Microcystis aeruginosa (Kütz) incorporated diets increase immunity and survival of Indian major carp Labeo rohita (Ham.) against Aeromonas hydrophila infection

The aim of this study was to evaluate dietary dosages of Microcystis on the immune response and disease resistance against infections due to the opportunistic pathogen Aeromonas hydrophila in Labeo rohita fingerlings. Labeo rohita fingerlings were fed diet containing 0 (Control), 0.5, 1.0 and 5 g Microcystis powder kg^?1 dry diet for 90 days. Three replicate groups of fish averaging 20 ± 2 g were fed for 3 months daily. At 30 days interval, samples were assayed for different biochemical [serum total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin:globulin (A:G) ratio] and immunological (superoxide anion production, lysozyme and serum bactericidal activity) parameters. The results demonstrate that fish fed Microcystis showed increased levels of lysozyme, serum bactericidal activity, serum protein and albumin (P ≤ 0.05) as compared with the control group. After 90 days, fish were challenged with A. hydrophila and mortality (%) was recorded up to day 10 postchallenge. The group fed 1.0 g Microcystis kg^?1 dry diet showed the highest percentage survival (72%). These results indicate that Microcystis aeruginosa stimulates the immunity and makes L. rohita more resistant to infection by A. hydrophila when fed in dried form in feed.