Microbial and parasitic analysis of fresh -water catfish from Patigi and Kaima local government areas of Kwara State, Nigeria

Contamination of Agricultural commodities, food and food products by microbial pathogens poses significant challenges to human health leading to illnesses, diseases and sometimes if not well managed can lead to death. Fresh water catfish possess substantial proteins and is acceptable by all with little or no religion and cultural bias. It is a major source of quality animal protein and omega3 fatty acid for catfish lovers especially the aged population as alternative for red meat. However, some concerns have emerged regarding the quality of fish in the market due to microbial contamination. Patigi and Kaima in Kwara state were identified as prominent areas where fishing activities are pronounced. This study isolated, identified and enumerated different pathogenic and enteric coliform bacteria from fresh water catfish samples from the study areas through microbiological techniques using differential and selective media for isolation and identification of the organism. Wet preparation for parasite was carried out, Icthyphylius mulfilis and Icthyphylius lioteri of the class protozoan recorded the highest number (10.8% and 8.1%) found basically in the fins and gills of the catfish. Pour plate method, differential and selective media of MSA, EMB and PDA identified Staphylococcus sp. (37.3x10⁵cfu/ml), Eschereria coli (22.0 x 10⁵cfu/ml) and Aspergillus flavus (22.1 x 10⁵cfu/ml) as the pathogenic organism isolated from the fresh water catfish samples from the study areas. Results of this study suggest that fresh water catfish from the study areas poses a significant health threat to catfish lovers due to high microbial contamination through human water contact activities.