Prevalence and antibiogram of Vibrio species from blood cockles, oysters and periwinkles sold in Port Harcourt

Moro K. O., Amadi L. O., Ugboma C. J. and Peekate L. P.

Microbiology Research International
Published: October 28 2024
Volume 12, Issue 4
Pages 124-137

Abstract

Vibrio species are autochthonous aquatic pathogens commonly associated with foodborne infections which are difficult to treat, since they are reportedly multi-drug resistant. The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence and antibiogram of Vibrio species from blood cockles (Senilia senilis), oysters (Crassostrea gasar), and periwinkles (Tympanotonus fuscatus) sold in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, using cultural techniques. A total of 972 fresh and parboiled samples of blood cockles, oysters and periwinkles were purchased from Creek Road, Mile 1, and Mile 3 Market, in Port Harcourt Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. Vibrio species were isolated using Thiosulphate-Citrate-Bile-Sucrose (TCBS) agar. Antibiotic susceptibility of isolates was ascertained using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Fresh Oyster samples from the Creek Road Market, recorded the highest Vibrio count 6.4±0.4 x 10³ CFU/g while parboiled Periwinkle samples from Mile 1 Market recorded the lowest count of 5.3±0.7 x 10³ CFU/g in the wet season. Fresh periwinkle samples from Mile 3 Market had the highest count of 7.2±0.1 x 10⁴ CFU/g and parboiled periwinkle samples from Creek Road Market had the lowest count of 6.9±0.03 x 10⁴ CFU/g in dry season. Over 90% of samples were found above FDA safe limits for fresh and boiled seafood’s (100 and 10 CFU/g). Prevalence of Vibrio species in seafood samples ranged from 29% to 100% and 43% to 71% in the wet and dry seasons respectively. A high resistance to Augmentin 55% and 58% was observed in the wet and dry season respectively. Ofloxacin > ciprofloxacin > perfloxaxin were found to be the most effective drugs. Two isolates V. vulnificus (blood cockle) and V. cholerae (periwinkle) had the highest multiple antibiotic resistance index of 100% and 67% in the wet and dry season respectively. Twenty Five (71.42%) and Seven (20%) isolates had multidrug resistance (MDR) values of ≥0.4 in the wet and dry season respectively, this is above the arbitrary value of 0.2, indicating high-risk contamination sites where antibiotics are frequently used. The presence of antibiotic resistant Vibrios from seafood samples poses a serious concern to public health. Proper seafood handling procedures and antibiotic surveillance strategies/restrictive policies must be established and strictly adhered to.

Keywords: Prevalence, Creek Road, Mile 1, Mile 3, multiple antibiotic resistance index, multiple drug resistance.

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