Microbial Flora Associated with Different Body Parts of Nile Perch (Lates niloticus) from Kanye Dam, Kano State, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2026-1013-5796Keywords:
Bacterial Diversity, Food Safety, Freshwater Fish, Microbial Flora, Kanye DamAbstract
The distribution of microorganisms across body parts of fish reflects their interaction with the aquatic environment and serves as an important indicator of potential public health risks. This study examined the microbial diversity and distribution in different body parts of Nile perch (Lates niloticus) collected from Kanye Dam, using standard microbiological procedures including cultural characterization, Gram staining, biochemical identification, total viable bacterial count (TVC), total anaerobic count (TAC), total fungal count (TFC) and coliform enumeration. The head recorded the highest TVC (164.67 ± 59.38 CFU g⁻¹), while the gills exhibited the highest TFC (136.50 ± 5.26 CFU g⁻¹). Mean TAC values were highest in the head (153.83 ± 33.52 CFU g⁻¹) and scales (153.17 ± 25.46 CFU g⁻¹). Faecal coliform counts were identical (24 MPN/100 mL) across all body parts, whereas total coliform counts ranged from 12.40 to 13.33 MPN/100 mL. Cultural, Gram staining and biochemical analyses identified Enterobacter spp., Escherichia coli, Bacillus spp., Staphylococcus spp., and Shigella spp. Gram-negative bacilli predominated in all samples, with Gram-positive bacteria occurring mainly in the gills and scales. Enterobacter spp. was the most frequently isolated organism, accounting for 100% of head isolates, 75% of gill isolates and 50% of scale isolates. The presence of indicator and potentially pathogenic bacteria highlight the need for improved hygienic handling practices and thorough cooking of Nile perch to safeguard public health.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Nmesoma Eunice Eze, Halimat Sadiyat Ahmad, Kadijat Humi Aliyu, Musa Abdurrauf Aliyu, R.asheed Olatunji Moruf, Olayemi Philip Olateju
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