Bacterial Diversity in Some Local Fishes at Central Fish Market of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Author(s):

Eman A Beyari, Magda M Aly* and Samyah D Jastaniah

Jeddah is the second largest city in Saudi Arabia and located on the Red Sea coast (western seaboard). It has the largest seaport along the Red Sea coast. Rapid industrialization and urbanization in the Jeddah area have raised concerns over potential impacts on public health and the environment. Contaminated effluents through point and nonpoint sources may enter the coastal waters of Jeddah and eventually find their way into the body tissues of edible fish. These contaminants can cause health problems. Fish contamination with bacterial pathogens could cause severe foodborne illness and even death in children. This presents as a significant concern as fish is a major dietary protein source for people in the area. Despite significant fish consumption, scientific investigation of marine microbial contamination, particularly on bacterial pathogens in seafood generally remains scarce in Saudi Arabia. Monitoring the microbial contaminants in commonly consumed fish will thus help in safeguarding the public from any potential adverse risks. The present study aims to isolate several species of bacteria from specific kinds of fish collected from Jeddah central fish market and identify them molecularly.