TITLE:
Virulence of Aeromonas hydrophila Isolated from Fresh Water Catfish
AUTHORS:
Patience Temitope Fowoyo, Frank Achimugu
KEYWORDS:
Aeromonas, Biofilms, Fresh Water Catfish, Enterotoxins
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.7 No.1,
December
29,
2018
ABSTRACT: Background: A large
proportion of Nigerians consume fish as the source of protein in their meals.
This may be attributed to health factors, preference and affordability for low
income earners. The incidence of Aeromonas
hydrophila in fresh catfish may constitute a significant health risk to the
consumer if there is a horizontal transfer to man as it has been reported to be
pathogenic. This study examined the possibility of fresh water catfish being a reservoir of pathogenic Aeromonas hydrophila. Method: Aeromonas hydrophila was
isolated from the different organs of fresh water catfish (Clarias gariepinus and Ictalurus
punctatus) obtained from Kporoko river in Lokoja. Aeromonas hydrophila was
identified using both phenotypic and genotypic methods. The pathogenic traits of
the Aeromonas species such as biofilm
formation, production of haemolysin, enterotoxin and enzymes were determined. Results: Aeromonas hydrophila occurred in
all the examined fish organs (fish, liver, kidney, skin and gut) of Clarias gariepinus but occurred only in
the skin, intestine, kidney and gut of Ictalurus
punctatus examined, but the incidence of Aeromonas hydrophila was prevalent in the gut of all the fishes
analyzed. All the Aeromonas isolates
analysed in this study produced biofilm, haemolysins and lipase enzymes. They
also produced enterotoxins with values ranging between 0.069 - 1.138. Conclusion:
The occurrence of Aeromonas in fresh
catfish possessing these pathogenic traits is of great public health
significance to man as it indicates the likelihood of man being predisposed to
toxigenicity when the toxin concentration reaches a lethal value. It is
therefore recommended that the internal organs of fresh catfish be thoroughly
cleaned and cooked before consumption.