Systemic zygomycosis in farmed tilapia fish

Abstract

Decreased feed intake and persistent low-level mortality in a production tank of hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus x Oreochromis mossambicus x Oreochromis aureus) prompted the submission of three affected fish for diagnosis. Consistent macrosopical findings included multifocal dermal haemorrhage, excess abdominal fluid and an enlarged friable liver. On microscopical examination, broad non-septate fungal hyphae and chlamydospores were identified within numerous internal organs, often within and adjacent to blood vessels. The fungal hyphae were readily seen by silver staining (GMS) and the chlamydospores were stained deep magenta by the periodic acid-Schiff reaction. In addition to several species of Gram-negative bacteria, moderate growths of woolly white fungal colonies were obtained from the posterior part of the kidney in two of the three tilapia. These colonies were identified as a Rhizomucor sp. on the basis of the morphological characteristics of the sporulating fungi in culture. This represents the first reported episode of zygomycosis in fish.