Isolation of human pathogenic bacteria in two edible fishes, Priacanthus hamrur and Megalaspis cordyla at Royapuram waters of Chennai, India

Abstract

Two edible fishes, Bulls eye, Priacanthus hamrur (Percidae) and Hard tail scad, Megalaspis cordyla (Carangidae) from the waters of Royapuram coast, Chennai, Tamil Nadu were chosen for isolation of bacterial human pathogens in their gills, intestine, muscle and skin. Based on their growth characteristics on specific culture media, the following human bacterial pathogens, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Vibrio cholerae and Shigella dysenteriae were isolated in both the fishes. The medium of the fishes and the sediments of their habitat were furthermore collected and examined for pathogens. Different bacterial species were found in the medium that was analyzed, including the human pathogens isolated from the fishes. Surprisingly the five human bacterial pathogens harbored in the fishes were found in the medium but not in the sediment. This research is primarily to highlight the quality of these two edible fishes in the coastal waters of Royapuram, Chennai and to create awareness amid fish eating population.