Ciliate Infection Flashcards
Characterized as organisms propelled by rows of cilia and possessing two types of nuclei, macronucleus and micronucleus.
Ciliates.
Nucleus involved in vegetative functions of the organism.
Macronucleus.
Nucleus involved in sexuality.
Micronucleus.
Examples of Ciliates.
Ichthyophthirius multifilis, Crptocaryon irritans, Trichodina spp., Trichodinella spp., Tripartiella spp., Brooklynella spp.
Infects freshwater, also known as Ichthyophthiriasis or White Spot Diseases.
Ich.
Causative agent of Ich.
Ichthyophthirius multifilis.
Ichthyophthirius multifilis description.
Large, single-celled ciliate.
Species affected by Ich.
Catfish, carp, tilapia, seabass, grouper, snapper.
Epidemiology of Ich.
Highly contagious, 100% mortality.
Transmission of Ich.
Horizontal = Exposure to infected or fomites.
Life Cycle of Ich.
1.) THERONT penetrates the mucus, invades epithelium of gills and skin.
2.) TROPHONT starts feeding, grows up to 800 - 1000 mcm. Actively moves within epithelium, exits as..
3.) TOMONT. Secretes a protective cyst, matures within a substrate and divides to form 500 - 1000..
4.) TOMITES, which are the infective stage.
Type of Life Cycle for Ich.
Direct - Reproduces without a need for another animal species host.
Distinct Life Stages of Ich.
1.) On-fish = TROPHONT.
2.) Environmental = TOMONT.
3.) Infective = Fish-seeking THERONT.
Clinical Signs of Ich.
Inappetence. Lethargy. Dull, opaque, or hemorrhagic eyes. Production of a lot of mucus. Rubbing of body. Clamped fins. Dark coloration.
Gross Lesions of Ich.
Whitish, greyish spots (“TROPHONTS”) on the skin and gills. Ulcers on skin.
Diagnosis of Ich.
Microscopic Examination: Mucus
- Round or oval parasites, propelled by cilia and possessing a horseshoe-shaped macronucleus.
Treatment of Ich.
Formalin, Copper = Drug of Choice.
Malachite Green = Alternative, OTC.
Salinity = 5g/L for 1 week.
Temperature = >24C.
Causative agents of Trichodinidae Infestation.
Trichodina spp., Trichodinella spp., Tripartiella spp., Vauchomia spp.
Species affected by Trichodinidae Infestation.
Carp, tilapia, milkfish, siganid, seabass, mullet, snapper.
Trichodina spp. description.
Dorsal-ventrally flattened, ciliated ovoid. Presence of a prominent denticular or “tooth-like” internal cytoskeleton ring.
Pathogenesis of Trichodinidae Infestation.
1.) Trichodina spp. feeds on mucus and detritus.
2.) Damage, irritation = Hyperplasia of epithelial cells.
3.) Clubbing of gill filaments.
4.) Fusion of gill filaments.
5.) Altered respiratory and excretory functions of gills. altered ability of skin to maintain proper homeostatic osmoregulatory properties.
Clinical Signs of Trichodinidae Infestation.
Excess mucus production. Frayed fins. Respiratory distress. Loss of scales.
Diagnosis of Trichodinidae Infestation.
Microscopic Examination: Wet Mounts - Gill filaments, skin scrapings.
- Saucer-shaped organism with cilia around perimeter.
Prevention and Control of Trichodinidae Infestation.
CHEMICAL TX:
Formalin Bath: 170 - 250 ppm for 60 mins.
100 ppm Formalin + 10 ppm Acriflavin: 1 hour for 3 days.
2-3% Salt Solution: 2 - 5 mins. for 3-4 days (carp fry).
FRESHWATER BATH:
100% Freshwater Bath: 1 hour for 3 days.
FLUSHING = Physically removes any dislodged parasites.
Also called “Clownfish Disease” or “Slime-Blotch Disease”.
Brooklynellosis.
Causative agent of Brooklynellosis.
Brooklynella spp.
Brooklynella spp. description.
Kidney-bean shape, bands of cilia, reproduces by BINARY FISSION.
Species affected by Brooklynellosis.
Grouper, seabass, snapper, clownfish.
Pathogenesis of Brooklynellosis.
1.) Pathogen attaches to skin, gills.
2.) feeds on dead skin cells = Rubbing.
3.) Skin damage, subcutaneous hemorrhage.
4.) Respiratory distress = Bx infection = Sloughing, congestion of gills.
Clinical Signs of Brooklynellosis.
Rubbing and flicking. Slime coat thickening. Opaque to whitish patches that eventually detach. Cloudy eyes. Frayed fins clamped to the body.
Diagnosis of Brooklynellosis.
Microscopic Examination: Mucus. - Body surface, gill filaments.
- Bean-shaped with long parallel lines of cilia.
Prevention and Control of Brooklynellosis.
100% Freshwater Bath: 1 hour for 3 days.
100 ppm Formalin: 1 hour for 2 - 3 days.
