Isolation, characterization and antibiogram of bacteria from African catfish skin ulcer in Abia state Nigeria

Abstract

Bacteria associated with African catfish skin ulcers cultured in Abia state, Nigeria have not been documented. This study was conducted to determine the antibiogram of bacteria isolates associated with skin ulcers of African catfish cultured in selected localities of Abia State. Twenty (20) African catfish with skin ulcers were purposively sampled from the selected farms. Scrapings from skin ulcers were collected from samples from Aba north and Osisioma, processed for bacteria isolation and identification. Susceptibility of bacteria isolates to antimicrobial agents was determined using the disc diffusion method. Sixty percent of the samples from Abia north in combination with 50% and Osisioma,  showed positive culture for Aeromonas hydrophila (40%), Escherichia coli (30%), Proteus spp (10%) and Staphylococcus aureus (20%); and Klebsiella sp (10%) and Aeromonas hydrophila (40%). The frequency of isolation of 30 identified bacteria isolates was Aeromonas hydrophila (23.33%), Escherichia coli (36.37%), Staphylococcus aureus (16.67%) and Proteus sp (10%) and Klebsiella spp. (13.3%). Aeromonas hydrophila, Escherichia coli, Proteus spp and Klebsiella spp exhibited highest resistance to Vancomycin (100%). Similarly, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus spp and Klebsiella spp exhibited highest resistance to Nalidixic acid (100%), whereas Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus spp also showed highest resistance to Tetracycline (100%). All isolates from this study exhibited multi-drug resistance to antimicrobials. These organisms isolated   were pathogenic and transferable to the final consumers. Hence, there is the need to ensure that African catfish with skin ulcers are thoroughly screened and appropriate medication given for prevention and control.