An investigation of the bacterial flora causing spoilage of fishes at board fish market, Peshawar, Pakistan.

Bacterial flora from the epidermis of different species of carp fishes were isolated and identified as potential causes of spoilage of fish at Board fish market, Peshawar, Pakistan from November to December, 2013. Nutrient agar medium was used for mixed culture of bacteria. Other selective media, such as MacConkey agar, Blood agar medium, EMB medium, Pseudomonas medium and Mannitole salt agar medium were used for culture and identification of specific bacteria. Five bacterial groups that are pathogenic to humans (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas spp, Klebsiella spp. and Escherichia coli) were reported to reside on the fish epidermis. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from Labeo rohita, Tor putitora, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Wallago attu, Ctenopharyngodon idella and Cyprinus carpio. Staphylococcus epidermidis was also found on the epidermis of Labeo rohita and Wallago attu. Bacillus species like E. coli, Pseudomonas and Klebsiella spp. were isolated from the epidermis of Maha Sher (Tor putitora), Silver carp (Hypohthalmichthys molitrix), Rohu (Labeo rohita), Malli (Wallago attu), Gulfam (Cyprinus carpio) and Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). Harvesting, handling, transportation and storage of local market fish should be performed hygienically to reduce the risk of spoilage.