Abstract

Frozen fishes, stock fishes, smoked pork and smoked beef (suya) that have become popular delicacies in eateries, road side stalls and similar places were analysed for bacteriological and parasitological burden. Samples were collected from Nsukka and Obollo-Afor districts of Enugu State, Nigeria and were screened using basic microbiological procedures. One hundred and eighty four persons from the study areas were also screened for parasitic worms and consumption of test delicacies. Results revealed the presence of some opportunistic and overt pathogenic bacteria, some of which exhibited resistance to a multiple of antibacterial agents. In addition, Taenia solium and Taenia saginata were detected in some smoked pork and beef samples respectively. Among the human respondents who acceded to suya and pork consumption (78.26% of total), 64.2% were positive for T. saginata while 28.0% harboured T. solium. Also detected among human respondents were members of the giant roundworms Ascaris lumbricoides. Occurrence of these isolated organisms in the test meat products raises hygiene and safety questions and the need for public health awareness and consciousness in this regard.

Key words: Fishes, meat delicacies, multidrug-resistant bacteria, parasitic worms.