'Aquatic bacteria pose threat to aquatic animals'

Vibrio spp work as pathogens of aquatic creatures like fish and shrimp, causing serious losses in the aquaculture industry, said Nitte Deemed to be University vice chancellor Prof Dr Satheesh Bhandary.

He was speaking after inaugurating an international workshop 'Vibrios in one health', organised by Nitte University Center for Science Education and Research (NUCSER).

"Vibrio spp are common aquatic bacteria found in a range of ecological niches ranging from fresh water to estuarine and marine environments including deep sea. Human diseases caused by Vibrio spp include cholera, gastroenteritis, septicaemia, cellulitis and other extra-intestinal infections, are a public health problem globally," said the professor.

He expressed concern on bacterial infections in aquaculture, which might lead to the misuse and overuse of antibiotics, further resulting in the selection and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Speaking on the occasion, Nitte Deemed to be University Registrar Dr Alka Kulkarni emphasised the need for international collaboration to deal with complex issues such as "one health" dealing with human, animal health and environment.

Scientific talks were delivered by Dr Iddya Karunasagar, senior director (International Relations) of Nitte Deemed to be University; Dr Peter Bossier from Ghent University; Dr Anna Godhe from Gothenburg University, Sweden; Dr Lucy Turner from Plymouth University, UK; Dr Dharshanee Ruwandeepika from Sabaragama University, Sri Lanka; and Dr Krishna Kumar, Dr Praveen Rai and Juliet Mohanraj from Nitte Deemed to be University.

Nitte Deemed to be University director (Research and Development) Dr Indrani Karunasagar, and NUCSER deputy director Dr Anirban Chakrabarty were present among others.