wildlife and zoo assay data sheet

Aeromonas hydrophila

Test code: B0068 - Ultrasensitive qualitative detection of Aeromonas hydrophila by real time PCR.

Aeromonas hydrophila is a heterotrophic, gram-negative bacterium found in water, mainly in warm climates. However, this bacterium is very resistant to low temperature and other environmental changes, and has been detected in fresh, salt, marine, estuarine and even chlorinated water. It can survive in both aerobic and anaerobic environments.

A. hydrophila is mainly associated with diseases of fish and amphibians. In frogs, this bacterium causes red leg disease, in which infected frogs can develop fatal internal hemorrhaging. In fish it can cause ulcers, tail rot, fin rot, and hemorrhagic septicaemia. Hemorrhagic septicaemia involves scale shedding and lesions, hemorrhage in gill and anal areas, ulcers, exophthalmia and abdominal swelling.

Outbreaks have been reported frequently in various regions of the world. For example, an outbreak of A. hydrophila infection with a high rate of mortality (95%) in turtles (Pseudemis scripta) was reported in 1994 in Italy (Pasquale et al., 1994).

Culture detection of the bacteria is not very effective because culture sensitivity is low.  In addition, other strains of Aeromonas bacteria may produce similar culture characteristics and be mistaken for A. hydrophila. However, detection of this bacterium by PCR is rapid, specific and sensitive.

Utilities:

• Confirm the disease causing agent
• Shorten the time required to confirm a clinical diagnosis of Aeromonas hydrophila
• Ensure that animal facilities or amphibian populations are free of this bacterium
• Early prevention of spread of A. hydrophila in a facility or geographic area
• Minimize human exposure to this bacterium
• Safety monitoring of biological products that derive from susceptible animals

References:
Pasquale, V., Baloda, S.B., Dumontet, S. and Krovacek, K. (1994) An outbreak of Aeromonas hydrophila infection in turtles (Pseudemis scripta). Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 60:1678–1680.

Specimen requirements:  Skin or vent swab, or environmental swab, or 0.5 ml water, tissue or culture.

For specimen types other than those listed here, please call to confirm specimen acceptability and shipping instructions.

For all specimen types, if there will be a delay in shipping, or during very warm weather, refrigerate specimens until shipped and ship with a cold pack unless more stringent shipping requirements are specified. Frozen specimens should be shipped so as to remain frozen in transit. See shipping instructions for more information.

Turnaround time: 2 business days

Methodology: Qualitative real time PCR

Normal range: Nondetected