Levels of escherichia in seafood in domestic trade and their antibiotic resistance pattern
Levels of escherichia in seafood in domestic trade and their antibiotic resistance pattern
Date
2005
Authors
Surendra Raj, A.
Nirmala Thampuran
Surendran, P.K.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Society of Fisheries Technologis(India)
Abstract
Bacteriological quality of fish/shellfish sold in retail outlets in and around Cochin, India
was studied. The TPC for the different samples varied from 5.5 to 8.5 log cfu/g. The total
Enterobacteriaceae count varied from 2.5 to 6.5 log cfu/g. The lactose fermenters count and
total coliforms count varied from 2 to 6 log cfu/g. Seafood samples had Escherichia coli count
ranging from 2 to 5.5 log cfu/g. The faecal streptococci count was between 2 to 5 log cfu/
g. The majority of the E.coli isolates showed a Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) index
of more than 0.5, suggesting that they may be from high risk sources. Only a low percentage
of samples were acceptable for human consumption as per Indian Standards for market sold
fresh fishes. Higher count of microbial indicator organisms confirms possible presence of
bacteria of public health significance and demands stringent improvement in handling and
sanitary practices in the markets.
Description
Keywords
bacteriological quality, fish/shellfish, retail markets, E.coli, MAR index
Citation
Fish Technol. 42(2):209-216