MOLECULAR DETECTION AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF FISH-BORNE ZOONOTIC PATHOGENS IN COMMERCIAL MARINE FISH FROM THE GULF OF AQABA, JORDAN

Abstract

Fish-borne zoonotic pathogens represent an emerging global public health concern due to increasing seafood consumption, climate change, and the rapid expansion of marine fisheries and aquaculture systems worldwide. The present study investigated the prevalence, molecular detection, and epidemiological characteristics of major zoonotic pathogens among commercially important marine fish species collected from the Gulf of Aqaba, Jordan. A total of 300 marine fish samples representing six commercially important fish species were collected between January and May 2026 from three coastal landing sites. Samples were screened for Vibrio spp., Anisakis larvae, and Mycobacterium marinum using microbiological, parasitological, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based molecular techniques targeting the toxR and hsp65 genes. The overall prevalence of zoonotic pathogens was 27.3% (82/300). Vibrio spp. exhibited the highest prevalence (18.0%), followed by Anisakis larvae (7.7%) and M. marinum (4.3%). Significant differences were observed among fish species and sampling locations (p < 0.05). Grouper and rabbitfish demonstrated higher pathogen burdens compared with tuna and barracuda species. Molecular assays successfully confirmed the targeted gene sequences in positive isolates. The findings demonstrate the circulation of multiple zoonotic pathogens in marine fish from the Gulf of Aqaba and highlight the importance of molecular surveillance, seafood safety monitoring, and One Health-based preventive strategies. Continuous epidemiological surveillance and public health interventions are necessary to reduce zoonotic transmission risks associated with seafood consumption and occupational exposure.