ALBERT

Notizen: Abstract. Populations of postlarval, juvenile and adult Kuruma prawns, Penaeus japonicus Bate, have been affected by an unusual proliferative condition of the midgut and ventral nerve cord. Animals affected with this gut and nerve syndrome have been observed from various shrimp systems in Hawaii, including high density tanks and raceways, low density ponds, and adult broodstock held in a maturation system. Affected shrimp ranged in age from ∼20-day-old postlarvae of ∼0.02g average weight to adult shrimp of ∼ 60 g average weight. The principal lesions observed in affected animals were a hypertrophy of the anterior midgut mucosal epithelium basement membrane (BM) and a hyperplasia of the epineurium that covers the ventral nerve cord and segmental ganglia in the gnathothorax. There seemed to be a positive correlation between increased thickness of the BM and disease, and possibly a relationship between ataxia and lethargy and the degree of hyperplasia of the epineurium.

Notizen: Abstract. Two groups of rainbow trout fingerlings were exposed for 90 days to 0.2 and 0.4 mg/1 of un-ionized ammonia, respectively. Several fish exposed to the higher concentration soon developed clinical signs suggestive of a neurological dysfunction but subsequently recovered. No lesion attributable to ammonia was seen in the gills of any of the fish. This raises questions about the precise role of ammonia in the production of gill diseases in intensively cultured trout.

Notizen: Abstract. Proliferative kidney disease (PKD) was diagnosed in rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, at the Hagerman, Idaho, State Fish Hatchery. Wild fish from Riley Creek, one of the hatchery water supplies, were infected with PKD organisms. Clinical signs, gross pathology and histopathology of affected fish were typical of those reported for PKD in salmonids from European hatcheries. In addition to lesions normally seen, we observed a severe vasculitis and occlusion of renal and hepatic vessels. Ultrastructure of the PKD organism and possible inclusion body production sites are described. The disease outbreak was complicated by the presence of other infectious diseases. This is the first recorded outbreak of PKD in North America.

Notizen: Abstract. The efficacy of the immersion method of vaccination was evaluated using Aeromonas salmonicida bacterin. In general a 2 min immersion vaccination was not as effective as vaccination by intraperitoneal injection; however, the level of immunity was improved by giving multiple vaccinations several days apart. A primary immersion vaccination with bacterin diluted 1:4 followed by a secondary vaccination diluted 1:2 gave good results. The most concentrated secondary booster was more effective than boosting with more dilute bacterin.

Notizen: Abstract. Epitheliocystis infections in the gills of carp from Israel and Portugal occurred in lining epithelial cells as well as mucus and chloride cells. Ultrastructural studies of infected cells revealed several morphological forms of epitheliocystis showing the existence of a pleomorphic developmental cycle. The following stages were observed: chlamydia-like round cells (RC), non-dividing round cells (NRC) and bullet-shaped small cells (SC). All these were identical in shape to RC and SC described from epitheliocystis of other fish, The rickettsia-like cells (PLC and ILC) which occur in epitheliocystis from other fish species and produce the SC were absent in carp epitheliocystis and instead the RC were seen transforming into SC. Transformation to SC, however, occurred at any stage of the developmental process, even before the replication potential of the RC was exhausted, i.e. before reaching the NRC stage.

Notizen: Abstract. During the period from 1965 to 1980, 263 Vibrio anguillarum strains from ayu, Plecoglossiis altivelis (Temminck & Schlegel), two from rainbow trout. Salmo gairdneri Richardson, and two from eel, Anguilla japonica (Temminck & Schlegel), were collected from fish suffering from vibriosis in various parts of Japan. On the basis of cross-agglutination and cross-absorption tests with thermostable (O) antigens, six distinct serotypes (A, B, C, D, E and F) were established among 12 selected strains of V. anguillarum. 241 strains isolated from ayu and two strains from rainbow trout belonged to serotype A, six strains from ayu and one strain from eel to serotype B, 12 strains from ayu to serotype C, three strains from ayu to serotype D, one strain from ayu to serotype E, and one strain from eel to serotype F. V. anguillarum strains belonging to serotypes D, E and F have not been detected from ayu, rainbow trout and eel since 1973; these serotypes appear to be minor types. V. anguillarum strain NCMB 6 and 1669 belong to our serotype A and V. anguillarum 813 to our serotype C.

Notizen: Abstract. In the intestinal epithelium of 3–5-summer old tench, Tinca tinca L., an unknown Eimeria sp. developing white, pinhead-sized nodules was found. Oocysts were shed in a non-sporulated state, but at 20°C in tap water they completed sporulation and resembled Eimeria subepithelialis, a parasite of common carp. During the period of examination, in April and May, only young oocysts and gamogonic stages developing in the epithelium of the mucosa were detected. Despite the morphological similarities and nodular occurrence there are significant differences between the nodular coccidiosis of the tench and common carp.

Notizen: Abstract. Post-spawning mortalities of 2- to 3-year old female rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, at a Newfoundland hatchery were studied. The fish were found to have a mixed bacterial infection involving primarily a Lactobacillus sp. (a Gram-positive, chain-forming coccobacillus) and to a lesser degree Enterobacteriaceae, Aeromonas hydrophila and Pseudomonas fluorescens. The bacteria were isolated from the visceral organs, kidney, and ascitic fluid present in the coelomic cavity. The fish had extensive degeneration and necrosis of the liver, spleen and kidney, and sloughing of intestinal epithelium, but whether these were caused directly by the bacterial infection was not established because the fish appeared to have received substantial stress from the mechanical stripping and from the retention of dead, unshed eggs in the coelomic cavity. Tissue sections suggested that substantial growth of the Lactobacillus sp. was occurring within these unshed eggs. The present study describes this unusual observation and compares the Lactobacillus sp. to two other Lactobacillus isolates from cultured trout.

Notizen: Abstract. An ultrastructural study of Myxobolus exiguus Thelohan, 1895 using interlamellar and subdermal plasmodia from thick-lipped grey mullet, Crenimugil labrosus, revealed differences in the structure of the plasmodia and host tissue reaction. Both plasmodia showed structural evidence of pinocytotic activity, but the surface area of subdermal plasmodia was considerably increased by digitiform extensions of the ectoplasm. A filamentous glycocalyx was a feature of the surface membrane of plasmodia, being more distinct on the interlamellar form. Sporo-genesis involved two morphologically distinct types of generative cells, producing a disporous pansporoblast. Mature spores were oval, measuring 9-0 μm×7.5 μm. Sporogenesis and capsulogenesis were essentially similar to other myxosporea. In the juvenile fish examined the host tissue reaction was slight, involving hyperplasia of epithelial cells associated with interlamellar plasmodia and some collagen deposition and localized melanization associated with subdermal plasmodia.

Notizen: Abstract. An outbreak of disease in a British trout farm was identified as fish botulism. The diagnosis was established by demonstration of toxin in the serum and intestinal contents of fish, and was confirmed by the production of experimental botulism in trout inoculated with toxin from a strain of Clostridium botulinum type E isolated from intestinal contents of a sick fish. The outbreak was controlled and eliminated within 1 month by conservative measures which comprised the emptying, cleaning and heavy liming of affected ponds; intensive examination of all ponds for immediate removal of dead and sick fish and, on public health grounds, the banning of movement of fish outwith the farm. This episode, although of considerable financial consequence to the farmer, was shown to have no public health significance.

Notizen: Abstract. Organ samples were collected from plaice, Pleuronectes platessa L., captured in the highly oiled Aber Wrac'h and Aber Benoit at five intervals during the period 1978-1980, following the Amoco Cadiz crude oil spill. Reference plaice were obtained along the western and southern coasts of Brittany. Tissue samples were fixed, processed and stained by routine histologic procedures for qualitative and quantitative histopathological examination. The predominant lesions and conditions which characterized fish from the oiled estuaries were: fin and tail necrosis, hyperplasia and hypertrophy of gill lamellar mucous cells, gastric gland degeneration, decreased hepatocellular vacuolation (lipid), increased concentration of hepatic macrophage centres and lateral trunk muscle fibre degeneration. Dilation of Bowman's space, glomerular hypertrophy and abdominal muscle fibre degeneration were pronounced at the last sampling interval. Other types of lesions were seen at a lower frequency: hyperplasia and fusion of gill lamellar epithelium, telangiectasis of gill capillaries, hepatopancreatic degeneration and hepatic necrosis. Fish muscle and liver collected for biochemical analysis to detect the presence or absence of petroleum hydrocarbons were negative for Amoco Cadiz oil fractions. At the same time oysters, Crassostrea gigas Thunberg, collected from the oiled estuaries throughout the study period, showed high levels of Amoco Cadiz oil fractions. These data, along with the type and frequency of lesions observed, suggested that the plaice had been chronically-exposed to petroleum hydrocarbons of Amoco Cadiz origin. Some relief from chronic pollutant exposure was indicated by a decrease in gill mucous cell concentration at the last sampling interval. An increase in abdominal muscle fibre degeneration and an increase in the frequency of dilation of Bowman's space with glomerular hypertrophy at the last sampling interval suggested a latent response to the polluting agent.

Notizen: Abstract. The clinical signs and histopathology of Saprolegnia sp. [related to S. diclina Humphrey (syn. S. parasitica Coker)] are described in cultured Anguilla anguilla L. elvers under an intensive production system. The main lesions observed were loss of epithelium leading to ulceration, oedema and myofibrillar degenerative changes of the muscle mass. The oedema resulted in swelling of the inter-myotomal connective tissue, loss of nuclei and minor host reaction. Traumatic lesions with subsequent bacterial infections had a mononuclear inflammatory response. It is suggested that the rapid extension of the lesion is due to the loss of integrity of the integument and the widespread oedema, which altered the viability of tissues and assisted the Saprolegnia infection. The condition was fatal for infected elvers.

Notizen: Book reviewed in this article:Biochemistry of Parasitic Helminths by John Barrett

Notizen: Abstract. Continuous visual observations of the signs of development of UDN in fish kept in aquaria were correlated with light microscopical, transmission and scanning electron microscopical results. The initial signs of the disease are circles of pathologically-changed epidermis. The tight junctions of the squamous cells within these mucus-free areas disintegrate resulting in the loss of the protective function of the zonula occludens. Subsequently, the intercellular spaces dilate and communicate with the exterior. Necrosis of the epidermal cells due to hydromineral disturbances occur simultaneously with fungal infections and marked responses of the melanophores. It is suggested that the fungal infections are triggered by metabolites of the necrotic epidermal cells. The epidermal cells are shed and the fungus determines the further course of the disease which terminates in large ulcers covered with fungal hyphae. No substantial evidence for the presence of a virus could be recorded at any stage of the disease. It is concluded that the disease is a squames and the fungus appears as an opportunist which causes the eventual death of the fish.

Notizen: Abstract. Pale and swollen gills were observed in 23 of 240 Laval's eelpouts, Lycodes lavalaei Vladykov and Tremblay (Perciformes), taken from several locations off the coasts of Newfoundland and southern Labrador. Light microscopic study of histological sections revealed clusters of unidentified cells (‘X-cells’) in the basal region of secondary gill lamellae and extending along the latter, between the epithelium and lamellar capillaries. In the electron microscope two types of X-cells were enclosed in a network of cytoplasmic processes from dense ‘envelope’ cells. Both types of X-cells were bound by a densely-coated limiting membrane and had nuclei with large, dense nucleoli, numerous mitochondria with short vesicular cristae, lipid inclusions, abundant smooth endoplasmic reticulum and small dense inclusions. The Type II X-cells were larger, contained a much greater concentration of lipid and small dense inclusions, and an additional inclusion with a dense core surrounded by a light halo. The X-cells are compared with strikingly similar cells described from epidermal and pseudobranch tumours of marine fish. Although transformation of a host cell by virus or possibly pollution has been suggested, neither the nature nor the origin of the X-cells can be determined.

Notizen: Abstract. An improved technique for isolating infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) is described. It involves trypsinization of the suspect tissue, separation of the trypsinized cells and their co-cultivation with indicator RTG-2 cells. This co-cultivation method is compared with homogenization, followed by membrane filtration, a procedure routinely employed by most disease diagnostic laboratories. From the two IPN-infected farms studied, IPNV could be isolated by homogenization from only 50 and 66%, respectively, of the fish from which virus was detected by co-cultivation. This difference in sensitivity can be explained in two ways, viz: (a) some of the virus is being retained by the membrane filter during filtration to remove contaminants following homogenization; (b) the presence of neutralizing factors in the tissue homogenate are neutralizing the virus and thus no cytopathic effect ensues. No correlation between serum neutralizing antibody levels and the differences in sensitivity of the two methods was found. The co-cultivation method is as practical as, and certainly no more time-consuming than, the homogenization technique.

Notizen: Abstract. Descriptions of six coccidian species infecting marine fishes are presented. Goussia cascosa sp.nov. is described from the visceral organs of the roughhead grenadier, Macrourus berglax Lacépède, from Newfoundland waters; it is a species closely related to G. gadi. Goussia luciae sp.nov. is described from the intestine of sea mullet, Mullus barbatus L., collected, as were the hosts of all the following species, from the French Mediterranean coast at Banyuls-sur-Mer. Goussia lucida (Labbé, 1893) is redescribed from the intestine of a new host, the lesser spotted dogfish, Scyliorhinus canicula (L.). Epieimeria isabellae sp.nov. is described from the intestine of conger eel, Conger conger L. Two species were provisionally allotted to the genus Eimeria: E. banyulemis sp.nov. from the intestine of axillary wrasse, Crenilabrus mediterraneus L., and Eimeria insignis sp.nov. from the intestine of scorpion fish, Scorpaena notata Rafinesque. Taxonomic affinities and the pathogenicity of these coccidian species are discussed.

Notizen: Abstract. The tidewater silverside, Menidia beryllina, and the hogchoker, Trinectes maculatus, were exposed to south Louisiana whole crude oil (WCO) and its water-soluble fractions (WSF) to assess histopathological effects on their gills, olfactory organ, and liver. Both fishes were exposed to 5 mg WCO/1, 100 mg WCO/1, 5% WSF, and 50% WSF. Additionally, M. beryllina was exposed to 100 mg WCO/1 with 20 ppm Terramycin® to study possible complications caused by bacteria. Exposure of M. beryllina lasted 21-30 days, whereas experiments using T. maculatus continued for 38-60 days. Pathological changes in M. beryllina appeared by day 7 and became severe as experiments progressed to day 30. Histological alterations in the silverside included epithelial hyperplasia and fusion of gill lamellae, separation of respiratory epithelium from underlying tissue, hyperplasia of sustentacular cells of olfactory lamellae, necrosis of both neurosensory and sustentacular epithelium, extensive lipid vacuolation in hepatocytes, and atrophy and necrosis of intrahepatic exocrine pancreatic nodules. Of the tissues examined, the pancreas served as the most specific pathological indicator of oil pollution. In T. maculatus, hepatocytes of exposed individuals did not become vacuolated, and, except for gills exposed to 100 mg WCO/1, response by gills in the other three tests remained limited to slight hyperplasia. Olfactory mucosa of the hogchoker exhibited severe necrosis of both neurosensory and sustentacular cells in the high concentrations of oil, but no damage in low concentrations. The intrahepatic pancreas of fish exposed to all test-concentrations atrophied and became necrotic by the end of experiments. Limited studies using both Terramycin and a combination of Terramycin and WCO indicated lack of bacterial involvement in tissue damage in oil-exposed silverside, but the size of hepatic nuclei increased in the Terramycin-control fish, and the shape of lipid vacuoles appeared unusual subsequent to exposure to the combination. Menidia beryllina became hyperactive and refrained from feeding for up to 6 h after the initial administration of oil, whereas T. maculatus apparently never fed, and it exhibited hyperactivity after all exchanges of sea water and fresh oil. Deaths appeared to correspond both to degree of pathological damage and to exposure-concentrations. Partial to complete recovery was observed in gills, olfactory organ, and pancreas of M. beryllina exposed to WCO or WSF for 20 days and then maintained in oil-free sea water for 17 days.

Notizen: Abstract. Isolated areas of the skin and gills of rainbow and brown trout were subjected to hyperosmotic infiltration with E. coli both in vitro and in vivo and examined for the passage of bacteria. Bacteria were recovered from the isolated gill arches only after treatment with balanced salt solution at x 10 concentration, followed by the bacterial suspension. All the skin flap experiments were negative. Bacteria were recovered from the blood offish when that part of the animal anterior to the pectoral fins was exposed to the infiltrating bacteria. They were only recovered when the animal was exposed to the full hyperosmotic infiltration schedule. The evidence strongly supports the view that the bacteria enter the animal through the gills.

Notizen: Books reviewed in this article:The Chemical Biology of Fishes: Vol. 2: Advances 1968–1977. By R. M. LOVE.

Notizen: Abstract. The present report deals with experiments concerning the theoretical basis for development of a live, attenuated vaccine against viral haemorrhagic septicaemia (VHS) of rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, on the basis of a virus strain derived from the Egtved virus reference strain F, the pathogenicity of which has been strongly reduced by in vitro passage. It is shown that the low pathogenicity of the virus (designated the Reva strain) is a genetically stable feature and that the protection against VHS induced by infection with the virus is due to an immune response. Following immunological priming at 10°C partial protection developed at 5° 10° and 15° but not at 20°C, whereas neutralizing antibody was produced at all four temperatures by some of the fish. The duration of virus persistence in trout was found to be inversely proportional to the water temperature.

Notizen: Abstract. Infection trials using two serotypes of VHS viruses (type 1 and 23/75) demonstrated that Atlantic salmon fry were susceptible to the disease when injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with 103 pfu of virus/fish but resistant to infection by a bath method when exposed for 3 h in water containing 5 × 104 pfu of virus/ml. In the i.p.-infected fish, mortality reached 78 and 67% within 13 days with VHSV1 nad 23/75 serotypes, respectively. High virus yields were recovered from infected fish and virus shedding was demonstrated by the onset of VHS in rainbow trout kept in the outflow water from the aquaria containing infected salmon. Neither mortality nor virus shedding occurred in salmon infected by the water route but virus multiplication was demonstrated in 2 of 60 fish with VHSV1 and 3 of 60 fish with virus 23/75. On day 79 post-infection the sera from surviving salmon of both i.p. and bath infection trials exhibited good neutralizing titres (around 1000) against the homologous viruses.

Notizen: Abstract. In March 1972 an epizootic of a non-specific fish disease (red spot), was reported in estuarine fish stocks of the Burnett River in central Queensland, Australia. The disease, characterized by the presence of external lesions, infected a wide range offish species. Red spot has now reportedly spread to the river systems of New Guinea in the north and southwards to central New South Wales. The sea mullet, Mugil cephalus, was selected as a target species for the monitoring of epizootics within the Noosa River system of southern Queensland. Disease epizootics appeared to be related to the occurrence of certain environmental changes such as low or rapidly changing temperatures and rapid or prolonged depressions of salinity in the estuarine habitat. The effect of crowding, migration and spawning upon the transmission of this disease is also discussed. Simultaneously conducted microbiological investigations indicated that the bacterium, Vibrio anguillarum was the causative agent of red spot epizootics.

Notizen: Abstract. A microsporidian parasite was found in a natural population of mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis, from southern California. The parasite, a Glugea sp, induced the formation of xenoma complexes in the mesenteries of infected fish. In cases of severe infection, the xenomas occupied the majority of the abdominal cavity and appeared to prevent efficient swimming. This report is an initial documentation of this infection and a description of some of the clinical signs observed.

Notizen: Abstract. A microsporidian parasite, Microsporidium rhabdophilia n. sp. is described from rodlet cells of salmonid fishes. Chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, coho salmon, Oncorhynchus kisutch, steelhead rainbow trout, Salmo gairdnerii gairdnerii, and various strains of domesticated rainbow trout were found infected. In living wet mount phase-contrast observations of various tissues, 16 mature spores could be seen infecting the nucleus of rodlet cells. The number of spores infecting each nucleus generally numbered 16 and spores were not found in any cell or organelle other than the nucleus of the rodlet cell. All observations were limited to California hatchery-reared fish.

Notizen: Abstract. Mebendazole (methyl-5-benzoyl benziraidazole-2-carhamate) was shown to have anthelmintic activity against larvae of Proteocephalus ambloplitis (Leidy) in implantations were found to be highly effective. A single intraperitoneal injection of 200 mg/kg or a capsule implantation of 200 mg/kg of mebendazole each reduced the infection by 95 % after 6 weeks. Oral treatment for 14 consecutive days at 100 mg/kg/ day reduced I he infection by 90%. Intraperitoneal injection of 200 mg/kg of mebendazole ever, did not interfere with spawning and reproduction of largemouth bass; however fish injected with 300 mg/kg produced no fry. Haematocrit, total haemoglobin, total serum protein and histological changes were not evidenl in treated fish.

Notizen: Abstract. Rainbow trout fed prepared rations containing therapeutic levels of erythromycin (110 mg/kg daily) developed lesions in epithelial cells of the first proximal segment of the nephron. Pathological changes which developed within 24 h were characteristic of congestive overloading of lysosomes. Treated fish became anorexic within 2–3 weeks. Affected epithelial cells offish after 14 days of anorexia contained residual bodies in an otherwise normal appearing cytoplasm. Cell injury was reversible. Since the onset of anorexia corresponded with the completion of the recommended treatment period and damaged cells repair rapidly, erythromycin should nevertheless be retained as the treatment of choice for bacterial kidney disease.

Notizen: Abstract. The activity of the pituitary-gonad axis was examined in goldfish, Carassius auratus (L.), collected from two populations exhibiting epizootics of an ulcerative disease. One population, collected from a pond in Toronto, Ontario, exhibited a significant linear relationship between the extent of lesions and the ovarian state. In a second population, collected from Hamilton Harbour, Lake Ontario, there was no correlation between the high prevalence of oocyte atresia, or the ovarian state with the extent of the ulcerative lesions. Additionally, in the Hamilton Harbour population there were no seasonal changes in the stages of egg development, frequency of mature ova, activity of the pituitary-gonad axis or gonadosomatic index consistent with gamete release. This apparent spawning failure of the Hamilton Harbour population was supported by the age distribution in the population (no fish younger than 4 years of age were found), and probably accounts for the drastic decline in the capture success of goldfish at that site since 1978. This decline in capture success was correlated with the outbreak of a persistent epizootic of ulcerative disease, suggesting that either the lesions themselves caused the spawning failure, or that the spawning failure and lesion outbreak were both correlated with undetermined changes in the environment, possibly a deterioration in the water quality in Hamilton Harbour.

Notizen: Abstract. A spontaneous unilateral exophthalmos occurring in five species of otherwise healthy rockfish, Sebastes spp., was investigated. All eyes from nine unilaterally exophthalmic and seven non-exophthalmic rockfish were examined grossly and histologically. In all affected fish the exophthalmos was due to enlargement of the globes resulting from the formation of choroidal cysts filled with a clear, watery fluid and surrounded by dense, aberrant connective tissue. Cyst formation led to gross distortion and disorganization of the choroid. Distorted remnants of the choroidal rete mirabile contained markedly fewer erythrocytes, a homogeneous proteinaceous material and a mild inflammatory cell infiltrate. Thickened scleral cartilage with disoriented chondrocytes was also present in exophthalmic eyes. Some of the affected eyes showed pigmentary abnormalities with clumps of heavily pigmented cells present in the retina and choroid. Retinal degeneration and detachment was also evident in some of the affected eyes.

Notizen: Abstract. The histopathology of an atypical Aeromonas salmonicida found in Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua L., is described. Unlike members of the Salmonidae, the cod showed a well-developed host reaction to A. salmonicida involving encystment of the bacteria. When Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., were given an intramuscular injection with suspensions of cultures of this strain of A. salmonicida no cellular host reaction was observed. When cod were given a similar injection the bacteria showed degenerative changes, leucocytes accumulated, and cyst formation was seen in the spleen and kidney. Since cod can be infected by this organism the possibility exists that they could act as carriers, a source of infection for salmonids in saltwater cage culture or in the wild.

Notizen: Abstract. In this work it is established that a close relationship exists between the feeding of rancid feed (containing high amounts of lipid peroxides and α, β-unsaturated aldehydes) and lipoid liver degeneration (LLD) in fish. The main feature of the disease is a large accumulation of ceroid in hepatocytes, giving positive histochemical staining reactions with a number of selective stains. Tissues also reacted strongly for lipid peroxides and fluoresced a bright yellow-green at 450 nm. This is the first report on the ultra structure of ceroid in LLD. The accumulations consist of bodies containing cholesterol or cholesterol ester crystals and inclusions with membranous profiles. The latter type of inclusion is considered to be representative of ceroid.

Notizen: Abstract. The extracellular products (ECP) of Aeromonas salmonicida, prepared by the cellophane overlay method, are lethal to rainbow trout when administered parenterally. Sublethal doses when injected i.p. or i.m. are shown to reproduce all the lesions that have been described in the literature as being associated with furunculosis. In addition, meningitis may be an important feature of furunculosi s and is reproduced by injection of ECP. A serum factor, probably an α-globulin, present in normal serum of rainbow trout, is capable of neutralizing the toxic effects of ECP. The pathology is discussed with reference to the proteolytic and leucocidal properties of the ECP and its effects upon the eosinophilic granular cells which are caused to disperse and degranulate with the possible release of histamine.

Notizen: Abstract. Perfusion fixation of trout kidney with picric-acid: formaldehyde: acetic acid: ethanol mixture was compared with other methods as a fixative for staining with the alcian-blue PAS technique. Perfusion fixation gave conspicuously better results for light microscopical purposes.

Notizen: Abstract. Experimental infection of artificially-induced skin ulcers in rainbow trout Salmo gairdneri Richardson with an achromogenic strain of Aeromonas salmonicida induced a syndrome similar to that observed in cyprinid fishes. Sequential histological observations showed that the presence of the bacteria completely inhibited any migration of peripheral epidermal cells and subsequent under-running of the ulcer resulted in its expansion, as peripheral epidermis sloughed.

Notizen: Abstract. Since 1977, repeated outbreaks of infestation by Amyloodinium ocellatum (Dinoflagellida) in cultured gilthead bream Sparus aurata L. and seabass Dicen-trarchus labrax (L.) resulted in sporadic and mass mortalities. Fingerlings and yearlings as well as breeders were affected and, since 1978, larval and post-larval S. aurata in the hatchery. Infestations in juvenile and breeder fish were located predominantly on the gills and mucosal integument but in larval fish only the skin rather than the gills was infested. Histopathological changes of the infested gills are described. Vacuolar degeneration of the cells penetrated by the parasites’ rhizoids was evident at the site of attachment and cloudy swelling was apparent in the surrounding epithelial cells. In heavy infestations the entire epithelium of the gill filaments underwent hyperplasia with consequent fusion of the lamellae. Where hyperplasia was extensive the cells gradually degenerated while the inner epithelial layer showed distinct spongiosis and in some cases completely disintegrated. All heavily infested gills lacked mucous cells.

Notizen: Abstract. Virus was isolated from the brain and pancreatic tissues of Atlantic menhaden with ‘spinning’ disease. The biological, physical and chemical properties of the isolate were similar to those of infectious pancreatic necrosis virus. Inoculation of the virus into healthy menhaden resulted in the characteristic signs and mortality associated with the natural disease.

Notizen: Abstract. The process of the localization of bovine serum albumin (BSA) within the lymphoid tissues of the plaice is described. The spleen is seen to be of particular importance. Antigen is held, probably as an immune complex, in an extracellular position associated with the metalophil reticular fibres present mainly in the ellipsoid walls and scattered throughout the peri-ellipsoid areas and the melano-macrophage centres. In the kidney tissue, antigen was present mainly intracellularly within the reticulo-endothelial system (RES) and free macrophages. The extracellular antigen within the spleen persisted the longest (at least 37 days). Localization of BSA differed markedly from colloidal carbon in that the metalophil fibres of the ellipsoids and to a small extent those of melano-macrophage centres, are the site of BSA localization and not, as with carbon, macrophages which aggregate within melano-macrophage centres. The thymus and RES of the atrium of the heart played no part in uptake of BSA. The significance of antigen-trapping in vertebrates is discussed and the possible analogous function of the ellipsoid system in fish and germinal centres of higher vertebrates is considered.

Notizen: Book reviewed in this article: Seawater Aquariums: The Captive Environment. By S. Spotte. Fish Cultivation in Sewage Stabilization Pond Effluent. By P. Edwards The Use and Potential of Aquatic Species for Wastewater Treatment. Publication No. 65. Appendix B. The Environmental Requirements of Fish. By J. Colt, S. Mitchell, G. Tchobanoglais & A. Knight. Marine Maladies? Worms, Germs and Other Symbionts from the Northern Gulf of Mexico. By R. M. Overstreet

Notizen: Books reviewed in this article:Theory and Management of Tropical Fisheries. Ed. by D. Pauly & G. I. Murphy.

Notizen: Abstract. Several factors affecting the potency of Yersinia ruckeri bacterins were evaluated by vaccinating rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, with various bacterins using the immersion method and determining the level of protective immunity after a virulent challenge. The potency of bacterins prepared with tryptic soya broth at room temperature was not affected by growth at pH from 6.5 to 7.7 or by a culture age from 9 to 96 h. Chloroform and formalin inactivated (0.3%) bacterins gave comparable results and no enhancement of potency occurred by prior extraction of bacterial cells with either butanol or phenol. Cell lysis, as measured by reduced optical density, occurred when cells were held at pH 9–8 for 60 to 120 min. Bacterins prepared from pH-lysed cells resulted in a significant increase in protective immunity. Bacterins prepared at pH 7.2 for 48 h, pH-lysed and inactivated with 0.3 % formalin could be diluted up to 1:100 without loss of efficacy when applied to rainbow trout by a single 20 s immersion. However, with bacterin diluted 1:10 loss of potency occurred after 20 consecutive immersions (100 kg of fish) in the same bacterin at a rate of 0.5 kg/1 of diluted bacterin for each immersion. Factors affecting optimum duration of immunity are discussed.

Notizen: Abstract. Five species of fingerling fish, channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, tilapia, Sarotherodon aureus, golden shiner, Notemigonus crysoleucas, largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides and bighead carp, Aristichthys nobilis, were tested to determine their susceptibility to the bacterium, Edwardsiella ictaluri, at 26°C, Channel catfish demonstrated high susceptibility to E. ictaluri as 100% of those fish injected with 1.5 × 103 cells died within 10 days. Tilapia demonstrated slight susceptibility to the pathogen while golden shiner, bighead carp and largemouth bass were not susceptible. E. ictaluri was isolated from a higher percentage of peritoneal cavities, livers and kidneys of channel catfish than of other species. Sequential growth of E. ictaluri in the liver of channel catfish is described.

Notizen: Abstract. Severe melanotic liver and visceral fibroses in bluegill associated with infections of plerocercoids of Proteocephalus sp. and metacercariae of the digenean Posthodiplostomum minimum, were studied by light and transmission electron microscopy. Fibrosis was most evident in bluegill carrying heavy worm burdens. Tubular and multilocular melanotic and non-melanotic cysts were formed of concentric layers of non-cellular eosinophilic connective tissue surrounding central spaces containing basophilic material. Moribund and deteriorating plerocercoids and metacercariae were surrounded by, and sometimes invested with, fibrous tissue. Living plerocercoids in the liver were surrounded by necrotic and compressed hepatocyte zones. Fibro-blasts, epithelioid cells and eosinophilic granulocytes were common in compressed cell zones. Intrahepatic fibrotic cysts were surrounded by granulomatous zones. Parenchyma in fibrotic livers showed increased numbers of macrophages, melano-macrophage centres and engorged blood vessels with thickened walls. Histochemical tests for lipofuscin and haemosiderin were strongly positive in melanotic liver tissue. Ultrastructural changes in hepatocytes adjacent to fibrotic cysts and epithelioid zones included intranuclear lipid and glycogen inclusions, chromatin alterations and mitochrondrial degeneration. Bile canaliculi, sinusoids and perisinusoidal spaces showed reduced micro villarsurfacesand a decrease in luminar diameter. Degenerating hepatocytes contained phagolysosomes and myelin bodies.

Notizen: Abstract. A closed fish culture recirculation system consisting of 36 20-gallon aquaria in series with a rotating plate biofilter, a diatomaceous earth filter, and an ultraviolet (UV) light sterilizer was evaluated for the effectiveness of UV light in preventing spread of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. Water from the aquaria, the reservoir, and a valve 29 cm beyond the UV light source was analysed bacteriologically to assess its effectiveness. The spread of I multifiliis from one aquarium to another was controlled with 91 900 μW s/cm8 of UV light. No significant differences in the bacterial counts from the water of the reservoir or the aquaria could be demonstrated when the UV light was either on or off, although a significant difference could be demonstrated between the sterilizer effluent and the reservoir and aquaria.

Notizen: Abstract. Eimeria branchiphila sp. nov. is described from the roach, Rutilus rutilus L., collected in Bulgaria. Sporulated oocysts were found in gill secondary lamellae and less frequently were associated with melano-macrophage centres in the spleen and in kidney interstitial tissue. In the gills, parasite cells identified as zygotes and sporulation stages were also encountered. This unusual site of sporulation represents a mechanism of sporocyst dispersal previously not recorded in fish coccidia.

Notizen: Abstract. Fifteen drugs were tested for in vitro control of Yersinia ruckeri. Those drugs yielding in vitro control were subsequently tested for in vivo control of induced enteric redmouth disease in rainbow trout. Two of the drugs, Tribrissen®v and tiamulin, controlled Y. nickeri in vivo under laboratory conditions. The effective doses used in this study were 1–0 mg of Tribrissen/kg fish/day and 5–0 mg of tiamulin/kg fish/day, when the compounds were administered orally for 14 days. No toxic effects were noted at these dose levels, or from Tribrissen given at 15 times the above effective dose.

Notizen: Abstract. S, a dominant, lethal, atitosomal gene, was discovered in Auburn University's population of Surotherodon aureus (=Tilapia auera). When present in the heterozygous state (S+). the S gene produces the saddleback phenotype. Saddlebacks are missing part of or all of the dorsal fin. Some fish thai are missing most of or the entire dorsal fin have additional fin disorders and are missing various combinations of the pectoral, pelvic, and anal fins. Each fin disorder is associated with gross skeletal anomalies. Viability in saddlebacks is reduced by 67% during the first three months of life. Those that survive are less resistant to stress and subsequent infection than normal fish. When challenged by Saprolcegnia sp., saddlebacks were far more susceptible to infection (P〈0.01). When present in the homozygous state (SS), the gene causes death in fry prior to swim-up. Thus, a single S gene reduces viability by 67%, and two S genes reduce viability by 100%. The S gene did not affect early growth or dressing percentage. Because it is a dominant gene, the S gene can be eliminated from any population in one generation by culling all saddlebacks.

Notizen: Abstract. The ultrastructure of the microgamont and microgamete of the coccidium Eimerici funduli was studied in hepatocytes of the killifish Fundulus grandis and F. similis. During microgametogenesis, the nuclear chromatin condensed, marginated, then differentiated into a peripheral dense portion that became the nucleus of the microgamete and a central clear portion that remained in the gamont. Near each nucleus was a mitochondrion and four microtubules which were incorporated into the microgamete. In microgamonts, dense polysaccharide granules (50–60 nm diameter) were demonstrated with the periodic acid-thiocarbohydrazide-silver proteinate method. Flagella extended into the parasitophorous vacuole from basal bodies situated near nuclei. Microgametes budded from the surface of the microgamonts. The microgamete consisted of a nucleus, two flagella and basal bodies, a mitochondrion, a rudimentary basal body, four microlubules, a perforatorium, and a dense rod-like structure. The elongate nucleus was narrow anteriorly and bulb-like posteriorly. One of the flagella was attached to the body of the microgamete. A mitochondrion that was swollen anteriorly and constricted posteriorly ran alongside the nucleus. The four microtubules appeared to arise from a rudimentary basal body and were closely related to the mitochondrion. Two of them extended nearly the length of the nucleus. The rod-like structure appeared to develop from a thickening of the limiting membrane of the microgamont. Fertilization was not directly observed, but microgametes were found in the parasitophorous vacuoles of several macrogamonts.

Notizen: Abstract. Exotoxins prepared from streptococcal bacteria of Seriola spp. origin were grown in fluid culture and fractionates of the supernatant used in toxicity studies in Seriola by oral and percutaneous exposure. Toxic fractions were then applied simultaneously with oral challenge with Streptococcus spp. bacteria. Two fractions E and G were shown to have a significant effect on the pathogenesis of infection.

Notizen: Abstract. Two gross phenotypic anomalies in tilapia are described: Stumpbody Sarotherodon aureus (=Tilapia aurea) and tail-less S. niloticus (= T, nilotica). Vertebral anomalies associated with each disorder are described. A body length: vertebra length ratio is developed to assess the effects that vertebral anomalies have on body lengths. The Stumpbody phenotype is a non-heritable, congenital defect.

Notizen: Abstract. A recurring disease known as ‘black patch necrosis’ (BPN) has been the cause of severe mortalities in 0-group and 1-group Dover sole during the period 1974-1978 at the Sea Fish Industry Authority's Marine Cultivation Unit at Hunter-ston, Ayrshire, Scotland. Samples of diseased and healthy Dover sole tissue were examined microbiologically and a long thin filamentous Gram-negative organism, strongly resembling Flexibacter columnar's, was repeatedly isolated from diseased tissue but was not found in healthy tissue. This organism was pathogenic to Dover sole, producing 100% mortality in 96 h at 17.5°C (±2°C) and the organism was reisolated from all the infected fish. The pathogenic isolate and reisolate were examined and compared with reference strain NCMB 1038 of Flexibacter columnarts, formerly known as Chondrococcus columnaris or Cytophaga columnaris. The isolate, reisolate and type culture were identical with respect to cell morphology, oxidase test, catalase production, production of H2S, casein hydrolysis, gelatin liquefaction, hydrolysis of Tween 20, degradation of tyrosine and starch hydrolysis. All bacterial types showed similar patterns of sensitivity to a range of antibiotics. It is proposed that a Flexibacter columnari's-like organism is associated with the condition in farmed Dover sole known as ‘black patch necrosis’.

Notizen: Abstract. An epizootic of lymphoma in northern pike, Esox lucius L., occurring in the Åland Islands in Finnish waters of the Baltic Sea is described. Macroscopic inspection of 19 tumorous pike, 17 males and two females, as well as tissue observations by light and electron microscopy showed that this lymphoma is similar to those previously reported in esocid fishes from North America, Ireland and Sweden. Haematoxylin and eosin-stained light microscopic sections of tumour tissue suggested its classification as a lymphoblastic or stem cell lymphoma. Tumour cells cultured during several months at 4°C showed morphological features of differentiation and resembled plasma cells. No conclusive evidence of the presence of viruses in the lesion was obtained.

Notizen: Abstract. After fry of rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, had been infected parenterally with Herpesvirus salmonis, moribund or freshly dead specimens were examined histopathologically. The virus produced a generalized infection, the first signs of which appeared after 2–3 weeks. Visceral and respiratory organs and the heart showed major pathological changes, and pancreatic syncytia were judged to be pathognomonic. Kidneys were prime targets for the virus and showed the highest levels of infectivity; lesser amounts of virus were present in the stomach, liver, and intestine. The virus did not spread by contact to produce clinical disease nor could disease or viral replication be induced by parenteral inoculation of yearling Oncorhynchus nerka (Walbaum).

Notizen: Abstract. The present knowledge of oocyst morphology, life cycles, classification and pathogenicity of eimeriid coccidia infecting fishes is reviewed. Compared with typical Eimeria species from higher vertebrates, fish coccidia, currently classified as all belonging to the same genus, differ in having, as a rule, a thin oocyst wall and endogenous sporulation. Some species possess a bivalved sporocyst, a structure and consequently an excystation mechanism, essentially different from that of the genus Eimeria. An analysis of the life cycles of more than 120 recorded species of fish coccidia has shown six different types of developmental patterns. The life cycles offish coccidia are compared with the life cycles of coccidia in general. None of the fish coccidia having a sporocyst with a Stieda body sporulates exogenously and therefore do not display a true eimerian developmental pattern. In view of the importance of sporocyst structure and developmental patterns in taxonomy, the revalidation of Labbé's genera Goussia and Crystallospora is proposed along with the establishment of a new genus, Epieimeria n.g. Most of the species offish coccidia are left within the genus Eimeria until new data make possible their correct classification. Detailed data on histopathological changes are available only in infections by two carp-infecting species, E. carpelli and E. subepithelialis and E. funduli infections in killifishes. The potential threat of coccidiosis in fishes reared under intensive conditions requires a thorough study of the pathogenicity of further species infecting commercially important hosts.

Notizen: Abstract. Unicauda magna sp.n. (Protozoa: Myxozoa) was found in hatchery-raised fathead minnows, Pimephales promelas (Cyprinidae) from Pennsylvania. A large number of whitish-coloured cysts were located in the tissues of the pectoral, pelvic and caudal fins of infected fish. Spore dimensions (in μm) based on 30 measurements (10 spores/cyst) included the following: total length, 109.6 (75–170); spore body length, 15.5 (14–17); spore body thickness, 12.1 (10–13); spore body width, 13.2 (12–14.5); tail length, 94.1 (60–154); polar capsule lengths, 8.6 (7.5–9.5); polar capsule width 4.1 (3.0–5.0); sutural ridge width, about 1. The tail and body of the spores differed in colour when stained with each of three dyes. They are, therefore, composed of different material.

Notizen: Abstract. Blood samples were taken from Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua L., and several other marine teleost species in the northwest Atlantic Ocean to determine the prevalence of viral erythrocytic necrosis (VEN). The infection was found in G, morhua at a level of approximately 1.5° in the samples collected from both Newfoundland and Greenland. The latter finding extends the geographic range of VEN infection in this species. Ultrastructural details of the virus in erythrocytes of G. morhua from Greenland differed in several morphologic features from those previously reported.

Notizen: Abstract. Four bacteria commonly associated with diseases of fish (Aeromonas hydrophila complex, Aeromonas salmonicida, Flexibacter columnaris-like organisms and Pseudomonas fluorescens) were evaluated in a serial dilution system for susceptibility to four antibiotics commonly used in the treatment of bacterial fish diseases (chloramphenicol, erythromycin, furpyrinol and oxytetracycline). Findings were expressed as minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Furpyrinol was found to have the lowest MIC and MBC against A. hydrophila complex, A. salmonicida and F. columnaris-like organisms. MIC and MBC's for oxytetracycline were complicated by the presenceof R-plasmids, but were less than 4.0 mcg/ml for those without plasmids. Pseudomonas fluorescens was susceptible only to oxytetracycline. MIC for all groups of organisms using chloramphenicol was generally less than 16.0 mcg/ml. Susceptibility to erythromycin by these groups of organisms was greater than 16 mcg/ml.

Notizen: Abstract. Sexually mature spawning and prespawning adult and ‘jack’ coho salmon, Oncorhynchus kisutch, were collected during their potamodromous migration from Lakes Ontario, Erie and Michigan in late autumn. In addition, sexually immature spring salmon were collected from Lakes Ontario and Erie. Serum total thyroxine (TT4), serum free thyroxine (FT4), serum total triiodothyronine (TT3) and serum free triiodothyronine (FT3) levels showed marked seasonal variability in salmon from Lakes Ontario and Erie with peak hormone levels evident in the spring fish and lowest levels in the sexually mature adults and ‘jacks’. Seasonal changes in serum triiodothyronine uptake (T3U) values were inverse of those of serum TT4, FT4, TT3 and FT3 levels. When data of the whole collection were combined significant positive correlation coefficients were evident as follows: serum TT3 v. serum TT4, FT4 and TT3; serum TT4 v. serum FT4 and FT3; serum FT4 v. serum FT3, and significant negative correlations as follows: serum T3U v. serum TT3, TT4, FT4 and FT3. When individual groups were examined significant correlations were either absent, or in some instances the reverse of those of whole data. The data provide further evidence of interlake differences in dysfunction of thyroid hormone metabolism in Great Lakes coho salmon; the possible involvement of environmental agents is discussed.

Notizen: Abstract. Heavy mortalities of underyearling Atlantic salmon parr have occurred at the Mactaquac Fish Culture Station in New Brunswick as the result of ‘saddleback’ disease. The organism causing this lesion was isolated and identified as Flexibacter columnaris. This bacterium was transmitted to other salmon parr, where it produced the typical saddle lesion from which it was re-isolated. The condition was more readily transmitted at 20°C than at 15°C. Transmission required entrance to the dermis through a break in the epidermal surface and was unsuccessful in intact fish. The morphology of the saddleback isolate and its histopathological effect on the fish tissues is described. F. columnaris appeared to be restricted to the dermis and underlying muscle of the saddle area when histological techniques were used, although it was also isolated from the kidneys of some affected fish. The gills, kidney and other organs of the fish did not seem to be affected by the presence of F. columnaris.

Notizen: Abstract. The histopathological changes in the eye due to the penetration and growth of the parasite, Lernaea piscinae, in the host tissue of big head carp is described. Distinct pathological changes were hyperplasia of the corneal epithelium, severe inflammatory response mainly around the anchor of the parasite, in the anterior chamber, the corneal stroma and the vitreous body and detachment of the vitreous and retinal layers. Rupture of the lens capsule and fibrous tissue response around the process of the anchor structure of the parasite were also observed. The development of an immune response to the parasite within the body of the host is thought to have led to the infection of the cornea, an avascular site.

Notizen: Abstract. Four species of flatfish [plaice, Pleuronectes platessa L.; turbot, Scophthalmus maximus (L.); Dover sole, Solea solea (L.) and the common dab, Limanda limanda (L.)] were experimentally infected with cercariae of Stephanochasmus baccatus under similar conditions and examined at intervals up to 7 weeks post-infection- The tissue response was found to be qualitatively the same in all four hosts and was consistent with a chronic granulomatous inflammatory reaction induced by resistant particulate foreign bodies. The intensity and rate of the response varied between host species but the capsule formation was essentially similar in all. The mature capsule consisted of an inner layer composed of leucocytes which underwent epithelioid transformation. The cellular structure of this tissue gradually degenerated from the oldest layer to form a dense eosinophilic ground substance in which was embedded nuclear debris. The outer layer of the capsule consisted of fibroblasts and reticulin collagen fibres. Muscle and fin cysts differed, with muscle cysts tending to be less discrete and more fibrous. The rate and intensity of the response to the parasite varied between different host species. Plaice and turbot showed the most intensive response and in turbot the reaction was considerably accelerated. Mortality of encysted metacercariae was only seen in turbot. The overall effect on larger 1-group fish was minimal, but the smaller 0-group plaice were more severely affected by the relatively large cvsts that interfered with organ function.

Notizen: Books reviewed in this article:Fischkrankheiten 4th edn. By W. Schäperclaus. Akademie Verlag, Berlin, 1979, 2 volumes, 1089 pp.Ecology of Freshwater Fish Production. Ed. by Shelby D.Gerking. Black well Scientific Publications, 1978, 520 pp.Diseases of Fishes. Book 6. Fungal Diseases of Fishes. By G. A. Neish & G. C. Hughes. TFH Publications, New Jersey, 1979, 159 pp.Developments in Deep-Sea Biology. By N. B. Marshall. Blandford Press, Poole, Dorset, U.K., 1978. 566 pp.

Notizen: Abstract. Twenty malignant lymphomas of northern pike, Esox lucius L., from the Baltic coast of Estonia were investigated immunohistochemically using rabbit anti-human polyclonal antibodies against lysozyme (LYS), alpha-1-antichymotrypsin (ACT) and S-100 protein. Based on the strongly positive reactions to LYS, ACT and S-100 found in a great number of histiocytes, two of these tumours were classified as histocytic diffuse malignant lymphomas. Furthermore, the weaker positive reaction to these antibodies detected in some of the histocytes in 10 other cases of diffuse malignant lymphoma indicates their histocytoid-lymphocytic origin. In addition, the lack of reaction to all antibodies used found in the remaining eight tumours, as well as their general morphological structure, allowed their diagnosis as lymphocytic diffuse malignant lymphomas. Thus, the immunohistochemical reactions to LYS, ACT and S-100 served as a tool for precisely distinguishing between the different types of lymphomas as well as for better understanding their origin.

Notizen: Abstract. The European eel, Anguilla anguilla L., is able to respond to infections with ectoparasitic gill monogeneans of the genus Pseudodactylogyrus Gussev, 1965. A primary infection offers the host a relative resistance to challenge infections. The relative protection was detected at both 14 and 33 days after mebendazole termination of the primary infection by a significantly greater parasite reduction in previously infected eels compared to non-primed eels. No complete immunity was obtained.

Notizen: Abstract. The humoral immune response of turbot, Scophthalmus maximus (L.), to antigens from the microsporean parasite Tetramicra brevifilum Matthews & Matthews, 1980, was studied. Thirty days after intraperitoneal immunization with whole T. brevifilum spores in Freund's complete adjuvant, double indirect ELISA indicated that initial production of antibodies to parasite surface antigens was considerably higher than production of antibodies to the antigens contained in a crude extract (CE) of spores. Following re-immunization without adjuvant on day 30, levels of antibodies to surface antigens gradually declined, whilst levels of antibodies to CE antigens increased. The antibody response of intraperitoneally immunized fish was characterized by Western blotting of total soluble antigens obtained by heating and reduction of T. brevifilum spores at 95–100°C in Tris-HCl buffer containing SDS and dithiothreitol: a series of bands with molecular weights between 20 and 53 kDa was recognized by immunized turbot sera. Four additional bands (with molecular weights between 15 and 18kdA) were recognized by serum from re-immunized fish. ELISA studies of sera from naturally infected fish revealed a surprisingly low incidence of strong T. brevifilum seropositivity (61% individuals); antibodies to surface antigens predominated in seropositive individuals. The low background response levels and high sensitivity of the ELISA used in this study indicate that the assay is of value for the monitoring of serum antibody levels in turbot. However, given the relatively low seropositivities observed in naturally infected turbot, particularly to CE antigens, the use of anti-T. brevifilum serum antibody levels for the diagnosis of infection by this parasite may lead to false negative results.

Notizen: Abstract. The feasibility of including individual records on correlated traits in a family selection programme which aims to increase resistance to furunculosis in Atlantic salmon was studied; markers were selected because of their potential role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Fibrinogen and α2-antiplasmin both show genetic variation; both are correlated with survival after challenge with Aeromonas salmonicida, the correlation being 0·44 and 0·37 (P 〈 0·05), respectively, and it is possible to measure both on a large scale at low costs. Contrary to α2-antiplasmin, fibrinogen was negatively correlated with survival due to furunculosis within the 10 most resistant families and within the 10 most susceptible families in contrast to an overall positive correlation. This inconsistency could be attributable to the presence of different allelic phases in different families, and of major linked loci influencing survival and fibrinogen levels. Thus, only α2-antiplasmin fulfils the requirements for a marker trait for resistance to the disease suitable for individual selection at the population level, whereas the use of fibrinogen would be restricted to within family selection. The full statistical model explained 51% of the variation in resistance to furunculosis, and α2-antiplasmin contributed 15% to this variation when considered as a separate entity. Thus, the additional gain from including individual records on α2-antiplasmin in a family selection programme could be significant.