Microbiological Quality And Safety Of <i>Rastrineobola Argentea</i> Retailed In Kisumu Town Markets, Kenya

Abstract

Objective: To investigate faecal contamination and safety of Rastrineobola argentea sold in retail markets in Kisumu town.
Design: This was a repeated cross sectional study and based on random sampling.
Setting: Kisumu city, targeting six markets; Oile, Jubilee, Kibuye, Kondele, Nyalenda
and Manyatta.
Results: A total of 60 fish samples were analysed. All the fish were found to be
contaminated with E. coli, and in addition 6.67% of the fish products tested positive
for Salmonella. Shigella was absent in all samples analysed. 26.53% of E. coli isolates
tested were resistant to two or more antimicrobial agents tested, with the highest level
of resistance detected against cotrimoxazole at 38.76%. The E. coli multiple antibiotic
resistance (MAR) index was 0.084 indicating that the contamination was not originating
from a high – risk source. A plasmid of approximately 5.6 kb was commonly isolated
from E. coli isolates that showed resistance to ampicillin. Plasmids isolated were not
transferable by conjugation.
Conclusion: The presence of Salmonella spp and occurrence of MDR E. coli were
identified as some of the possible health risks that may be associated with R. argentea
displayed for sale in Kisumu city markets. This possess a real health risk through
consumption or directly through contact with the fish products.

East African Medical Journal Vol. 85 (10) 2008: pp. 509-513