Evaluation of the population of Salmonella isolated from prawn (Penaeus monodon) and clam (Mercenaria mercenaria) sold in some markets in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Nkwocha A. U., Douglas S. I. and Ogbuleka N. A. C.

Microbiology Research International
Published: October 23 2024
Volume 12, Issue 4
Pages 116-123

Abstract

The microbial contamination of seafood is primarily due to poor hygienic conditions in markets and the improper disposal of sewage and septic waste into the habitats of seafood. This study aimed to evaluate the population of Salmonella species isolated from prawns (Penaeus monodon) and clams (Mercenaria mercenaria) sold in several markets in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. A total of seventy-two (72) samples (both raw and processed) were purchased from three markets: Rumuokoro, Creek Road, and Mile 1. Salmonella species were isolated using Salmonella-Shigella agar and subjected to standard bacteriological procedures. The isolates were identified based on their morphological and biochemical characteristics. Data revealed that samples from Rumuokoro Market had the highest Salmonella count, at 5.69±4.49 x 10³ cfu/g, followed by Creek Road Market with 2.18±2.00 x 10³ cfu/g, and Mile 1 Market with the lowest count at 1.51±1.59 x 10³ cfu/g. A significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed between the markets sampled. The results also showed that prawn samples had a higher Salmonella count (3.36±3.83 x 10³ cfu/g) compared to the clam samples (2.33±2.44 x 10³ cfu/g), though there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the two. The prevalence of Salmonella was higher in clam samples (88.9%) compared to prawn samples (83.3%). Overall, the prevalence of Salmonella species in this study was 86.1%. The high prevalence observed underscores the need for seafood handlers to adopt strict measures to ensure safe handling and processing, thus preventing contamination and reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses such as Salmonellosis.

Keywords: Population, Salmonella, seafood, prawn (Penaeus monodon), clam (Mercenaria mercenaria).

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