Occurrence Of Foodborne Bacterial Pathogens In Smoked Fish At Retail Level In Jos, Nigeria

Abstract

Sixty five (65) smoked fish samples (30 catfish and 35 Tilapia) were obtained form three retail market locations in Jos South, Nigeria, and screened for foodborne bacterial pathogens. Potential human pathogens were isolated from all the samples studied through culture, growth characteristics, morphological, physiological and biochemical reaction of substrates and enzyme activities. Organisms isolated include Staphylococcus aureus, 29 (44.6%), Listeria monocytogenes 6 (9.2%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 7 (10.7%), Proteus mirabilis 5 (7.7%), Escherichia coli 1 (1.5%), Bacillus cereus 2 (3%) and Yeast cells 10 (15.4%). However, there were no significant differences (P>0.05) in the occurrence of the isolates and the markets sampled. This study reveals that smoked fish sold on the retail market in Jos, Nigeria could be a potential source of foodborne bacterial pathogens if not properly handled. Improvements in processing and handling are required, and the need for foodborne bacterial disease surveillance is indicated.

Keywords: Foodborne, Bacterial pathogens, Smoked fish, Retail, Nigeria.

Nigerian Veterinary Journal Vol. 28 (1) 2007 pp. 21-26