Abstract

*N. P. Akani, J. O. Williams and O. R. Njoku

ABSTRACT

Bacteriology and sensitivity pattern of some bacterial isolates from Clarias gariepinus sold in different markets in Port Harcourt Metropolis was investigated. Ten C. gariepinus from three markets (Mile 1, Mile 3 and Iwofe) were obtained and analyzed using standard methods. Results revealed no difference (p≥0.05) in the bacterial types from the 3 markets. Total heterotrophic bacteria ranged between 8.04±0.30 Log10CFUg-1(skin) and 8.14±0.18 Log10CFUg-1(intestine); Total Staphylococcal count, 4.92±1.17Log10CFUg-1(intestine) and 5.79±0.40Log10CFUg-1(skin); Total Pseudomonads count, 2.84±2.08Log10CFUg-1(intestine) and 3.73±1.98Log10CFUg-1 (skin); Total Vibriod count, 4.93±2.11Log10CFUg-1(intestine) and 5.78±0.80Log10CFUg-1(skin); Total coliform count, 7.96±0.37Log10CFUg-1(intestine) and 8.14±0.33Log10CFUg-1(skin). Two hundred and eighty (280) isolates were identified to belong to six genera namely; Bacillus spp (7.86%), Escherichia coli (12.86%), Klebsiella spp (15.00%), Pseudomonas spp (16.79%), Staphylococcus spp (22.86%) and Vibrio spp (24.63%) with Bacillus spp. being the least and Vibrio spp the highest. Susceptibility test conducted revealed that the organisms were generally sensitive to ciprofloxacin; Vibrio spp 61(88.4%), Pseudomonas spp 29(87.9%) and Staphylococcus 14(82.4%). Resistance to streptomycin was 53 (76.8%) and 26 (78.8%) for Vibrio spp and Pseudomonas spp. respectively. Staphylococcus spp was not susceptible to most of the antibiotics tested and showed 100% resistance to Zinnacef. The presence of increasing resistance of these potential pathogens can lead to re-emerging diseases of fish, economic loss and public health hazards. Ciprofloxacin can therefore be used as a drug of choice for the treatment of infections of C. gariepinus due to these pathogens.