Microflora of smoked Trachurus trachurus and Scomber scombrus samples in Orlu South East, Nigeria and its implication on public health

The study was carried out to assess the microbiological quality of smoked Trachurus trachurus and Scomber scumbrus in four markets in Orlu Local Government Area, South East, Nigeria. Forty freshly smoked samples of Trachurus trachurus and Scomber scumbrus were procured from Eke Eziachi, Orlu Main, Aforaja Umuowa and Afor Ogidi Ihioma markets and analyzed using standard techniques. Results revealed that Orlu main market had the highest level of microbial contamination (mean bacteria and fungi count of 5 x 102 and 10 x 102cfu/g respectively). The highest total viable count (7 x102 cfu/g) of Scomber scumbrus was obtained in Aforaja Umuowa market while the least value of 2 x102 cfu/g was observed in Afor Ogidi Ihioma market. Also, similar value was recorded in Trachurus trachurus at Aforaja Umuowa market. Results from the study indicated that pathogens present in fish samples included bacteria (Bacillus cereus, B. subtilis, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp and Staphylococcus aureus) and fungi (Gliocladium spp., Candida spp., Rhizopus spp., Alternaria spp., Aspergillus spp., Clasdosprium spp., Fonsecaca spp., Chrysoporius spp., mucour spp. and Botrytis spp). The study also showed that freshly smoked Trachurus trachurus and Scomber scumbrus samples sold in the four markets under assessment were contaminated with pathogenic organisms. This may however present some public health implications. Keywords: Microbial activity, Smoked fish, Orlu, Fish quality; Hygiene