Impact of Climate Change on Catfish (Siluriformes) Associated with Vibrio cholera in Ishielu Ebonyi State South Eastern Nigeria

The objective of this paper was to examine the effect of climate change on catfish (Siluriformes) associated with Vibrio cholera in Ishielu Ebonyi state south eastern Nigeria, using standard microbiological procedures. The mean bacterial load was higher in rainy season samples (6.7 × 10-4cfu/ml) compared to dry season samples (6.1 × 10-4cfu/ml). Vibrio cholerae species were identified and characterized through physiological and biochemical tests. A total of 77 V. Cholera spp isolates were observed, of 77 isolates, Skinshad 19, dry season 7(36.8) and rainy season 12 (63.2); Gills had 27; 11 (40.7) and 16(59.3) for dry and rainy season respectively. While Intestine recorded 31 isolates dry and rainy season had 13 (41.9) and 18 (58.1) respectively. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed multidrug resistance across the isolates. For dry seasons catfish all V. choleraespp showed 80-100% resistance to more than eight antibiotics, including cefepime, cefotaxime, cefoxitin, imipenem, vancomycin, nalidixic acid, and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, but remained highly susceptible to ciprofloxacin (70.9%), trimethoprim (51.6%) while rainy season all V. choleraespp showed 78-100% resistance to more than eight antibiotics, including cefoxitin, nalidixic acid, cefotaxime, imipenem, cefepime, vancomycin, and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, but remained highly susceptible to 70.9% ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim (54.3%). The findings suggest that rising temperatures, poor sanitation, and faecal contamination in aquaculture environments contribute to increased pathogen prevalence and resistance. Given the risks associated with climate change, continuous monitoring of V. cholerae and other bacterial pathogens in fish habitats is essential. Enhanced antibiotic resistance surveillance in aquatic environments is also necessary to safeguard public health and ensure food safety.