Dietary Application of the Microalga Lobosphaera incisa P127 Reduces Severity of Intestinal Inflammation, Modulates Gut-Associated Gene Expression, and Microbiome in the Zebrafish Model of IBD

SCOPE

Microalgae are an emerging nutritional resource of biomolecules with potential to alleviate gut inflammation. The study explores the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory potential of the microalga Lobosphaera incisa P127, which accumulates a rare omega-6 LC-PUFA dihomo-ɣ-linolenic acid (DGLA) under nitrogen starvation. The therapeutic potential of dietary supplementation with P127 is investigated in the zebrafish model of IBD (TNBS-induced colitis).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Guts are sampled from zebrafish fed experimental diets for 4 weeks, before and 24 h after TNBS challenge. Diets containing 15% non-starved (Ns) and 7.5% and 15% N-starved (St) algal biomass significantly attenuate the severity of gut injury and goblet cell depletion. In contrast, diets containing 7.5% Ns and DGLA ethyl ester have no effect on gut condition. Fish fed 15% St, high-DGLA biomass, have the fewest individuals with pathological alterations in the gut. Dietary inclusion of Ns and St distinctly modulates gut-associated expression of the immune and inflammatory genes. Fish fed 15% Ns biomass display a coordinated boost in immune gene expression and show major changes in the gut microbiome prior challenge.

CONCLUSION

Dietary inclusion of L. incisa biomass at two physiological states, ameliorates TNBS-induced gut inflammation, suggesting the synergistic beneficial effects of biomass components not limited to DGLA.

The effect of tertiary treated wastewater on fish growth and health: Laboratory-scale experiment with Poecilia reticulata (guppy)

Treated wastewater (TWW) constitutes a sustainable water resource and has been used for fish culture in some countries around the world, although there are no comprehensive data on the effect of TWW on fish growth and health in the context of aquaculture production. Our objectives were to examine how fish culture in TWW affected fish growth and fitness, as well as compliance with the international standards for safe consumption. Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) fingerlings were reared in 0%, 50% and 100% tertiary TWW (TTWW), from the age of five days, for a period of four months. In water analyses, 33 out of 67 tested organic micropollutants (OMPs) were detected in the TTWW samples at least once, at concentrations that are typically reported in domestic TTWW. Fish survival ranged between 77-80% and did not differ between treatment groups. Fish growth and mortality following challenge infection with Tetrahymena sp. (which ranged between 64-68%), were similar among treatment groups. Of tested immunological parameters, lysozyme and anti-protease was similar among treatments while complement activity was highest in the 50% TTWW-reared fish. No abnormalities were observed in the histopathological analysis. Levels of heavy metals, polychlorinated-biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorines (OCs) in fish were below the detection limit and below the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the European Union EU maximal permitted levels in food fish. Results suggest that the yield of fish grown in TTWW is potentially similar to that in freshwater, and the produced fish comply with the standards of consumer safety. The results are in line with previous studies that examined the feasibility of TWW-fed aquaculture.

The gut mucosal barrier of zebrafish (Danio rerio) responds to the time-restricted delivery of Lobosphaera incisa-enriched diets

Recent studies in mammalian models revealed compelling evidence that along with the intrinsic characteristics of diets, the time of their delivery could have a profound impact on their benefits. In this study, we explored a time-dependent modulation of the gut mucosal barrier by delivering diets enriched with the green microalga (Lobosphaera incisa) either in a time-restricted regime or randomly to zebrafish (Danio rerio). The basal diet was enriched with microalgal biomass through two inclusion levels (i.e., 10% and 15% w/w), and the feeding trial lasted for six weeks. The control group was fed with the basal diet. After collection of tissue samples at week 6, the remaining fish were challenged by intraperitoneal injection of Streptococcus inaie. A histological analysis of the gut structure revealed that the fish that received the microalgae randomly exhibited shorter villi length. Genes coding for immunity were modulated in the gut by dietary treatments. Notably, the transcript levels of lysozyme, β-defensin and hepcidin were significantly higher in the group subjected to the time-restricted feeding regime. Dietary microalgae affected the fatty acid content in the gut, particularly the level of arachidonic acid (ARA), and the time-restricted feeding influenced its accumulation. Groups that received diets enriched with 15% microalgae, regardless of the feeding strategy, displayed a significantly higher resistance to S. inaie 16 days post-infection, though differences between the delivery strategies were pronounced during the early stage of infection. In conclusion, the dietary inclusion of L. incisa modulated some of the features of the gut mucosal barrier of zebrafish, and the time of delivery appeared to have a considerable influence on immunomodulatory functions.

Dietary Supplementation With ω6 LC-PUFA-Rich Algae Modulates Zebrafish Immune Function and Improves Resistance to Streptococcal Infection

Arachidonic acid (ARA, 20:4n-6) and dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA, 20:3n-6) are omega-6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), which are key precursors for lipid mediators of the immune system and inflammatory response. The microalga Lobosphaera incisa (WT) and its Δ5-desaturase mutant P127 (MUT) are unique photosynthetic sources for ARA and DGLA, respectively. This study explores the effect of dietary supplementation with L. incisa and P127 biomass on tissue fatty acid composition, immune function, and disease resistance in zebrafish (Danio rerio). The broken microalgal biomass was added to commercial fish feed at 7.5 and 15% (w/w), providing 21.8 mg/g feed ARA for the WT-supplemented group and 13.6 mg/g feed DGLA for the MUT-supplemented group at the 15% inclusion levels. An unsupplemented group was used as the control. After 1 month of feeding, fish were challenged with Streptococcus iniae. Fish were sampled before the challenge and 1 week after the challenge for various analyses. Tissue ARA and DGLA levels significantly increased in the liver, corresponding to microalgal supplementation levels. The elevated expression of specific immune-related genes was evident in the kidneys in all treatment groups after 1 month of feeding, including genes related to eicosanoid synthesis, lysozyme, and NF-κB. In the liver, microalgal supplementation led to the upregulation of genes related to immune function and antioxidant defense while the expression of examined genes involved in ARA metabolism was downregulated. Importantly, fish fed with 15% of both WT- and MUT-supplemented feed showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher survival percentages (78 and 68%, respectively, as compared to only 46% in the control group). The elevated expression of genes related to inflammatory and immune responses was evident post-challenge. Collectively, the results of the current study demonstrate the potential of microalgae-derived dietary ARA and DGLA in improving immune competence and resistance to bacterial infection in zebrafish as a model organism.

Analyzing complement activity in the serum and body homogenates of different fish species, using rabbit and sheep red blood cells

Alternative complement activity was determined in whole body homogenates (WBHs) and serum samples of different fish species, by measuring the amount of sample that induces 50% hemolysis of red blood cells using the ACH50 assay (Alternative Complement pathway Hemolytic activity). Values of ACH50 obtained for serum samples were about two-fold higher when using rabbit red blood cells (RRBC), as compared to sheep red blood cells (SRBC). The increase in ACH50 when using RRBCs for WBH samples was 28, 7 and 4 folds for guppy, molly and zebrafish, respectively. Large variability in complement activity was evident between fish species for both serum and WBHs. Evaluating the effect of freeze-thaw cycles on complement revealed significant reduction in complement activity in all tested samples. Loss of activity following three freeze-thaw cycles amounted to 48-59% when serum was tested and over 95% loss in activity for WBH. To our knowledge, this is the first study where fish WBHs were used for assaying complement activity. Our results support the suitability of this method in evaluating complement activity in small fish species or larvae, where blood cannot be obtained, as long as samples can be tested upon first thawing.

Dietary arachidonic acid affects immune function and fatty acid composition in cultured rabbitfish Siganus rivulatus

The marbled spinefoot rabbitfish (Siganus rivulatus) is an economically valuable fish species that has potential for commercial production in aquaculture. To overcome challenges in its sustainable production, a formulated diet is required for imparting health and robustness. This study evaluates the effect of dietary supplementation with arachidonic acid (ARA; 20:4n-6) on growth, survival, immune function and fatty acid composition of red blood cells (RBCs) in rabbitfish. We conducted two feeding trials using juvenile fish (to evaluate growth and survival) and adults (to evaluate immune function and fatty acid incorporation). Fish were fed diets supplemented with three different levels of ARA (in % of total fatty acids): 0.6 (unsupplemented control), 2.6 (moderate) and 4.7 (high). The fish fed with moderate ARA levels exhibited improved (p < 0.05) growth over the control and the high ARA level groups. During an outbreak of Streptococcus iniae, fish fed with moderate ARA survived significantly (p < 0.05) better (89%) than the control and the high ARA groups (59% and 48%, respectively). Moderate ARA supplementation resulted in elevated lysozyme and complement levels in the plasma of rabbitfish. A significant increase in the total serum immunoglobulin levels was observed in both the medium and the high ARA level groups; however, a decrease in antiprotease activity was recorded in the supplemented groups as compared to the control. Fatty acid analysis in fish red blood cells revealed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the proportion of ARA of total fatty acids in the groups fed with the medium and the high ARA level diets (9.5% and 11.2%, respectively, compared to 7.1% in the control). Concomitantly, there was a decrease in the proportion of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3), dihomo-γ linolenic acid (DGLA; 20:3n-6) and several 18-carbon unsaturated fatty acids in these groups. In conclusion, ARA in rabbitfish feeds improved growth, survival as well as innate and acquired humoral immune functions. Thus ARA supplementation in the diet of this species could be a valuable step towards establishing the commercial culture of rabbitfish.

Impact of treated wastewater reuse and floods on water quality and fish health within a water reservoir in an arid climate

Treated wastewater (TWW) reuse for agricultural irrigation is a well-established approach to coping with water shortages in semi-arid and arid environments. Recently, additional uses of TWW have emerged, including streamflow augmentation and aquatic ecosystem restoration. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the water quality and fish health, in an artificial reservoir located in an arid climate (the Yeruham Reservoir, Israel), which regularly receives TWW and sporadic winter floods. The temporal distribution of water levels, nutrients and organic micropollutants (OMPs) were measured during the years 2013-2014. OMPs were also measured in sediment and fish tissues. Finally, the status of fish health was evaluated by histopathology. Water levels and quality were mainly influenced by seasonal processes such as floods and evaporation, and not by the discharge of TWW. Out of 16 tested OMPs, estrone, carbamazepine, diclofenac and bezafibrate were found in the reservoir water, but mostly at concentrations below the predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) for fish. Concentrations of PCBs and dioxins in fish muscle and liver were much lower than the EU maximal permitted concentrations, and similar to concentrations that were found in food fish in Israel and Europe. In the histopathological analysis, there were no evident tissue abnormalities, and low to moderate infection levels of fish parasites were recorded. The results from the Yeruham Reservoir demonstrated a unique model for the mixture effect between TWW reuse and natural floods to support a unique stable and thriving ecosystem in a water reservoir located in an arid region. This type of reservoir can be widely used for recreation, education, and the social and economic development of a rural environment, such as has occurred in the Yeruham region.

Liposarcoma in clownfish, Amphiprion ocellaris Cuvier, produced in indoor aquaculture

Clownfish, Amphiprion ocellaris Cuvier, produced and grown in an experimental indoor aquaculture facility, presented with lipomatous tumours. A total of 14 affected fish were examined. Based on the total number of fish at the aquaculture facility at the time of outbreak of this pathology, the scope of the incident is estimated to be 1 of 300 fish. The tumours were characterized by the presence of mature adipocytes of variable sizes, lipoblasts and by an invasive behaviour, which affected internal organs, muscle, central nervous system and, in one case, an eye. Detailed macroscopic and histopathological features are presented. The suggested diagnosis is that of a well-differentiated liposarcoma, a diagnosis so far never applied to fish. The limited outbreak of the neoplasm lasted a few months in 2011 and did not recur. Possible factors leading to this phenomenon, notably the metastasis, are discussed.

Efficacy of ginger-based treatments against infection with Gyrodactylus turnbulli in the guppy (Poecilia reticulata (Peters))

Monogenean infections of commercially farmed fishes are responsible for significant economic losses and existing chemical therapeutants, often stressful to the fish, pose associated risks. As part of a recent trend to move towards the use of alternative, plant-based remedies for commonly occurring aquaculture-related diseases, the efficiency of ginger (Zingiber officinale) was investigated against the monogenean parasite Gyrodactylus turnbulli in the guppy. In vitro trials revealed the clear anti-parasitic effects of ginger. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts, prepared from freeze dried ginger, were tested. An increase in extract concentration was associated with reduced time to parasite immobilisation, with ethanolic extract being more efficient; at 75 and 200ppt aqueous ginger extract parasites died at 65.6±2.8 and 1.8±0.2min, respectively, whereas at 5 and 40ppt ethanolic extract parasites died at 26.1±0.7 and 4.9±0.3min, respectively. Bathing G. turnbulli-infected fish in ethanolic ginger extract (i.e. 5 and 7.5ppt for 90 and 30min, respectively) significantly reduced infection prevalence and intensity when compared to the water and ethanol controls. The higher concentration (i.e. 7.5ppt) proved as equally effective as Praziquantel, the conventionally used chemical treatment for gyrodactylosis, with the fish appearing to be completely cleared of the infection in both cases. Oral treatments of G. turnbulli-infected guppies with diets supplemented with 10 and 20% ginger powder proved to be ineffective in decreasing parasite load. These findings demonstrate that immersion in ginger extract offers an effective, alternative treatment against monogenean infection in fish.

Controlled infection of Poecilia reticulata Peters (guppy) with Tetrahymena by immersion and intraperitoneal injection

Tetrahymena is a protozoan parasite, which infects guppy, Poecilia reticulata Peters, and causes substantial economical losses in commercial farms worldwide. Studies of guppy infected by Tetrahymena require standardized infection protocols. The LD50 for Tetrahymena infection of guppies by intraperitoneal (IP) injection was calibrated, and the level obtained was 946 parasites per fish. Guppy infection with Tetrahymena by immersion, imitating the natural route of infection via the integument, was studied under normal or stress conditions. Exposure to cold and netting (CNI) and to cold only (CI) followed by immersion exposure to 10 000 Tetrahymena per mL resulted in 22.5% and 19.2% mortality, respectively, as compared to 14.2% and 10% in groups that were netted only (NI) or non-stressed (I). Histopathology revealed that immersion infection resulted in a systemic infection. Lysozyme levels, measured 3 weeks after infection, were significantly higher in the CNI group (288 μg per mg protein) compared with CI-, NI- and I-treated groups (94.5, 64 and 62.3 μg mg(-1), respectively). There was no evident parasite immobilization activity in body homogenates, suggesting no development of acquired immunity. Re-infection by IP injection revealed no increase in protection in any of the treatment groups, mortality range of 56.3-75%, higher than in the non-exposed control (40.6% mortality).

Evaluation of guppy (Poecilia reticulata Peters) immunization against Tetrahymena sp. by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)

Analysis of the effectiveness of guppy (Poecilia reticulata Peters) immunization based on measurements of antibody (Ab) titers suffers from a shortage of reagents that can detect guppy antibodies (Abs). To overcome this problem, we immunized mice with different preparations of guppy immunoglobulins (Igs) and used the mouse antisera to develop a quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The most efficient immunogen for mouse immunization was guppy Igs adsorbed on protein A/G beads. Antisera from mice boosted with this immunoglobulin (Ig) preparation were highly specific and contained high Ab titers. They immunoreacted in a Western blot with Ig heavy and light chains from guppy serum, and Ig heavy chain from guppy whole-body homogenate. The mouse anti-guppy Ig was applied in an ELISA aimed at comparing the efficiency of different routes of guppy immunization against Tetrahymena: (i) anal intubation with sonicated Tetrahymena (40,000 Tetrahymena/fish in a total volume of 10 μL) mixed with domperidon, deoxycholic acid and free amino acids (valine, leucine, isoleucine, phenylalanine and tryptophan), or (ii) intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of sonicated Tetrahymena in complete Freund's adjuvant (15,000 Tetrahymena/fish in total a volume of 20 μL). Negative control fish were anally intubated with the intubation mixture without Tetrahymena, or untreated. ELISA measurement of anti-Tetrahymena Ab titer revealed a significantly higher level of Abs in i.p.-immunized guppies, compared to the anally intubated and control fish. In addition, the efficiency of immunization was tested by monitoring guppy mortality following (i) i.p. challenge with Tetrahymena (900 Tetrahymena/fish) or (ii) cold stress followed by immersion in water containing 10,000 Tetrahymena/mL. Fish mortality on day 14 post-Tetrahymena infection by i.p. injection exceeded 50% in the control and anally intubated fish, compared to 31% in i.p.-immunized fish. Immunization did not protect from pathogen challenge by immersion. The results suggest a direct correlation between the anti-Tetrahymena Ab response and fish resistance to i.p.-injected Tetrahymena, but not to infection by immersion preceded by cold stress.

The prawn Macrobrachium vollenhovenii in the Senegal River basin: towards sustainable restocking of all-male populations for biological control of schistosomiasis

Early malacological literature suggests that the outbreak of schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease transmitted by aquatic snails, in the Senegal River basin occurred due to ecological changes resulting from the construction of the Diama dam. The common treatment, the drug praziquantel, does not protect from the high risk of re-infection due to human contact with infested water on a daily basis. The construction of the dam interfered with the life cycle of the prawn Macrobrachium vollenhovenii by blocking its access to breeding grounds in the estuary. These prawns were demonstrated to be potential biological control agents, being effective predators of Schistosoma-susceptible snails. Here, we propose a responsible restocking strategy using all-male prawn populations which could provide sustainable disease control. Male prawns reach a larger size and have a lower tendency to migrate than females. We, therefore, expect that periodic restocking of all-male juveniles will decrease the prevalence of schistosomiasis and increase villagers' welfare. In this interdisciplinary study, we examined current prawn abundance along the river basin, complemented with a retrospective questionnaire completed by local fishermen. We revealed the current absence of prawns upriver and thus demonstrated the need for restocking. Since male prawns are suggested to be preferable for bio-control, we laid the molecular foundation for production of all-male M. vollenhovenii through a complete sequencing of the insulin-like androgenic gland-encoding gene (IAG), which is responsible for sexual differentiation in crustaceans. We also conducted bioinformatics and immunohistochemistry analyses to demonstrate the similarity of this sequence to the IAG of another Macrobrachium species in which neo-females are produced and their progeny are 100% males. At least 100 million people at risk of schistosomiasis are residents of areas that experienced water management manipulations. Our suggested non-breeding sustainable model of control—if proven successful—could prevent re-infections and thus prove useful throughout the world.

Schistosomiasis is a chronic parasitic disease that infects millions of people, especially in Africa. Schistosomes are transmitted by direct contact with water sources infested by freshwater snails, which are intermediate hosts for the parasite. The cure in humans is a drug, praziquantel, that kills the mature parasites inside the human body. The main problem with controlling the parasite by drug treatment is the high re-infection rate, since individuals are in contact with infected water on a daily basis. To efficiently combat the disease, an integrated management program is needed that includes control of infection in the intermediate host snails. We suggest the use of non-migrating, all-male populations of freshwater prawns that efficiently prey on these snails. Here, we describe the case of the Senegal River basin as an example of human actions (dam construction) that resulted in severe ecosystem changes, including exclusion of the native river prawns and expansion of snails hosting schistosomiasis. We have conducted an interdisciplinary study that documents the reduction of prawn abundance in the Senegal River and lays the molecular foundation for technology to produce all-male prawn populations to be used as part of an integrated disease control program, including both periodic stocking of juvenile prawns and chemotherapy.

Efficacy of garlic based treatments against monogenean parasites infecting the guppy (Poecilia reticulata (Peters))

Monogenean infections of commercially farmed fishes are responsible for significant economic losses. Garlic (Allium sativum) is a well-known spice which also possesses anti-microbial and anti-parasitical properties. The current work aimed to test the efficacy of garlic-based treatments against infection with monogenean sp. in the guppy (Poecilia reticulata). Clipped sections of tail fins of guppies heavily infected with Gyrodactylus turnbulli were exposed to aqueous garlic extract (7.5 to 30 mL L(-1)) and visually observed under a dissecting microscope. Results revealed that exposure to garlic caused detachment of parasite and cessation of movement indicating death. A positive correlation was seen between garlic concentration and time to detachment and death of parasites, which, at the highest concentration of 30 mL L(-1), occurred at 4.1 and 8.6 min, respectively. Bathing in aqueous garlic extract (7.5 and 12.5 mL L(-1)) was tested in guppies infected with G. turnbulli. Prior acute toxicity tests revealed the maximum tolerance levels of guppies to garlic extract to be 12.5 mL L(-1) for 1h. Bathing of infected fish in garlic extract (7.5 and 12.5 mL L(-1)) significantly (p<0.05) reduced infection prevalence and intensity as compared to the control. Oral treatments using dry garlic powder-supplemented diet were tested on guppies infected with G. turnbulli and Dactylogyrus sp. Fish were fed with food containing 10% and 20% dry garlic powder for 14 days. Groups fed with garlic supplemented diets showed significantly reduced (p<0.05) mean prevalence and mean intensity of parasites as compared to the control. Dietary application of garlic did not appear to affect palatability. Fresh crushed garlic was added at a level of 1 gL(-1) and applied as an indefinite bath for 14 days. This treatment was seen to significantly reduce (p<0.05) parasite prevalence and mean intensity as compared to the control. Histopathology revealed elevated muscular dystrophy in the 20% garlic-fed group, as compared to control. These findings demonstrate the potential of garlic as a natural alternative to currently used chemical treatments for monogenean sp. infection in the guppy.

New pathological condition in cultured mulloway Argyrosomus japonicus: histopathological, ultrastructural and molecular studies

Mulloway Argyrosomus japonicus is a native fish species in Western Australia, for which aquaculture production has recently been developed. A single cohort was stocked in a cage offshore at Geraldton, Western Australia, at a water depth of 6 m. Fish appeared healthy before stocking. Routine histological analysis was carried out from 10 mo post stocking and until completion of harvest (about 2.5 yr post stocking). No gross pathology was evident. Microscopically, however, granulomatous lesions were present in the kidneys of almost 100% of the fish examined. Enclosed in the granuloma was an aggregate of organisms, 4.2 to 5.4 µm in diameter. Kidney granulomas appeared as multi-focal aggregates. Granulomas at different stages of formation and finally fibrosing granulomas were observed. Granulomas also appeared infrequently in other organs: a few granulomas were found in the liver and spleen and a single granuloma in the heart of one fish. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the organism was composed of 2 cells, an outer cell enclosing an inner cell. The inner cell was surrounded by a double membrane and the outer cell by a single membrane. Cellular material, presumably of parasitic nature, surrounded the outer cell. The organism contained primitive mitochondria and abundant free ribosomes. Small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA) sequence obtained by PCR revealed an 84% sequence identity with the myxosporean Latyspora scomberomori. Based on TEM and preliminary molecular results, we suggest that the organism is the extrasporogonic developmental stage of a myxozoan parasite, which failed to form spores in the mulloway host.

Treatment development for systemic Tetrahymena sp. infection in guppies, Poecilia reticulata Peters

Antibacterial and antiparasitic agents and a cysteine protease inhibitor (E-64) were tested against Tetrahymena infection, a serious problem in guppy production worldwide. Chemicals were tested in vitro by a colorimetric assay for Tetrahymena survival. The most effective were niclosamide, albendazole and chloroquine, with 23%, 35% and 60% survival, respectively, following 2-h exposure to 100 ppm. Longer incubation periods resulted in greater reductions in survival. Niclosamide was further studied in vivo at different dosages, administered orally to Tetrahymena-infected guppies. Mortality rates were significantly lower in all treatment groups; in trial I, 30% and 33% mortality in 5 and 40 mg kg(-1) niclosamide-fed fish vs. 59% mortality in controls; in trial II, 35%, 13% and 10% in 50, 100 and 200 mg kg(-1) niclosamide-fed fish vs. 64% in controls. The effect of the cysteine protease inhibitor E64 was tested in tissue culture, by measuring histolytic activity of the parasite (Tet-NI) on a guppy-fin cell line, based on cell depletion. Tet-NI feeding activity was significantly reduced following pretreatment with E-64 relative to non-treated Tet-NI. E-64-pretreated Tet-NI was injected i.p. into guppies: recorded mortality rates were significantly lower (35%) than that in non-treated Tet-NI (60%), suggesting inhibition of the parasite's cysteine protease as a possible therapeutic approach.

Dried leaves of Rosmarinus officinalis as a treatment for streptococcosis in tilapia

Dietary application of dried Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaves as a treatment for streptococcal infection was studied in tilapia, Oreochromis sp. Feeding with dried rosemary leaves significantly reduced mortality following infection with Streptococcus iniae: 44% mortality in the group fed 8% rosemary, similar to oxytetracycline treatment (43% mortality), and significantly lower than the control (65%). Dietary administration of 16% rosemary significantly reduced mortality because of Streptococcus agalactiae infection in 44 g fish (62% and 76% in 16% rosemary and control, respectively), but not in a similar experiment conducted with 5.5 g fish. The antibacterial effect of rosemary on S. iniae was studied. Activity of rosemary cultivar Israel was reduced during the winter, but there was no significant change in cultivars Oranit and Star. Storage of powdered rosemary leaves at 50 degrees C resulted in fourfold and eightfold higher MIC(24 h) values after 3 and 4.5 months, respectively. Storage at -20 degrees C, 4 degrees C and 25 degrees C and autoclaving (120 degrees C) each resulted in a twofold increase in MIC(24 h). Repeated exposures of S. iniae to rosemary did not affect minimal inhibitory concentration, suggesting no development of resistance to rosemary.

Tetrahymena sp. infection in guppies, Poecilia reticulata Peters: parasite characterization and pathology of infected fish

Tetrahymena sp. infection was diagnosed in guppies imported from Singapore. The parasite was isolated (Tet-NI) and optimally cultured in vitro in RM-9 medium. Cytological analyses [silver-staining and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)] revealed a pyriform-shaped, 64 x 41-microm holotrich ciliate without caudal cilium, containing a macro-nucleus (18.25 x 16.83 microm) and micro-nucleus (5.73 x 5.40 microm). Wet-mount examination and histological analyses of fish exposed to the parasite by co-habitation, immersion and infection by i.p. (intra-peritoneal) and i.m. (intra-muscular) injection revealed numerous ciliates on the skin, and in the gill and caudal fin blood vessels. Ciliates surrounded internal organs, the peri-orbital region of the eye, and were observed inside developing guppy embryos. Some muscle necrosis was associated with infection, but little or no inflammatory response. Immersion, co-habitation and i.m. injection caused relatively high infection rates and levels in the skin and tail, and lower infection in the gill blood vessels and internal organs; i.p. injection caused higher infection in the gill blood vessels and internal organs. Co-habited fish had relatively high infection levels in the hind-gut sub-mucosa. This is the first report of controlled systemic infection by Tetrahymena sp.

Protective immunization against Tetrahymena sp. infection in guppies (Poecilia reticulata)

Systemic tetrahymenosis constitutes a serious problem in guppy (Poecilia reticulata) production worldwide and no therapeutic solution is available for this disease. Three immunization trials were conducted, testing the effectiveness of different Tetrahymena preparations applied by intraperitoneal injection (IP) with or without Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) and with or without booster dose. In trial 1, immunization with the pathogenic Tet-NI 6 lysate and live attenuated Tet-NI 1 did not provide significant protection from infection, although infection rates were significantly lower in the Tet-NI 6-immunized group than in controls. In trial 2, mortality in Tet-NI 6 + FCA-immunized fish was 10%, significantly lower than in all other treatment groups, including Tet-NI 6 lysate, live attenuated Tet-NI 1 and controls (77, 67 and 73%, respectively). In trial 3, the lowest mortality rates were obtained in the Tet-NI 6 + FCA + booster-immunized group (15%). These levels were lower but not significantly different from the non-boostered Tet-NI 6-immunized group (28%) and the groups immunized with Tet-NI 1, with and without booster (32 and 34%, respectively). Mortality in these four groups was significantly lower than in controls, including adjuvant- and PBS-injected groups (72 and 81%, respectively). Body homogenates of immunized fish immobilized Tetrahymena in-vitro, as compared to no or very little immobilization in controls. Lysozyme levels in the Tet-NI 6 + FCA + booster group were significantly higher than in all other treatments in trial 2 and controls in trial 3. There was no significant difference in anti-protease activity among the differently immunized fish. We conclude that immunization with Tetrahymena lysates in FCA confers a high degree of protection from infection, suggesting this preparation as a basis for vaccine development.

Characterization of swim bladder non-inflation (SBN) in angelfish, Pterophyllum scalare (Schultz), and the effect of exposure to methylene blue

Failure to inflate the swim bladder is regarded a major obstacle in the rearing of many fish species. We present a study of swim bladder non-inflation (SBN) in angelfish, Pterophyllum scalare. A normal developing primordial swim bladder was first discernable at the end of the first day post-hatch (p.h.) as a cluster of epithelial cells with a central lumen, surrounded by presumably mesenchymal cells. Initial inflation occurred on the fourth day p.h. Prior to inflation the swim bladder epithelium consisted of an outer squamous and inner columnar layer. Cells of the inner layer were filled at their basal region with an amorphous material, which disappeared upon inflation. A pneumatic duct was absent, and larvae presented no need to reach the water surface for inflation, suggesting that angelfish are pure physoclists. A model for the role of the amorphous material in normal initial inflation is proposed. Abnormal swim bladders were apparent from the fourth day p.h., and methylene blue (MB) at a concentration of 5 ppm significantly increased the prevalence of SBN. Histologically, abnormal swim bladders in larvae hatched in 5 ppm MB could not be distinguished from those in fish raised under routine conditions (0.5 ppm MB). We suggest that MB may have a teratogenic effect in angelfish.

Optimization and validation of a colorimetric assay for Tetrahymena sp. survival

A colorimetric assay based on the reduction of 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2h-tetrazolium bromide (MTT), for the quantification of Tetrahymena sp. survival is described. An increase in the concentration of Tetrahymena sp. cells from 0 to 1 x 10(6) cells/ml produced a linear (R(2)=0.9965) increase in the optical density (OD, 570-630 nm), and dead cells (pre-exposed to 250 mg/l formalin for 4 h) did not produce a background reading. Cells exposed to sublethal concentrations to formalin (100 mg/l or less for 4 h) recovered their growth. Using the MTT assay, we determined that Tetrahymena sp. is sensitive to formalin, chloramine-T, hydrogen peroxide, copper sulfate and NaCl. The sensitivity increased with increasing chemical concentrations and exposure time. Tetrahymena sp. was resistant to bromex and malachite green. The use of this assay in drug screening for the development of treatments for tetrahymenosis and as a bioassay to evaluate the toxicity of environmental toxicants is discussed.

Environmental and physiological conditions affecting Tetrahymena sp. infection in guppies, Poecilia reticulata Peters

Parasitic infections caused by Tetrahymena sp. constitute a serious problem in guppies, Poecilia reticulata. Tetrahymena was isolated from skin lesions of naturally infected guppies in a commercial aquaculture farm, cultured in vitro and used in subsequent experimental infections. In addition to guppies, angelfish, Pterophyllum scalare, platyfish, Xiphophorus maculates, and neontetra, Paracheirodon innesi, were susceptible, whereas tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus xO. aureus) was resistant. The ciliate had a high affinity for dead fish. Skin abrasion did not affect the infection, but fish with gas bubble disease exhibited a significantly higher infection than non-affected fish. Infection was significantly higher when fish were exposed to high levels of ammonia, high organic load and low water temperatures. Under shipment conditions, infection was significantly elevated. Full recovery was achieved at a low fish density. Results suggest that poor environmental and physiological conditions enhance infection with Tetrahymena sp.

Temporal and spatial distribution of paramoebae in the water column--a pilot study

Amoebic gill disease is the main disease affecting the salmonid industry in Tasmania, but no information on the distribution of the causative pathogen, Neoparamoeba pemaquidensis, in the aquatic environment is available. This pilot study aimed to determine temporal and spatial distributions of paramoebae species in the water column, using an immuno-dot blot technique. Water samples were collected from inside fish cages at various depths (0.5, 5.5 and 11.0 m) in both summer and winter, as well as various distances (0, 0.5, 240, 280, 750 and 1100 m) away from the sea cage and farming site. Paramoebae densities were estimated using the most probable number technique (MPN). Temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, nitrite and nitrates, and bacterial counts were measured for each water sample. Data were analysed using a residual maximum likelihood test and significant associations between paramoebae densities and environmental factors were analysed. Results showed that densities were significantly higher in summer (P = 0.017), at 5.5 m depth (P = 0.029), and reduced to the lowest density at 1100 m away from the cage sites (P = 0.008). Bacterial counts, turbidity and temperature were found to be significantly associated with paramoebae densities.

Fighting colorectal cancer: molecular epidemiology differences among Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews and Palestinians

BACKGROUND

To evaluate and compare differences in the molecular genetics among high-risk (Ashkenazi Jews), intermediate-risk (Sephardic Jews) and low-risk (Palestinians) groups for colorectal cancer who live in the same geographical region.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The 1995-1996 records from the Tel Aviv Medical Center and Muqased hospital (East Jerusalem) randomly identified patients with colorectal cancer. There were 25 patients from each ethnic group. Epidemiological data were obtained from interviews with the patients and from their hospital charts. The levels of cyclin D1, beta-catenine, p27, p53, Ki-67 and Her-2/neu proteins were determined by immunohistochemistry. The main outcome measures were the association between gene expression and colorectal incidence in the different ethnic groups.

RESULTS

Ashkenazi Jews have the highest rate of colorectal cancer, and are diagnosed at an early stage compared with Palestinians (72% and 33% of the cases are in Dukes' A and B, respectively), and, hence, this may explain the better 5-year survival rate among this group. Sephardic Jews are diagnosed at a more advanced stage, the tumors are poorly differentiated and they lack p27. Palestinians have significantly higher cyclin D1 levels. There was a statistically significant inverse correlation between the expression of beta-catenine and cyclin D1, as well as p53 and p27 (P <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Increased expression of cyclin D1, p53, Ki-67, beta-catenine and Her-2/neu, and decreased expression of p27 may be important events in the three ethnic groups with colorectal cancer. The lower mortality rate among Ashkenazi Jews may be partially explained by their better molecular biology profile.

Fighting colorectal cancer: molecular epidemiology differences among Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews and Palestinians

BACKGROUND

To evaluate and compare differences in the molecular genetics among high-risk (Ashkenazi Jews), intermediate-risk (Sephardic Jews) and low-risk (Palestinians) groups for colorectal cancer who live in the same geographical region.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The 1995-1996 records from the Tel Aviv Medical Center and Muqased hospital (East Jerusalem) randomly identified patients with colorectal cancer. There were 25 patients from each ethnic group. Epidemiological data were obtained from interviews with the patients and from their hospital charts. The levels of cyclin D1, beta-catenine, p27, p53, Ki-67 and Her-2/neu proteins were determined by immunohistochemistry. The main outcome measures were the association between gene expression and colorectal incidence in the different ethnic groups.

RESULTS

Ashkenazi Jews have the highest rate of colorectal cancer, and are diagnosed at an early stage compared with Palestinians (72% and 33% of the cases are in Dukes' A and B, respectively), and, hence, this may explain the better 5-year survival rate among this group. Sephardic Jews are diagnosed at a more advanced stage, the tumors are poorly differentiated and they lack p27. Palestinians have significantly higher cyclin D1 levels. There was a statistically significant inverse correlation between the expression of beta-catenine and cyclin D1, as well as p53 and p27 (P <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Increased expression of cyclin D1, p53, Ki-67, beta-catenine and Her-2/neu, and decreased expression of p27 may be important events in the three ethnic groups with colorectal cancer. The lower mortality rate among Ashkenazi Jews may be partially explained by their better molecular biology profile.

Preliminary description of lesions in juvenile largemouth bass injected with largemouth bass virus

Juvenile largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides were intraperitoneally injected with largemouth bass virus (LMBV), a member of the genus Ranavirus, family Iridoviridae. Moribund fish which had been injected with 10(6.2) tissue culture infectious doses, 50% endpoint (TCID50), were sampled 4 d after injection; other largemouth bass injected with this dose died between 3 and 5 d after injection. Fish injected with 10(2.8) TCID50 of LMBV were also examined after 4 d and had lesions similar to those of fish injected with the high dose. Clinical signs included darker pigmentation, inflammation and necrosis at the site of injection, distended abdomen, corkscrew swimming, and lateral recumbency. Internally, fish had focally pale livers, bright red spleens and reddened intestinal ceca. Histologically acute fibrinous peritonitis affected the surface of all organs in the peritoneal cavity, but deeper portions of organs appeared normal. There was also necrosis of the gastrointestinal mucosa. Except for the injection site, lesions were confined to the peritoneal cavity.

Quantification of immunoglobulin in the serum and mucus of channel catfish at different ages and following infection with Edwardsiella ictaluri

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was developed to quantify immunoglobulin (Ig) in the serum and mucus of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). The capture antibody (Ab) was a monoclonal Ab to channel catfish Ig and the detector was a polyclonal goat serum against channel catfish Ig. Detectable levels of channel catfish Ig were 0.1 microgram ml-1 and coefficients of intra- and interassay variations were 20% and 15%, respectively. Serum Ig concentration was found to increase from 0.36 +/- 0.25 to 0.49 +/- 0.26 mg ml-1 between 3 and 15 months of age. In contrast, mucus Ig concentration slightly decreased from 0.55 +/- 0.52 to 0.45 +/- 0.82 ng cm-2 of skin between 3 and 15 months of age. Mucus Ig concentrations were highest immediately caudal to gill covers and between pectoral to anal fins, at concentrations of 0.45 +/- 0.82 and 0.34 +/- 0.67 ng cm-2, respectively. The concentration of mucus Ig between anal and caudal fins and on the ventral skin between gill covers and pectoral fin was 0.18 +/- 0.42 and 0.09 +/- 0.14 ng cm-2, respectively. The kinetics of Ig production following infection with Edwardsiella ictaluri showed that serum Ig concentrations markedly increased (20.92 +/- 32.75 mg ml-1) at 13 days post-infection. The increase in mucus Ig concentrations occurred 14 days later (0.80 +/- 1.91 ng cm-2). Individual variation in both serum and mucus Ig production increased considerably during the course of infection (+/-0.23 to +/-32.75 mg ml-1 for serum Ig and +/-0.1 to +3.41 ng cm-2 for mucus Ig). The results suggest that E. ictaluri infection causes higher Ig production than that found in non-infected fish of the same age. Ab response to E. ictaluri was detected in the serum but not in the mucus of infected fish. Our results show differences in serum and mucus Ig concentrations with age and after infection with E. ictaluri.

Monoclonal antibodies against acetylcholinesterase of Schistosoma mansoni: production and characterization

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were raised in mice against acetylcholinesterase (AChE, EC 3.1.1.7) of the parasite Schistosoma mansoni. Specific tests were used, in which the hybridoma culture supernatants were screened for MAbs capable of recognizing AChE. The MAbs were characterized by their recognition of different stages of the parasite life cycle, by their binding to epitopes of protein or of carbohydrate, and by their capability of blocking AChE activity of the intact parasites. Furthermore, the MAbs were tested for their cross-reaction with AChE derived from various species. One of the MAbs, termed SA31, showed strong cross-reactivity with invertebrate and vertebrate species, indicating some similarity of cross-reaction between schistosome and mammalian AChE. However, most of the schistosome AChE epitopes are not shared with vertebrate AChE. The specific interaction of three other MAbs with intact schistosomula resulted in a marked complement (C)-dependent cytotoxicity. Specific schistosome AChE epitopes might be suitable candidates for drug design and vaccine preparation.