Journal of Biotechnology & Biomaterials
Open Access

Abstract

In the marine environment, unfortunately there is an increased incidence of bacterial infections caused by environmental and toxicological risks. As fish is a highly perishable food item due to bacterial contamination from the environment, the present study is aimed to isolate the associated bacteria in order to assess the quality and hygiene of edible marine fish, pink perch, Nemipterus japonicus. Samples were collected from mucus and internal organs of the fish and cultured under sterile conditions on various types of enriched and selective media for 48 hours at 37 º C. The bacterial isolates were identified by employing various standard morphological and biochemical techniques. The pathogens were recognised as halophilic, lactose-positive, Gram negative, motile, curved bacterium Vibrio vulnificus. The lactose positive Vibrio is a recently recognised marine organism that has pathogenic potential for humans, which may cause blistering dermatitis, gastroenteritis, septicaemia and also affecting the small intestine through secretion of enterotoxins. Thus, the present study puts emphasis on sustainable quality and safety of the fish to the consumer.

Biography

T. C. Diana obtained her Ph.D. in Zoology at Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, India. She is now Principal investigator for DST Women Scientist Project, New Delhi, India. She is author of seven publications in national/ international journals and presented her research findings in national/ International conferences. Her areas of interest are fish biology