Identification and Comparative Assessment of Microbial Load of Commercially Sold Frozen Fish at Bhilwara and Chittorgarh Markets

The objectives of this study are to comparatively assess and identify, enumerate the TVC, and Characterize the Microbial load of Bhilwara and Chittorgarh sold frozen fish. A total of 9 sample (Cyprinus capio, Wallago atu and Pangasius bocourti) each were collected and transported to laboratory for the study. The targeted organs of the sample (gills, skin and intestine) were homogenized and cultured on an agar (Nutrient, Mackonkey, EMB and PDA) for the isolation and characterization of the colonies present. Biochemical tests were done for the confirmation of each bacterial and fungal isolates obtained from the culture. The results show that Bhilwara samples has bacterial and fungi TVC of 4.9*104 , 10.3*104 , 2.7*104 and 2.27*105 , 3.5*104 , 14.9*104 while Chittorgarh sample has 9*103 , 5.8*104 , 7*103 and 4.7*104 , 1.8*104 , 6*103 . Comparatively the organs that has the highest total viable count of the bacteria is Skin of Bhilwara sample with 10.3*104 and the least bacterial count is the intestine of Bhilwara sample with 2.7*104 respectively, while the highest viable fungi isolates is intestine of Bhilwara sample with 14.9*104 nevertheless the least fungi count were from the Skin of Chittorgarh sample with 1.8*104 respectively. The identified possible isolates bacteria were Staphylococcus spp, Streptococcus sp, Escherichia coli, Chromobacterium sp, Shigella spp, Proteus spp, Enterobacter spp, Bacillus spp, Pseudomonas sp, Proviencia sp and Klebsiella sp and fungi isolates were Aspergillus spp, Mucor sp, Cladosporium sp, Fusarium, Rhizopus and Penicillium sp are the isolates characterized and identified in this current study. Klebsiella spp, Staphylococcus spp,. Aspergillus spp, Cladosporium sp been the most prevailingisolates from the samples. The study underscores the significant bacterial and fungal contamination in frozen fish from Bhilwara and Chittorgarh, with Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae posing particular health risks due to their high prevalence and pathogenic potential. In conclusion, addressing the identified contamination issues is critical for ensuring the safety of frozen fish products and protecting public health. Through improved practices and regular monitoring, the risks associated with these contaminants can be significantly reduced.