Abstract

Background
Antibiotic resistance among gram negative pathogens especially Salmonella species and Shigella species have posed tremendous threat to human and animal population around the globe.
Aim
The aim of this study is to determine antibiotic resistance pattern of Salmonella species and Shigella species isolated from Clarias gariepinus intestine.
Materials and Methods
Fifteen fish of the species Clarias gariepinus was collected from fish vendors in Wuakri metropolis and were transported to Microbiology laboratory at Federal University Wukari. The intestine of the fish was carefully removed, 25 g of it was weighed and homogenised. The homogenised intestine was suspended into 25 mL of sterile distilled water for serial dilution. Salmonella and Shigella species were isolated and identified using selective media and biochemical test. Antibiotic resistance pattern of the isolates were determined using Kirby-Bauer single disc diffusion method and result was interpreted using CLSI guideline.
Result
The total aerobic count in the fish intestine ranged from 5.0×108 to 1.80×109 CFU/g. The percentage occurrence of Salmonella and Shigella species were 62.50 and 37.50% respectively. Salmonella and Shigella species were 100% resistant to augmentin, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, ceporex and cefuroxime. The multiple antibiotic resistant of the isolates was greater than 0.20.
Conclusion
Therefore, it is imperative to create awareness to the populace on the proper use of antibiotics among fish farmers and consumers to prevent the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Key words: Fish, Antibiotics, bacteria, resistance