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Systemic zygomycosis in farmed tilapia fish
1Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA.
Journal of Comparative Pathology
|September 16, 1999
Summary
A fungal infection, zygomycosis, caused by Rhizomucor sp. was diagnosed in hybrid tilapia. This marks the first reported case of this fish disease, impacting internal organs and causing mortality.
Area of Science:
- Aquatic Animal Health
- Fish Pathology
- Mycology
Background:
- Tilapia aquaculture faces challenges from diseases causing mortality.
- Early diagnosis is crucial for managing fish health and preventing economic losses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To diagnose the cause of mortality in hybrid tilapia.
- To identify the etiological agent responsible for the observed clinical signs and lesions.
Main Methods:
- Necropsy and histopathological examination of affected tilapia.
- Fungal culture and identification from kidney tissue.
- Specialized stains (GMS, PAS) for fungal visualization.
Main Results:
- Gross findings included dermal hemorrhage, ascites, and enlarged liver.
- Microscopic examination revealed fungal hyphae and chlamydospores in internal organs.
- Rhizomucor sp. was isolated and identified from kidney cultures.
Conclusions:
- This study reports the first case of zygomycosis in fish, caused by Rhizomucor sp.
- The findings highlight the potential of zygomycosis as a disease in farmed tilapia.
- Further research is needed to understand the pathogenesis and epidemiology of this fungal infection in fish.