A Scoping Review on Microbial Contamination of Fish from Lake Victoria, Kenya
Main Article Content
Keywords
Microbial contamination, pathogens, aquaculture, food safety
Abstract
Aquaculture in Kenya has significantly grown over time, contributing to economic growth and food security. Despite this, microbial contamination has led to losses that continue to face the industry along the fish supply chain. This review assesses microbial contamination hotspots and potential pathogens, using a scoping review approach using data from 2014 to 2024. This scoping review aimed to assesses microbial contamination hotspots and potential pathogens, using a scoping review approach using data from 2014 to 2024. Adhering with a pre-registered protocol, a scoping review methodology was employed. A search strategy was employed across multiple electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, AJOL and grey literature. From an initial pool of 776 sources, 62 articles underwent data extraction. The reporting adhered to the PRISMA guidelines. The outcome of the review shows that current traditional practices during harvesting, handling and transporting are not in line with international food safety practices leading to numerous points of contamination. Escherichia coli, Vibrio, Salmonella and Shigella are the key pathogens identified. The improvement of infrastructure like refrigerated transportation, processing facilities and enhanced hygiene conditions among fish handlers would greatly improve the situation. This review recommends investment in efficient modern equipment, thorough screening of fish before market distribution and enhanced fish handler training. The implementation of these measures is crucial in ensuring the quality and safety of aquaculture products in Kenya.
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Jun 6, 2025
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Chepkoskei , S., Rono, S. J., Chemoiwa, E. J., & Kirarei, E. (2025). A Scoping Review on Microbial Contamination of Fish from Lake Victoria, Kenya. Journal of Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecosystems, 3(2), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.69897/jatems.v3i2.234
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Author Biographies
Silvia Chepkoskei , Department of Biological Sciences, University of Eldoret, P.O Box 1125-30100, Eldoret, Kenya
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Eldoret, P.O Box 1125-30100, Eldoret, Kenya
Salinah J. Rono, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Eldoret, P.O Box 1125-30100, Eldoret, Kenya
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Eldoret, P.O Box 1125-30100, Eldoret, Kenya
Emily J. Chemoiwa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Eldoret, P.O Box 1125-30100, Eldoret, Kenya
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Eldoret, P.O Box 1125-30100, Eldoret, Kenya
Ezra Kirarei, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Eldoret, P.O Box 1125-30100, Eldoret, Kenya
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Eldoret, P.O Box 1125-30100, Eldoret, Kenya