Determination of the Antibiotic Susceptibility Profile of Aeromonas veronii, Which Causes Septicemia in Wild-caught Carp Species, Using MALDI-TOF and Culture Methods

Abstract

The genus Aeromonas is recognised as containing numerous pathogenic species, with the bacterium Aeromonas veronii, an example of this genus, having been documented as the causative agent of disease in both humans and animals, either as a primary infection or as a concurrent infection with other pathogens. In this study, A. veronii was detected by culture and MALDI-TOF in four different species of carp caught in the wild. In addition, pathological and antibiotic susceptibility of the pathogen were determined. Eighty fish samples were analysed and A. veronii was isolated from 52 samples including liver, kidneys and muscle tissues. It was observed that the gills, kidneys and livers of the fish examined were pale in colour. In addition to erythema, haemorrhages and superficial ulcerative lesions on the skin of the fish, petechial haemorrhages were observed on the tongue, upper jaw and operculum. The results demonstrated that A. veronii exhibited susceptibility to ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ceftazidime, cefepime, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, enrofloxacin, florfenicol, gentamicin, streptomycin, and neomycin. However, A. veronii demonstrated resistance to amikacin, oxytetracycline, and erythromycin. It is imperative to acknowledge the potential risk of contamination of fruits and vegetables irrigated with irrigation water contaminated with Aeromonas, which may result in a human infection. Consequently, the implementation of regular monitoring programmes is essential to ensure produce safety.