Abstract

Enterobacteriaceae were isolated from gills, skin, muscles and the intestine of 83 out of 150 (55%) randomly collected fishes, the most dominants isolates were E. coli, Citrobacter spp, Enteriobacter spp and Klebsiella spp. This together with the highly pathogenic Enterobacteriaceae including Salmonella spp and Shigella spp.Proteus spp, and Alklegens spp. Potential pathogenic organisms were also among the isolates. On the other hand Pseudomonas spp was isolated from 62% of randomly collected fishes. The number and percentages of the isolated bacteria were compared according to seasons. The total bacterial count, coliform count and E. coli count were estimated from all parts of collected samples. The negative impacts of the presence of Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas spp in fishes were discussed based on their potential pathogenic effect toward public health and their role to enhance rapid spoilage of fishes.

Key words: Enterobacteriaceae, fisheries, public health, Pseudomonas.