Abstract
The parasite population dynamics of a Danish isolate of Gyrodactylus derjavini Mikailov 1975 on immunosuppressed fry of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), were investigated and compared with immunocompetent fry. Immunosuppression was induced 14 days prior to infection by intraperitoneal injections of dexamethasone (fluoro-methyl-prednisolone). Treated and untreated fish were infected by cohabitation with Gyrodactylus-infected donorfish, carrying 4-week-old infections. Initial infections did not differ between the two groups. However, parasite populations increased significantly faster and reached significantly higher levels in the dexamethasone-treated group from day 13 post-exposure and during the following 3 weeks when compared with the untreated group. Microhabitat distribution of parasites on the two host groups differed from day 20 post-exposure, which could indicate a different host response to infection. Changes in the density of superficial mucous cells in the caudal fins were investigated during the course of infection. No differences in mucous cell density between untreated and dexamethasone-treated groups were found.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
