Abstract:To investigate the distribution and phenotype characteristics of food borne Aeromonas spp.in Pudong New Area.MethodsAeromonas strains were isolated and identified to species level in 3types of fresh food samples collected from 2markets during May to November in 2011, and the difference of phenotype characteristics among isolates were analyzed. Results74strains of Aeromonas, including 23strains of A.hydrophila, 35strains (12.0%) of A.veronii biovar sobia and 16strains of A.caviae, were isolated from 291samples. The highest isolation rate was 34.1% in meat product, followed by 18.9% in aquatic product and 18.7% in vegetable. Of all the 74isolated strains, 51strains produced β-hemolysin, 59strains produced protease, and 48strains produced both β-hemolysin and protease. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests to 12antibiotics showed most strains were highly susceptible to Cefotaxime, Ceftazidime, Cefepime, Gentamicin, Ciprofloxacin and levoflxacin, while highly resistant to Ampicillin and the antibiotic resistance rate to Amoxicillin-Clavulanic acid had statistical difference among species. Low level of multi-drug resistance(MDR) existed in Aeromonas spp.ConclusionFresh foods in markets were highly contaminated by Aeromonas spp. during prevalent seasons. Aeromonas strains other than A.hydrophila also carried virulence factors. Though resistance to antibiotics was not serious, integrated monitoring of food borne disease based on food chain was necessary.