Abstract

---

Comparative study on bacterial load in intestine, gills and skin of cultured African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) from different locations (Agip; Aluu and Woji) all in Rivers State were evaluated. The result obtained indicated that the specie Streptococcus accounts for the highest bacterial occurrence (42.9%) and Pseudomonas spp. and E.coli. had the lowest (7.14%). In all the three locations under consideration the highest bacteria (0.0129±0.0040x105 CFU/g) was found in the intestine of the fish sampled from Aluu environment, while the lowest (0.0046±0.0019 x105 CFU/g) was recorded in the skin of fish sampled from Agip estate. The results of this study revealed a higher degree of bacteriological contamination in different organs of C. gariepinus fish in all the locations. The presence of these pathogenic organisms in these samples of fish could pose a serious threat and hazard to the consumers. Hence, C. gariepinus fish should be processed properly before consumption.

---