Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Microbes in Dried Punti Fishes Collected from Different Sources of Sylhet Region

Abstract

The present study was carried out to assess the microbiological quality of dried Punti fish processed by conventional method in Sylhet region as quality assurance of dried fish is of utmost concern that has greater implications in health point of view. The study was conducted for a period of five months from December 2014 to April 2015. Dried Punti fish (Puntius sophore) samples were collected from Bishwanath and Sylhet Sadar upazilla of Sylhet district. A total of 100 samples were collected on monthly basis from four different sources; two drying yards (Mahtabpur and Tuker Bazar), Retail Market (Bandar Bazar) and Control. Control sample was experimentally prepared in laboratory with proper hygiene and sanitation. For quantitative analysis of microbes Total Plate Count (TPC), Total Fungal Count (TFC) and Total Coliform Count (TCC) methods were conducted. Likewise, for qualitative analysis indicator bacteria (e.g. Escherichia coli) and pathogenic bacteria (e.g. Salmonella sp. and Vibrio cholerae) were isolated and identified from the collected samples. The mean (± SD) TPC of dried Punti fishes of Mahtabpur, Tuker Bazar, Retail Market and Control were observed 6.14

6 ±1.95×10 cfu/g, respectively. The mean (±SD) TFC of dried Punti fishes of Mahtabpur, Tuker Bazar, Retail Market and Control were estimated 3.75±0.74×10 , 5.52±2.14×10 6

, 10.18 6 ±1.57×10 and 2.12±1.04×10 6 cfu/g, respectively. Besides, the mean (±SD) TCC of dried Punti fishes of Mahtabpur, Tuker Bazar, Retail Market and Control samples were found to be 89.04±22.76, 110.48±30.90, 101.60±21.74 and 47.24±16.57 MPN/g, respectively. TPC and TFC of dried Punti fish of Retail Market were found significantly (P<0.05) highest and TCC of dried Punti fish of Tuker Bazar was recorded significantly highest among all the samples. TPC, TFC and TCC of dried Punti fish of Control source were observed significantly (P<0.05) lowest than others. Higher TPC, TFC and TCC revealed that dried Punti fish was severely contaminated by bacteria, fungus and coliforms. Twenty five (25) samples from each source were analysed according to standard method to isolate E. coli, Salmonella sp. and V. cholerae. All dried Punti fish samples of Mahtabpur, Tuker Bazar and Retail Market were detected contaminated with E. coli but only 40% of Control samples were found contaminated by E. coli. 40% samples of Mahtabpur and 60% samples of Retail Market were detected Salmonella and V. cholerae positive. Salmonella sp. and V. cholerae were isolated from 60% and 40% samples of Tuker Bazar, respectively. However, control samples were devoid of pathogenic bacteria. In sum, out of 100 samples 85%, 40% and 35% of samples were found contaminated with E. coli, Salmonella sp. and V. cholerae. Existence of E. coli discovered that samples were adversely contaminated with faecal and coliform bacteria. Correspondingly, the presence of Salmonella sp. and V. cholerae in some sample indicated the maintenance of poor hygienic condition during processing. Overall, the present study revealed that microbiological quality of Control sample was comparatively better than the commercially produced dried fish. 4 , 3.05±0.94×10 4 , 3.78±0.82×10 4 and 1.88±0.55×10 4