Faecal enterococcus load in traditionally hot-smoked nile tilapia (oreochromis niloticus) along the value chain in Kampala, Uganda Kabaliisa Peace

Abstract

This research was conducted at three local fish markets in Kampala District, to assess the microbial quality of smoked Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Microbial load was determined using fecal enterococcus detections, accompanied with visual inspection to relate hygiene practices and microbial contamination. The results indicated that median values of fecal enterococcus were 1.0×106 CFU/g, 2.0×106 CFU/g and 1.9×106 CFU/g for Bwaise market, Kalerwe and Wandegeya market respectively. 97 out of 100 samples taken (97%) were found contaminated with faecal enterococcus. 25% of the contaminated samples were below 3.5×105 cfu per gram while 25% were above 3.8×106 . Microbial counts of fecal enterococcus from smoked Nile Tilapia samples obtained from the different marketing centers were not significantly different from each other at P=0.096, (P < 0.05). Generally microbial counts for samples from the marketing centers were not within acceptable limits of UNBS and WHO. The correlation result between faecal enterococci contamination and compliance to sanitary practices indicated a strong downhill (negative) relationship between faecal enterococci and percentage compliance to hygiene and sanitary practices, (r= -0.6). This showed that there was sufficient evidence to conclude that there is, statistically, a significant linear relationship between fecal enterococci contamination and compliance to sanitary practices because the correlation coefficient is significantly different from zero. Keywords: Smoked Fish, Fecal enterococcus, microbial quality, bacteria