The efficacy of Virkon-S for the Control of Saprolegniasis in common carp, Cyprinus carpio L.

Abstract

Saprolegnia parasitica is a severe fish pathogen that causes severe economic losses worldwide. Virkon-S is a well-known disinfectant that has known to have antimicrobial activities against bacteria, virus and fungi. In this study, we tested anti-fungal activity of Virkon-S against Saprolegnia parasitica, the major causal agent of saprolegniasis. In vitro assay showed that Virkon-S can inhibit the spore germination and the resulting mycelial growth at as low as 4 ppm. No cytotoxic effect on EPC cells was observed at as high as 100 ppm. Also, no acute toxicity on common carp was observed at 10 ppm during 96 h exposure. Virkon-S of 4 and 10 ppm showed complete treatment of Saprolegniasis artificially induced on common carp after 10 days’ treatment. All this data indicates that Virkon-S can be used for the control of saprolegniasis without harmful effect on fish although further researches on the effect on human and food supplies are necessary.