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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stuttgart, Arkansas » Harry K. Dupree Stuttgart National Aquaculture Research Cntr » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #310402
Title: Growth inhibition of Aeromonas salmonicida and Yersinia ruckeri by disinfectants containing peracetic acid

Author
item MEINELT, THOMAS - Leibniz Institute Of Freshwater Ecology And Inland Fisheries
item PHAN, THY-MY - Leibniz Institute Of Freshwater Ecology And Inland Fisheries
item BEHRENS, SASCHA - Leibniz Institute Of Freshwater Ecology And Inland Fisheries
item WIENKE, ANDREAS - Leibniz Institute Of Freshwater Ecology And Inland Fisheries
item PEDERSEN, LARS-FLEMMING - Technical University Of Denmark
item LIU, DIBO - Leibniz Institute Of Freshwater Ecology And Inland Fisheries
item Straus, David - Dave

Submitted to: Diseases of Aquatic Organisms
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/21/2015
Publication Date: 4/8/2015
Citation: Meinelt, T., Phan, T., Behrens, S., Wienke, A., Pedersen, L., Liu, D., Straus, D.L. 2015. Growth inhibition of Aeromonas salmonicida and Yersinia ruckeri by disinfectants containing peracetic acid. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms. 113:207-213.

Interpretive Summary: This study was designed to compare six commercial peracetic acid (PAA) products to reduce growth of two important disease-causing bacteria in trout aquaculture. Peracetic acid is a mixture of acetic acid (concentrated vinegar) and hydrogen peroxide that is used as a disinfectant in food preparation, hospitals and aquaculture. This compound does not leave dangerous residues in the environment when it breaks down as some compounds do. Products with a higher concentration of PAA inhibited growth better than products with lower PAA and higher H2O2 concentrations. This compound is being investigated to replace banned chemicals, especially in the EU where very few chemicals can be used; it is safe and effective to use on fish at a low dose, and breaks down into harmless residues.

Technical Abstract: Peracetic acid is a therapeutic agent used for disinfection in aquaculture, but it must be investigated thoroughly in order to mitigate diseases without harmful effects to fish. These agents should not leave dangerous residues in the environment in order to successfully contribute to sustainable aquaculture. The aim of our study was to compare the effectiveness of six commercial PAA products with different molecular PAA:H2O2 ratios to reduce bacterial growth of Aeromonas salmonicida and Yersinia ruckeri, and to determine effective concentrations and exposure times. All products reduced colony forming units (CFUs) of A. salmonicida and Y. ruckeri. Products with a higher concentration of PAA (versus H2O2) inhibited growth better than products with lower PAA and higher H2O2 concentrations; this indicates that H2O2 is not the driving force in the reduction of A. salmonicida and Y. ruckeri growth by PAA in vitro. The practical application of the products with high PAA concentration should be prioritized if these pathogens are diagnosed.