06 Oca 2025 Pazartesi
Isolation and comprehensive characterization of Aeromonas veronii from Schizothorax niger: A biochemical and molecular analysis
Abstract : Aeromonas veronii, a Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped bacterium, exhibits remarkable adaptability to diverse environments, enabling its widespread distribution across ecosystems. This opportunistic pathogen frequently exploits host stress and co-pathogenic interactions to cause secondary infections, particularly in aquatic organisms. This study characterizes A. veronii isolated from Schizothorax niger, a freshwater fish native to Kashmir, using an integrated approach combining biochemical profiling and molecular analysis targeting the 16S rRNA gene. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the isolate’s taxonomic identity and genetic relationships with strains in GenBank, with the 16S rRNA sequence deposited under accession number OR801460. Biochemical assays revealed that the predominant isolate, MB, exhibited positive reactions for maltose, glucose, sucrose, lactose, fructose, indole, catalase, oxidase, hemolytic activity, motility, and H₂S production, while starch hydrolysis was negative. These findings provide insights into the virulence mechanisms and adaptive traits of A. veronii, highlighting its role in the microbial ecology of Kashmir’s aquatic ecosystems and implications for fish health. This study offers a foundational understanding of the pathogenic and evolutionary dynamics of A. veronii strains in this region, facilitating further research and the development of management strategies in aquatic microbiology and fish disease prevention.