Search

The outbreaks caused by Vibrio spp. are a notable threat to the potential growth of the economy of penaeid culture, which is still controlled by the administration of antibiotics. At first, the infected group was subjected to phenotypic bacteriological examination with subsequent molecular identification via 16S rRNA gene sequencing, which confirmed four strains of Vibrio spp., V. atlanticus, V. natriegens, V. alginolyticus, and V. harveyi, from moribund-infected shrimp during mortality events in an Egyptian hatchery. To better understand the defense mechanism of the most effective antibiotic against Vibrio strains, the immune responses were compared and evaluated in infected Litopenaeus vannamei broodstock after being fed 5 mg kg−1 of florfenicol antibiotic, which was first determined through in vitro antibiogram tests. Therefore, our study aimed to determine the immune response of L. vannamei during Vibrio spp. infection in Egyptian hatcheries and after antibiotic medication. The parameters assessed were the total and differential hemocyte count (THC), granular cells (GC), semi-granular cells (SGC), and hyaline cells (HC). As well as the metabolic and immune enzymes: alanine aminotransferases (ALT), aspartate aminotransferases (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP), and lysozyme activity; an antioxidant index, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH); a phagocytic assay; changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS); and bactericidal activity in the hemolymph of the control, infected, and treated groups. Further evaluation of the mRNA expression levels of the prophenoloxidase (LvproPO), toll-like receptor 1 (LvToll1), and haemocyanin (LvHc) genes were performed in the hepatopancreas of the same groups. A significant drop in the THC, GC, SGC, and HC counts, as well as lysozyme and bactericidal activities, phagocytic assay, ROS, SOD, and GSH index, were represented in infected shrimp compared to control shrimp; however, a marked increase in the activity of ALT, AST, ALP, and ACP was observed. These activities were significantly restored in the treated shrimp compared to the infected shrimp. Nevertheless, no significant changes were noted in the transcriptional levels of the LvproPO and LvToll1 genes in the treated shrimp when compared to the infected shrimp; however, a significant suppression of the LvHc gene was noted. Our study aimed to determine the immune response of L. vannamei during Vibrio spp. infection in Egyptian hatcheries and after antibiotic medication. We concluded that florfenicol in medicated feed could be effective in controlling vibriosis and ameliorating the immune response of shrimp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A 9week study was conducted to assess the effect of incorporating dietary Chlorogloeopsis on the growth performance, feed utilisation, body composition, haematology and gut microbiota of red tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Chlorogloeopsis cells were supplemented to the diet at 0.25%, 0.50% and 1.00%. Compared to the control group, no significant differences of growth parameters or body composition were observed in the Chlorogloeopsis fed fish. However, haematological and gut microbial load appeared to be more sensitive to dietary Chlorogloeopsis. Haematocrit levels increased from 31.0±2.9% in the control group to 32.8±4.2 and 33.3±5.0 in the 0.50% and 1.00% Chlorogloeopsis groups, respectively. The total allochthonous microbial load and lactic acid bacteria levels were elevated but the microbial groups identified and microbial diversity did not differ between the dietary groups. PCR-DGGE fingerprints of the microbial profiles supported this finding but revealed clear differences between the allochthonous and autochthonous communities. Sequence analysis from DGGE fingerprints identified several bacterial clones closely related to bacteria previously isolated from the digestive tract of fish and revealed a Lactobacillus spp. found in all groups was present only as part of the allochthonous communities. Low level dietary applications of Chlorogloeopsis for tilapia aquaculture seem limited but further evaluation is required. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]