Microbial Analysis of Two Common Processed Fish Sold in Two Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract The study on microbial analysis of two common processed fish sold in two Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The samples of both processed African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and Tilapia zillii were sourced from markets in Doma and Obi Local Government Areas. The samples of Clarias gariepinus and Tilapia zillii were both collected from three different locations in the both markets of the study areas and transported to the laboratory Fish samples of Tilapia zillii and Clarias gariepinus were purchased from Doma and Obi respectively. The fish were milled into powdered and were packaged according to location and taken to the laboratory for analysis. Data were subjected to statistical analysis using analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a 5% significance level, and significantly different means were separated using Fisher's LSD. The results of the study showed that high microbial activities of fish was obtained from Obi. Tilapia fish from Doma had more of total heterotrophic fungal count, and total coli form counts except for total heterotrophic bacterial count. Doma had the highest percentage for bacteria contamination particularly in Clarias gariepinus. Seven organisms which are Micrococcus spp, Salmonella spp, E. coli, Proteus spp, Streptococcus agalactiae, Serratiamarcescens, and Staphylococcus epidermidis were isolated from fish in Doma, and nine organisms which were Bacillus spp, Candida albicans, E. coli, Enterococcus spp, Klebsiellaspp,Micrococcusspp,Pseudomona aeruginosa,Salmonella spp, Staphylococcus aureus were isolated from Obi. Three species of fungi including Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus fumigatusin Clarias gariepinus isolated carried the highest percentage compared to Tilapia. There should be a holistic strategy to improved sanitary methods, increased storage conditions, and consumer education on food safety in the study area. Individuals in the study area should be sensitized on aquaculture production and fisheries to improve food security in the area.