Kazakhstani scientists report new bacterium
Kazakhstani scientists have discovered a previously unknown bacterium during their research in the West Kazakhstan region. The new species has been named Aeromonas oralensis, after the city of Uralsk, where it was found.
According to the newspaper Nadezhda, the discovery was made at a local fish farm specializing in Siberian sturgeon, which had been suffering from an unidentified disease. Initially, experts suspected the common bacterium Aeromonas hydrophila, but further testing revealed a new strain.
Serik Bakiyev, one of the scientists involved in the discovery, explained that such outbreaks are not uncommon on fish farms, as factors like hypothermia, contaminated water, poor feed or stressful conditions can weaken fish and make them more susceptible to infections.
Explaining the name choice, Bakiyev said it was symbolic, intended to highlight that «important scientific discoveries can also happen here in Kazakhstan, and that our science is capable of reaching the world’s leading frontiers.»
To prove there is a new strain, scientists needed to perform genomic sequencing to confirm it. Working with colleagues in Almaty, Astana, and Uralsk, they identified a unique microorganism that is resistant to antibiotics and potentially dangerous to both animals and, possibly, humans.
Laboratory tests using Nile tilapia showed 100% mortality, confirming the bacterium poses a severe threat to aquaculture and the economics of fish farming. The scientists have published their findings in Microorganisms, an international peer-reviewed journal.
Currently, the team is working on developing fish vaccines, as well as bacteriophages and endolysins to combat the new pathogen. They believe the discovery marks a significant advancement for biology, microbiology and public health — both in Kazakhstan and globally.
Meanwhile, scientists from the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU) presented an innovative mobile unit, Dayar 20, which allows for processing and storing agricultural products for several decades.
