Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research

Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research Vol. 2010

Available online at http://internationalscholarsjournals.org/journal/ajmr

© 2010 International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Mycotic contamination of stockfish sold in Jos, Nigeria

S. A. Junaid*, F. Olarubofin and A. O. Olabode

Department of Medical Microbiology Federal College of Veterinary and Medical Laboratory Technology, National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) VOM, Plateau State, Nigeria.

Accepted 09 April, 2010

Abstract

This study was aimed at isolating and identifying the fungi associated with stockfish contamination in Jos Metropolis. A total of 100 stockfish samples were randomly purchased from four markets namely, Terminus, Kwararafa, Katako and Gada biu in Jos town, Plateau State, Nigeria. The stockfish samples were assayed for fungal contamination and moisture content using standard procedures. All the stockfish samples were contaminated with fungi. Seven different fungi were found to be associated with the stockfish samples sold in the four different markets. The associated fungi were Mucor Spp, Asergillus flavus, Trichophyton verrucosum, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillin Spp and Rhizopus Spp. It was observed that Mucor Spp had the highest rate of occurrence among the isolated fungi. The moisture content was between 6 - 27%. Results from the study are useful in developing and establishing public health standards as consumption of these fungi exposes the consumers to the probable toxic metabolites produced by the fungi.