Tetracyclines-Resistant
bacteria in Shrimps sold in major Supermarkets in Da Nang City, Vietnam
Truong Thi Chau Giang and Nguyen Thi Minh Xuan
Res. J. Biotech.; Vol. 20(2); 79-85;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/202rjbt079085; (2025)
Abstract
The spread of tetracycline-resistant genes has posed a threat to the therapeutic
effectiveness of tetracyclines. Misusing tetracyclines in seafood and shrimp farming
has only accelerated this resistance process. Our study aimed to evaluate the status
of tetracycline-resistant bacteria in shrimps and to evaluate the probability of
spreading these antibiotic-resistant genes. The shrimp purchased from three major
supermarkets in Da Nang city were analyzed and the results revealed that the ratio
of bacteria resistant to tetracycline and oxytetracycline had a relatively high
resistance rate of 4-11%. This study found that all tested supermarkets exhibited
resistance with the rate of resistance to oxytetracycline being higher than that
of tetracycline.
In situations where bacteria with oxytetracycline-resistant genes and Lactobacillus
acidophilus, were co-cultured, the transmission of the resistant genes to Lactobacillus
acidophilus occurred. Moreover, the tetracycline resistance of bacteria isolated
from shrimp intestines did not decrease even after being cultured in an antibiotic-free
medium. The findings of our study strongly indicate the need for immediate action
to control the overuse of tetracyclines in shrimp farming and to prevent the further
spread of antibiotic-resistant genes.
