Experimental pathogenicity in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), of two distinct morphotypes of long-spined Saprolegnia isolates obtained from wild brown trout, Salmo trutta L., and river water

Juvenile rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), were experimentally infected to investigate the pathogenicity of 20 isolates of two morphotypes of long-haired Saprolegnia obtained from wild brown trout, Salmo trutta L., and river water in Spain. The trout were exposed to 2 × 10⁵ and 3 × 10⁵ L^–1 zoospores. Saprolegnia infection could not occur without 'ami-momi' treatment. Pathogenicity varied greatly among isolates as mortality ranged from 0 to 100% of the fish. There was a statistically significant difference ( P  < 0.001) between the mortality caused by morphotype I isolates and that produced by those of morphotype II. The most pathogenic isolates usually belonged to morphotype II, consisting of isolates which had secondary cysts with bundles of hooked hairs which were shorter and less numerous than those of morphotype I; the morphotype I isolates usually had low pathogenicity. Lesions were most frequently found on the fins. Cultures detected the presence of Saprolegnia in internal organs. Histopathology of the intestine suggests that Saprolegnia may reach this and other organs via the blood stream from surface lesions.