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Tumors in fish caught in polluted waters: possible explanations
Bibliotheca Haematologica
|January 1, 1975
Summary
Pollution in the Fox River significantly increased tumor incidence in brown bullhead fish. Viral agents were found, and experiments confirmed a virus causes lymphosarcoma in Northern Pike.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Fish pathology
- Viral oncology
Background:
- Fox River waters show chemical and physical contaminants exceeding safety standards.
- Presence of human viral agents detected in the Fox River.
- Elevated tumor incidence, including leukemia in Northern Pike, linked to environmental factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the high tumor incidence in fish species from the Fox River.
- To identify potential carcinogens and viral agents in the river water.
- To determine the viral etiology of lymphosarcoma in Northern Pike (Esox lucius).
Main Methods:
- Water quality analysis of the Fox River for chemical and physical contaminants.
- Detection of viral agents in river water samples.
- Experimental inoculation of cell-free tumor filtrates from Northern Pike lymphosarcoma into healthy fish.
Main Results:
- Brown bullhead (Ictalurus nebulosis) showed a 616% excess tumor incidence.
- Northern Pike (Esox lucius) exhibited two types of leukemia (11%) and lymphosarcoma.
- 89% of inoculated fish developed lymphosarcoma, indicating a viral cause.
Conclusions:
- Fox River pollution poses significant carcinogenic risks to aquatic life.
- A specific virus is confirmed as the causative agent for lymphosarcoma in Northern Pike.
- Environmental contamination and viral pathogens contribute to fish neoplasia.