RESPOSTAS HEMATOLÓGICAS DE Arapaima gigas (PISCES: ARAPAIMIDAE) PARASITADOS NATURALMENTE POR PROTOZOÁRIOS E METAZOÁRIOS

O presente estudo comparou os parâmetros sanguíneos de Arapaima gigas Schinz, 1822 de cultivo, parasitados por uma espécie de protozoário e três espécies de helmintos. Em uma das pisciculturas os peixes foram parasitados somente por Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ciliophora), enquanto na outra foram parasitados por I. multifiliis, Dawestrema cycloancistrium e Dawestrema cycloancistrioides (Monogenoidea) e Polyacanthorhynchus macrorhynchus (Acanthocephala). Determinou-se a contagem total de eritrócitos, trombócitos e leucócitos (total e diferencial), hematócrito, concentração de hemoglobina, volume corpuscular média (VCM), hemoglobina corpuscular média (HCM), concentração da hemoglobina corpuscular média (CHCM), glicose e proteínas totais. Os peixes parasitados por I. multifiliis, D. cycloancistrium, D. cycloancistrioides e P. macrorhynchus mostraram menores valores de hematócrito, VCM e níveis de glicose, e maior concentração de hemoglobina, HCM, CHCM, número de eritrócitos, monócitos, neutrófilos e eosinófilos totais quando comparados aos peixes parasitados somente por I. multifiliis. Portanto, esses resultados indicam uma resposta desses parâmetros sanguíneos ao parasitismo A. gigas.Palavras-chave: bioquímica, leucócitos, parasitos, peixe de água doce, sangue.This study compared the blood parameters of Arapaima gigas Schinz, 1822 farming, which were parasitized by a species of protozoan and three helminth species. In of one fish farm the fish were parasitized only by Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ciliophora), while in other fish farm it were parasitized by I. multifiliis, Dawestrema cycloancistrium and Dawestrema cycloancistrioides (Monogenoidea) and Polyacanthorhynchus macrorhynchus (Acanthocephala). Total erythrocyte, thrombocytes and leukocytes number, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), hemoglobin, glucose and total protein were determined. The fish parasitized by I. multifiliis, D. cycloancistrium, D. cycloancistrioides  and P. macrorhynchus showed lower hematocrit, MCV and glucose levels, and an increased hemoglobin concentration, MCH, MCHC, erythrocytes, monocytes, neutrophils and eosinophils number compared to fish parasitized only by I. multifiliis. Therefore, these results indicate a response of these blood parameters to parasitism in A. gigas.Keywords: biochemistry, leukocytes, parasites, freshwater fish, blood

Sistema de recirculação usando filtros biológicos aerados no cultivo de alevinos de tambaqui

The objective of this work was to evaluate a recirculating aquaculture system using biological aerated filters in tanks for tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) fingerlings farming, with two initial stocking densities (1.4 and 2.5 kg m-³). The biofilters had similar materials (media) and the same granulometric standards, but inverted orders of the media (classic and inverted). The following were monitored for 90 days: water quality; zootechnical, parasitological, and hematological parameters; and hematimetric indices. Water temperature, oxygen levels, pH, electrical conductivity, and dissolved solids concentration were compatible with tambaqui farming and did not differ between the different biofilters and densities. The ammonia and nitrite value was associated with the stocking densities and not with biofilter. The zootechnical and hematological parameters and the hematimetric indices evaluated were not influenced either by the type of biofilter or by the stocking densities. Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Anacanthorus spathulatus, Notozothecium janauachensis, and Mymarothecium boegeri were the parasites found. The aerated, classical, and inverted biological filters have similar efficiency in maintaining water quality parameters for tambaqui fingerling farming.O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar um sistema de recirculação de água com uso de filtros biológicos aerados em tanques de criação de alevinos de tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum), com duas densidades de estocagem (1,4 e 2,5 kg m-³). Os biofiltros possuíam materiais semelhantes (meios) e os mesmos padrões granulométricos, mas com a ordem dos meios invertida (clássico e invertido). Foram monitorados durante 90 dias: a qualidade da água; os parâmetros zootécnicos, parasitológicos e hematológicos; e os índices hematimétricos. A temperatura da água, os níveis de oxigênio, o pH, a condutividade elétrica e a concentração de sólidos dissolvidos foram compatíveis com a produção de tambaqui e não diferiram entre os diferentes biofiltros e densidades. O valor de amônia e nitrito foi associado à densidade de estocagem e não ao biofiltro. Os parâmetros zootécnicos e hematológicos e os índices hematimétricos avaliados não foram influenciados nem pelo tipo de biofiltro nem pela densidade de estocagem. Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Anacanthorus spathulatus, Notozothecium janauachensis e Mymarothecium boegeri foram os parasitas encontrados. Os filtros biológicos aerados, clássico e invertido têm similar eficiência na manutenção de parâmetros de qualidade de água para o cultivo de alevinos de tambaqui

Hematological responses of tambaqui Colossoma macropomum (Serrassalmidae) fed with diets supplemented with essential oil from Mentha piperita (Lamiaceae) and challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila

ABSTRACT In fish farmings, diseases can be reduced by using immunostimulants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunostimulant potential of Mentha piperita in tambaqui fed with 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% of oil per kg of commercial fish feed. The fish were inoculated with Aeromonas hydrophila to challenge them. Hematological and biochemical parameters were determined after 30 days of feeding and seven days after the challenge. There was no mortality and M. piperita oil did not influence fish production parameters. However, blood hemoglobin concentration (Hb) increased in the fish fed with 0.5 and 1.5% of oil per kg of diet; albumin increased in those fed with 1.0%; cholesterol increased in all groups with oil; and triglycerides increased in those fed with 0.5%. After the bacterial challenge, the fish showed decreases in Hb when fed with diet enriched with 1.5% oil per kg of diet, in mean corpuscular volume with 1.0% and in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration with 0 and 1.5%. Protein levels increased in groups with 0 and 1.5% of oil and albumin when fed with 0 and 1.0%; cholesterol levels increased in the control group; and high levels of triglycerides were observed in the groups with 0, 0.5 and 1.5%. Thus, M. piperita essential oil promoted hematological alterations in tambaqui and can be recommended in diets containing up to 1.0% per kg, because of the minimal physiological modifications caused. However, additional studies are necessary to obtain more information regarding to the physiological effects of this immunostimulant. KEYWORDS: Immune system; natural product; bacterial challenge; biochemistry. Respostas hematológicas de tambaqui Colossoma macropomum (Serrassalmidae) alimentado com dietas suplementadas com óleo essencial de Mentha piperita (Lamiaceae) e desafiados com Aeromonas hydrophila RESUMO Em pisciculturas, doenças podem ser minimizadas com o uso de imunoestimulantes. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o potencial imunoestimulante do óleo essencial de Mentha piperita na dieta de tambaqui com dietas contendo 0; 0,5; 1,0; 1,5% de inclusão do óleo por kg de ração comercial para peixes. Os tambaquis foram desafiados com a bactéria Aeromonas hydrophila. Hematologia e bioquímica dos tambaquis foram determinados após 30 dias de alimentação e sete dias do desafio. Não houve mortalidade dos peixes durante o experimento, sendo que o óleo não influenciou os parâmetros produtivos dos peixes. Entretanto, a concentração de hemoglobina (Hb) aumentou em peixes alimentados com 0,5 e 1,5% de óleo por kg de dieta; a albumina aumentou em 1,0%; o colesterol aumentou em todos os grupos com óleo; e triglicérides em 0,5% por kg de dieta. Após desafio bacteriano ocorreram diminuições da Hb nos peixes alimentados com 1,5% de óleo; do volume corpuscular médio com 1,0%; e da concentração de hemoglobina corpuscular média com 0 e 1,5%. Níveis aumentados de proteína nos grupos 0 e 1,5%; da albumina em 0 e 1,0%; do colesterol no controle; e dos triglicérides em 0, 0,5 e 1,5% de óleo na dieta. Assim o óleo essencial de M. piperita na dieta promoveu alterações hematológicas e pode ser recomendado seu uso em inclusões de até 1,0% por kg da dieta de tambaqui, devido às mínimas alterações fisiológicas causadas. Entretanto, estudos adicionais são necessários, de modo a obter informações sobre os efeitos fisiológicos deste imunoestimulante. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Sistema imune; produto natural; desafio bacteriano; bioquímica

SUBSTITUIÇÃO PARCIAL DA RAÇÃO COMERCIAL POR SOJA E MILHO COZIDOS E SUA INFLUÊNCIA SOBRE O CULTIVO DE HÍBRIDOS TAMBATINGAS

Partial replacement of fish commercial diets by boiled soybean and corn prepared to feed tambatingas hybrids in a fish farm of Macapá City, State of Amapá, and promoted reduction of production costs. This practice is widely used by fish farmers; however, monitoring fish growth and health conditions is important. Therefore, this evaluation was the aim of the present study. Fish biometrical and physiological (hematologic and biochemistry) analysis were measured, as well as water quality parameters were performed in two period times. The first analysis were done two months after the start of feeding (named RSM and RC I), and the second analysis were done after four months after the start of feeding (named RSM and RC II). The diets replacement caused no changes in ponds water pH, temperature and dissolved oxygen concentration; however, physiological changes occurred in fish. Tambatinga hybrid grew and presented weigh gain (P<0.05) when fed with soybean and corn boiled prepared feed (RSM). In addition, hemoglobin concentration and plasma protein and urea concentration alterations occurred. The leucogram indicated reduction in peripheral white blood cells and could indicate the presence of an infectious process in fish. Thus, the fish farmer has achieved reduction in the quantity of commercial feed utilized for only 20% of the total, diminishing the tambatingas production costs. However, additional long-term studies to evaluate the animals' health are necessary.Keywords: nutrition; fish farm; hematology; biochemical analysis.A substituição parcial da ração comercial para peixes por um preparado de soja e milho cozidos na alimentação de híbridos tambatingas, realizado em uma piscicultura no Município de Macapá, Estado do Amapá, pode promover redução dos custos de produção para o piscicultor. Esta prática é muito utilizada pelos produtores no estado, entretanto, o crescimento e a condição de saúde desses peixes devem ser monitorados durante o cultivo, o qual foi o objetivo do presente estudo. Avaliações biométricas e fisiológicas (hematológica e bioquímica) foram realizadas nos peixes, além do monitoramento da qualidade da água sendo a primeira análise, dois meses após o início da alimentação (RC I e RSM I), e a segunda, após quatro meses (RCM II e RSM II). A substituição da ração comercial não causou alterações no pH, temperatura e concentração de oxigênio dissolvido da água dos viveiros da piscicultura; entretanto, alterações fisiológicas ocorreram nos peixes. Os híbridos tambatingas apresentaram crescimento e ganho de peso (P < 0,05) quando alimentados com o preparado de soja e milho (RSM), além disso, ocorreram alterações nos níveis de hemoglobina nas células sanguíneas e nos níveis plasmáticos de proteína e ureia. O leucograma dos híbridos indicou redução no número de células brancas no sangue periférico, podendo indicar presença de processo infeccioso nos peixes. Conclui-se que o produtor obteve redução no uso de ração comercial para apenas 20% do total, diminuindo os custos de produção de tambatingas. Entretanto, estudos a longo prazo (no mínimo dez meses) são necessários, possibilitando monitoramento da saúde desses animais.Palavras-chave: nutrição, piscicultura, hematologia, análises bioquímicas

Hematological responses of tambaqui Colossoma macropomum (Serrassalmidae) fed with diets supplemented with essential oil from Mentha piperita (Lamiaceae) and challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila

ABSTRACTIn fish farmings, diseases can be reduced by using immunostimulants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunostimulant potential of Mentha piperita in tambaqui fed with 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% of oil per kg of commercial fish feed. The fish were inoculated with Aeromonas hydrophila to challenge them. Hematological and biochemical parameters were determined after 30 days of feeding and seven days after the challenge. There was no mortality and M. piperita oil did not influence fish production parameters. However, blood hemoglobin concentration (Hb) increased in the fish fed with 0.5 and 1.5% of oil per kg of diet; albumin increased in those fed with 1.0%; cholesterol increased in all groups with oil; and triglycerides increased in those fed with 0.5%. After the bacterial challenge, the fish showed decreases in Hb when fed with diet enriched with 1.5% oil per kg of diet, in mean corpuscular volume with 1.0% and in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration with 0 and 1.5%. Protein levels increased in groups with 0 and 1.5% of oil and albumin when fed with 0 and 1.0%; cholesterol levels increased in the control group; and high levels of triglycerides were observed in the groups with 0, 0.5 and 1.5%. Thus, M. piperita essential oil promoted hematological alterations in tambaqui and can be recommended in diets containing up to 1.0% per kg, because of the minimal physiological modifications caused. However, additional studies are necessary to obtain more information regarding to the physiological effects of this immunostimulant

Efficacy of Carapa guianensis oil (Meliaceae) against monogeneans infestations: a potential antiparasitic for Colossoma macropomum and its effects in hematology and histopathology of gills

Abstract This study evaluated the efficacy of therapeutic baths with Carapa guianensis (andiroba) oil against monogeneans of Colossoma macropomum (tambaqui), as well as the hematological and histological effects on fish. Among the fatty acids identified in C. guianensis oil, oleic acid (53.4%) and palmitic acid (28.7%) were the major compounds, and four limonoids were also identified. Therapeutic baths of 1 hour were performed for five consecutive days, and there was no fish mortality in any of the treatments. Therapeutic baths using 500 mg/L of C. guianensis oil had an anthelmintic efficacy of 91.4% against monogeneans. There was increase of total plasma protein and glucose, number of erythrocytes, thrombocytes, leukocytes, lymphocytes and number of monocytes and decrease in mean corpuscular volume. Histological changes such as epithelium detachment, hyperplasia, lamellar fusion and aneurysm were found in the gills of tambaqui from all treatments, including controls with water of culture tank and water of culture tank plus iso-propyl alcohol. Therapeutic baths with 500 mg/L of C. guianensis oil showed high efficacy and caused few physiological changes capable of compromising fish gill function. Results indicate that C. guianensis oil has an anthelmintic potential for control and treatment of infections by monogeneans in tambaqui

Occurrence of Myxobolus spp. (Myxozoa) in the blood of Metynnis lippincottianus (Osteichthyes: Serrasalmidae) from eastern Amazon, Brazil

Abstract Myxozoans are obligatory parasites and can be found in various organs and bloodstreams of fish, thus, the objective of this work was to describe the occurrence of Myxobolus spp. in the circulating blood of Metynnis lippincottianus from River Curiaú, Macapá City, eastern Amazon, Brazil. The samples of M. lippincottianus (11) were caught using cast net and gillnets. The fish blood was collected by puncturing the caudal vessel, using needles and syringes containing 10% of EDTA solution. Blood smear were prepared and panchromatic stained with a combination of May Grunwald-Giemsa-Wright, for observation and examination of the parasitic structures in optical microscope. Tissues from the kidney was examined using specific stereoscopic binoculars to check for the presence of cysts, lesions and parasites. The prevalence of Myxobolus spp. infecting the circulating blood of the fish was 36.36% (4/11) and 15 spores of mixosporyds were visualized. Myxobolus spp. had a prevalence of 54.55% (6/11) in host's kidney tissue and the morphometric spores data converge with observed in the blood. The morphological characteristics of the spores in the blood samples revealed two morphotypes of Myxobolus spp. This is the sixth occurrence recorded of Myxobolus spp. infecting fish blood in Brazil