Occurrence of <i>Listeria</i> monocytogenes in smoked fish in Sokoto, Nigeria

Abstract

The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes in smoked fish in Sokoto, Nigeria. A total of 115 different species of smoked fish from the various retail outlets and market places within the metropolis were analysed for the presence of L. monocytogenes using ISO culture method. Out of the 115 samples analysed, 29 (25%) were positive for L. monocytogenes. Other Listeria species isolated in this study are L. grayi 13 (11%), L. innocua 10 (9%) and L. ivanovi 15 (13%).
The remaining 48 (42%) of the sample were negative for Listeria species. The study shows that L. monocytogenes and other Listeria species are common contaminant of smoked fish, and this may pose serious public health implications.