Detection of Mycobacterium spp. by polymerase chain reaction in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in Campeche, Mexico

Mycobacteriosis is one of the serious diseases that affect a wide range of cultured fishes which is also dangerous for human. The aim of this study is to confirm the presence of Mycobacterium spp. that has been reported in 2007 in Campeche, Mexico. For this purpose, we evaluate fishes from a tilapia farm that previously reported clinical signs similar to Mycobacteriosis like granulomas. At first, the specific culture for Mycobacterium was done and, then, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of Mycobacterium spp. was used. Out of 30 evaluated specimens, 15 were suspected to be Mycobacterium spp. after Ziehl-Neelsen stain. PCR uses specific primers for Mycobacterium spp. and 8 samples were revealed positive. The results of this study confirm the presence of this group of pathogens in the region and could affect the development of the aquaculture in Campeche.