ABSTRACT:

Freshwater aquaculture represents an important source of protein to human nutrition. Antimicrobials have been used mainly for therapeutic purposes and as prophylactic agents. This study evaluated the prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant enterococci isolated from aquaculture (fishponds). One hundred and twenty (120) enterococci were isolated, characterized microbiologically and biochemically, and were evaluated for their resistance to 10 antibiotics by agar disk diffusion method. The enterococci isolates were made up of 25.8% of Enterococcus faecium, 37.5% of Enterococcus faecalis and 36.7% of un-characterized Enterococcus spp. High frequencies of resistance were observed for Vancomycin (75.8%) and Quinupristine/Dalfopristine (70.8%) with Penicillin G having the lowest frequency of resistance (50%). The multiple antimicrobial-resistance (MAR) index ranged from 0.3 to 1.00, while 62 resistance patterns were identified with Pn Kn Er Te Cp Q/D Ge St Vn Ox being the most predominant pattern, having been exhibited by 31 isolates. These results infer the presence of antimicrobial resistant enterococci in aquaculture and fish, which may lead to the emergence and dissemination of resistant enterococci in animals and humans. Improved hygiene practices and controlled use of antibiotics in aquaculture, animal husbandry, and fisheries are desirable for environmental management and public health protection.