Microbial contaminants in wild harvested and traded edible long-horned grasshopper, Ruspolia differens (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) in Uganda

This study investigated the relative abundance and identity of microbial contaminants edible long-horned grasshopper (Ruspolia differens) harvested from wild traded in informal markets Uganda, to reveal high health risk points. Raw samples whole R. differens were collected vegetation, trapping sites markets. Additionally, plucked deep-fried ready-to-eat The cultured on standard media for quantification, pure cultures characterised using molecular techniques. Bacterial fungal counts deep fried ~3- 2-fold lower, respectively, than raw samples. Loads these microbes insects within recommended food safety limits. highest bacterial detected market followed by comparable across sampling Kampala not influenced district origin. Seven species bacteria seven fungi recorded most diverse points least insects. key pathogenic marketed Staphylococcus sciuri, Acinetobacter baumannii Serratia marcescens, all which absent wild-caught Our results demonstrate that obtained at are contaminated with potentially harmful microbes, therefore they require processing through frying minimise risks associated their consumption. Further studies warranted elucidate specific handling practices distribution may prevent introduction into differens.