Coagulase positive Staphylococci in dried fish samples from Veraval

Abstract

The present study was carried out to monitor the incidence of coagulase positive Staphylococci in dried fish samples of Gujarat, India and assessed their molecular heterogeneity based on 16S rDNA sequence analysis. A total of 78 isolates of Staphylococci were recovered from 14 dried fish samples such as Parapenaeus stylifera, Otolithes cuvieri, Coilia dussumieri, Harpodon nehereus, Saurida tumbil, Lepturacanthus savala, Megalaspis cordyla, Arius dussumieri, Gerres subfasciatus, Aluterus monoceros, Stolephorus indicuse and Cynogolssus macrolepidotus. The total Staphylococcal count ranged between 1.0 x 101 to 9.6 x105 cfu. g-1 with an overall incidence of staphylococci as 46.67 per cent. Among the 14 dried fried sample, 21.43 per cent of them harboured coagulase positive Staphylococci. The isolated 15 CPS were molecularly confirmed to species based on 16S rDNA partial sequences analysis at NCBI public domain as S. aureus. Based on maximum identity score, sequences were aligned using multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic tree was constructed using PHYLIP program based on Neighbour- Joining method. The study clearly indicates the possibility of contamination of S. aureus from different sources such as workers, salt and water during the different stages of processing of dried fish such as poor quality raw materials, open drying areas, contamination of cleaning and cutting equipment surface and improper storage etc. It is further suggesting that strict hygienic code of practice is to be followed during the entire chain of processing of dried fish.