Response of Juvenile Danube Sturgeon<i> (Acipenser</i> <i>gueldenstaedtii</i>) to <i>Aeromonas hydrophila</i>: Histopathological and Hematological Findings

ER A., MİNAZ M.

JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, cilt.28, sa.3, ss.601-613, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 28 Sayı: 3
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Dergi Adı: JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CAB Abstracts, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO)
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.601-613
  • Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This study investigated the physiological and pathological responses of juvenile Danube sturgeon to Aeromonas hydrophila infection. Fish were intraperitoneally injected with 0.1 mL of A. hydrophila suspension (1 & times;108 CFU mL-1). The experiment was conducted with three replicates per group (infected and control), each containing 10 fish. Based on the challenge test results, mortality in the infected group began on day 3 and continued progressively until day 13. Additionally, swim bladder deflation, hyperemia, and hemorrhaging in the visceral organs were observed. Hematological analysis revealed that LYM, HGB, MCH, and MCHC values were significantly higher in the control group, whereas WBC and MCV levels were elevated in the infected group. Histopathological examination of liver tissues revealed prominent melanomacrophage centers and signs of necrosis. According to a semi-quantitative scoring model, regressive changes and inflammation were significantly higher in the infected group compared to the controls (P< 0.01). In conclusion, Aeromonas hydrophila demonstrates a highly pathogenic potential for juvenile Danube sturgeon, inducing rapid systemic deterioration and significant tissue damage. The findings confirm that this bacterium is capable of causing disease and lethal outcomes within a week, emphasizing the urgent need for preventive strategies in conservation and aquaculture management of this endangered species.