Assessment of antibiotic resistance on Aeromonas spp. and Vibrio spp. isolated from Red Tilapia farms in Cambodia

Abstract

Tilapia Fish has become essential in meeting the increasing demands for food security. However, antimicrobials used (AMU) in the agriculture sector is a significant driver of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and poses risks to animal, human health and the environment. Misuse and overuse of antibiotics in fish farming is one of the main factors to increasing the prevalence of antibiotic resistance. This study is aims to investigate antibiotic resistant bacteria, such as Aeromonas spp. and Vibrio spp.  in red tilapia aquaculture in Siem Reap Province. Samples were collected from five different farms. Aeromonas spp. and Vibrio spp. were isolated using selective media such as Aeromonas Selective Agar and TCBS agar. Then suspected colonies were subjected to biochemical tests and identified by API 20E/20NE. Antimicrobial sensitivity testing was performed using seven different antibiotics. Temperature water from fish raising ranged were from 27 to 30.7 ℃ and pH was between 6.66 to 9. Moreover, in a total of 25 farm samples (N=25), 44% presumptive Aeromonas hydrophilia (n=11) and 8% presumptive Vibrio cholerae (n=2) were identified. The result of antibiotic resistance for Aeromonas hydrophilia (n=11) was 27.7% to CIP, CL, OXT, 45.45% to FFC, 54.54% to SXT, 81.81% to AMP, and 100% to E. Moreover, the resistance of Vibrio cholerae (n=2) was 50% to OXT, 100% to AMP, CL, E, and FFC. The farms had high percentage of Aeromonas hydrophilia and had high resistance to AMP, FFC, SXT and for Vibrio cholerae had high percentage of AMP, CL, FFC, OXT and E. Due to a high propensity for antibiotic resistance, consumers could face food safety issues. Additionally, disease contamination in Fish farming production and antimicrobial resistance can contribute to food insecurity.