ALTERATIONS IN TRACE ELEMENT CONCENTRATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA INFECTION IN CYPRINUS CARPIO

Abstract

Trace minerals are required for maintaining physiological function, immune response and
metabolism in fish. This research examined the variations of trace elements in healthy and diseased
fish to establish whether infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa would affect mineral homeostasis.
Boron (B), Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), Cobalt (Co), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Selenium (Se) and
Molybdenum (Mo) concentrations were measured and compared among normal and infected fish.
Significant differences (P < 0.05) were found in concentrations of all trace elements studied.
Infected fish had significantly elevated amounts of B, Mn, Fe, Co, Zn, Se, Mo than normal fish;
whereas Cu was significantly decreased. Elevated trace elements could have been a result of
increased metabolic rates; or an active immune response; or an increase in antioxidants during
disease. Conversely, lower Cu levels suggest it is being used up at a faster rate in the physiological
process of fighting against stress caused by pathogens.
In summary, this study has demonstrated that disease affects the balance of trace elements in fish;
thereby affecting many physiological pathways which include health/disease resistance. Trace
element analysis has shown promise to provide valuable indicators of fish health status and insight
into the biochemical response of fish to infection.