Microbial Susceptibility in Local Fish Market, Eluru

Fish sold in open markets can harbor bacterial contaminants that pose significant food-safety risks. This study assessed microbial contamination and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of isolates obtained from fish sold in the Eluru local fish market. Over a 6-week period, 60 fresh fish samples (skin and gut swabs) were collected from 20 vendors and analyzed using standard bacteriological culture, biochemical identification, and CLSI-guided disk diffusion susceptibility testing for 12 antibiotics. Simulated findings indicate that Escherichia coli (30%), Staphylococcus aureus (20%), Salmonella spp. (12%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10%), and Aeromonas hydrophila (8%) were the most prevalent isolates, with a mean total viable count (TVC) of 5.2 × 10⁵ CFU/g on fish skin. Multidrug resistance (MDR), defined as resistance to three or more antibiotic classes, was observed in 28% of isolates, with high resistance noted against ampicillin (62%) and tetracycline (45%), while susceptibility to carbapenems and azithromycin remained high. These results suggest that fish sold in the Eluru market may contain potentially pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, highlighting the need for improved hygiene practices, routine microbial surveillance, and vendor training; however, the data presented are simulated and real laboratory testing is required for policy decisions.