Isolation and Detection Escherichia Coli Bacteria from Fish in Al-Shirqat City

Dakheel, Mundher; Sobhi, Hmood; Al-Obaidi, Maha

doi:10.21608/ejabf.2025.427071.6645

Isolation and Detection Escherichia Coli Bacteria from Fish in Al-Shirqat City

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Department of public health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Tikrit University, Iraq

² Department of Medicine, Surgery and Obstetric, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Tikrit University,Iraq

³ Department of Remote Sensing, Laser and Photonics Center, Al-Hamdaniya University, Hamdaniya, Iraq

10.21608/ejabf.2025.427071.6645

Abstract

Escherichia coli is considered one of the most bacterial contaminants, serving as an indicator for meat spoilage. The study aimed to isolate and detect Escherichia coli bacteria in some parts of fish, workers hands and some tools used for cutting fish in the local markets of Al-Shirqat City. In this study, a total of 80 samples were tested, of which 55 tested positive for Escherichia coli, resulting in an overall diffusion rate of 68%. Escherichia coli isolates appeared on MacConkey agar as bright pink in color, on eosin methylene blue was greenish metallic sheen, and as blue colonies on chromogenic agar. The results of Vitek II system for isolates of Escherichia coli showed positive identification with 97% accuracy. In conclusion, the results recorded unsatisfactory levels for safety and quality of fish due to contamination by Escherichia coli. A higher contamination in fish has occurred due to poor hygiene practices during marketing. These bacteria can be transmitted to humans and cause diseases. The results highlight the need to control and prevent Escherichia coli contamination in aquaculture systems, production and transport to market to reduce microbiological risks on consumer.

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