Immunological parameters and parasite infection in chubLeuciscus cephalus in heavily poluted watershed
2008
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.
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