Microbiological Evaluation of Some Farmed Fish Species Marketed in Sharkia Governorate, Egypt

The present study was conducted to evaluate the microbiological status of some farmed fish species marketed in Sharkia Governorate then compared with Egyptian standard of chilled fish. keeping quality parameters also examined (pH, TVN, TMA and TBA) and compared with Egyptian standard of chilled fish. A total of 150 samples of farmed fish of Nile cages, concrete ponds and Earthen ponds 50 of each (25 Tilapia nilotica and 25 Mugil cephalus) respectively from the market in Sharkia governorate were examined during autumn 2021. For keeping quality parameters, all examined samples were within the acceptable limits according to ES (3494:2005). The obtained results of microbiological analysis revealed that the percentage of the exceeded permissible limits of aerobic plate count (APC) was 12% and 32%,20% and 16% ,12% and 20% for Tilapia nilotica and Mugil cephalus in Nile cages, concrete ponds and Earthen ponds respectively. For total coliform count, all positive examined samples exceed permissible limits of coliform count (2 log10 CFU/g) according to ES (3494:2005). The incidence of Staphylococcus aureus was 0% and 11%, 36%, and 32%, 16% and 12% for Tilapia nilotica and Mugil cephalus in Nile cages, concrete ponds and Earthen ponds respectively. Listeria species were detected in 20% and 8% ,8% and 16% , 20% and 0%  for Tilapia nilotica and Mugil cephalus in Nile cages ,concrete ponds and Earthen ponds, respectively. Escherichia coli was 24% and 20% ,8% and 16%, 16% and 20% for Tilapia nilotica and Mugil cephalus in Nile cages, concrete ponds and Earthen ponds respectively. Salmonella species were 4% and 12% for both from Nile cages and from concrete ponds and 4% and 12% in earthen pond Tilapia nilotica and Mugil cephalus respectively. Serological identification of E. coli, Salmonella and Listeria in these samples was showed in this search. So hygienic and proper practices performed during transportation and handling of fish are needed before consumption of this fish.