Isolation, molecular identification, and pathological lesions of Saprolegnia spp. isolated from common carp, Cyprinus carpio in floating cages in Mosul, Iraq

Abstract

Background and Aim: Saprolegniasis is a fungal disease that infects freshwater fish. The condition is characterized by a cotton-like appearance in the gills and body. This study aimed to isolate Saprolegnia from common carp, Cyprinus carpio, raised in a floating cage in Wana district, Mosul, Iraq. Materials and Methods: Samples were collected from 15 infected fish and examined microbiologically, molecularly, and histopathologically. Saprolegnia DNA was extracted which was amplified using universal primers give a 540 bp DNA fragment, and gill and muscle tissue were also examined for histopathological changes. Results: Isolated colonies of Saprolegnia were characterized by a circular, white cottony appearance with long hair. Lactophenol staining demonstrated hyphae as branched non-septate, transparent masses. The genomic DNA of isolates was consistent with Saprolegnia spp. The infected tissue samples showed variable pathology in gills. Severe hemorrhage and edema were observed in primary gill filaments with hyperplasia in epithelial cells and infusion in secondary gill filaments. Hyphae of Saprolegnia were seen between necrotic and edematous myofiber with inflammatory cells infiltration. Conclusion: Saprolegnia can cause economic impacts through lethal infection of fish. Clinical signs of Saprolegnia infection were confirmed molecularly and microscopically, and these findings were supported by histopathological lesions in gill and muscle tissues.

Keywords

• common carp
• fungal isolation
• histopathological changes
• molecular identification
• saprolegnia