BACTERIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF TILAPIA FISH AND CRAB BOUGHT FROM RUMUOLA MARKET, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The bacteriological evaluation of Tilapia fishes and crabs bought at Rumuola market, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, was carried out.A total of thirty (30) samples each of tilapia fishes and crabs were obtained from Rumuola market. The intestines, gills and flesh of tilapia fishes and carapace meats of crab samples were analysed for total heterotrophic bacteria, total coliform and Salmonella species employing standard microbiological procedures replicated thrice.Results obtained from the study show that the highest total heterotrophic bacteria counts for fish and crab were 2.75 x 108 cfu/g and 2.29 x 108 cfu/g respectively; the highest total coliform counts for fish and crab were 2.47 x 108cfu/g and 2.36 x 108 cfu/g respectively, while the highest Salmonella count were 2.71 x 108 cfu/g and 6.4 x 108 cfu/g respectively. All the counts were above the ICMSF recommended limit of 1 x 105 cfu/g for seafood which could be due to source contamination, improper handling and unhygienic environment. The study also revealed that Micrococcus spp. Proteus mirabilis, Corynebacterium spp. Bacillus spp. Enterobacter spp. Salmonellatyphi and Citrobacterspp, were isolated and identified. These have public health implication, meaning the proper cooking done during preparation to prevent cross contamination and eventual food intoxication. Generally, hygienic practices and storage condition are recommended for the marketers.