Abstract
Bacterial infections are a major constraint in freshwater aquaculture worldwide and cause significant economic losses due to fish morbidity and mortality. In Telangana, aquaculture is expanding but data on pathogenic bacteria affecting cultured fish are limited. This study investigated the prevalence, diversity, and antimicrobial resistance of bacterial pathogens in freshwater fish and aquaculture environments in Telangana State. Sampling was conducted from fish farms and culture ponds near Siddipet and surrounding districts. Fish exhibiting clinical signs were examined, and bacterial isolates were obtained from gill, skin, and internal tissues. Isolates were identified through morphological, biochemical, and molecular (16S rRNA) characterization. Key pathogens detected included Aeromonas hydrophila, Pseudomonas spp., Enterobacter cloacae, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Several isolates demonstrated antimicrobial resistance and biofilm-forming capability. Water quality parameters were correlated with pathogen prevalence. Findings underscore the need for routine disease surveillance, improved farm management, and targeted control strategies in Telangana’s aquaculture systems.
Keywords: Bacterial pathogens; Freshwater Aquaculture; Aeromonas hydrophila; Antimicrobial resistance; fish health and 16S rRNA
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