ISOLATION OF AEROMONAS-HYDROPHILA FROM THE AMERICAN ALLIGATOR, ALLIGATOR-MISSISSIPPIENSIS

Aeromonas hydrophila was isolated from the internal organs of nine adult alligators, Alligator mississippiensis, which died without apparent cause, suggesting the bacterium may have been a factor. One hundred and twenty-three alligators ranging in age from six months to over 10 years were captured from five locations in the southeastern United States 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. However, stress factors such as trapping, handling, and warm water temperatures may be conducive to the rapid proliferation of the bacteria, thereby facilitating disease.