ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE OF POTENTIALLY PATHOGENIC AEROMONAS STRAINS

Aeromonas spp. strains isolated from meat, drinking water, fish and patients in Bulgaria were identified and biochemically characterized. The drug susceptibility levels were evaluated by disk diffusion method and serial dilution method. All examined strains displayed multiple drug resistance. The strains were tested for hemolytic activity as a pathogenicity marker. Hemolysis, tested on sheep erythrocytes, was more frequently seen with water and fish isolates than with patient isolates. The results obtained suggest that Aeromonas species are potential enteric pathogens in our geographical region. The occurrence of Aeromonas spp. in the environment represents a potential risk for humans and farmed fish health.