Assessment of bacteriological contamination of fish in some fish farms at Khartoum State

Abstract

This cross-sectional study was conducted from April to July 2014 in Khartoum state, the Sudan, to investigate aerobic bacteria of skin of fish in 3 different areas in Khartoum. A total of 150 samples were collected from the skin and gills. Liquid, semi-solid, and solid culture media like nutrient broth, blood agar, MacConkey agar and Simmon's citrate medium were used for the isolation and identification of bacteria and fungi. Besides, Gram staining and biochemical characterization were also conducted. Culturing of the collected samples revealed growth of bacteria from all samples collected and gills showed the Salmonella highest contamination. Bacteria isolated, mainly Salmonella species, and E.coli. Also a questionnaire was used. A majority of the respondents had a good level of knowledge and positive attitude about food hygiene, only minor of the respondents had a good level of hygienic practice. It was revealed that 64.7% and 46% of the respondents received training on food hygiene and environmental health worker inspection respectively. It was also revealed that, there were relationships between knowledge, attitude, formal training on food hygiene and the level of food hygienic practices. Fishes skin and gill were found to harbor many pathogenic bacteria and may be a source of infections and can transmit several pathogens to workers in fish farms and consumers. Therefore, thorough and strict routine inspection of fish is recommended to ensure safety and that there are no serious risks to consumers. For controlling the contamination strict control measure can be used such as HACCP and other food safety management system.