ISOLATION OF Aeromonas hydrophila FROM THE AMERICAN ALLIGATOR, Alligator mississippiensis

Abstract

A. hydrophila was isolated from the internal organs of 9 adult alligators (A. mississippiensis) which died without apparent cause, suggesting the bacterium may have been a factor. Alligators (123) ranging in age from 6 mo. to over 10 yr were captured from 5 locations in the southeastern USA and sampled for A. hydrophila. The bacterium was isolated from the oral cavity of 85% of the animals, on the external jaw area from over 50% and from 70% of the internal tissue samples. A. hydrophila is ubiquitous with alligators in their natural habitats, but apparently does not cause clinical disease. Stress factors such as trapping, handling and warm water temperatures may be conducive to the rapid proliferation of the bacteria, thereby facilitating disease.