Isolation and Identification of Pathogenic Bacteria Associated with Diseased Fish Cirrhinus mrigala (Ham) in Glass Aquarium

Abstract

Aquaculture products can anchorage several pathogenic bacterial species, which are known as part of the micro-flora of the environment. The pathogenic bacteria associated with fish can be transmitted to humans as a food source or by handling. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify pathogenic bacteria associated with diseased fish in aquarium. Sampling was carried out under aseptic conditions following standard protocol. Bacterial growth was obtained on different growth media. Total 26 bacterial species were isolated and identified on the basis of cultural, morphological, staining reactions and biochemical analysis. Of the 26 bacterial species, Escherichia coli was the most common bacterium accounting 34.62% (n=09) followed by Aeromonas salmonicida 30.77% (n=08), Staphylococcus aureus 23.07% (n=06) and Salmonella typhi 11.54% (n=03). The isolation of pathogenic bacterial species from fish samples may represent high risk for development of lethal infections in humans utilizing such contaminated/diseased fish as a food source. In summary, the present study has revealed the presence of pathogenic bacterial species in diseased aqua fish. It is therefore suggested to take authentic measures to limit the access of bacterial pathogens in fish acquirams.