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Severe Outbreak of Saprolegnia Spp. Infection in Spotted Snakehead (Channa punctata, Bloch 1793): Clinical Assessment, Histopathology, Haemato-Biochemical Indices and Insights Into Therapeutic Effects

Summary

A severe fungal infection called saprolegniasis was found in 85% of spotted snakehead fish from Bangladesh, causing cotton-like growths, fin damage, and mass mortality. Researchers tested four different treatments over 10 days, finding that combining warm water (30°C) with saltwater (2% NaCl) was most effective, resulting in 70% survival compared to only 23% in untreated fish. This natural, cost-effective treatment approach could help fish farmers reduce losses from fungal diseases without relying on toxic chemicals.

Background

Saprolegniasis caused by Saprolegnia spp. is a lethal oomycete infection affecting freshwater fish, particularly small indigenous species like spotted snakehead (Channa punctata). This study investigated a severe fungal outbreak in 150 C. punctata specimens from pen culture in Bangladesh’s Tanguar haor region, with an infection prevalence of 85%.

Objective

The study aimed to comprehensively assess Saprolegnia spp. infection in C. punctata through clinical evaluation, histopathological analysis, haemato-biochemical examination, and to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of various treatment approaches for managing saprolegniasis in this species.

Results

T4 treatment (30°C + 2% NaCl) achieved the highest survival rate of 70%, with notable reduction in cotton-like fungal structures within 10 days and significant improvements in haematological, biochemical, and histopathological indices. T3 and T2 showed moderate improvements (53.33% and 46.67% survival), while control group T1 had only 23.33% survival.

Conclusion

Combined elevated temperature (30°C) and 2% NaCl treatment proved most effective for managing Saprolegnia spp. infections in C. punctata, offering a sustainable and economically viable alternative to traditional chemical treatments. Further field-based research is recommended to validate practical application in commercial aquaculture settings.
  • Published in:Veterinary Medicine and Science,
  • Study Type:Experimental Clinical Trial,
  • Source: 10.1002/vms3.70473, PMID: 40705473
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