REPORT OF MICROORGANISMS OF SANITARY IMPORTANCE AND WITH ZOONOTIC POTENTIAL (MUCOR SPP. AND AEROMONAS SPP.) IN BULLFROG (LITHOBATES CATESBEIANUS) CULTURE IN THE CENTRAL AREA OF MEXICO.

Abstract

Bullfrog production is an important source of protein and by-products obtained from the cultivation of different frog species, including the bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus). However, the species is considered invasive, so its ecological role is of high impact with respect to the pathogens present in the crop. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to report the occurrence of microorganisms of health importance in farmed frogs from the State of Hidalgo. 16 samples were processed by conventional methods for the isolation of Mucor spp. and Aeromonas spp.. The samples showed the presence of Mucor spp. with a 25% [IC 95% 24.78-25.21%] of prevalence, fungi were isolated from ulcerative skin lesions in the 4 Mucor spp. positive frogs., while 75% [IC 95% 74.78-75.21%] for Aeromonas spp.  isolates were obtained as an opportunistic secondary infection. The findings indicate a concomitant infection of pathogens affecting the L. catesbeianus population that have human pathogenic potential. Therefore, it’s monitoring and management throughout the production chain is imperative to obtain quality and safe products.