Bacteriological Evaluation and Antibacterial Susceptibility Profile of Bacteria obtained from Major Fish Ponds in Akungba-Akoko
Oluwatosin Isaac OJO & O. R. ADEOYO (Ph.D.)
Fishes are good source of dietary protein, reared in artificial ponds in most countries; poor sanitary condition predisposes the fishes to infestation by pathogenic microorganisms. The study aimed at evaluating the bacteriological and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of major fish ponds in Akungba-Akoko. All 6 pond water samples collected were subjected to physicochemical analysis (pH and temperature). Isolates were identified on the basis of their cultural, morphological, and biochemical characteristics. Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method was used to determine antibacterial activity. The results showed pH range of 8.1 to 8.6 while temperature ranges from 29 to 31°C. The bacterial load ranged from 3.7 x 103 to 2.5 × 104 cfu/ml. This study revealed diversified forms of bacteria that include member of genera; Proteus, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Escherichia, Enterococcus, Klebsiella, and Salmonella. The organisms with the highest percentage of occurrence are the Staphylococcus spp. and Escherichia spp. Percentage susceptibility of isolates to antibiotics was highest with azithromycin (93.7%) and the least with streptomycin (62.5%). The presence of some pathogenic organisms shows lack of qualitative pond management services which could become harmful to both fishes and humans in the food web system. Therefore, proper sanitary and enlightenment campaign are necessary to prevent disease outbreak among fish consumers.
Keywords: Bacteriological evaluation, antibacterial susceptibility, bacteria, fish ponds