ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of some bacterial species in edible snails (Achatina achatina) sold at various market outlets within Abakaliki metropolis. A total of 50 edible snails were randomly obtained at different locations in 5 major markets within Abakaliki metropolis. Results showed that 61 bacterial isolates which belonged to 6 bacterial species: E. coli, Pseudomonas spp, Shigella spp, Enterobacter spp, Salmonella spp and Klebsiella spp, were present in the snails. The suspected bacteria were identified and characterized using standard microbiology techniques. Results revealed that Escherichia coli had the highest prevalence frequency (45.9 %) followed by Salmonella spp (18 %), Shigella spp (13.1 %), Pseudomonas spp (11.5 %) and Enterobacter spp (6.6 %) being the least. The contamination of snails through sales in the open market without covering them and poor handling are several factors that contribute to snails being carriers of pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, it is imperative to ensure adequate care in its preparation so that their consumption will not cause serious epidemic threat. Keywords: Achatina achatina, Abakaliki metropolis, bacterial species, edible snails. REFERENCES Adagbada, A. O, Orok, A. B. and Adesida, S. A. (2011). The Prevalence and Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Entero-pathogens Isolated from Land Sails Eaten in Cross-River and Akwa- Ibom States, South-Southern Nigeria. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Health Science, 1: 122 -127. Agbonolahor, D. E. (1994). The Bacteriology of Edible Giant African Land Snail Commonly Found in Southern Parts of Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Medical Laboratory Science 4:26-32. Agbonlahor, D. E., Imoyera, P. I., Igumboe, E. O., Akhabue, E. E., Ekundayo, P. A., Orhue, D. T., Obasuyi, B. O. and Osuide, O. O. (2010). The Bacteriology of Edible Giant Africa Land Snail (Archachatina achatina) commonly found in Southern Part of Nigeria. Journal of Medical Laboratory Science, 4:26-32. Swapna Gurrapu and Estari Mamidala. Medicinal Plants Used By Traditional Medicine Practitioners in the Management of HIV/AIDS-Related Diseases in Tribal Areas of Adilabad District, Telangana Region. The Ame J Sci & Med Res.2016:2(1):239-245. doi:10.17812/ajsmr2101 Ajayi, S. S., Tewe, S.O., Milligan, J. K. (2009). Influence of Seasonality on Aestivation and Behaviour of The Forest African Giant Land Snail, Archachatina marginata (Swaison) Bulletin of Annual Health Process. 28:328. Albequerque, F. S., Peso-Aguiar, M. C., Assuncao- Albequerque, M. J. and Galvez, M. L. (2009). Do Climate Variables and Human Density Affect (Achatina fulica) (Bowditch) Gastropoda: Pulmonata) Shell Length, Total Weight and Condition Factor; Brazilian Journal of Biology, 61(3): 879-885. Cheesbrough, M. (2005). District Laboratory Practices in tropical Countries. Low price edition Cambridge University press. United Kingdom Pp. 63-68. Ebenso, I. E. and Ebenso G. I. (2011). Childhood Risk Estimation of Lead Metal Poisoning from Edible Snails in Abandoned Battery Factory Equipments in Ethiopia. Journal of Environmental Studies and Management, 3:73-78. Fagbuaro, Q., Oso, J. A., Edward, J. B. and Ogunleye, R. F. (2006). Nutritional Status of Four Giant Land Snails in Nigeria. Journal of Zhejiang University Science, 7(9):686-689. Food and Drug Aministration (FDA) (2011). Snails, Fish and Fishery Products Hazards and Control Guidance, 4th edition. In Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, FDA: Washington 2011. Herbert, D. and Kilburn, D. (2004). Field Guide to the Land Snails and Slugs of Eastern South Africa. Natal Museum: Pietermaritzburg. South Africa. Pp 336. WHO (2007). Food Safety and food borne illness. Pp 5–9.