Detection of Methicilin resistant Staphylococcus aureus in open displayed Ready-to-eat fish in some markets in Ilorin

Abstract

Consumption of the open displayed ready-to-eat (RTE) fish is associated with health risks. This study investigated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) contamination of open displayed RTE fish samples in Oja Tuntun and Mandate markets in Ilorin Kwara State, Nigeria. Dried, smoked and fried fish samples obtained from the markets were subjected to bacteriological analysis to isolate and identify methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus using standard methods. Samples obtained from Oja Tuntun market had a higher count than those obtained from Mandate market. The mean MRSA count ranged from 18.00 ± 1.00 × 108 cfu/mg to 206.33 ± 1.53 × 108 cfu/mg. Dried fish samples obtained from Oja Tuntun had the highest mean count of MRSA. While the lowest mean count was found in fried fish sample from Mandate market. In summary, the RTE fish samples examined were contaminated with MRSA, and this portends tendency of RTE foodborne spread of MRSA