ABSTRACT

Samples of smoke- dried catfish (Clariaslazera) purchased from different markets in Umuahia Nutrient agar, Mac-conky agar and sabroid dextrose agar were used for the isolation ofBacillus Penicilluninotatum, Aspergillusniger and Geotrichumcandidum respectively. The bacteria culture after 24 hours gave varying total viable counts (TVC). The total viable counts for the skin ofthe catfish on nutrient agar varied from 1.90 x 104± 1414.21 to 3.10 x 104± 1414.21. While the 103 ± 282.84dto the gill of catfish than the skin. The presence ofthe coliform bacteria in the catfish indicates high health risk in the consumption of the catfish bought from these markets. Therefore, it is recommended that the catfish bought from these markets should be properly washed and cooked before consumption. x I i r I total viable counts on mac-conkey agar for the coliforms ranged from 2.80 x 4.15 x 103 ± 2121.32a' from 2.75 x 103 ± 353.55cto 4.10 x 103 ± 141.42a'. This study shows more microbial growth onThe total viable counts of the catfish gill for the coliforms also ranged were screened for microbial loads using standard microbiological and biochemical methods. cereus and Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeroginosa, andthe gill of catfish than the skin. The presence ofthe coliform bacteria in the catfish indicates high health risk in the consumption of the catfish bought from these markets.Therefore, it is recommended that the catfish bought from these markets should be properly washed and cooked before consumption.