Prevalence of Aeromonas hydrophila in fish and prawns from the seafood market of Coimbatore, South India

Five hundred and thirty six samples of fishes and 278 prawn samples from the major fish market of Coimbatore, South India, were analysed for the prevalence of Aeromonas hydrophila over a period of 2 years (June 1997-May 1999). The prevalence level of A. hydrophila varied from 17.62% in prawns to 33.58% in fishes. More than 30% of the popular table fishes such as Sardinella longiceps, Rastrelliger kanagurta, Mugil cephalus and Caranx sexfasciatus were tested positive for this organism. Among the different species of the prawns analysed, Penaeus semisulcatus showed higher incidence (23.52%). Seasonal variation in the prevalence levels of A. hydrophila in fish and prawns revealed a higher prevalence during the monsoon season during 1997-98 and 1998-99. Of the different body parts of the fishes analysed for A. hydrophila, the intestinal samples showed higher prevalence (38.43%), followed by body surface (32.46%) and gill (29.10%). Considering the psychrotrophic nature and role of A. hydrophila as a pathogen of emerging importance, the considerably high levels of this organism in a popular food item such as fish and prawn raises serious concern.