Abstract

Ornamental fish and accompanying water from Southeast Asia, South America and Florida have been examined for the presence of bacteria of potential disease importance for both fish and humans. During the course of this study a sample of approximately 8,000 fish and waters from 27 shipping points were assayed. Common organisms recovered included Aeromonas hydrophilia, Pseudomonas sp. and various members of the Enterobacteraceae. Mycotic organisms were noted in samples from South America.

Notes

Methods

1. Blood or kidney were cultured. The fish was opened dorsal to the kidney, surface sterilization was done. Blood agar plates and cytophaga agar were used.

2. A ten percent suspension of fish was made. Virology Mycoplasma BAP, Cyto, TSA, RS, BS, SBG-BG, DS

3. The water in which the fish arrived (from source) was centrifuged supernatant – mycoplasma -virology sediment – re-suspended in 100 ml water and cultured for Enterobacteriaceae, especially Salmonella.

Specimens were examined from Florida, South America and Southeast Asia.

Results

Agents causing septicemia, in order from most to least common are listed.

1. Pseudomonas

2. Aeromonas

3. Staph

4. Proteus, Citrobacter, Flavobacterium, Enterobacteriaceae, Bacillus, Plesiomonas, E. coli

5. Penicillium - in South American fish only. The presence of Penicillium in South American wild-caught fish may simply represent the type of water there since Pericillium grows there normally. The normal flora of the water is similar to those causing septicemia.

It appears that the flora found in this study is the same as that found in other pet or food animals, with a similar public health significance. Aeromonas with R factor which are resistant to tetracycline can transfer their resistance to Salmonella. Below is some data concerning Aeromonas resistance.