Occurrence and distribution of potentially pathogenic Enterobacteriaceae in carps and pond water in Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Culture water and various tissues from carps (Catla catla (Hamilton), Labeo rohita (Hamilton), Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton) and Cyprinus carpio L., respectively) grown in an aquaculture pond in Tiruchirappalli, India, were examined for the presence of Enterobacteriaceae. Bacterial species isolated from the intestinal tract of the four fish species were similar to those isolated from the pond water. More than 50% of the total bacterial population identified in both the pond water and fishes intestinal tract were Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The presence of these bacteria suggests the need for following strict hygiene during handling and processing fish to prevent the transfer of potentially pathogenic bacteria to humans. Additionally, it stresses the need for a code of practice for fish growers in aquaculture systems for safety reasons.