Antibiotic-resistant bacterium found in waterbodies, fish

Bacterium resistant to antibiotics was found in fish samples and aquatic environments of Kochi.

Research carried out by the Microbiology Fermentation and Biotechnology Division of Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Kochi, reported the presence of Methicillin-Resistant-Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in fish and aquatic environments of Kochi. The bacterium might have reached the waterbodies through untreated hospital waste. The contaminated materials from hospitals, including untreated cotton and waste water, persons carrying the MRSA in their wounds, abscesses and sputum might have contributed to the spread of the bacterium, said K.V. Lalitha, Head of the Department.

Run-off from land, including hospital refuse, may be reaching the aqua farms and discharges from hospitals in coastal water bodies. Presence of pathogens would be less in deep seas, she said.

Pathogens were found in farmed fish and fish samples from the market. The presence of the pathogens was also found in mud, and water samples collected from the coastal waters. The study team consisting of Dr. Lalitha, V. Murugadas and Toms.C. Joseph had screened around 150 samples of fish, shellfish and water samples collected from different fish markets in Ernakulam district. The CIFT studies revealed that MRSA isolate from fish belonged to the Bay of Bengal clone, which was reported in many parts of India in hospital-associated cases. These pathogens are capable of infecting human beings. Mostly, the MRSA was resistant to many antibiotics commonly used for treatment, said a communication from the institute. C.N. Ravishankar, director of the institute, said the public needed to be aware of the situation. Fish handlers with open wounds, abrasions and abscess should take hygienic measures while handling fish, he said.

It would be difficult to control or contain infections in persons infected with MRSA and doctors are left with only few choices of antibiotics. Fishers and those working in the sector are mostly exposed to the risk as they could be infected through open wounds, Ms. Lalitha said.

Pathogens found in fish would be destroyed while cooking and may not pose risk to those consuming it. However, more studies need to be held, she said.

Bacterium might have reached the waterbodies through untreated hospital waste

Pathogens found in fish will be destroyed while cooking