Antibiotic and heavy-metal resistance in motile Aeromonas strains isolated from fish

Abstract

Aeromonas spp. have been recognized as important pathogens causing massive economic losses in the aquaculture industry. This study examined the resistance of fish Aeromonas isolates to 15 antibiotics and 3 heavy metals. Based on the results, it is suggested that selective antibiotheraphy should be applied according to the Aeromonas species and the cultured-fish species. In addition, cadmium-resistant strains were associated with resistance to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, suggesting that cadmium is a global factor related to co-selection of antibiotic resistance in Aeromonas spp.