Research Article Open Access

Isolation and Identification of Bacterial Species Associated with Spoilage of Clarias gariepinus.

Abstract

This study was carried to isolate and identify the bacteria species that are associated with fish spoilage using standard bacteriological techniques. The results of the bacteriological quality of the cat fish showed variation in the total bacterial and coliform counts to different anatomical parts (skins, gills and intestine). The highest total bacterial counts was recorded from gills (83 x 105cfu/ml) and lowest in skin (53 x 105cfu/ml) from cat fish. The total coliform counts of the cat fish ranges from 16 x 103cfu/ml, 36 x 103cfu/ml and 43 x 103cfu/ml in skin, intestine and gills respectively. A total of 288 colonies belonging to eleven genera where identified after comparing the morphological characteristics, gram staining reaction, biochemical tests and sugar utilization with those of known taxa. The identified genera were Streptococcus sp., Staphylococcus sp., Salmonella sp., Shigella sp., Pseudomonas sp., E. coli, Klebsiella sp., Enterobacter sp., Enterococcus sp., Campylobacter sp., and Proteus sp. The prevalence of these genera shows that Pseudomonas sp ( 96.95% ) was the most prevalent on all the anatomical parts followed by E. coli (14.64%) Enterococcus sp (9.74%), Klebsiella sp., (6.90%), Enterobacter sp (6.72%). The presence of these bacteria genera could pose serious health problem if consumed, it is therefore advised that proper care must be taken to prevent spoilage of the fish through major preservation techniques.

Ibrahim TA and Adetuyi O

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