The use of nitazoxanide against the pathogens Ichthyophthirius multifiliis and Aeromonas hydrophila in silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen)

Vet Parasitol. 2013 Nov 8;197(3-4):522-6. doi: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.06.012. Epub 2013 Jun 19.

Abstract

The antiparasitic and antibacterial activities of nitazoxanide (NTZ) against Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich) and Aeromonas hydrophila, respectively, were evaluated in silver catfish juveniles (Rhamdia quelen). In the first experiment, fish naturally infected by Ich were treated with different concentrations of NTZ. Fish mortality and the number of trophonts/juveniles were evaluated. In the second experiment, the antimicrobial potential in vitro (MIC test) and preventive potential in vivo against A. hydrophila was evaluated. The treatment with 1.5mgL(-1) NTZ showed the best result against Ich, with a significant reduction of trophonts and fish mortality of 10%. NTZ did not show in vitro activity against A. hydrophila at concentrations tested, but showed a probable preventive activity in vivo. However, these results are preliminary and more studies should be conducted.

Keywords: Antimicrobial; Antiprotozoal; Ich; Ichthyophthiriasis.

Publication types

  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aeromonas hydrophila*
  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antiparasitic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Catfishes
  • Ciliophora Infections / drug therapy
  • Ciliophora Infections / veterinary*
  • Fish Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Fish Diseases / parasitology
  • Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / drug therapy
  • Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / microbiology
  • Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / veterinary*
  • Hymenostomatida / physiology*
  • Nitro Compounds
  • Thiazoles / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Antiparasitic Agents
  • Nitro Compounds
  • Thiazoles
  • nitazoxanide