MICROBIOLOGICAL HAZARDS OF SOME MARKETED FISH AND THEIR RELATION TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH.

Abstract

Fish have special importance from the nutritional standpoint being an \ excellent source of animal protein of superior quality as well as high content of

phosphorus, calcium, Vitamin A and so many other nutrients.

Since fish are subjected to the risk of contamination with various pathogens either during their presence in their aquatic environments or after being harvested for marketing. So, this work was done to asses sanitary conditions and the occurrence of some potential pathogens of fish, also possible source of their contamination as well as public health significance of such pathogens.

Samples of Tilapia nilotica, Mugil cephalus, Clarias lazera and frozen fish (the most commonly fish types consumed in Egypt) were collected (50 of each) from different markets in Gharbia Governorate and evaluated microbiologically.

Incidence of the isolates were as follows:

. E. coli Salmonella A.

hydrophi/a V.P s.

aureus A.

niger S.E S.T Tilapia nilotica Mugil cephalus Clarias lazera Frozen fish 20%

14%

10%

8% 4%

2%

2%

0 2%

0

2%

0 16%

12%

6%

6% 32%

22%

50%

26% 30%

20%

36%

20% 14%

8%

26%

18% S.E. = Salmonella enteritidis

S. T = Salmonella typhymurium

VP. = Vibrio parahaemolyticus

S. aureus = Staphylococcus aureus

A. niger = Aspregillus niger.