Isolation of Salmonella, Yersinia, and Vibrio Bacteria from some Seafood Sold in Retail Stores in the Libyan Cities of Sousse and Hamama
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Seafood is an important source of essential nutrients, including protein, omega-3 fatty acids, phosphorus, and zinc, contributing to public health. However, it can also harbor human pathogens that cause various diseases. Libya, with its extensive Mediterranean coastline, possesses a rich marine resource, making the monitoring of pathogenic contamination in seafood crucial. In this study, 120 samples of oysters, sepia (Sepia officinalis), crabs, and shrimp were collected from retail outlets in Sousse and Hamama in 2023 and transported to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Omar Al-Mukhtar University for microbiological analysis. Standard laboratory procedures were used to detect Salmonella, Yersinia, and Vibrio species, and all work was conducted following ethical guidelines. The occurrence of bacterial isolates varied among seafood types, with Salmonella detected in 20% of oysters, 16% of crabs, 8% of sepia, and 12% of shrimp. Yersinia isolates were found in 32% of oysters, 32% of crabs, 28% of sepia, and 36% of shrimp, while Vibrio species were detected in 24% of oysters, 8% of crabs, 20% of sepia, and 20% of shrimp. These findings highlight the notable prevalence of pathogenic bacteria in seafood sold at retail outlets in Eastern Libya and emphasize the need for effective food safety measures to minimize contamination and protect public health.
DOI: 10.71147/yapps754
Institutions: Omar Al-Mukhtar University, University of Benghazi
Language: English
Subfield: Food Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7204527574