Effect of Biokos, a natural lipopeptide surfactant extracted from a bacterium of the Pseudomonas genus, on infection of Cryptocaryon irritans

Abstract

Cryptocaryoniasis (marine white spot disease), caused by Cryptocaryon irritans, is a major threat to marine fish cultures in tropical and subtropical waters, and a serious nuisance to hobbyists with saltwater fish tanks. With only classical treatment schedules such as copper salts or hyposaline baths being available, control of the disease remains a challenge. In this study, we investigated the effect of Biokos, a viscosin-like lipopeptide surfactant extracted from a bacterium of the Pseudomonas genus, on the external life stages of C. irritans, including theronts, protomonts and tomonts. The present study demonstrated that the compound has an antiparasitic effect on all tested external stages of the parasite. In particular, when Biokos was used at 48 mg/L, it was able to kill almost all theronts and protomonts within 1 h in in vitro experiments, and using the same concentration in an in vivo challenge experiment, the parasitic load was reduced by more than 95% compared to the control group with no Biokos. Additionally, cultured fish cells were able to proliferate, and fish showed no adverse signs at Biokos concentrations that were effective in killing the parasite. Thus, Biokos may be a promising way for preventing or reducing the burden of this parasitic disease in the future.