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We aimed to identify the digestive microbiota of the golden mussel Limnoperna fortunei, and characterize its structure in different seasons. Limnoperna fortunei specimens were sampled in winter (September 2019) and summer (March 2020) in five reservoirs of hydroelectric power plants in southern Brazil. In each reservoir, we sampled 15 individuals at three different points. We collected the digestive diverticulum and portions of the intestine for bacterial DNA extraction, and subsequently conducted metagenomic analysis. The intestinal microbial communities of L. fortunei occurring in the upper Uruguay River region showed significant differences during winter and summer. Although the phyla Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Cyanobacteria were dominant regardless of the season, the microbial communities showed greater richness and bacterial diversity in the summer. Additionally, we found 143 species of bacteria in the digestive samples collected during both winter and summer, which may indicate a central microbial community for the species. The microbial communities in the digestive tract of L. fortunei showed greater bacterial richness and diversity in summer samples, which existed at a significantly higher temperature than those in winter samples. We observed seasonal variations in the microbiota of L. fortunei in the upper Uruguay River region, with increased bacterial richness and diversity in the digestive tract during summer, attributed to higher temperatures. However, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Cyanobacteria consistently dominated the digestive tract of the golden mussel, regardless of seasonal fluctuations.

In the present study, Curcuma longa (CL) hydrolate and the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) were provided as dietary supplements to Nile tilapia. One hundred ninety-two juvenile tilapias (2.25 ± 0.14 g and 4.5 ± 0.10 cm) were distributed in sixteen experimental units, and four experimental groups were established: CL [CUR]: fish fed a diet supplemented with CL hydrolate at 2.5%; probiotic [PRO]: a diet supplemented with LP; LP + CL [COMB]: diet supplemented with the LP strain cultivated in media supplemented with 2.5% CL hydrolate; and control [CTRL]: diet without supplementation. After 70 days, the final average weight was significantly greater in the PRO group (33.26 ± 1.12 g) than in the CTRL and CUR groups, whereas the specific growth rate was significantly greater in the PRO and COMB groups than in the CTRL and CUR groups. Feed conversion decreased significantly in the PRO group (1.03 ± 0.11). Dietary supplementation did not change the body composition of tilapia. Leukocyte and lymphocyte counts were greater in the PRO treatment than in the CTRL group. Compared with those in the CTRL group, total serum protein was significantly increased in the PRO group. Immunoglobulins were higher in the COMB and PRO groups. In the experimental challenge, all the fish in the treated groups presented lower cumulative mortality rates. The combination of LP and CL improved the growth parameters of Nile tilapia.

Despite all the technical-scientific knowledge about streptococcosis, the high prevalence of bacterial infections caused by Streptococcus spp. in Nile tilapia farming implies the frequent, often irresponsible, use of antibiotics. The use of chemotherapy in aquaculture environments remains an efficient practice in the treatment of bacterial infections and disease prevention. Research have shown that the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in farmed fish is one of the main challenges faced in aquaculture. It is known that emerging AMR in aquaculture can be transferred to clinically important strains from the natural environment through horizontal gene transfer (HGT) affecting the entire aquatic ecosystem. Maintaining health in tilapia farms promotes the sustainability of production systems and, consequently, improves the final quality of farm products. Therefore, the objective of this review was to provide information on the prevention, control and eradication of diseases in Nile tilapia farms, and how such management plays a fundamental role in maintaining public health by ensuring adequate sanitary conditions for animals intended for human consumption.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementing feed with a functional mixture of immunomodulators, including β-glucans, nucleotides, ascorbic acid, and alpha-tocopherol, associated with a diet with lower levels of animal protein (11.5%) and higher levels of soybean meal (43.5%), on the zootechnical performance, health, hematological and immunological parameters, intestinal morphology, centesimal composition, and intestinal microbiome of juvenile Nile tilapia (initial weight 1.88 g ± 0.25 g, mean ± standard deviation). Two isocaloric and isoproteic diets (35% crude protein) were formulated, one with the inclusion of the immunostimulant functional mixture (40 kg·t−1), composed of 150 mg·kg−1 of nucleotides, 1000 mg·kg−1 of β-glucans, 1000 mg·kg−1 of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), and 20 mg·kg−1 of alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E), and another without. The combined supplementation of nucleotides, β-glucans, ascorbic acid, and alpha-tocopherol resulted in a 59.95% increase in final weight, 64% weight gain, 66% daily gain, a 21.31% decrease in feed conversion rate, and double the retention of body protein. Supplementation also improved intestinal morphology and modulated the intestinal microbiome, increasing Chao-1 diversity. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed that fish fed with both diets exhibited intact intestinal mucosal membranes. Supplementation did not alter the hematological and immunological parameters, suggesting that there was no overstimulation of the fish’s immune system. This work allows us to evaluate the effect of reducing the use of animal protein in the diets of fish, along with the effects of nucleotides, β-glucans, ascorbic acid, and alpha-tocopherol. Together, these compounds can provide fish with the necessary tools to achieve optimal health and growth.

The aim of this study was to observe how abiotic and biotic factors in a tropical region influence the rate of monogenean parasitism in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) that are farmed in net cages. A total of 240 sexually reversed fish were analyzed, and 20 from each culture stage were collected during each sampling month. Overall, 60 fish were sampled in April (autumn), 60 in August (winter), 60 in November (spring), and 60 in February (summer). Fish were collected from a commercial fish farm located in Capivara Reservoir in the lower Paranapanema River region of Paraná, Brazil. In total, 3290 monogenean parasites were collected from fish gills of the following species: Cichlidogyrushalli, C. thurstonae, Scutogyruslongicornis, C. cirratus, C. sclerosus, and C. tilapiae. Higher parasitological indices were observed in colder seasons with lower precipitation. Autumn had the highest parasitic infection values compared to the other seasons. The occurrence of monogenean parasites showed a negative correlation with season, in contrast to the culture stage, in which there was a positive correlation. These results may provide a means for establishing adequate fish farm management to predict periods of high monogenean infestation.

Abstract: Aim The increment of decomposition of organic matter in sediment samples from Nile tilapia farms was evaluated with the introduction of Bacillus subtilis and B. licheniformis bacteria. Methods Sediment samples placed in 18L plastic boxes received single dose inoculum with the following concentrations: 1.21 x 106 CFU g-1 (equivalent to 75 g ha-1), 2.41 x 106 CFU g-1 (equivalent to 150 g ha-1), 4.82 x 106 CFU g-1 (equivalent to 300 g ha-1) and 1.61 x 107 CFU g-1 (equivalent to 1000 g ha-1), in addition to a control treatment with saline solution only. Organic matter content, total organic carbon (TOC) and oxidizable (OOC), total nitrogen (TN), ratios (TOC: N and OOC: N), clay content, pH in water, Shoemaker, McLean, Pratt index (SMP Index), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) contents, potential acidity (H + Al), cation exchange capacity (CEC) at pH 7.0, base saturation (V) and sum of bases (S). Results The values of OM showed significant difference, between the lowest values (treatments 75, 150 and 300 g ha-1) and the highest value, (control treatment). TOC, OOC, NT and their relationships (TOC: N and OOC: N) showed significant differences between the mean values of the control treatment and the other treatments. Conclusions The addition of Bacillus subtilis and B. licheniformis bacteria increased the decomposition rate of organic matter in sediments samples from Nile tilapia farms.

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of Lactobacillus plantarum on the preservation of fresh mussels and its effect on the attractiveness, consumption, and midgut bacterial microbiota of Pacific white shrimp broodstock. The experiment evaluated mussels stored with L. plantarum at 4ºC. The controls were: mussels stored at -18ºC without L. plantarum; mussels stored at -18ºC with L. plantarum; and mussels stored at 4ºC without L. plantarum. Microbiological analyses on mussels were performed on days 1, 7, 15, 30, 45, and 60 after processing. Additionally, mussels preserved with L. plantarum and stored at 4ºC, and mussels stored at -18ºC without L. plantarum were evaluated after 15 days for attractiveness, consumption, and midgut bacterial microbiota of shrimps. Mussels preserved with L. plantarum showed higher lactic acid bacteria counts and lower counts of Vibrio spp., as well as of total heterotrophic bacteria, after 60 days of storage. No differences were observed for attractiveness or consumption between treatments. The bacterial microbiota of midgut in shrimp fed mussels preserved with L. plantarum showed higher lactic acid bacteria count and lower Vibrio spp. The use of L. plantarum inhibits Vibrio spp. and preserves feed without changing attractiveness or consumption for shrimp.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of a diet supplemented with Lactobacillus plantarum on performance, immunological parameters, and bacterial microbiota of the digestive tract of white leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). We used six earthen ponds (1.2 ha) stocked with 14 shrimp m−2 (3 g mean weight). Three ponds received a diet supplemented with L. plantarum and three were maintained as control. The survival and feed efficiency of shrimp fed the supplemented diet were greater than that observed in shrimp fed the control diet, with survival values of 83.02±6.12% and 74.65±9.07% and feed efficiencies of 117.97±4.45% and 104.46±7.30%, respectively. However, we observed no differences in weight gain. The intestines of shrimp fed probiotics had lower counts of Vibrio spp. and higher counts of lactic acid bacteria, compared with those of control shrimp. Diets supplemented with L. plantarum alter the intestinal bacterial microbiota of shrimp, resulting in increased survival and feed efficiency.

This study investigated bacterial strains with probiotic potential isolated from the middle portion of healthy hybrid surubim catfish foregut (Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum female × P. corruscans male). Twenty surubims weighing 1.5 ± 0.3 kg were used for bacterial isolation. In total, 41 strains of bacteria were selected in vitro. Ten strains had inhibition zones >10 mm against Aeromonas hydrophila. Five of those strains presented inhibition zones > 9 mm against other pathogenic bacteria and reached concentrations greater than 105 CFU mL−1 in tubes containing de Man, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) medium. In particular, Weissella cibaria (P36) reached 106 CFU mL−1 in MRS and was able to reduce the pH of the medium to 3.85. In the in vivo intestinal colonization studies, 72 healthy hybrid surubims were fed with a commercial diet supplemented with probiotic W. cibaria for 15 days. Changes in gut community composition were then analyzed, and probiotic profile of W. cibaria was determined molecularly by amplification of rRNA 16S gene was performed using PCR. Compared to control fish, W. cibaria-supplemented fish showed an increase in RBC. These results show the efficacy of our haematological approach to probiotic screening in hybrid sorubim. Keywords: Fish nutrition, Sorubim, Lactic acid bacteria, Weissela cibaria

ABSTRACT: A supplementary diet with the probiotic bacteria Weissella cibaria on the efficacy of surubim hybrid immunization against a specific hemorrhagic septicemia caused by Aeromonas hydrophila was evaluated on the following treatments: fish fed a supplemented probiotic diet, vaccinated fish and vaccinated fish fed a supplemented probiotic diet, and untreated fish (control). Fish from the probiotic treatments were fed a diet containing W. cibaria for 41 days. On the 15th day of the experiment, fish from vaccine treatments were intraperitoneally vaccinated, with posterior oral booster for four days. One week after the oral booster, three fish from each experimental unit were sampled. The probiotic supplementation increased the number of thrombocytes and lysozyme concentration compared with surubim that did not receive W. cibaria in the diet. On the other hand, the vaccination increased agglutination titer, lysozyme concentration, and antimicrobial activity compared with surubim that were not vaccinated. However, there was no interaction between diet with probiotics and vaccination in the surubim hybrid in the analysed parameters.

The present study evaluated the dietary supplementation with essential oil of Lippia alba on the hemato-immunological parameters of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) submitted to acute inflammation induced by carrageenin injection in the swim bladder. For a period of 45 days, 96 fish were divided in four treatments in triplicate, as follows: fish fed supplemented diet with essential oil of L. alba (4 mL kg-1 dry ration) injected with carrageenin; fish fed supplemented diet with cereal alcohol injected with carrageenin; fish fed unsupplemented diet with essential oil injected with carrageenin; fish fed unsupplemented diet and noninjected. Cortisol levels, erythrogram, leukogram and the inflammatory infiltrate were analyzed 6 h after inflammatory stimulus. Carrageenin-injected fish showed acute inflammatory reaction in the swim bladder characterized by higher infiltrate of neutrophils and monocytes. The circulating neutrophils number was significantly higher in fish fed L. alba when compared to other treatments. No difference in cortisol levels was found. For dose, time and administration form tested, supplementation with essential oil of L. alba did not present anti-inflammatory activity. On the other hand, influence of dietary supplementation was observed on the neutrophils number after induced aerocystitis highlighting its immunomodulatory characteristic.

ABSTRACTThe objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of Litopenaeus vannameifed different levels (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%) of soybean protein concentrate (63.07% crude protein, CP) to replace fish meal-by product (61.24% CP). The study was conducted in clear water in fifteen 800 L tanks equipped with aeration systems, constant heating (29 ºC), and daily water exchange (30%). Each tank was stocked with 37.5 shrimp/m3 (3.03±0.14 g). Feed was supplied four times a day, at 6% of the initial biomass, adjusted daily. After 42 days, the weight gain of shrimp fed diets with 0 and 25% protein replacement was higher than that observed in shrimp fed 100% replacement, and there were no differences among those fed the other diets. Feed efficiency and survival did not differ among shrimp fed different protein replacements. There was a negative linear trend for growth parameters and feed intake as protein replacement with soybean protein concentrate increased. Fish meal by-product can be replaced by up to 75% of soybean protein concentrate, with no harm to the growth of Pacific white shrimp.

The objective of this work was to isolate strains of lactic acid bacteria with probiotic potential from the digestive tract of marine shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), and to carry out in vitro selection based on multiple characters. The ideotype (ideal proposed strain) was defined by the highest averages for the traits maximum growth velocity, final count of viable cells, and inhibition halo against nine freshwater and marine pathogens, and by the lowest averages for the traits duplication time and resistance of strains to NaCl (1.5 and 3%), pH (6, 8, and 9), and biliary salts (5%). Mahalanobis distance (D²) was estimated among the evaluated strains, and the best ones were those with the shortest distances to the ideotype. Ten bacterial strains were isolated and biochemically identified as Lactobacillus plantarum (3), L. brevis (3), Weissella confusa (2), Lactococcus lactis (1), and L. delbrueckii (1). Lactobacillus plantarum strains showed a wide spectrum of action and the largest inhibition halos against pathogens, both Gram-positive and negative, high growth rate, and tolerance to all evaluated parameters. In relation to ideotype, L. plantarum showed the lowest Mahalanobis (D²) distance, followed by the strains of W. confusa, L. brevis, L. lactis, and L. delbrueckii. Among the analyzed bacterial strains, those of Lactobacillus plantarum have the greatest potential for use as a probiotic for marine shrimp.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o uso de suplemento prebiótico, probiótico e simbiótico, na dieta de camarões marinhos (Litopenaeus vannamei) e seus efeitos sobre o crescimento, a microbiota intestinal, a resposta imune e a resistência ao desafio experimental com Vibrio alginolyticus. Foram utilizados quatro tratamentos: prebiótico inulina; probiótico Lactobacillus plantarum; simbiótico Lactobacillus plantarum + inulina; e controle. Os camarões foram distribuídos em 16 tanques de dez mil litros de água, povoados com 200 camarões cada, cultivados por seis semanas. Avaliaram-se a microbiologia do trato intestinal dos camarões e a reposta imune, antes e após o desafio com V. alginolyticus. A concentração de Vibrio spp. no trato digestório foi menor em camarões alimentados com dieta suplementada com prebiótico, probiótico e simbiótico, enquanto a concentração de bactérias acidoláticas foi superior somente nos camarões alimentados com probiótico e simbiótico. O título aglutinante do soro contra V. alginolyticus aumentou no grupo probiótico e simbiótico, antes da infecção, e foi maior em todos os tratamentos após infecção com V. alginolyticus, em comparação ao controle. Não foi observada diferença entre os tratamentos quanto aos demais parâmetros avaliados. As dietas probióticas, prebióticas e simbióticas alteram a microbiota intestinal e aumentam o título aglutinante do soro contra V. alginolyticus; contudo, não alteram a resistência ao desafio nem o crescimento dos camarões.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da suplementação da dieta com os probióticos Lactobacillus plantarum e Saccharomyces cerevisiae, no desempenho zootécnico, digestibilidade e na resistência à infecção por patógeno, em alevinos de tilápia-do-nilo. Foram realizados três ensaios. No primeiro, durante 55 dias, seis grupos de 30 alevinos (2,4±0,5 g) receberam suplementação com probióticos, e outros três grupos não receberam suplementação. No final desse período, no segundo ensaio, os peixes foram desafiados com Aeromonas hydrophila, e a sobrevivência foi avaliada por 96 horas. No terceiro ensaio, com oito peixes por tanque (230,0±10,0 g), avaliou-se a digestibilidade da dieta após a suplementação com os probióticos. A suplementação probiótica melhora significativamente o ganho de peso, a conversão alimentar, as taxas de retenção proteica e energética, assim como a resistência dos animais a Aeromonas hydrophila, após a infecção. A suplementação com Saccharomyces cerevisiae à dieta de tilápia-do-nilo melhora significativamente a digestibilidade da proteína, energia e matéria seca.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the immune response of hybrid surubim vaccinated by intraperitoneal injection and by immersion against Aeromonas hydrophila. Vaccine was prepared with formalin-inactivated A. hydrophila. Forty eight fishes (47±9g) were distributed in 12 tanks (4 fish / tank) in the following treatments (4 tanks / treatment): unvaccinated fish, vaccinated intraperitoneally and vaccinated by immersion. After 21 days, intraperitoneally vaccinated fishes showed the highest values of total protein and immunoglobulins, agglutination titer and serum antimicrobial activity. Lysozyme concentration in the serum was higher in the fishes vaccinated by immersion than unvaccinated fishes. Intraperitoneal vaccination induced the highest immune response and could be used to improve the fish resistance against motile Aeromonas.

The aim of this study was to isolate, identify and determine the ability of potential pathogenic bacteria hemolytic mite Disco (Symphysodon discus) and Neon Rainbow (Melanotaenia praecox), and define which of the antibiotic Trimethoprim, Florfenicol, Chloramphenicol, Norfloxacin, Erythromycin, Bacitracin, Enrofloxacin, Tetracycline, and Furazolidone Clindamycin has better inhibitory effect in vitro, and determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for Chloramphenicol, Norfloxacin, Erythromycin and Enrofloxacin. In an outbreak of ornamental fish deaths were isolated nine strains of Gram negative, hemolytic where 3 were identified, two as Vibrio cholerae and one as Citrobacter braakii. With these strains were performed antibiogram and was determined the minimum inhibitory concentration at two different temperatures (22 and 30 ° C). Antibiotics Enrofloxacin, Norfloxacin, florfenicol, chloramphenicol and trimethoprim showed the best results in vitro inhibition against the Vibrio cholerae, and Citrobacter braakii. The MIC increased in 30 ° C for erythromycin and enrofloxacin against pathogens, while for Florfenicol and norfloxacin the MIC was not influenced by temperature.O objetivo deste estudo foi isolar, identificar e determinar a capacidade hemolítica de possíveis bactérias patogênicas do Acará Disco (Symphysodon discus) e Neon Arco-íris (Melanotaenia praecox), e definir qual o antibiótico entre Trimetoprim, Florfenicol, Cloranfenicol, Norfloxacina, Eritromicina, Bacitracina, Enrofloxacina, Tetraciclina, Furazolidona e Clindamicina possui melhor efeito inibitório in vitro, e determinar a concentração inibitória mínima (MIC) para Cloranfenicol, Norfloxacina, Eritromicina e Enrofloxacina. Em um surto de mortalidade de peixes ornamentais foram isoladas nove cepas de bactérias Gram negativas, onde três hemolíticas foram identificadas, duas como Vibrio cholerae e uma como Citrobacter braakii. Com estas foram realizados antibiogramas e determinada a concentração inibitória mínima em duas diferentes temperaturas (22 e 30°C). Os antibióticos Enrofloxacina, Norfloxacina, Florfenicol, Cloranfenicol e Trimetoprim apresentaram os melhores resultados de inibição in vitro frente ao Vibrio cholerae e Citrobacter braakii. O MIC da Eritromicina e Enrofloxacina frente aos patógenos aumentou a 30°C, enquanto que para o Florfenicol e a Norfloxacina o MIC não foi influenciado pela temperatura.

The present study evaluated the acute inflammatory response induced bycarrageenin (500 £gg) injected in the swim bladder of Nile tilapia, after fed or not probiotic supplemented diet. Fifty four fish were distributed in six treatments and three replicates: Group A: Fish fed unsupplemented diet: 0.5 mL saline-injected fish; fish injected with 500 £gg carrageenin diluted in 0.5 mL saline; Non-injected. Group B: Fish fed probiotic supplemented diet: saline-injected fish; carrageenin-injected fish; Non-injected. Fifteen days after feeding the fish were injected with carrageenin or saline. After six hours, inflammatory exudate was collected, as well as the blood for hematocrit, red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts, differential count of leucocytes and phagocytic activity in the blood. Supplementation with probiotic did not influence the RBC, hematocrit and the numbers of lymphocytes and basophils in the blood. The number of neutrophils was significantly higher in supplemented fish injected with carrageenin. Glucose concentration in supplemented and non-injected fish was higher than that observed in the saline injected ones. Probiotic potentialized the migration of cells to the inflammatory focus in the animals injected with the carrageenin irritant. In fish injected with saline and carrageenin occurred the greatest phagocytic activity in the blood in relation to those treatments.Este trabalho avaliou a resposta inflamatoria aguda induzida por injecao de carragenina (500 ƒÝg) na bexiga natatoria de tilapia do Nilo suplementada ou nao com probiotico na racao. Cinquenta e quatro animais foram distribuidos em seis tratamentos com tres repeticoes: Grupo A: peixes alimentados com racao naosuplementada: Controle (injecao de 0,5 mL de solucao salina esteril); Carragenina (injecao de500 £gg de carragenina); Nao-injetada. Grupo B: peixes alimentados com racao suplementada com probiotico: Controle; Carragenina; Nao-injetada. Apos 15 dias de alimentacao foi injetado carragenina ou salina. Apos 6h, realizou-se a coleta de exsudato e sangue para determinacao do hematocrito, contagens totais de eritrocitos, leucocitos, contagem diferencial de leucocitos e atividade fagocitaria no sangue. A suplementacao com probiotico na racao nao influenciou o numero total de eritrocitos, o hematocrito e os numeros de linfocitos e basofilos no sangue dos animais. O numero de neutrofilos foi maior nos peixes suplementados com probiotico einjetados com carragenina. A glicose nos peixes suplementados com probiotico nao-injetados foi maior do que nos injetados com salina. A suplementacao com probiotico potencializou a migracao de celulas para o foco inflamatorio nos injetados com o flogogeno carragenina. Empeixes injetados com salina e carragenina, ocorreu maior atividade fagocitaria no sangue em relacao aos demais tratamentos.

This study evaluated the pathogenic characteristics of bacteria isolated from Litopenaeus vannamei during an outbreak at the Laboratory of Marine Shrimp, UFSC, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. Their virulence potential in larvae and juvenile shrimp and theeffects on the total haemocyte count, phenoloxidase activity and serum agglutinate titre were examined after experimental infection. Bacterial strains were isolated from larvae and adult shrimps, identified by the AP120E biochemical system as: two strains of Vibrioalginolyticus, three of Aeromonas salmonicida and one of Pasteurella multocida sp. and Pasteurella sp. All the bacterial strains isolated in this study caused mortality in shrimp. One strain of V. alginolyticus was responsible for 97.3 and 88.7% mortality in larvae and juvenil shrimps, respectively. The shrimp immunological system was influenced by experimental infection with V. alginolyticus. Decrease in the total haemocyte count and increase in the phenoloxidase activity and the serum agglutinate titre (p < 0.05) were observed. The results showed the high pathogenicity of V. alginolyticus isolated from larvae and juvenile reared marine shrimp.Este estudo avaliou as características patogênicas de cepas de bactérias isoladas de Litopenaeus vannamei durante surto de mortalidade no Laboratório de Camarões Marinhos, UFSC, Estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil. Seu potencial de virulência em larvas e juvenis de camarão marinho e os efeitos sobre a contagem total de hemócito, atividade de fenoloxidase e título aglutinante do soro foramavaliados após infecção experimental. As cepas bacterianas foram isoladas de larvas e de camarões adultos e identificadas bioquimicamente pelo sistema API20E como: duas cepas de Vibrio alginolyticus, três de Aeromonas salmonicida e uma de Pasteurella sp. e P. multocida. Todas as cepas isoladas provocaram mortalidade em L. vannamei, e uma de V. alginolyticus resultou em mortalidade de 97,3 e 88,7% para larvas e juvenis de camarões, respectivamente. O sistema imunológico dos camarões juvenis sofreu influência da infecção experimental com V. alginolyticus, representado por redução significativa no número total de hemócitos circulantes e aumento na atividade da fenoloxidase e do título aglutinante do soro (p < 0,05). Os resultados deste ensaio demonstraram que a cepa de V. alginolyticus isolada apresentou alto poder de virulência para larvas e juvenis de camarão marinho cultivado.

The objective of this work was to assess the time-related action of probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum in the bacterial microbiota of the digestive tract of Litopenaeus vannamei, and the relation of total haemocyte count and serum phenol oxidase activity of shrimp challenged with Vibrio harveyi. Shrimps were fed with a probiotic-supplemented diet, for eight days, then shifted to a commercial diet. Shrimps fed only with the commercial diet served as control. Evaluations were made on the 8th day of experiment and repeated two, four, six and eight days later. Total lactic bacteria in the digestive tract was higher until the 4th day of evaluation in the probiotic-supplemented group. Vibrio spp. counts were higher in the control at days zero and two. Until the 4th day of evaluation, the total haemocyte counts in shrimps after challenge with V. harveyi were higher in probiotic-supplemented group than in control group. Significant difference was not observed in phenol oxidase activity. On the 6th day after shifting from supplemented to control diet, all parameters were equal in both groups, suggesting that the time-related action of L. plantarum in shrimp is short.O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o tempo de atuação de Lactobacillus plantarum, na microbiota bacteriana intestinal de Litopenaeus vannamei, e sua relação com a contagem total de hemócitos e a atividade da fenoloxidase após a exposição a Vibrio harveyi. Os camarões foram alimentados com dieta suplementada com probióticos por oito dias e, depois, substituída por dieta comercial. Os camarões alimentados com dieta comercial constituíram o controle. As avaliações foram realizadas no oitavo dia de experimento e repetidas dois, quatro, seis e oito dias depois. A contagem total de bactérias lácticas no intestino foi maior até o quarto dia de avaliação, no grupo alimentado com probióticos. A contagem de Vibrio spp. foi superior no grupo controle nos dias zero e dois. Até o quarto dia, a contagem total de hemócitos dos camarões após a inoculação de V. harveyi foi superior no grupo alimentado com probiótico em relação ao grupo controle. Não foi observada diferença na atividade da fenoloxidase. No sexto dia, após a substituição da dieta suplementada com probióticos por dieta controle, todos os parâmetros avaliados foram iguais nos dois grupos, o que indica que o tempo de atuação de L. plantarum em camarões é curto.

Este estudo avaliou o hemograma e a resposta inflamatória aguda em tilápia do Nilo alimentada com 500mg de vitamina C e 500mg de vitamina E/kg de ração. Após 30 dias de alimentação com a dieta suplementada com as vitaminas, 500µg de carragenina, 3mg de lipopolissacarídeo (LPS)/kg de peixe e 0,5ml de solução salina estéril (controle) foram injetados na bexiga natatória dos animais. Seis horas após, os peixes foram anestesiados para coleta de amostras sangüíneas e análise da resposta inflamatória. Peixes injetados com carragenina e LPS apresentaram as maiores contagens totais de leucócitos no sangue, sendo que a suplementação vitamínica na ração provocou redução no número total de trombócitos nos injetados com carragenina. A taxa de glicose, o número de eritrócitos, o hematócrito e o cortisol não sofreram influência da suplementação vitamínica na ração. A suplementação vitamínica provocou redução no número de neutrófilos no sangue dos animais injetados com LPS. Nos peixes injetados com carragenina e LPS alimentados com vitaminas, houve maior migração de células para o sítio inflamado. O LPS provocou maior migração de células em comparação com os demais tratamentos, principalmente por macrófagos. A suplementação vitamínica provocou aumento no número de trombócitos no exsudato em peixes injetados com carragenina e LPS.This study evaluated the haematology and acute inflammatory response in Nile tilapia fed with 500mg vitamin C and 500 mg vitamin E/kg dry ration. Thirty days after feeding with supplemented diet, 500µg carrageenin, 3mg lipopolysacharide (LPS)/kg body weight and 0.5ml sterile saline solution (control) were injected in the swim bladder. Six hours after the fish were anesthetized to collect blood and analysis of the inflammatory response. Fish injected with carrageenin and LPS showed the highest counts of total leucocytes in blood and, the vitamin supplementation provoked reduction in the number of total thrombocytes in the carrageenin injected fish. Glucose, erythrocyte number, hematocrit and cortisol were not influenced by the vitamin supplmentation. The addition of vitamins in the diet caused reduction in the number of neutrophils in LPS injected fish. Once more, fish injected with carrageenin and LPS fed vitamins showed higher migration of leucocytes to the inflamed site. LPS provoked the highest migration of inflammatory cells, mainly by macrophages when compared to the other treatments. Vitamin supplementation increased the number of thrombocytes in the inflammatory exsudate in carrageenin and LPS injected fish.

This study evaluated the survival, post-larvae quality, and the population of bacteria in Litopenaeus vannamei after the addition of two strains of lactic-acid bacteria (2 and B6) experimentally infected by Vibrio harveyi. Fifteen hundred nauplii were distributed in 20 L capacity tanks with four replicates. The survival of control animals was lower (21%) than that of animals fed with the strains B6 (50%) and 2 (44%). Total bacterial population in the water and larvae, as well as of the Vibrio ssp. in water was not different among the treatments. No difference was observed in the population of Vibrio ssp. between the control larvae (5.5±0.5 log UFC/mL) and that fed with strain 2 (5.4±0.1 log UFC/mL). Shrimp from control and fed with strain 2 showed significantly higher bacterial population than those fed with strain B6 (1.2±0.2 log UFC/mL). It was detected the lower load of Vibrio ssp. bacteria with potential of pathogenicity after feeding with strain B6.Moreover, these larvae showed more active behavior and low number of necrosis in relation to the control group and to that fed with strain 2.Este trabalho avaliou a adição de duas cepas de bactérias lácticas (2 e B6) na sobrevivência, qualidade de pós-larva e na população de bactérias na larvicultura de Litopenaeus vannamei experimentalmente infectado por Vibrio harveyi. Mil e quinhentos náuplios foram distribuídos em tanques de 20 L com quatro repetições. A sobrevivência dos animais controle foi menor (21%) do que a dos alimentados com as cepas B6 (50%) e 2 (44%). Sobrevivência de misis após desafio com V. harveyi foi maior em B6 do que nos outros tratamentos. A população total de bactérias na água e nas larvas, bem como de Vibrio ssp. na água não foi diferente entre os tratamentos. Não houve diferença, também, entre a população de Vibrio ssp. em larvas do grupo controle (5,5±0,5 log UFC/mL) e larvas alimentadas com a cepa 2 (5,4±0,1 log UFC/mL). Camarões do grupo controle e alimentados com cepa 2 apresentaram maior população de bactérias do que os alimentados com cepa B6 (1,2±0,2 log UFC/mL). Foi comprovada a menor presença de bactérias entéricas com potencial de patogenicidade nos animais alimentados com a cepa B6, apresentando também comportamento mais ativo e menor número de necroses em relação ao controle e cepa 2.

Este trabalho estudou o grau de parasitismo em Poecilia vivipara infectado experimentalmente com trofozoítos de Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. Em frascos de 400 mL de água com aeração constante foram acondicionados quatro peixes, com duas réplicas e adicionadas as quantidades de 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 e 20 trofozoítos/peixe. Os valores médios da temperatura da água, pH e oxigênio dissolvido foram de 19,5±0,39ºC, 6,35±0,09 e 7,02±0,45mg/L, respectivamente. Antes de se proceder à infecção, os animais foram tratados com solução de formalina 1:4000 durante uma hora por dois dias consecutivos. Obtiveram-se os parasitos de cinco alevinos de Salminus brasiliensis infectados, mantidos em placas de Petri com água por trinta minutos. Coletaram-se os trofozoítos com pipeta Pasteur e adicionou-se o número respectivo em cada tratamento. Para evitar que os parasitos ficassem aderidos às placas, cada uma foi mantida no respectivo frasco durante o período. Após sete dias, os peixes foram sacrificados e examinados, exceto os expostos a 20 trofozoítos/peixe, os quais morreram em dois dias. O valor médio do tratamento com 20 trofozoítos/peixe foi significativamente maior (P

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar diferentes metodologias de coleta de fezes para determinação da digestibilidade protéica de alimentos para a rã-touro (Rana catesbeiana). As metodologias estudadas foram o método de coleta total das fezes; o método de coleta parcial das fezes usando indicador; o método de dissecação intestinal e o método por decantação de fezes com indicador, utilizando aquários para ensaios de nutrição com peixes. Os resultados dos CDA PB da ração obtidos para avaliação dos métodos de coleta foram: 62,1%, 65,0%, 61,3% e 70,3%, respectivamente. Todos os métodos de coleta de fezes são adequados para a realização de ensaios de digestibilidade com rãs.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi isolar o agente causador da doença-da-perna-vermelha em girinos de Rana catesbeiana em fase de transformação. Coletaram-se 20 girinos, na fase G4, apresentando prostração, anorexia, pele ressecada, pernas posteriores hemorrágicas e natação errática. Amostras do coração, fígado e partes da perna foram inoculadas em meio de cultura ágar triptona de soja e ágar sangue, a 25°C, por 48 horas. Aeromonas hydrophila foi a principal causa do surto de mortalidade. A fim de avaliar o efeito dessa bactéria nos girinos, realizou-se inoculação por via oral e intraperitoneal de 10(6) unidades formadoras de colônia por mililitro, e verificou-se o aparecimento de petéquias hemorrágicas na boca e nos órgãos internos.This work aimed to isolate the pathogen responsible for red-leg disease in tadpoles of Rana catesbeiana in their transformation stage. Twenty animals in G4 stage were collected presenting prostration, anorexia, desiccated skin, hemorragic legs and erratic swimming. The bacteria were isolated from samples of heart, liver and legs on tryptone soy agar and blood agar at 25°C for 48 hours. Aeromonas hydrophila was the main responsible for mortality. To evaluate the effect of bacterium, the tadpoles were orally and intraperitoneally infected with 10(6) CFU mL-1. The appearance of haemorrhagic petechiae on the mouth and internal organs were verified.

This study evaluated the pathogenic characteristics of bacteria isolated from Litopenaeus vannamei during an outbreak at the Laboratory of Marine Shrimp, UFSC, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. Their virulence potential in larvae and juvenile shrimp and the effects on the total haemocyte count, phenoloxidase activity and serum agglutinate titre were examined after experimental infection. Bacterial strains were isolated from larvae and adult shrimps, identified by the AP120E biochemical system as: two strains of Vibrio alginolyticus, three of Aeromonas salmonicida and one of Pasteurella multocida sp. and Pasteurella sp. All the bacterial strains isolated in this study caused mortality in shrimp. One strain of V. alginolyticus was responsible for 97.3 and 88.7% mortality in larvae and juvenil shrimps, respectively. The shrimp immunological system was influenced by experimental infection with V. alginolyticus. Decrease in the total haemocyte count and increase in the phenoloxidase activity and the serum agglutinate titre (p < 0.05) were observed. The results showed the high pathogenicity of V. alginolyticus isolated from larvae and juvenile reared marine shrimp.

Este trabalho estudou o grau de parasitismo em Poecilia vivipara infectado experimentalmente com trofozoítos de Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. Em frascos de 400 mL de água com aeração constante foram acondicionados quatro peixes, com duas réplicas e adicionadas as quantidades de 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 e 20 trofozoítos/peixe. Os valores médios da temperatura da água, pH e oxigênio dissolvido foram de 19,5±0,39ºC, 6,35±0,09 e 7,02±0,45mg/L, respectivamente. Antes de se proceder à infecção, os animais foram tratados com solução de formalina 1:4000 durante uma hora por dois dias consecutivos. Obtiveram-se os parasitos de cinco alevinos de Salminus brasiliensis infectados, mantidos em placas de Petri com água por trinta minutos. Coletaram-se os trofozoítos com pipeta Pasteur e adicionou-se o número respectivo em cada tratamento. Para evitar que os parasitos ficassem aderidos às placas, cada uma foi mantida no respectivo frasco durante o período. Após sete dias, os peixes foram sacrificados e examinados, exceto os expostos a 20 trofozoítos/peixe, os quais morreram em dois dias. O valor médio do tratamento com 20 trofozoítos/peixe foi significativamente maior (P

ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess the final body weight, weekly weight gain, yield, apparent feed efficiency, protein efficiency ratio, and feed intake of the Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) fed four diets containing different levels of soy protein concentrate (SPC) as a replacement for fishmeal, reared in a super-intensive biofloc system. Diets consisted of replacing 209 g kg-1 fishmeal at 0, 33, 66, and 100% SPC. Shrimp were raised in a biofloc system using twelve experimental units stocked with 250 shrimp m-3 under constant aeration (O2>5mg L-1) and temperature (29±0.5 °C). No significant differences among treatments were observed based on water quality parameters. Shrimp fed diets with 0 and 33% substitution exhibited the highest weekly growth (1.88 and 1.79 g per week) and final weights (15.2 and 14.7 g) compared with shrimp fed the 66 and 100% replacement. A lower feed intake was observed for shrimp fed the 33% SPC diet (3.18 kg per experimental unit) compared with 0% replacement (3.62 kg). Shrimp fed the 33% replacement achieved a similar performance and lower feed intake than animals fed diet without replacement.