Zoonotically Important Pathogens of Fish and Shrimp in Fresh and Brackish Water Aquaculture System in West Bengal

Fish production in West Bengal is the second highest in India and also it has great contribution in export market over the past decades throughout Asian, European and American countries. However, there are few pathogens of aquatic animals which have zoonotic importance. Vibrio spp. Was reported with eel and shrimp and has been isolated both from wound infections and in septicemic cases in humans. Edwardsiella tarda, a common pathogen of aquaculture is associated with both intestinal and extra-intestinal infections in humans. Streptococcus iniae, another important pathogen in aquaculture also causes infection in human beings. Aeromonas hydrophila and other pathogenic strain of Aeromonas spp. are the causative agents of Motile Aeromonas Septicemia (MAS) for fishes and have been considered as a gastrointestinal disease causing potential pathogen in human. On the other hand, residue of antibiotics used in aquaculture along with some banned antibiotics (relating with public health) like Chloramphenicol, Nitroimidazoles, Nitrofurans (Furazolidone, Sulphamethoxazole), Sulfonamides (Sulphamethoxazoleetc) is used indiscriminately in aqua sector. Adequate knowledge and awareness are very important regarding human health which can help to take over proper good manufacturing practices (GMP) in aquaculture sector.