Researchers at the Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) have uncovered compelling evidence of antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) and bacterial pathogens in fish farms that claim to be antibiotic-free. The investigation, based on samples from an aquaculture farm in Kochi, highlights a concerning trend that necessitates immediate action to prevent the transmission of ARGs from aquafarms to humans and the environment.
As part of an ongoing study by the School of Industrial Fisheries at Cusat, researchers are examining farms across Kerala. The pilot study focused on testing water samples for antibiotic residue in soil, water, and bacteria, under the project titled ‘Mapping Antimicrobial Use and Antimicrobial Resistance in Aquaculture Farming in Kerala.’ Reshma Silvester, who received the Nava Kerala fellowship for the project, emphasized the importance of scrutinizing aquaculture environments as potential hotspots for clinically relevant ARGs.
The findings revealed the presence of human pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, and Klebsiella pneumoniae in the study area. Resistome analysis demonstrated a high contamination of the farm environment with antibiotic resistant genes, conferring resistance to multiple antibiotic classes, including aminoglycoside, amphenicol, beta-lactam, fluoroquinolone, glycopeptide, macrolide, tetracycline, polymyxin, sulfonamide, among others.
Reshma Silvester expressed concerns about medical waste, including that from hospitals and homes, contaminating water bodies and entering aquafarms. Unlike farms focused on exports adhering to stringent international regulations, open water body farms face greater risks. Professor Mohammed Hatha from the Department of Marine Biology at Cusat emphasized the urgent need for awareness among farmers, highlighting the serious health threat posed by antibiotic resistance. He stressed the necessity for stricter monitoring and surveillance to address this growing concern.”
