Abstract

This study was aimed at isolating and identifying the fungi associated with stockfish contamination in Jos Metropolis. A total of 100 stockfish samples were randomly purchased from four markets namely, Terminus, Kwararafa, Katako and Gada biu in Jos town, Plateau State, Nigeria. The stockfish samples were assayed for fungal contamination and moisture content using standard procedures. All the stockfish samples were contaminated with fungi. Seven (7) different fungi were found to be associated with the stockfish samples sold in the four different markets. The associated fungi were Mucor Spp, Asergillus flavus, Trichophyton verrucosum, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillin Spp and Rhizopus Spp. It was observed that Mucor Spp had the highest rate of occurrence among the isolated fungi. The moisture content was between 6 - 27%. Results from the study are useful in developing and establishing public health standards as consumption of these fungi exposes the consumers to the probable toxic metabolites produced by the fungi.

Key word: Mycotic contamination stockfish, cod.