Epidemiology and antibiogram of listeria species from retail raw frozen atlantic mackerel fish (Scomber scombrus) in Nigeria

This study was undertaken to determine the epidemiology and antibiogram of Listeria species isolated from raw frozen Atlantic Mackerel (Scomber Scombrus) fish sold in Enugu State Southeastern Nigeria. Twentyfive grams each gut skin were collected 800 8 major markets randomly selected area. Isolation done using half full fraser broths, polymyxin acriflavine lithium chloride ceftazidime aesculin mannitol (PALCAM) agar. Confirmation genus by a polymerase chain reaction. Identification an analytic profile index (API) kit specific for Listeria. The antibiotic resistance isolates determined disc diffusion method. Out samples, 38 (4.75%) positive species. North (6.50%) had significantly (P<0.05) higher prevalence than East (3.0%). Five identified. innocua (71.1%) predominated, followed welshimeri (10.5%), ivanovii (7.9%), grayi (5.3%) monocytogenes (5.3%). All susceptible tested antibacterial agents. occurrence mackerel fish, poses threat, when consumed or lightly cooked, people especially immunocomprormised persons whose population is increasing as result improvement medical technology. Also, possibility cross contamination kitchen food service establishments also concern. Since all got this showed 100% susceptibility antimicrobials tested, therefore, there no fear acquiring transferring genes general human population.