The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity of eugenol against the fish pathogen Aeromonas hydrophila and eugenol's effect on hematological and natural immune parameters in silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen). In vitro, eugenol showed weak activity against A. hydrophila, but in vivo, at a subinhibitory concentration (10 mg L(-1)), it promoted survival in infected silver catfish. Eugenol (50 μg mL(-1)) reduced the hemolytic activity of A. hydrophila supernatant in vitro in fish erythrocytes. Subjecting catfish to eugenol baths (5 and 10 mg L(-1)) for five days did not alter the hematological and immunological parameters studied in this work. Based on these results, eugenol can be used to treat or prevent bacterial diseases in fish.
Keywords: Aeromonas; Bacteria; Fish; Hematology; Innate immune system; Silver catfish.
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