Isolation and Identification of Fungi from Dried Fishes sold at Garindau, Wudil Local Government Area Kano State

This study was aimed at isolating and identifying fungal contamination of dried fish sold at Garin dau Market, Wudil LocalGovernment Area, Kano State, Nigeria. A total of ten samples of dried fish were collected and analyzed using standardmicrobiological techniques to determine fungal load and species identification. The results revealed fungal counts ranging from9.00x10³ to 2.90x10⁴ CFU/ml, significantly exceeding the safety threshold set by NAFDAC/WHO, which is 1.00x10² CFU/ml. Fivefungal species were isolated from the samples, including Aspergillus niger (33.33%), Mucor spp. (29.63%), Aspergillus flavus(14.81%), Candida spp. (14.81%), and Penicillium spp. (7.41%). The presence of Aspergillus flavus, a known producer of aflatoxins,poses a serious public health concern due to its carcinogenic potential. These fungi such as Mucor and Candida species are alsoassociated with infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. These findings highlight the need for improvedpreservation methods, including more effective drying techniques and proper storage practices, to reduce fungal contamination. Thesemeasures are vital for safeguarding public health and maintaining the economic value of dried fish in local markets.