The occurrence and distribution of pathogenic vlbrios and other related species
in skin, gut and gills of shaoor fish (LetMnus nebulosus) from the east coast of Egypt
were studied. Microorganisms were enumerated uSing the most probable number
(MPN) technique Isolated species were identified using API 20E and 810LOG
biotyping systems. In skin samples, the highest incidence was observed for
Aeromonas media-like DNA group 5 (70% of the samples). Vibrio damsela and
V. anguil/arum were the most frequently isolated species from gut (70%) and gills
(50'10), respectively. Vibrio cholera was detected in both skin and gills at the frequency
of 5%, each. Vibrio c8rcharlae was only present in 5% of the liills samples, whereas
V. alginolyticus was only detected in skin samples at the same frequency. The high
incidence of vibrios highlights potential risks of food borne diseases associated with
Ihe consumption of raw or undercooked fish.