Problematiche sanitarie associate all’allevamento a scopo ornamentale di ciclidi: indagine anatomopatologica e molecolare di soggetti malati

Cichlids include several fish species that have high economic impact in the field of aquatics. These species are intensively reared and marketed, receiving great attention both at national and international level. Similarly to other rearing activities, it is important to include in the company management a health surveillance program to reduce the impact of potential diseases that could meander in the fish population. This work focused on a pathologic and molecular method-based survey in ornamental cichlids. Thirteen fish appearing debilitated or displaying aspecific signs of disease were sampled. Pathologic investigations combined with molecular analyses for identification of lymphocystis disease virus (LCDV) and granulomatogenous bacteria were carried out. Histopathologically, a granulomatous pattern, often associated to MMC hyperplasia, was the most common finding. Special stains (PAS, Perls, Ziehl-Neelsen) employed to identify the type of MMC pigments, revealed the presence of hemosiderin and ceroid-lipofuscin. Immunohistochemical detection of granulomatogenous bacteria by using anti-Mycobacterium bovis revealed them in five cases. The molecular analyses confirmed the presence of mycobacteria in two fish. The analyses for LCDV in fish affected by cutaneous nodules were negative, in accordance with the absence of hypertrophic findings affecting the dermis. The zoonotic potential of the mycobacteria detected and the employment of these animals for ornamental purposes confirm and reinforce the needing of a continuous monitoring of animals, based on the selection and study of fish in sub-optimal health status or showing aspecific signs of disease.