Impact of Bacterial Contamination and Antibiotic Resistance on the Quality of Giant Tiger Prawns (Penaeus monodon) from Vishakhapatnam Harbour, India
Sridhar Dumpala
Department of Aquaculture, University College of Science and Technology, Adikavi Nannaya University, Rajamahendravaram, A.P, India.
Vivek Chintada
Department of Zoology, S.V. University College of Sciences, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, A.P, India.
Shanmugam Bhasha
Department of Education in Science and Mathematics (DESM), North East Regional Institute of Education (NERIE), NCERT, Shillong, India.
Vanum Jhansi Lakshmi
Department of Aquaculture, University College of Science and Technology, Adikavi Nannaya University, Rajamahendravaram, A.P, India.
Neredumilli Viswasanthi
P.V.R Trust Degree College, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Sindhu Erla
Department of Zoology and Aquaculture, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, A.P., India
Ramaneswari Kakarlapudi *
Department of Zoology, University College of Science and Technology, Adikavi Nannaya University, Rajamahendravaram, A.P, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Introduction: Spoilage of Penaeus monodon, a commercially significant species, is a major concern due to its negative impact on the seafood industry and public health. The microbial contamination of shrimp, especially from harbor environments, can reduce product quality and pose food safety risks. This study aims to identify the bacterial species responsible for the spoilage of P. monodon sourced from Visakhapatnam Harbour, with an emphasis on their antibiotic resistance profiles.
Methods: Bacterial isolates were obtained from the surface of P. monodon shrimp collected from Visakhapatnam Harbour. The total bacterial count was determined by serial dilution and plating on selective media, resulting in a bacterial count of 1.0602 × 104 CFU/g. Gram staining and biochemical tests were conducted on five isolated strains (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5) to determine their morphological characteristics and identify the species. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed to assess resistance profiles.
Results: All five bacterial isolates were found to be Gram-negative. The isolates were identified as follows: M1 – Enterobacteria spp., M2 – Achromobacter spp., M3 – Vibrio spp., M4 – Pseudomonas spp., and M5 – Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The total bacterial count for the shrimp samples was 1.0602 × 104 CFU/g. Antibiotic resistance testing revealed significant resistance, particularly against ampicillin and penicillin G.
Discussion: The presence of Vibrio and Pseudomonas, which are known to contribute to seafood spoilage, aligns with previous studies (Zhang et al., 2024). The antibiotic resistance observed in the isolates, particularly to commonly used antibiotics such as ampicillin, is concerning and reflects global challenges in controlling antibiotic-resistant pathogens in marine environments (Riaz et al., 2024). These findings underscore the need for effective preservation techniques and stricter regulations to ensure food safety and extend the shelf life of P. monodon.
Keywords: Penaeus monodon, shrimp spoilage, bacterial contamination, food safety