Fish Handlers Research Articles

Resistance patterns, virulence determinants, and biofilm genes of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from fish and fish handlers

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is an opportunistic bacterium that is widely distributed in aquatic environments and causes major economic losses in fish and public health hazards.This study aimed to identify the occurrence of P. aeruginosa in samples collected from fish and fish handlers, and to investigate the antimicrobial susceptibility, virulence determinants, and biofilm genes of P. aeruginosa isolates. A total of 276 samples were cross-sectionally collected from Nile tilapia (53), Golden grey mullet (52), Mediterranean horse mackerel (50), Striped red mullet (71), and fish handlers (50) at five different retail fish markets in Damietta Governorate, Egypt. Pseudomonas species (spp.) were biochemically identified in 57.9% of the total examined samples. Peudomonas aeruginosa were the most prevalent species isolated from the fish and human samples via PCR technique. Peudomonas aeruginosa isolates exhibited full resistance (100%) to tobramycin (TOB), gentamicin (CN), and colistin (CL), with a high level of susceptibility (88.5%) to imipenem (IPM) using the disk diffusion method. Most P. aeruginosa isolates (84.6%) exhibited drug resistance, with 61.5% were multidrug resistance (MDR) and 23.1% were extensive drug resistance (XDR). Most isolates had at least four virulence-associated genes (lasB, toxA, exoU, and oprL) and three biofilm genes (psIA, peIA, and lasR) by using uniplex PCR. The lasI, and rhlR Quorum Sensing (QS) genes were identified in 84.6% and 61.5% in the examined P. aeruginosa isolates, respectively. The highest mortality rate in Nile tilapia experimentally infected with P. aeruginosa isolate encoding most of virulent genes. Multivariate analyses revealed high heterogeneity among the examined isolates. This study revealed the emergence of virulent and drug resistant P. aeruginosa isolates in fish, poses high risks to consumers and food. Thus, strict hygienic measures should be considered when catching, handling, and storing fish, in addition to the routine application of antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

Detection of Salmonella and Escherichia coli along the Fish Value Chain in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia

ABSTRACTBackgroundFish is a possible source of foodborne infections with Salmonella and Escherichia coli. This study was conducted to identify Salmonella and E. coli along the fish value chain in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was undertaken with purposive sampling. A total of 121 specimens comprising fresh fish, retailing fish, filleted and cooked fish, swabs, and water samples were collected. Both culture based and molecular methods were used for detection.ResultsE. coli isolated from 41 (33.88%) and Salmonella from 6 (4.96%) specimen. The highest E. coli isolation rate was from retailing fish 16 (80%), whereas the highest Salmonella isolation rate from filleted tissue 2 (20%). At restaurants, 12 (30%) samples were positive for E. coli and 3 (7.50%) for Salmonella. All 41 E. coli isolates were resistant to amoxicillin/clavulanate, whereas no resistance was shown for gentamicin and amikacin. Two thirds of Salmonella isolate and 95.12% of E. coli were detected as they develop multidrug resistance. The highest rate of resistance was recorded for ceftazidime against all (n = 6) isolates of Salmonella species. From a total of 10 E. coli isolates tested by PCR, 4 were positive for hemolysin A1 and/or eae virulence genes.ConclusionsThe study detects the potential biological hazards along the value chain. Hygiene of fish handlers and their working environment and proper fish cooking are highly valuable. One health campaign should be carried out on drug resistance, contamination of the lake, and fish safety.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of fresh Nile perch value chain handlers towards food safety requirements in Uganda

In the continuum from ‘farm to fork’, the proficiency of food handlers in terms of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) is essential for ensuring improved food safety outcomes. This study evaluated the KAP of fresh Nile perch fish handlers regarding food safety requirements within Uganda. A cross-sectional survey involving fish handlers (n = 466) engaged in handling fresh Nile perch and fisheries products in both local and export market chains. The study was conducted at 30 gazetted fish landing sites on Lake Victoria, 15 licensed fish export factories, and 9 local markets authorized to sell fisheries products. Data on demographic, knowledge, attitude, and practices was collected using structured questionnaire. Demographic data was analysed using frequencies and percentages. Ordinary least squares bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to determine factors associated with knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding food safety requirements. Fish handlers (49.8 %) demonstrated good knowledge with the majority (74.6 %) from the export market chain. Majority (81.3 %) of market stall handlers had poor knowledge of food safety requirements. Most (68.2 %) fresh Nile perch fish handlers had limited awareness of food-borne pathogens. Only 31.8 % had knowledge about E. coli, Salmonella spp, and Staphylococcus spp. Furthermore, over 63 % believed that consuming contaminated fish could transmit HIV, Covid-19, and Ebola. Male gender, higher income, and advanced education were positively correlated with fish handlers' knowledge of food safety requirements. Fish handlers (57 %) in the local market chain exhibited poor attitudes. Being a male fish handler was significantly (β = 3.43, 95 % CI: 1.65–5.21, P = 0.001) associated with positive attitudes compared to being female. Education at different levels was significantly (Primary (β = 3.19, 95 % CI: 1.05–5.33, P = 0.004); Secondary level (β = 5.883, 95 % CI: 3.52–8.23, P = 0.001); Tertiary (β = 6.09, 95 % CI: 3.03–9.15, P = 0.001)) associated with positive attitudes compared to no education.Practices ensuring food safety were common in the factories and the export market. The study suggests the need for interventions that promote knowledge transfer and food safety culture, particularly in the local market chain.

First report of Paracapillaria philippinensis infection in flowerhorn cichlid in India.

The flowerhorn cichlid is a popular ornamental fish in many Asian countries. The present study reports the occurrence of Paracapillaria philippinensis (Chitwood et al., 1968), a parasitic nematode in flowerhorn cichlid (Cichlasoma sp.) from south India. The infected fish demonstrated clinical symptoms viz. dark coloration, poor appetite, lethargy, erratic swimming, and white stringy faeces. Microscopic observation of the intestinal content and faeces revealed the presence of adult worms, larvae, and unembryonated eggs. PCR amplification of eukaryotic 18S rRNA, P. philippinensis-specific SSU rRNA gene, and the subsequent sequence analysis confirmed the species identity as P. philippinensis. The generated sequences were submitted in the GenBank, NCBI, under the accession numbers, MK895507.1, MK895446.1, MW144993.1, and OR685675.1. This is the first scientific report of P. philippinensis in fish from India, and it confirms that the flowerhorn cichlid can act as a definitive host for P. philippinensis. This report alerts fish handlers and enthusiasts to undertake suitable precautionary measures while handling live flowerhorn cichlids to prevent possible transmission of P. Philippinensis, which has the potential to infect humans causing intestinal capillariasis.

Cross-sectional analysis of risk factors associated with Mugil cephalus in retail fish markets concerning methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Aeromonas hydrophila.

Aeromonas hydrophila and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are potent bacterial pathogens posing major hazards to human health via consuming fish harboring these pathogens or by cross-contamination beyond the contaminated environment. The aim of this study was to determine risk variables associated with the presence of certain pathogenic bacteria from Mugil cephalus fish in retail markets in Egypt. The virulence genes of A. hydrophila and S. aureus were also studied. Furthermore, the antibiotic sensitivity and multidrug resistance of the microorganisms were evaluated. In a cross-sectional investigation, 370 samples were collected from mullet skin and muscle samples, washing water, fish handlers, knives, and chopping boards. Furthermore, fish handlers' public health implications were assessed via their response to a descriptive questionnaire. S. aureus and Aeromonas species dominated the investigated samples with percentages of 26.76% and 30.81%, respectively. Furthermore, A. hydrophila and MRSA were the predominant recovered bacterial pathogens among washing water and knives (53.85% and 46.66%, respectively). The virulence markers aerA and hlyA were found in 90.7% and 46.5% of A. hydrophila isolates, respectively. Moreover, the virulence genes nuc and mec were prevalent in 80% and 60% of S. aureus isolates, respectively. Antimicrobial susceptibility results revealed that all A. hydrophila isolates were resistant to amoxicillin and all MRSA isolates were resistant to amoxicillin and ampicillin. Remarkably, multiple drug resistance (MDR) patterns were detected in high proportions in A. hydrophila (88.37%) and MRSA (100%) isolates. The prevalence of Aeromonas spp. and S. aureus had a positive significant correlation with the frequency of handwashing and use of sanitizer in cleaning of instruments. MRSA showed the highest significant prevalence rate in the oldest age category. The pathogenic bacteria recovered in this study were virulent and had a significant correlation with risk factors associated with improper fish handling. Furthermore, a high frequency of MDR was detected in these pathogenic bacteria, posing a significant risk to food safety and public health.

Food safety knowledge, attitudes and practices of fish handlers in Kirinyaga County markets, Kenya

Fish and fish products have high nutritional value and are important in supplementing human diet. Fish products have little or no cholesterol and saturated fat, but instead have omega 3 and low-fat content essential for human health. Despite the high nutritional value of fish products, their consumption is hindered significantly by setbacks such as spoilage and foodborne diseases that spread through contamination in the fish supply chain. The objective of this study was to evaluate fish vendors' attitudes, knowledge, and practices on food safety in selected markets in Kirinyaga County that included Sagana, Tebere, Mwea, Ndia, Kianyaga, and Kerugoya markets. A structured questionnaire was administered to 54 fish vendors to collect information on fish safety, spoilage, risk factors, personal hygiene, food contamination, type of hazards, foodborne diseases and attitudes towards training on food safety. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 was used to analyse the data from the respondents. The relationship between fish vendors’ demographic characteristics and risk factors was assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. The majority of the fish vendors had a positive attitude towards education in hygiene practices (56%). There was a positive correlation between education and fish vendors' awareness of fish foodborne diseases at p<0.05. The study revealed that fish foodborne diseases awareness was positively influenced by respondents' level of experience and age. Moreover, there was also a significant (p˂ 0.05) positive correlation on the awareness of fish foodborne diseases with hygiene and food safety. Majority of the fish handlers had average level of knowledge, attitude and hygiene practices for food safety. These findings presented a foundation for formulating policies to increase food safety and hygiene practices of fish handlers in the region, thereby preventing foodborne diseases and postharvest losess. The results of this study can also form a basis for an indepth research for students and researchers in verious disciplines scuh as public health, marketing, community development and more. Key words: Fish products, Food Safety, Knowledge and Attitude, Foodborne diseases

Microbial Profile of Fresh and Semicooked Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and Hygienic Practice of Fish Handlers in Hawassa, Ethiopia.

Despite its high nutritional quality, fish is a highly perishable food item. This study aimed at assessing the microbial quality and safety of fresh and semicooked Nile tilapia fish fillets and the food safety practices of fish handlers in Hawassa City. The microbial load of 40 for each of raw and semicooked fillet samples was estimated by the standard plate count method, and the dominant flora as well as common bacterial pathogens were identified following phenotypic procedures. Moreover, a survey was conducted to assess the hygienic conditions and food safety practices of 30 fish handlers. The mean microbial load of the raw fillet samples in log10CFUg-1 was 8.42 for aerobic mesophilic bacteria (AMBC), 2.52 for total coliforms (TCC), and 3.41 for a count of staphylococci (CS). On the other hand, the respective parameters for the semicooked fillets in log10CFUg-1 were 6.68 (AMBC), 2.52 (TCC), and 3.17 (CS). The mean AMBC of all the fresh raw fillet samples exceeded the recommended maximum permissible limits. The mean SC of raw fillets from three of the eight vendors and one semicooked fillet were at a potentially hazardous level (>4 log units). Moreover, Salmonella species were isolated from 30% to 25% of raw and semicooked samples, respectively. The mesophilic bacterial flora of both types of samples was dominated by Bacillus species, Salmonella species, E coli, and Staphylococcus species. Most fish handlers did not practice hygienic food handling and lacked basic sanitation amenities like clean water and soap for hand washing. Moreover, nearly all the fish handlers did not have any formal education. These findings call for public health intervention measures like the provision of training in good hygienic practices and certification for fish vendors in the chain.

Safety Concerns on Microbes Associated with Fresh and Smoked Fish Sold in Igbokoda Fish Market, Nigeria

Fishes are important source of food for human globally because man gets a lot of minerals, vitamins, lipids and proteins from fishes and theirs products. Microbiological quality of fish is important to public health as indicative parameters to ensure safe consumption of fish by man. This study was carried out in order to evaluate microbes associated with fresh and smoked fishes on sales at Igbokoda fish market and their antimicrobial susceptibility profiles. Ten different fresh and smoked fish samples were collected from different fish-sellers at different selling points in Igbokoda fish market, aseptically using sterile containers. Samples from the skin, intestine and gill were obtained and cultured into three different media (MacConkey Agar, Nutrient Agar, Salmonella-Shigella Agar) for bacteria isolation and characterization. Other samples from the skin, intestine and gill were also cultured into Potato Dextrose Agar for fungal isolation and characterization. After 48 hours, on examination the total bacterial counts obtained from the skin, intestine and gill ranged between 2.4 to 8.7 x 106 cfu/ml while the total fungal counts ranged between 4.6 to 9.2 x 104 cfu/ml. Highest microbial load was obtained from the skin of the fish samples (7.2 x 106 cfu/ml), while the gill had the lowest microbial load (4.6 x 104 cfu/ml). The bacteria species isolated from the fish samples and their percentage of occurrence were; Aeromonas hydrophilia (11.2%), Bacillus species (6.8%), Citrobacter freundii (3.3%), Escherichia coli (23.2%), Enterobacter cloacae (6.1%), Enterococcus faecalis (6.5%), Listeria monocytogenes (4.5%), Pseudomonas aeroginosa (8.2%), Salmonella species (10.2%), Staphylococcus aureus (16.5%) and Streptococcus species (3.5%). The fungi isolated and their percentage of occurrence were; Penicillium species (16.2%), Aspergillus flavus (8.4%), Aspergillus niger (25.5%), Candida species (16.4%), Fusarium species (6.5%), Mucor species (8.6%), Rhodotorula species (7.2%) and Rhizopus stolonifer (11.2%). Antibiotics susceptibility testing showed that all bacteria isolates were susceptible to Chloramphenicol, Ciprofloxacin, Augmentin, and Amoxillin. While Salmonella species, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species showed strong resistance to Septrin, Gentamycin and Streptomycin but intermediate susceptible to Erythromycin, Ampiclox, and Tetracycline. The antifungal susceptibility testing of the fungal isolated from fish samples showed that all the isolates were susceptible to all the antifungal agents used except Candida species that showed little resistance to clotrimazole. The study showed that microbial loads in the fish samples were low and, also there was no presence of multidrug resistant bacteria in sampled fish; therefore the fishes were safe for consumption. Although, it is recommended that good processing method should be adopted by fish handlers to prevent health risks to the fish consumers.

Levels of Escherichia coli as Bio-Indicator of Contamination of Fish Food and Antibiotic Resistance Pattern Along the Value Chain in Northwest Ethiopia

Microbiological contamination in fish origin foods is the leading risk for public health. Among the range of pathogenic bacterial species that cause fish food borne diseases is Escherichia coli. The pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli cause diarrhea by producing and releasing toxins and can also be the cause of food spoilage in fish. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess hygienic practices of fish handlers, to evaluate bacterial load and antimicrobial resistance patterns of Escherichia coli along the fish value chain in Northwest Ethiopia. Systematic and purposive sampling techniques were used for uncooked and cooked fish samples respectively. From a total of 180 fish samples, 36 (20%) were positive for Escherichia coli. From 115 uncooked and 65 cooked fish samples examined, 27 (23.5%) and 9 (13.8%) had E. coli respectively. The highest mean bacterial count was observed in raw fish samples (6.13 × 105 cfu/g), followed by cooked fish samples (2.81 × 104 cfu/g). Among the interviewed fish handlers, 83.3%, 76.7% and 80% of respondents had good knowledge and attitude towards using a clean cutting-and-filleting board, storing raw and cooked foods separately and using an apron for reducing the risk of fish contamination, respectively. All 36 isolates were 100% sensitive to ciprofloxacin and gentamycin. Of the Escherichia coli isolates subjected to tetracycline, 55.6% were resistant, 8.3% were intermediate and 36.1% were susceptible. This study revealed that there was a lack hygienic practice and high Escherichia coli profiles were observed. Hence, it could be wise to advise the fish harvesters, fish traders, hotels and restaurants about fish food safety practices from harvesting to consumption to improve fish food safety practices and quality standards of fish harvested and sold in northwest Ethiopia.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices on food safety and hygiene of wet and dry fish handlers in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh.

This study aimed to provide the very first description of the current scenario of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) concerning the food safety and hygiene subjects among wet fish handlers (WFHs) and dry fish handlers (DFHs) in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. Data collection was performed through the application of face-to-face interviews with 234 WFHs and 258 DFHs. The overall score of the correct answer assessed components was 55.95% and 57.05% in WFHs and DFHs, respectively. Among the different knowledge categories, both the respondents showed the highest positive response in the time, temperature, and quality control category and the lowest positive responses noted in the foodborne disease occurrence category. For attitudes, obtained results showed positive attitude with a mean score of 37.82 ± 4.28 and 35.58 ± 5.48 for WFHs and DFHs, respectively. The WFHs gained a mean score of 23.08 ± 4.24 for practices, and the score was 22.78 ± 4.47 in the case of DFHs. A positively significant correlation coefficient (r s) was observed among fish handlers' KAP of 0.326-0.584. Although the association between the three levels was acceptable, several food safety principles and hygiene practices remained unsatisfactory. These findings highlighted the need for rapid action to enhance food safety and hygiene KAP through an intensive training program to assure the production of safe fisheries products for human consumption.

Pathological and Tissue-Based Molecular Investigation of Granulomas in Cichlids Reared as Ornamental Fish.

Simple SummaryThe global ornamental fish trade has an estimated value of USD 15–30 billion per year and more than a 10% average annual growth. Despite their economic importance, the management of ornamental fish is challenged by a paucity of information, including data on the fish health status. Pathological and microbiological investigations were conducted on ornamental cichlids sampled during routine management activities held at an aquarium commercial facility, in order to evaluate the presence of granuloma in the organs. Cutibacterium acnes and Mycobacterium spp. were detected by molecular methods and immunohistochemistry. These bacteria represent potential zoonotic agents, and the advancement of their knowledge could significantly improve the management of ornamental fish and reduce the risk of exposure for people, such as hobbyists, fish handlers, aquarists, and dedicated personnel.Cichlids include hundreds of species with a high economic value for aquaculture. These fish are subjected to intensive trade and farming that expose them to the risk of infectious diseases. This work focuses on ornamental cichlids held in an aquarium commercial facility presenting emaciation, in order to evaluate the presence of lesions in fish skin and organs. The fish were sampled during routine management activities and subjected to pathological and molecular investigations. The presence of lymphocystis disease virus, typically associated with cutaneous nodular disease, was ruled out. Histologically, they presented granulomas in the spleen, sometimes extending to the other visceral organs. Bacterial heat-shock protein 65 PCR products were detected in tissues associated, in the majority of cases, with granulomas; molecular investigation identified Mycobacterium spp. in two cases and Cutibacterium acnes in seven cases. Immunoreactivity to anti-Mycobacterium and anti-C. acnes antibodies was detected within granulomas. The presence of C. acnes within granuloma is elucidated for the first time in fish; however, similarly to what is found in humans, this bacterium could be harmless in normal conditions, whereas other contributing factors would be required to trigger a granulomatogenous response. Further confirmation by bacterial culture, as well as using large-scale studies in more controlled situations, is needed.

Bacteria associated with smoked catfish sold at Bida Modern market, Northcentral Nigeria

In Nigeria, Fish serves as the affordable source of animal protein, where most individuals consume smoke fish as a food delicacy. This study was carried out to identify and ascertain the bacteria contamination of smoked catfish sold at Bida modern market in Northcentral Nigeria. A total of Fifty (50) samples of smoked Catfish were purchased from fish traders in the market. The fish samples were analyzed using standard bacteria techniques and procedures. The result shows mean bacterial loads of 184 colonies with a population of 1.84 × 106 Cfu/g. A total of seven (7) species of bacteria were isolated from the sample. The bacteria species consist of four (4) gram-positive bacteria and three (3) gram-negative bacteria. The bacteria isolate encountered in this study were Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus sp., Micrococcus sp., Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp. and Proteus mirabilis. The study revealed that smoked catfish sold in Bida modern market are contaminated by different groups of bacteria, which could be due to the unhygienic nature of the market and the fish handlers. The presence and abundance of this groups of bacteria in smoked catfish fish could result into food poisoning, which is a matter of public health concern.

Well-being status of fishery stakeholder groups: A comparative study between improved and poor fish handlers in haor and floodplain

Well-being status of fishery stakeholder groups: A comparative study between improved and poor fish handlers in haor and floodplain

Exposure assessment to staphylococcus enterotoxins in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) supplied through semi-regulated and unregulated value chains

The objective of this study was to estimate the risk associated with staphylococcal enterotoxin (SE) exposure from the consumption of Nile tilapia supplied through the semi-regulated and unregulated value chains in Kenya. The fish supply chain was modeled from landing to consumption of unprocessed (fresh) and processed (salted and sun-dried, smoked, filleted) fish. Data related to the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus in fish, taking into account survey information on handling, storage, processing and consumption of Nile tilapia were collected from recently completed studies in Kenya. Other model inputs were complemented with data from published and unpublished literature. A probabilistic exposure model was developed with Monte Carlo simulation in Excel add-in software using @Risk software. The simulated levels of S. aureus in fish after handling and storage of salted and sun-dried and smoked fish ranged between 4 log CFU/g and 9.01 log CFU/g (maximum population density), while in fillet, levels of S. aureus following growth during display at retail shops was between 3.10 log CFU/g (5% percentile) and 9.01 log CFU/g (95% percentile). Estimated SE dose per-serving in fish supplied after processing was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the unregulated (ranged between 0.000150 ng (5% percentile) and 30.0 ng (95% percentile)) than semi-regulated chain. The model revealed that the factors with the highest impact on dose of SE per-serving were the time taken to sell the fish at street markets under ambient conditions and refrigerated fish fillets at retail shops followed by cross-contamination from fish handlers most. The model simulated a zero risk of exposure to SEs from fish supplied via the semi-regulated and unregulated value chain if cross-contamination from handlers was eliminated. Therefore, this highlighted the need for good hygiene practices during the handling and storage of fish along the value chain. A significant reduction in the risk of exposure to SE in processed fish was noted when shelf-life was reduced to a maximum of 72 h. Although the model can be used in risk assessments of fish supplied under the same scenarios, the current study revealed data gaps that need to be addressed to improve the risk assessment.

Isolation and Genomic Characterization of phiVibrioH1 a Myoviridae Phage for Controlling Pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus from Seafood and Human

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a zoonotic pathogen causing vibriosis in marine fish and associated with food poisoning outbreaks in humans. This study aimed to isolate and characterize bacteriophage against multidrug resistant (MDR) Vibrio parahaemolyticus from seafood and humans, and also to assess the lytic efficacy of phage on growth. Vibrio Parahaemolyticus was isolated from flesh of 80 white shrimp, 70 blue crabs and 50 mullets, and from 50 hand swabs of humans (fish handlers) on Thiosulphate Citrate bile salts sucrose agar media. The suspected colonies were biochemically identified. Pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus carrying thermostable direct hemolysin (tdh+) gene was molecularly detected . The pathogenic tdh+V. parahaemolyticus (n=25) isolates were explored for antimicrobial vulnerability resistant to 12 antimicrobials employing the disc diffusion method. Fifteen isolates of tdh+V. parahaemolyticus were 100% resistant to five antimicrobials. Bacteriophage was isolated from sewage water using spot test and double over layer agar assay. The phiVibrioH1 was belonged to family Myoviridae according to transmission electron microscopy. This study revealed a polyvalent phage infecting wide host range of MDR V. parahaemolyticus, V. vulnificus, V. fluvialis, V. alginolyticus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli O26 and Proteus vulgaris. The genome of phage was sensitive to digestion with BamH1 and ECoR1 restriction enzymes indicating double stranded DNA. From 24 to 42 hours post-treatment of pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus with the PhiVibrioH1 phage showed complete lysis of bacterial cells. This study confirmed that the phiVibrioH1 is a lytic phage and has a high potential to control pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus strains recovered from seafood and humans.

Microbial and some heavy metals analysis of smoked fishes sold in urban and rural markets in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Objective: The unhygienic nature of our local markets, including fish handlers, may contribute to the presence of microorganisms in smoked fish leading to food poisoning. Furthermore, heavy metals can find their way into the food chain through fish raising public health concerns. This study assessed the microbial load and some heavy metals in smoked fishes (bongafish and catfish) sold in urban and rural markets in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Standard microbiological techniques and analytical procedures were used for microbial and heavy metals analyses, respectively. Results: The results revealed that all the smoked fish obtained from the two markets were contaminated with heavy metals and microorganisms. Zinc was the most frequently detected heavy metal in both fish types (catfish: 15.50 ± 9.99 mg/kg; and bongafish: 16.40 ± 12.28 mg/kg) obtained from urban market, while in the rural market, it was cadmium (catfish: 15.95 ± 10.15 mg/kg; and bongafish: 18.25 ± 7.15 mg/kg). The overall elemental concentrations of the heavy metals in the fishes were in decreasing order of Cadmium&gt;Zinc&gt;Nickel&gt;Cobalt&gt;Lead. The most predominant bacterial species in fishes from the urban market was Bacillus subtilis (7.5 × 104 ± 0.871 colony- forming unit/g) while Candida tropicalis (9.2 × 104 ± 0.105) was the most predominant fungal species. More bacteria and fungi were encountered in fishes from the rural market than from the urban market. The differences in the microbial loads from the two markets were not statistically significant (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusion: There is a potential health risk of eating smoked fishes that are poorly stored or handled in the market as a result of heavy metal contamination and the presence of the pathogenic organism. Therefore, maintenance and enforcement of adequate sanitation practices in these markets should be encouraged to avert unpleasant health consequences.

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Seafood: Prevalence, Laboratory Detection, Clonal Nature, and Control in Seafood Chain.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a versatile pathogen bearing multiple virulence determinants, is increasingly being detected in various food-producing animals, including fish. In addition, it is a potential food poisoning agent. MRSA is not an inherent microbiota of fish; its presence is attributed to pre- or postharvest contamination through fish handlers, water, ice, and processing equipment. Several reviews have been written on MRSA in clinical as well as the food animal-producing sector, but information specific to MRSA in seafood is scant. This review puts forth insights on MRSA detection in seafood, antibiotic resistance, diversity of clones in seafood, and possible control measures in seafood production chain. Emphasis has been given on assessing the variations in the protocols employed for isolation and identification in different food matrices and lay the foundation for researchers to develop optimized procedure.

Mycobacterial Infection in Ornamental Fishes Farmed in Low Saline Waters of Tiruvallur District, India

Gokulraj, A.; Praveenraj, J.; Gnanadesikan, R., and Arumugam, U., 2019. Mycobacterial infection in ornamental fishes farmed in low saline waters of Tiruvallur District, India. In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 134–137. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.The present study reports the detection of Mycobacterium sp. infection in the ornamental fish, Carassius auratus (Gold fish) and two exotic cichlid fishes, Andinoacara rivulatus (Green terror cichlid) and Thorichthys meeki (Fire mouth cichlid) cultured in the low saline waters (5 ppt) of Tiruvallur district. The infected gold fish demonstrated symptoms of skin ulceration, frayed fins, pale gills, disorientation in swimming, ascites and nodules in the liver, whereas the cichlid fishes possessed severe emaciation, skeletal deformity, blackening, weakness and ulceration. The pathogen was isolated in Middlebrook 7H9 broth as typical pink colonies characteristic of Mycobacterium sp. PCR sequencing of the HSP gene was done for molecular confirmation, and the sequences generated were submitted in the GenBank under the accession numbers MK424614, MK424615 and MK424616. Histopathological observation of the organs of the infected fishes revealed granuloma, neutrophil infiltration and vacuolisation in heart, liver and brain. Histopathological changes typical of Mycobacterium sp. viz., lamellar disorientation, and neutrophil infiltrations in the heart, inflammation and congestion in the liver, granuloma in the kidney were documented in infected cichlids. The detection and confirmation of mycobacteriosis in the ornamental fishes cultured in low saline waters of Tamil Nadu is the first report and alert the fish handlers to undertake precautionary measures to prevent the transmission of mycobacterium infection from fish to fish handlers.

Fungal Contaminants of Smoke-Dried Fish Sold in Open Markets in Makurdi, Benue State, North-Central Nigeria

This mycological study was embarked upon to provide more detailed reports on the presence and different types of fungal agents associated with the contamination of smoke-dried fish sold in open markets in Makurdi, Benue State. A total of 100 randomly selected smoke-dried fish samples from the 3 major fish markets in the study area were used for the study. The samples were aseptically processed and cultured for fungal isolation using Sabouraud Dextrose Agar. Isolates were identified using macroscopic and microscopic characteristics, and comparison with species in fungal atlas. Fungi were detected in 74 of the 100 smoke-dried fish samples from the 3 markets surveyed with isolation rates ranging from 67.6% to 84.8%. A total of 77 fungal isolates were recorded from the 74 positive samples. Aspergillus (28.6%), Mucor (20.8%), Penicillum (18.2%) and Rhizopus (15.6%) were the dominant fungi detected, while Absidia (9.1%) and Candida (7.8%) occurred less frequently. In view of the high fungal contamination of smoke-dried fish, fishermen and marketers should adapt better methods of fish handling and preservation. More awareness on the health implications of fungal contamination of fish products should be created among fish handlers and consumers.

Assessment of Food Hygiene Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Fish Handlers in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Assessment of Food Hygiene Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Fish Handlers in Kaduna State, Nigeria