Induced cross-protection in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque), against different immobilization serotypes of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis

Abstract Channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque), were immunized with Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich) theronts and trophonts, and the immune response and host protection against both homologous and heterologous serotypes of Ich were evaluated. Immunizations were done with two immobilization serotypes (ARS4 and ARS6) of live theronts by bath immersion (trial I) and with sonicated trophonts by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection (trial II). Cutaneous and serum antibody titres against Ich following immunization were measured and survival of catfish was determined after theront challenge. Theronts were immobilized by the antiserum from fish immunized with homologous theronts or trophonts, but not by the serum of fish immunized with the heterologous serotype. Serum from fish immunized by immersion with live theronts showed higher enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay titres against both homologous and heterologous serotypes than fish immunized by i.p. injection of trophonts. Channel catfish immunized by immersion with live theronts or by i.p. injection with sonicated trophonts developed an immune response against Ich and provided cross-protection against challenge from both serotypes (ARS4 and ARS6) of the parasite. Sonicated trophont antigens in aqueous solution by i.p. injection could stimulate an immune response in fish, but the immunity was of short duration.     

Antibody mediated immune response against Ichthyophthirius multifiliis using excised skin from channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque), immune to Ichthyophthirius

This study investigated antibody mediated immune response against Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich) by determining whether theronts would retain the potential for reinfection, both in vitro and in vivo, after treatment with the culture fluid of excised skin from channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus , immune to Ich. The invasion was reduced significantly ( P  < 0.05) for theronts treated with the immune culture fluid compared with those treated with the culture fluid from naive fish. The treatment of theronts with the immune culture fluid greatly reduced the size and survival of trophonts compared with those treated with the culture fluid from naive fish. Fewer fish were infected and the infection density was less for fish exposed to theronts treated with immune culture fluid. The infection was severe for fish invaded by theronts treated with the culture fluid from naive fish, with a high number of infected fish and heavy density of trophonts per fish. All fish were infected by Ich when exposed to the theronts treated with the immunoadsorbed culture fluid. In summary, results of this study show that cutaneous antibodies in the culture fluid of excised skin from immune fish significantly reduces theront infectivity by immobilizing or weakening theronts.     

Immune responses and host protection of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque), against Ichthyophthirius multifiliis after immunization with live theronts and sonicated trophonts

The humoral immune responses and host protection of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque), against Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich) were determined after immunization with live theronts and sonicated trophonts. Immunizations with live theronts or sonicated trophonts were carried out by both bath immersion and intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection. Cutaneous and serum immunoglobulin (Ig) levels and anti-Ich antibodies were measured 12 and 21 days post-immunization. The level of Ich infection and survival of catfish were determined after theront challenge. Cutaneous and serum anti-Ich antibodies were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in fish immunized with live theronts by immersion or i.p. injection, or with sonicated trophonts administered by i.p. injection, than in fish immunized with sonicated trophonts by immersion, with bovine serum albumin by i.p. injection, or non-immunized controls. Host protection was noted only in fish immunized with live theronts by immersion or i.p. injection or with sonicated trophonts by i.p. injection. There was a positive correlation between higher levels of anti-Ich antibodies and host survival in the immunized fish.     

Susceptibility of three strains of blue catfish,Ictalurus furcatus (Valenciennes), to Ichthyophthirius multifiliis

This study compared the susceptibility of three blue catfish strains (D&B, USDA 101 and USDA 102) to the parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich). In Trial I, a cohabitation study (all strains stocked communally) was conducted and fish were exposed to theronts at 0, 200, 1000, 5000 or 25 000 theronts fish^?1, respectively. All fish died when exposed to theronts at 5000 or 25 000 theronts fish^?1. When exposed to 1000 theronts fish^?1, USDA 102 strain of blue catfish showed significantly lower mortality (78.5%) compared to USDA 101 and D&B strains (92.7% and 100%). In Trial II, the same three strains of blue fish were evaluated for their susceptibility to Ich with strains challenged in separate tanks by adding Ich theronts at 0, 200 and 1000 theronts fish^?1, respectively. All D&B and USDA 101 blue catfish died; however, 42.3% of USDA 102 strain survived the infection when exposed to 1000 theronts per fish. The results indicate that there are differences among strains of blue catfish for susceptibility to Ich, and these differences will be useful in the development of improved catfish germplasm for commercial aquaculture.     

Protective Immunity of Goldfish Against Ichthyophthirius multifiliis Infection Induced by Different Trophont Vaccine Preparations

Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, commonly called “Ich,” is a protozoan parasite that infects the epidermis and gills of freshwater fish. Here, we used goldfish (Carassius auratus) to determine whether the four vaccine preparations (live trophonts, formalin‐fixed trophonts, freeze‐thawed trophont lysates, and trophont cilial and cell cortical fractions) of I. multifiliis (Fouquet) can elicit resistance of immunized fish against subsequent theront challenge, and whether a relationship exists between in vitro immobilization of theronts in sera or mucus from immunized fish and host protective immunity against the parasite. Experimental goldfish were randomly divided into five groups with five parallel controls, with each group or subgroup consisting of 20 individuals. Each test goldfish was immunized with one of the four Ich vaccine preparations administered by one of the three routes: live trophonts by gavage (Group 1), formalin‐fixed trophonts by injection (Group 2) or by immersion (Group 3), freeze‐thawed trophont lysates by injection (Group 4), and trophont cilial and cell cortical fractions by injection (Group 5). The fish were then challenged by a standard Ich theront challenge on Day 21 postimmunization. For every 10 d following immunization, we tested the in vitro immobilization of Ich theronts by sera or mucus from immunized and control fish. We found that although all control (nonimmunized) and Group 3‐immunized goldfish died following theront challenge, more than half (55–65%) of the immunized fish from Groups 1, 2, 4, and 5 survived. Furthermore, except for the fish from Groups 3 and 4, the number of mean days to death in each test group was significantly higher than that in the respective control. These results indicate that goldfish immunized by injection or by gavage with any of the four vaccine preparations gained resistance to Ich infection. Further analysis indicated that this protective immunity was closely associated with the in vitro immobilization of Ich theronts by fish sera or mucus.     

Cutaneous antibodies in excised skin from channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque, immune to Ichthyophthirius multifiliis

This study determined whether cutaneous antibodies were present in the excised skin of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque, immune to Ichthyophthirius multifiliis Fouquet (Ich). Theronts were immobilized on or near the excised skin from immune fish. The survival of immobilized theronts was significantly reduced after exposure for 8 h to the culture of excised skin from immune fish. Culture fluids from excised skin of immune fish immobilized theronts with a peak in the immobilization titre at 24 h post-exposure. Immobility of theronts in the culture fluid from immune skin was removed after immunoabsorption with theronts. Indirect immunofluorescent staining of theronts treated with culture fluid from excised skin of immune fish revealed strong and uniform fluorescence on the cilia and cell surface of theronts. Western blot analysis of the culture fluid from immune fish revealed a 70-kDa band which corresponded to the molecular weight of catfish immunoglobulin heavy chain. The results of this study show that cutaneous antibodies to Ich theronts were present in and released from the excised skin from fish immune to Ich. Immobilization and killing of the theronts are two characteristics of the antibody response that appear to prevent the successful invasion of theronts into excised skin.     

Immunization of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque, against Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Fouquet): killed versus live vaccines

Abstract. Fish surviving infection with the pathogenic ciliated protozoan, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Fouquet, 1876), become resistant to subsequent infection by the parasite. The acquired immunity suggests that development of a vaccine against the parasite may be possible. Because of the advantages of immunoprophylaxis for treatment of the disease, an effort has been made to determine whether fish exposed to killed parasite preparations can resist subsequent lethal challenge. Both the route of administration and the effects of stage specific antigens have been examined. Channel catfish vaccinated by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection or bath immersion with killed I multifiliis tomites show 100% mortality following a standard challenge protocol. Similarly, 100% mortality was observed in test groups injected with tomite cilia. In both cases, a consistent difference in days to death between control and test group animals was observed. Although complete mortality was seen with fish injected with tomite preparations, fish vaccinated with killed trophonts (the feeding stage of the parasite) had a much greater degree of protection with approximately 50% of fish surviving an otherwise lethal challenge. Finally, animals injected intraperitoneally with live tomites showed nearly complete immunity and were identical in their response to fish which survive natural infection. The response of fish vaccinated with live parasites indicates that animals injected intraperitoneally can develop surface immunity and that i.p. injection is a suitable route of administration for potential I. multifiliis vaccines.     

Cutaneous antibodies from channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque), immune to Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich) may induce apoptosis of Ich theronts

This study explored the existence of apoptosis (programmed cell death) in Ichthyophthirius multifiliis Fouquet (Ich) theronts and determined the effect of cutaneous antibodies in skin culture fluid from fish immune to Ich on theront apoptosis. Apoptosis was detected in theronts and was clearly distinguished by fluorescent microscopy after staining with acridine orange and propidium iodide. The apoptotic theronts showed characteristic chromatin condensation and nuclear fragments containing chromatin pieces. The externalization of phosphatidylserine on the plasma membrane of apoptotic theronts was detected with fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated annexin using flow cytometry. Theront apoptosis was induced using the skin culture fluid from fish immune to Ich, which contained cutaneous antibodies against Ich. The highest apoptosis appeared in theronts exposed to immune skin culture fluid at a 1:10 dilution, compared with those at 1:20 and 1:40 dilutions. A direct correlation was noted between the percentage of apoptotic theronts and exposure duration to immune skin culture fluid. The study indicated that antibody reaction with theronts (immobilization) played an important role in theront apoptosis, but it could not be excluded that other components released from the excised skin had effects on theronts.     

Oral administration of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide enhances the immune system of striped catfish,Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (Sauvage)

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a component of Gram negative bacteria, was reported as important immunostimulant for fish. In this study, striped catfish were fed diets containing different Escherichia coli LPS concentrations (0%, 0.01% and 0.05%) for 2 weeks and then fed control feed (0% LPS) for 4 weeks. Plasma cortisol and glucose were rather low and did not differ significantly among treatments (P > 0.05). The respiratory burst activity, lysozyme, complement, total of antibody as well as mortality in fish challenged with Edwardsiella ictaluri were recorded every 2 weeks (W2, W4 and W6). The lysozyme activity significantly increased in fish treated with LPS (P < 0.05) in W2, W4 and W6. The highest values of respiratory burst activity were observed at week 4 in fish fed 0.01% LPS. There were significant differences in total of antibody between fish fed LPS (0.01%) and control in W2, W4. The challenge test with Edwardsiella ictaluri showed that fish fed 0.01% LPS had lower cumulative mortality (40%, 33% and 42%) compared with the fish fed 0.05% LPS (50%, 40% and 47%) and control fish (40%, 57% and 53%) in the three difference sampling times respectively. These results suggest that feed supplemented with 0.01% LPS could enhance immunity of striped catfish after 2 weeks of oral administration and fish could be protected against bacterial infection during the following 4 weeks.     

肉桂活性成分肉桂醛杀灭离体多子小瓜虫效果

研究从肉桂中分离纯化出具有抑杀多子小瓜虫活性的化合物。以乙醇为提取剂,用索氏超声提取法从肉桂中提取浸膏,再用石油醚、乙酸乙酯、甲醇为萃取剂,萃取不同有效组分,以不同浓度分别进行杀灭离体多子小瓜虫实验,发现石油醚萃取物的杀虫效果最优。然后对石油醚萃取物采用硅胶层析柱和制备型高效液相色谱进行分离纯化,利用质谱和核磁波谱分析,最终鉴定其杀虫活性成分为肉桂醛;将肉桂醛溶于二甲基亚砜并用二倍梯度稀释法配成不同浓度的药液测试其对离体小瓜虫的杀灭活性。结果表明,100%杀灭滋养体和感染性幼虫的剂量分别为50和8 mg/L,半数有效浓度分别为13.9和1.8 mg/L;使用剂量在50 mg/L可完全抑制小瓜虫包囊孵化。     

Antiparasitic activity of the antimicrobial peptide HbβP‐1, a member of the β‐haemoglobin peptide family

A family of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) derived from the β‐subunit of haemoglobin was recently isolated from channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, infected with Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (ich), an important freshwater fish parasite that causes ichthyophthiriosis. We previously discovered that one of these AMPs, HbβP‐1, had strong cidal activity against ich as well as another ectoparasite, Tetrahymena pyriformis. HbβP‐1 toxicity was specific, primarily affecting the trophozoite (trophont) stage of ich. Here, we show that HbβP‐1 acts more rapidly to kill smaller (presumably less mature) trophonts of ich, taking almost twice as long to kill larger trophonts (P < 0.0001). It acts more rapidly than an unrelated AMP, piscidin 1, which is haemolytic and also lethal to ich trophonts. HbβP‐1 is potently and selectively lethal to the trophont stage of the dinoflagellate ectoparasite, Amyloodinium ocellatum, one of the most important pathogens of warmwater marine fish. HbβP‐1 has no effect on the fish gill cell line feeder layer (G1B cells) used to propagate Amyloodinium, further suggesting a highly selective action. These findings suggest that HbβP‐1 or related AMPs might function in protecting marine as well as freshwater fish and that HbβP‐1 has highly selective activity against specific life stages of important fish ectoparasites.     

Effect of natural free gossypol and gossypol‐acetic acid on growth performance and resistance of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) to Edwardsiella ictaluri challenge

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of free gossypol from glanded‐cottonseed meal (G‐CSM) (natural free gossypol) or gossypol‐acetic acid on growth performance, body composition, haematology, immune response and resistance of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) to Edwardsiella ictaluri challenge. Soya bean meal‐based diets supplemented with 0, 100, 200, 400, and 800 mg kg^?1 free gossypol from G‐CSM or gossypol‐acetic acid were fed to juvenile channel catfish in triplicate aquaria to apparent satiation twice daily for 12 weeks. Neither sources nor levels of dietary gossypol significantly influenced the final weight gain, feed intake, feed efficiency and survival of channel catfish. Similarly, whole‐body proximate composition, haematological parameters (red blood cell, white blood cell counts, haemoglobin and haematocrit), serum protein concentration, macrophage chemotaxis ratio, phagocytic activity and antibody production against E. ictaluri 21‐day postinfection were not significantly affected at either dietary sources or levels of gossypol. Gossypol concentrations of liver were linearly related to dietary level of gossypol but the retention rate varied dependent on sources of the dietary gossypol. At dietary gossypol levels of 400 or 800 mg kg^?1, total gossypol concentrations in liver of fish fed dietary gossypol from G‐CSM were significantly higher than those of fish fed the corresponding levels of gossypol from gossypol‐acetic acid. The (+)‐isomer of gossypol was predominantly retained in liver regardless of dietary sources of gossypol. The ratio of (+) to (?) gossypol isomers in liver decreased with increasing dietary concentrations of gossypol. Serum lysozyme activity of fish fed dietary gossypol levels of 200 mg kg^?1 or higher, either from G‐CSM or gossypol‐acetic acid, was significantly higher than that of the control. At a level of 800 mg kg^?1 diet, gossypol from G‐CSM stimulated significantly higher lysozyme activity than gossypol from gossypol‐acetic acid. Fish fed diets containing 400 mg kg^?1 gossypol or higher from G‐CSM or 800 mg kg^?1 gossypol from gossypol‐acetic acid had significantly increased superoxide anion (O) production. However, neither the sources nor the levels of dietary free gossypol influenced the resistance of juvenile channel catfish to E. ictaluri challenge.     

Effects of Water pH and Hardness on Infection of Silver Catfish,Rhamdia quelen,Fingerlings by Ichthyophthirius multifiliis

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of (1) different pH levels (5, 6, 7, 8, and 9) with water hardness 20 mg/L CaCO₃ and (2) pH 5 and 7 with varying water hardnesses (20, 60, and 120 mg/L CaCO₃) on the intensity of infection by Ichthyophthirius multifiliis in fingerlings of the silver catfish, Rhamdia quelen. In Experiment 1, the lowest and highest mortality rates were observed in fingerlings exposed to pH 5 and 9, respectively; in Experiment 2, fish kept at pH 5 and 7 with hardness 20 mg/L CaCO₃ showed significantly lowest and highest cumulative mortality, respectively, than those maintained in other conditions. The lowest intensity of trophonts/fingerling was observed at pH 5 and hardness 20 mg/L CaCO₃ in both experiments. We conclude that infection by I. multifiliis is less severe in silver catfish maintained at pH 5 and hardness 20 mg/L CaCO₃. High water hardness led to an increased intensity of trophonts and decreased survival in silver catfish kept at pH 5, but decreased intensity of trophonts and improved survival when the fish were kept at pH 7.     

Histopathology, electron microscopy and isolation of channel catfish virus in experimentally infected European catfish, Silurus glanis L.

Abstract Two groups of European catfish, Silurus glanis L., fingerlings were infected with channel catfish virus (CCV) by either intraperitoneal injection with 10⁵ TCID₅₀ of CCV, or bathing in water containing 10⁵ TCID₅₀ of CCV per 1·0 ml. The virus was isolated from spleen, intestine and brain of CCV-injected fish at day 1 and the titres ranged from 10^2·1 to 10^3·3 TCID₅₀/g. However, the tissue distribution of CCV was irregular and no virus was isolated after day 3 post-exposure. In CCV-bathed fish, the virus was isolated only from the liver of one specimen at day 3 post-exposure. No clinical signs of CCV disease developed in any of the fish. Specimens in each regime from all sampling periods showed some minor histopathological changes, but there were no differences between treatments. Lesions included oedema and focal haemorrhage in the liver and the spleen was congested. Electron micrographs of tissue samples showed the presence of a few virus particles around the nuclei of kidney, spleen and intestinal cells, and in or around a myelinated nerve within the optic lobes of infected fish during the first 4 days of infection.     

嗜水气单胞菌3种疫苗对斑点叉尾免疫原性比较研究

将经福尔马林灭活的嗜水气单胞菌(Aeromonas hydrophila)、菌体脂多糖(LPS)和菌体外膜蛋白(OMP)作为免疫原,分别接种斑点叉尾(Ictalurus punctatus Rafinsque)后,通过测定受免鱼的凝集抗体效价,头肾和血液中吞噬细胞的吞噬活性和用A.hydrophila活菌攻毒的方法,探讨了斑点叉尾对A.hydrophila的3种疫苗的免疫应答状况和对活菌攻毒的免疫保护效果。试验结果显示:对斑点叉尾经腹腔注射接种3种疫苗均能刺激受免鱼产生较强的免疫应答,3种疫苗的受免鱼均产生了特异性凝集抗体,接种F-Ah灭活菌苗的试验鱼最高,接种OMP疫苗的试验鱼其次,而接种LPS疫苗的试验鱼血清中凝集抗体效价最低;与未接种疫苗的对照鱼相比,受免鱼头肾和血液中吞噬细胞的吞噬活性明显上升,头肾和血液中吞噬细胞活性由高到低依次是LPS、OMP和F-Ah免疫接种的斑点叉尾;活菌攻毒的结果证明接种3种疫苗的受免斑点叉尾A.hydrophila的感染产生了不同程度的相对免疫保护力(RPS),以OMP免疫接种后的斑点叉尾RPS最高,达到72.5%,接种LPS的斑点叉尾稍差,RPS为62.5%,而RPS最低的是接种F-Ah的免疫组,RPS只有24.2%。     

Glucan administration potentiates immune defence mechanisms of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque

Abstract. Intraperitoncal injection of β-l,3 glucan in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque, greatly reduces mortality from experimental infection with Edwardsiella ictaluri. Anterior kidney phagocytes from fish receiving glucan had enhanced phagocytic and bactericidal ability. The elevated bactericidal ability of phagocytes was not accompanied by increased production of hydrogen peroxide. Fish injected with glucan responded to subsequent E. ictaluri immunizations with higher serum antibody titres relative to the control catfish. The timing of glucan administration and antigen immunization was also important. These results indicate that β-1,3 glucan potentially could be utilized prophylactically as an immunomodulator in channel catfish.     

Evaluation of diquat against an acute experimental infection of Flavobacterium columnare in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque)

A trial was performed to evaluate the efficacy of diquat (6,7-dihydrodipyrido[1,2-a:2',1'-c]pyrazinediium dibromide) against an acute experimental infection of Flavobacterium columnare in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus . Diquat is an Environmental Protection Agency-approved herbicide and has the potential to be legally and practically used against columnaris. Channel catfish were challenged, by cutaneous abrasion, and waterborne exposure to F. columnare and treated once at 22-h post-challenge with 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 and 15 mg L⁻¹ of diquat active ingredient for 6 h. At the conclusion of the trial, 21-day post-challenge, diquat at 5.0, 10.0 and 15 mg L⁻¹ significantly ( P  < 0.05) reduced the mortality of infected fish from 95% in the challenged non-treated fish to 68%, 59% and 49%, respectively. In vitro , the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 23 isolates of F. columnare was assayed. The majority of the isolates had an MIC value of 5 μg mL⁻¹ (15 of the 23 isolates). Infected fish exhibited acute clinical signs similar to a natural infection. The skin had severe ulcerative necrotizing dermatitis and the muscles had severe necrotizing myositis. The gills had severe multifocal necrotizing branchitis. The results demonstrate that diquat would reduce mortalities caused by an acute columnaris infection.     

Feed deprivation of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque), influences organosomatic indices, chemical composition and susceptibility to Flavobacterium columnare

Withholding feed has been suggested as a strategy to manage infectious disease of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque). In a previous study, we demonstrated that deprivation of feed for as little as 7 days reduced innate resistance of catfish to Flavobacterium columnare. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding regimens [no feeding (NF), fed once every other day to satiation (FEOD) and fed once daily to satiation (FD)] on organosomatic indices, physiological changes and susceptibility of channel catfish to F. columnare. Fish that were not fed for 2 and 4 weeks had a significant increase (P < 0.05) in gutted weight:-wet weight ratio and decrease in other organosomatic indices [gut index (GI), mesenteric fat index (MFI) and hepatosomatic index (HSI)]. Haematology was not effected by feeding regimen except at week 4, when a significantly higher haemoglobin level was observed in the NF fish. Serum protein did not differ at week 2, but the level at week 4 of the NF fish (35.91 mg mL(-1)) was significantly lower than that of the FD fish (41.77 mg mL(-1)). Significantly lower (P < 0.05) blood glucose (39.5 and 40.3 mg dL(-1)) and liver glycogen (1.7 and 1.8 mg g(-1)) were seen in the NF fish at weeks 2 and 4, respectively, as compared with blood glucose and liver glycogen levels of FD fish (67.5 and 92.8 mg dL(-1) and 46.5 and 52.6 mg g(-1) at weeks 2 and 4, respectively) and FEOD (82.8 and 85.5 mg dL(-1) and 45.1 and 51.4 mg g(-1) at weeks 2 and 4, respectively). Mortality in the NF fish caused by F. columnare (78%) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than mortality in the FD and FEOD treatments (0.0 and 1.7%, respectively). Blood glucose and liver glycogen showed the same trend of low values for NF fish following challenge (week 6). Blood glucose, liver glycogen, GI and HSI are sensitive indicators for channel catfish deprived of feed (NF) for 4 weeks. Blood glucose and liver glycogen levels around 40 mg dL(-1) and 2 mg g(-1), respectively, are indicative of starvation in juvenile channel catfish. Moreover, NF fish were susceptible to F. columnare infection. Thus, it is suggested that in the absence of natural food, juvenile channel catfish should be fed at least once every other day to apparent satiation to maintain normal physiological function and improve resistance to F. columnare.     

Immunosuppression in juvenile carp, Cyprinus carpio L.: the effects of the corticosteroids triamcinolone acetonide and hydrocortisone 21-hemisuccinate (cortisol) on acquired immunity and the humoral antibody response to Ichthyophthirius multifiliis Fouquet

Abstract. Juvenile carp, Cyprinus carpio L., were immunized against Ichthyophthirius multifiliis following controlled exposure to the infective theront stage. On challenge, with a potentially lethal dose of theronts, all immunized fish survived, in contrast to 100% mortality in non-immunized fish. Fourteen days following exposure to the challenge infection, immune and non-immune fish were injected intraperitoneally with either triamcinolone acetonide or hydrocortisone 21-hemisuccinate (cortisol) at doses of 100 μg or 10 μg/g body weight. Controls, including immunized and non-immunized fish, were injected with saline or left untreated. Six days following corticosteroid administration, fish were exposed to challenge infections of I multifiliis. All fish treated with corticosteroid developed heavy infections with up to 100% mortality. Repeat experiments gave comparable results. Serum antibody levels recorded in similarly treated fish at intervals of 12 h and/or 1 week following corticosteroid administration were found to be relatively unaffected. The results are discussed in relation to the immune response to I multifiliis .     

Evaluation of the therapeutic effect of potassium permanganate at early stages of an experimental acute infection of Flavobacterium columnare in channel catfish,Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque)

The efficacy of potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) against the early stages of an experimental acute infection of Flavobacterium columnare in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, was evaluated. Fish were experimentally challenged by waterborne exposure for 2 h to F. columnare after cutaneous abrasion, and treated with KMnO₄ at 2.0 mg L^?1 above the KMnO₄ demand at 0, 1, 2 or 4 h postchallenge for 24 h. Challenged non‐treated fish acted as a positive control and non‐challenged non‐treated fish acted as a negative control. Fish challenged and treated with KMnO₄ at 0, 1, 2 or 4 h postchallenge had mortalities of 26%, 63%, 64% and 83% respectively. The mortality of challenged fish treated with KMnO₄ at 0 h postchallenge (26%) was significantly less than the positive control (77%). The mortalities of challenged fish treated at 1, 2 or 4 h postchallenge were not significantly different from the positive control fish. The results suggest that KMnO₄ has a clear therapeutic value in early stages of columnaris infection but limited therapeutic value once the infection has progressed.