Publication details
Immunological parameters and parasite infection in chub Leuciscus cephalus in heavily poluted watershed
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2008 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Description | The conditions of exposure to chemical pollutants and parasitism may affect the physiological condition and immunological processes of the host. In a field study, freshwater fish Leuciscus cephalus was examined from 5 sites with different level of chemical pollution in the Bilina River watershed, Czech Republic. Fultons condition factor and hepatosomatic index did not differ among sites. Concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons measured from fish tissue showed no significant differences among sites compared to concentration in sediment. Parasite infection was significantly lower in polluted sites; parasite community in reference sites showed higher proportion of specialists and allogenic species. Immunological assays were performed to determine maximal intensity of respiratory burst and its total intensity, and lysozyme concentration as non-specific immune response parameters. Both respiratory burst activity and lysozyme concentration were moderately reduced in polluted sites. Due to the high variability in immunological parameters, no relationship with parasite infection was found. Livers, kidneys and gonads were histopathologically examined by HE-staining and analyzed for alterations by light microscopy. No significant alterations in any of the organs were observed. In conclusion, fish from polluted areas showed reduced parasite infection and immune response parameters, however no differences in fish condition or concentration of pollutants in fish were found. |