A Comprehensive Investigation of Potential Bacterial Pathogens in Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)

In the study, a comprehensive investigation on potential bacterial pathogens affecting largemouth bass (<i>Micropterus salmoides</i>) was performed. Monthly surveys were conducted from April to October 2024. Diseased largemouth bass exhibited diverse clinical symptoms, such as rot of gill and fin, ulcers on body surface, and petechial hemorrhages in liver. Following isolation and identification, a total of 21 potential bacterial pathogens (numbered strain 1 to 21, respectively) were identified. The genus <i>Aeromonas</i> had the highest proportion (67.14%), among which the frequency of <i>Aeromonas veronii</i> was 24.60%. TEM analysis revealed that the bacterial strains exhibited three predominant shapes (rod-shaped, spherical, and curved) with length ranging from 0.5 to 3 μm. Flagellar structures were observed in strains 1-4, 6-8, 11-17, and 19-21, with variations in number and growth sites. Three isolates (strains 9, 10, 18) demonstrated Gram-positive characteristic, and strains 5, 11, and 18 have capsule structures. Strains 5, 9, 10, and 18 were non-motile, and strains 1-4, 6, 7, 9-11, 16-18, and 21 exhibited β-hemolysis. Physiological and biochemical characteristics of the 21 bacterial isolates were comprehensively analyzed. Antibiotic sensitivity testing revealed that florfenicol and enrofloxacin exhibited excellent antibacterial effects. These data will enrich the potential bacterial diseases information and promote the healthy development of the largemouth bass industry.