Isolation and characterisation of Edwardsiella tarda in barred bichir fish (Polypterus delhezi, Boulenger 1899) with septicemia: A first case report
Rifky Rizkiantino (1), I Wayan Teguh Wibawan (1*), Fachriyan Hasmi Pasaribu (1), Retno Damajanti Soejoedono (1), Wyanda Arnafia (2), Vengine Ulyama (2), Kenda Adhitya Nugraha (3)

1) Division of Medical Microbiology, Department of Animal Infectious Diseases and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, IPB University, Raya Dramaga Rd., Bogor, Indonesia
2) Research and Development Division, Tekad Mandiri Citra, Inc., Mekar Raya Rd. Kav. 9, Panyileukan, Bandung, Indonesia
3) Aquatic Veterinarian Practitioner, Indo Fish-Vet: Mobile Fish Clinic and Aquatic Laboratory Services, Jakarta, Indonesia

Abstract

A barred bichir fish (Polypterus delhezi) was found dead at the bottom of the aquarium owned by a client. Results of anatomical pathology examination indicated pathology lesions in the form of the opacity of the eye (cloudy eye), hemorrhagic in the muscles, and discoloration of the liver (yellowish). Bacteriological examination was performed. The results of the morphological, biochemical, and molecular examination utilizing the 16S rRNA gene and sequencing analysis of the PCR product indicated that the isolate from liver organ was identified as Edwardsiella tarda bacteria. Antibiotic susceptibility test showed that the isolate was resistant to tetracycline and oxytetracycline and intermediate to erythromycin. Based on the results of the bacterial examination and Koch^s postulate, it was concluded that the fish was dead due to the condition of septicemia from Edwardsiella tarda infection. The result of this study serves as the first case report in the world and in Indonesia for the occurrence of edwardsiellosis in barred bichir fish.

Keywords: barred bichir fish-edwarsiellosis-Edwardsiella tarda-Polypterus delhezi-septicemia

Topic: Marine Biology and Marine Disease