ASSESSMENT OF THE MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION OF SOME FROZEN, SMOKED AND CANNED FISH SOLD IN KADUNA NORTH L.G.A. WITH LISTERIA SPECIES
1Musa, M. A., 2Bello, M., 2Kwaga, J. K. P., 1Idi-Ogede, A. M., 3Onimisi, H.U., 1 Nda, A. A. & 1M. Sabo
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Federal University, Gashua
Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services, Ahmadu Bello University. Zaria.
Email musamusa25@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT This study was carried out to investigate theoccurrence of Listeria species in frozen, smoked and canned fish in Kaduna North Local Government Area of Nigeria. A total of one hundred and eighty (180) fish samples comprising of 60 frozen, 60 smoked and 60 canned were purchased from the fish mongers at the three major markets in Kaduna North L.G.A (Kawo, Abubakar Gumi and Unguwar Rimi markets). Sampling was done once a weekly. Listeria species were isolated using pre-enrichment selective medium and were identified by conventional biochemical tests and confirmed with Microbact ID-System. Results shows that from the 180 samples, 24 (13.3%) were found to be contaminated with Listeria species. Out of the 24 isolates, Microbact 12L –ID system showed that 9(37.5%) of L.grayi and 15 (62.5%) of L. ivanovii were positive isolates respectively. Distribution of the occurrence of Listeria spp by sample type showed that smoked fish had the highest occurrence of 19 (31.7%) when compared with frozen fish which had 5 (8.3%) whereas canned fish had 0 (0%). Distribution of Listeria isolates by location showed that Unguwar Rimi market had the highest 15 (25%) followed by Kawo market 5(8.3%) and the least contaminated was Abubakar Gumi market 4(6.6%).The prevalence of Listeria species in this study showed that there is a potential threat to health and safety of the public. Therefore it is recommended that good hygiene practices should be implemented