Pathological Alterations Associated with Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria in the Liver of Mugil cephalus (Linnaeus, 1758) from Anthropogenically Impacted Sites in Tripoli Coast, Libya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54361/LJMR.20.2.55Keywords:
Mugil cephalus, Histopathological Changes, Multidrug-resistant Bacteria, Liver Pathology, Antimicrobial Resistance, One HealthAbstract
Background: Coastal waters around Tripoli, Libya, are severely polluted by urban expansion, industrial discharges, and untreated sewage, creating conditions that threaten marine organisms and human consumers. Objectives: This preliminary study aimed to isolate and identify aquatic bacterial species from the liver of Mugil cephalus, determine the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of the isolated bacteria, and investigate histopathological lesions associated with bacterial stress in Mugil cephalus. Results: Gross examination revealed mild lordosis, gill marbling, severe hepatic congestion, and hemorrhages involving the liver, swim bladder, and kidneys. Histological analysis demonstrated pronounced vascular congestion, widespread vacuolar degeneration of hepatocytes, nuclear pyknosis, leukocyte infiltration, and activation of melano-macrophage centers in 13 out of 15 specimens (87%); unidentified parasitic structures were observed in 12 out of 15 specimens (80%). Bacteriological examination of liver tissue yielded Gram-negative isolates from all 15 samples, predominantly Aeromonas and Vibrio species, of which 12 isolates (80%) exhibited multidrug resistance. These findings suggest an association between environmental contamination, bacterial colonization, and progressive liver damage, underscoring the species’ potential role as a sentinel for antimicrobial resistance and highlighting possible zoonotic risks. Conclusion: The observed hepatic lesions may serve as valuable bioindicators for ongoing ecosystem monitoring and underscore the need for improved wastewater management and antimicrobial stewardship within a One Health framework.
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