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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stoneville, Mississippi » Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #294882
Title: Determination of the median lethal dose of botulinum serotype E in channel catfish fingerlings

Author
item CHATA, K - Mississippi State University
item GAUNT, P - Mississippi State University
item HANSON, L - Mississippi State University
item GAO, D - Mississippi State University
item WILLS, R - Mississippi State University

Submitted to: Journal of Aquatic Animal Health
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/14/2012
Publication Date: 6/6/2012
Citation: Chata, K., Gaunt, P.S., Hanson, L., Gao, D.X., Wills, R. 2012. Determination of the median lethal dose of botulinum serotype E in channel catfish fingerlings. Journal of Aquatic Animal Health. 24:105-109.

Interpretive Summary: The median lethal dose of botulinum serotype E in 5.3-g channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus fingerlings was determined to be 13.7pg/fish which is equivalent to a 0.81 median lethal dose for mice Mus musculus. Thus catfish are more sensitive to the effects of botulinum serotype E than laboratory mice. The signs and lesions of visceral toxicosis of catfish were also replicated by injecting catfish with the toxin.

Technical Abstract: The median lethal dose of botulinum serotype E in 5.3-g channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus fingerlings was determined. Five tanks (five fish/tank) were assigned to each of the following treatment groups: 70, 50, 35, 25, or 15 pg of purified botulinum serotype E. Fish were injected intracoelomically and observed for 96 h. Administration of the toxin resulted in initial hyperactivity followed by erratic swimming, paresis, and death. The cumulative mortality by treatment group was 100% at 70 pg, 96% at 50 pg, 100% at 35 pg, 88% at 25 pg, and 56% at 15 pg. The median lethal dose was calculated as 13.7 pg/fish (equivalent to a 0.81 median lethal dose for mice Mus musculus) using a logistic regression model. All fish were necropsied; lesions included exophthalmia, ascites, splenic congestion, intussusception of the intestines, congested spleen, and blanching of the intestinal tract. The resultant clinical signs and lesions were similar to those noted in the syndrome of visceral toxicosis of catfish. This study indicates that channel catfish are more sensitive to the effects of botulinum serotype E than laboratory mice, and the signs and lesions of visceral toxicosis of catfish were replicated by injecting catfish with the toxin.