Hematological changes in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), infected with Saprolegnia spp

Abstract

The present study was conducted to investigate the physiological impairment in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) infected with Saprolegnia spp. The following hematological parameters were studied: total erythrocyte count (TEC), total leukocyte count (TLC), hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Except TLC, which significantly increased in the infected fish, all parameters decreased in response to infection. Decreases in Hb, TEC, and Hct were significant, indicating that saprolegniosis causes anemia and immunosuppression.