International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences

ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 2 Number 9 (2013) pp. 277-287

Assessment of the microbial load of smoked sardine (Sardina pilchardus, Walbaum, 1792) sold in Makurdi Markets

V. O.Ayuba*, M.I.Alhassan, and U.U.Jimmy

Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria. *Corresponding author e-mail: vayuba2001@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

The microbial load of smoked sardine (Sardina pilchardus) sold in five markets in Makurdi was investigated. A total of 45 samples were collected, three samples from each location, and the experiment was conducted three times, amounting to nine replicates per location. Sampling was randomly done and Pour-plate method was adopted for inoculation of all media plates. The isolates were characterized using NA, MSA, EMBA, SDA, MCA and SSA media plates and growth from the plates were subjected to Gram staining test, motility test and Bio-chemical (Coagulate, Catalase, Citrate utilization test and Indole) tests, to confirm their identity. Bacteria flora implicated with the samples included Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella sp,p E.coli and the mycoflora included Aspergillus niger, Mucor ssp, Yeast ssp and Alternaria ssp. the mean count of bacteria load ranged from 2.632 x 10 3± 0.978 x 10 3 cfug -1 (Wurukum Market) to 0.988 x 10 3± 0.272 x 103 cfug -1 (Modern Market). There was a strong correlation between water activity and Bacterial load.

Keywords

smoked fish; Sardina pilchardus; makurdi; bacteria; mycoflora.