Author(s): Ayotunde EO, Ada FB, Udeh GN and Otu VO

Abstract: The assessment of the infestation of common weevils and fungi of dried fish in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, was studied, between July and December, 2014. Two markets were used as case study, which are the Akpan Andem market and the Anua market. 180 fishes were randomly selected and examined for weevil infestation. Fish samples were opened and checked for adult weevils while light microscope was used for the identification of weevils at the egg stages. The fishes were incubated on Potato dextrose agar (PDA) for five days for fungal infestation. The weevil isolated was Dermestes maculates with a total of 343 Dermestes maculatus [288 larvae (84%) and 55 adults (16%)] were isolated from fishes obtained from Akpan Andem market; while a total of 385 Dermestes maculatus [331 larvae (86%) and 54 adults (14%)] were isolated from fishes obtained from Anua market. The three fungi isolated and identified were Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium spp and Mucor spp. The highest mean microbial counts for the two markets (42.14×10-⁵cfu/ml and 52.34×10-⁵cfu/ml) were isolated in July, while the lowest mean microbial counts (30.18×10-⁵cfu/ml and 35.2×10-⁵cfu/ml) were recorded in December. Aspergillus spp are known to produce aflatoxins which are carcinogenic (causing hepatoma cancer of the liver) acute hepatitis, reduced red blood cell and decreased immune system in man. Prolonged intake of dried fish with these metabolites may constitute potential public health hazard. Adequate cooking could help in reducing fungi and weevils of dried fish.

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