Isolation and identification of human pathogenic Aeromonas Hydrophila in seafood of Gopalpur coast, Orissa

Abstract

The investigation was carried out in the month of October, 2006 to ascertain the incidence of Aeromonas hydrophila, an emerging human pathogen in the salted and dried finfish species, Trichurus lepturus along Gopalpur coast of Bay of Bengal. Fifteen fish samples were collected, homogenized, and spread plated on Aeromonas hydrophila (Ah) agar. The typical yellow colonies on the selective Ah agar media were then confirmed by biochemical tests. The study revealed that 26.6% of the fish samples were contaminated with Aeromonas hydrophila. Thus, the study indicates that improperly cured and dried products can harbour food borne pathogens.