İnci Kefalinde (Chalcalburnus tarichi, Pallas 1811) Listeria Türlerinin Varlığı ve Yaygınlığı

Abstract

Lake Van is not a very convenient environment for life of both sea and freshwater fish due to its high alkaline (pH 9.8) and salty (0.21%) water and only pearl mullet (Chalcalburnus tarichi, Pallas 1811) are present in the lake. In this study, the presence and prevalence of Listeria species in samples of the pearl mullet (Chalcalburnus tarichi, Pallas 1811) living as an endemic species in Lake Van and taken a total of 160 times for 12 months were examined. The method recommended by the United States Department of Agriculture/Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA/FSIS) was used for the isolation and identification of Listeria species. Among the pearl mullet samples examined, Listeria spp. were isolated in 20 (12.50%) and of them L. innocua in 10 (6.25%) and L. welshimeri in 8 (5.00%) and L. ivanovii in 2 (1.25%) were identified. In this study, the presence of Listeria species in pearl mullet samples examined according to the seasons was revealed for the first time. Failure to identification of L. monocytogenes in any of the samples that is an important pathogen for humans, was assessed as an indicator that these fish did not constitute a public health risk in terms of listeriosis. As a result, Listeria spp. and other pathogenic microorganisms not to pose a risk to public health and in order to prevent the deterioration of fishes and reduce the economic losses, the transportation, storage and marketing of the caught fishes should be done under hygienic and cold conditions.