Identification of Staphylococcus aureus in Fresh Fish "Albacore" (Thunnus Alalunga) in Cuenca City - Ecuador Markets

Abstract

Introduction: Albacore (Thunnus alalunga) is a species of fish that is used as food mainly because of its nutritional composition. However, being a marine product, it is caught by hand, and due to its commercialization and storage at room temperature, it can be contaminated with harmful microorganisms, especially Staphylococcus aureus. Objective: To determine the presence of Staphylococcus aureus in Albacore from different markets in Cuenca - Ecuador. Methodology: A descriptive observational study, cross-sectional. A non-probabilistic convenience sampling was conducted to obtain 20 samples of Albacore. Results: The presence of Staphylococcus aureus of 79% was determined in the 20 samples collected. Conclusion: Staphylococcus aureus was evidenced in the specimens from Albacore sold in street stalls; this may be due to the lack of hygiene and an inadequate handling procedure.