consumers and those involved in their production and transportation. This study assessed the faecal coliform contamination rate of Catha edulis (Khat) leaves at different stages of the value chain in Igembe South Sub-County, Meru, Kenya. The study involved 328 respondents from 25 locations within the Sub-County, and it adopted a cross-sectional descriptive study design involving one-time sampling of Khat leaves during farming, handling, vending, and consumption. Khat leaves were collected in aerated bags, processed, and evaluated for the presence of faecal coliforms at the Meru University of Science and Technology Laboratory. Antibiotic sensitivity tests were then performed. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics such as percentages, mean and standard deviation and in inferential statistics with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. The study findings revealed that handlers were significantly more contaminated with a mean of (4.0852) than farmers (3.9690), vendors (3.9858) and consumers (3.9756). Ceftriaxone was found to be susceptible to all bacteria tested. Ampicillin, Amoxyline, Azithromycin showed moderate effectiveness, with around 9-24% of the isolates being resistant while Doxycycline was the second most effective drug. Handling was identified as a contributing factor to spread of Multidrug resistant bacteria. This was highly attributable to poor sanitation status in most of the areas. Study findings clearly showed that presence of faecal coliforms in khat leaves is significantly associated with the poor sanitation, level of education, irrigation practices, kind of waste, water source, and water shortage. The study recommends need for improved sanitation practices at all stages of khat value chain. Promoting awareness among farmers, handlers, vendors, and customers about prudent antibiotic use could help combat resistance.