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Antibiotic resistance; Aquaculture systems; Fish pathogens; Public health; Multidrug-resistant bacteria; Aquatic microbiome; Antibiotic misuse; Water quality; Zoonotic transmission; Sustainable aquaculture

Introduction

The rapid expansion of aquaculture as a solution to global protein demand has been accompanied by increased use of antibiotics to control bacterial infections and boost productivity. However, unregulated or excessive antibiotic use in fish farming—especially in developing countries—has led to the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) within aquatic environments [1-5]. These resistant strains not only pose a direct threat to aquatic animal health but also raise serious public health concerns due to their potential transmission to humans through direct contact, consumption of contaminated fish, or environmental exposure. This study investigates the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in aquaculture systems across selected freshwater farms in southern India, evaluates resistance patterns, and discusses the broader implications for public health and fish farming practices [6-10].

Discussion

Water, sediment, and fish samples were collected from 15 semi-intensive aquaculture farms using commonly cultured species such as catla (Catla catla), rohu (Labeo rohita), and tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Microbial cultures were obtained from gill, gut, and skin swabs, and selective media were used to isolate common pathogens including Aeromonas spp., Pseudomonas spp., and Vibrio spp. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the disc diffusion method against a panel of 12 commonly used antibiotics, including tetracycline, oxytetracycline, ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, and erythromycin.

The results revealed a high prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains in nearly 70% of isolates. Aeromonas hydrophila, a major opportunistic pathogen in aquaculture, exhibited resistance to more than five antibiotics in 65% of the samples. Resistance to tetracycline and ampicillin was particularly widespread, suggesting long-standing use of these agents in fish feed and pond treatments. Notably, isolates from farms located near urban centers or those using commercial feed and prophylactic antibiotics showed significantly higher resistance levels compared to traditional farms practicing organic or herbal treatments.

The potential public health risk is considerable. Antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs) identified in these environments, such as blaTEM and tetA, are known to be mobile via plasmids and can be horizontally transferred to human pathogens. Fish farmers and local communities using pond water for household activities were identified as vulnerable groups. Additionally, the discharge of aquaculture effluents into nearby rivers may facilitate the environmental spread of ARBs and ARGs, leading to contamination of drinking water and crops irrigated with surface water.

The findings underscore the urgent need for responsible antibiotic stewardship in aquaculture. Educating fish farmers, implementing residue testing programs, and promoting alternative health management strategies—such as probiotics, vaccines, and herbal treatments—are critical for mitigating the spread of resistance. Furthermore, integrated policies involving the fisheries, environment, and health sectors under the One Health framework are necessary to address the environmental and public health dimensions of antibiotic resistance in aquaculture.

Conclusion

The study confirms the high prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in aquaculture systems, raising serious concerns for both fish health and human safety. Continued misuse of antibiotics not only compromises the efficacy of disease treatment in aquaculture but also contributes to a global reservoir of resistance that threatens public health. Preventive action through surveillance, farmer education, policy enforcement, and research into sustainable alternatives is essential to control this emerging threat. As aquaculture continues to grow as a food source worldwide, the adoption of antimicrobial stewardship and biosecurity measures must become central to sustainable fish farming practices.

References

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3. Solomon D (2007) . Inter J Res Sust Develop World Agri CIPAV, Cali, Colombia.

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6. CSA (2020) . Central Statistical Agency (CSA): Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

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9. Solomon D (2007) . Inter J Res Sust Develop World Agri CIPAV, Cali, Colombia.

10. CSA (2022) . Central Statistical Agency (CSA): Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.