Antimicrobial Resistance of Pathogenic Bacteria Isolated from Selected Aquaculture Sites in Awka, Southeast, Nigeria

The study examined the antimicrobial resistance of pathogenic bacteria isolated from some selected fish farms in Awka, Nigeria. This study assessed the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of pond water across four aquaculture sites. The water temperature and pH were within the limits set by WHO, indicating. Temperature varied between 29.00 ± 2.83 °C and 30.00 ± 2.83 °C; pH Levels is 6.70 ± 0.28 to 7.60 ± 0.28. All ponds were contaminated with heterotrophic bacteria and coliforms. Total Heterotrophic Count of 7.2 × 10⁵ to 1.8 × 10⁶ CFU/ml, with Concrete Pond 2 having the highest contamination. Total Coliform Count: between 25 to 160 CFU/100ml; Earthen Pond 2 was the most contaminated. Faecal Coliform Count is 0 to 120 CFU/100ml. Dominant species included: E. coli, Acinetobacter spp., Klebsiella spp., Staphylococcus spp., Bacillus spp., Aeromonas spp., Micrococcus spp., Shigella spp. Concrete Pond 1, 3 and 4 had the highest loads of heterotrophic and coliform bacteria. Concrete Pond 2 was comparatively less contaminated. Staphylococcus spp. and Bacillus spp. exhibited greater resistance across all samples. All ponds were contaminated with potentially pathogenic bacteria, posing risks to fish health, yield, and public health. Therefore, regular monitoring is essential for safeguarding aquaculture and public wellbeing. Keywords: Aquaculture, Antimicrobial resistance, Microbial Load, Conrete Pond, Physiochemical.