Virulence of <i>Aeromonas hydrophila</i> Isolated from Fresh Water Catfish

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.