A Comparative Analysis of Microbial Load and Diversity in Fresh and Smoked Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) from Selected Markets in Delta State, Nigeria

This study evaluated the microbiological quality and safety of fresh and smoked catfish (Clarias gariepinus) obtained from five markets (Amai, Umutu, Abbey, Obiaruku, Kwale) in Delta State, Nigeria, during both rainy and dry seasons. A total of 50 samples were analyzed for total aerobic plate count, coliform count, and specific microbial isolates using standard microbiological and biochemical methods, and the results were benchmarked against Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) guidelines. Th