Detection of Multi Drug Resistant Bacteria in Retail Fish Market Water Samples of Vashi, Navi Mumbai

Abstract

Occurrence of faecal indicator bacteria (FIB) is being reported regularly by various researchers. But there is no information about the microbiological quality of the water used in the retail fish markets. Hence to understand the hygienic status of the water used in retail outlets, about 51 water samples were collected from the retail outlets of Navi Mumbai region and microbiological parameters such as aerobic plate count (APC), faecal indicator bacteria viz., Escherichia coli, faecal streptococci (FS) and sulphite reducing clostridia (SRC) were enumerated. Antibiogram was also carried out for 57 isolates against 20 antibiotics. Results indicated that all water samples harboured higher levels of APC, E. coli, FS and SRC with an average value of 558, 41, 51 cfu/mL and 2.42/20 mL respectively. Ratio between the FS and E. coli i.e., 1:1.25 indicates the multiplication of E. coli in the water used in the retail market. Higher level of resistance was observed for Augmentin and Colistin. Four multi drug resistant (MDR) E. coli were observed in the water samples. Checking of water in the retail fish market is the most neglected area where high level of contamination and MDR bacteria have been detected. So, it was inferred that the repeated use of same water without replacement is a major cause of higher levels of FIB and MRD bacteria in the retail fish market water samples that further leads to their transfer from water to fish. Hence, running water facility should be used to clean the fish.