International Journal of Pathogen Research

Microbial contamination of fresh fish and water, particularly caused by Vibrio cholerae, is a vital nutritional and public health concern in semi-urban and rural settlements with poor hygiene practices. Thus, this study has investigated the prevalence of V. cholerae in fresh fish and water samples sold in Ekpoma. Using standard microbiological techniques, the V. cholerae load was determined for fresh fish and tank-stored water samples. Fifteen (15) fresh fish samples were collected from three markets in Ekpoma: Poultry Road, Ekpoma Market, and Iruekpen markets, and nine (9) tank-stored water samples were collected from three locations in Ekpoma: locations Iruekpen, Eguare and Ujemen. All fresh fish and tank-stored water samples tested positive for V. cholerae. In the fresh fish samples, vibrio count ranged from 1.1 × 10³ to 3.0 × 10³ CFU/g, with the highest load at Ekpoma Market and the lowest load at Poultry Road Market. In the tank-stored water, vibrio count ranged from 1.0 × 10² to 2.8 × 10² CFU/mL, with the highest load at Ujemen and the lowest load at Iruekpen. The difference in the vibrio counts for tank-stored water samples was not statistically significant (p>0.05). However, the difference in the vibrio counts for fresh fish samples was statistically significant (p<0.05) between Ekpoma Market and the other two locations. This study confirms the widespread presence of V. cholerae in both fresh fish and tank-stored water sold in Ekpoma. Proper preparation (cooking or roasting) of fresh fish and treatment of tank water is advised before eating and drinking.