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The hidden world of fish fungal pathogens: molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis in common carp, Cyprinus carpio

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Abstract

Fungal infections pose a significant threat to aquaculture, causing substantial economic losses and ecological disruptions. The common carp (Cyprinus carpio), as a crucial farmed fish, requires in-depth research to uncover the underlying fungal pathogens affecting its health. In this study, we analyzed 150 samples of C. carpio to identify the fungal pathogens responsible for the infections based on clinical signs and symptoms. Further, we assessed fungal diversity and prevalence in the infected fish. The infected fish exhibited varying degrees of gross pathogenicity, with fins and skin heavily affected, intermediate infection observed in the head and gills, and the least infection found in the operculum. Morphological examination revealed distinct characteristics such as necrosis, lesions on the skin, fins, and gills, as well as loss of scales, hemorrhagic lesions, and red spots. Furthermore, the presence of gray and white cottony patches on the body confirmed ascomycete and zygomycete infections, while a dark white cottony mass indicated phycomycete infection. Some fish exhibited severe fungal infections, presenting prominently curved spines and necrosis with red spots on the skin. These isolates belonged to various fungal groups, including ascomycetes, zygomycetes, phycomycetes, deuteromycetes, and basidiomycetes. Among these, Fusarium oxysporum emerged as the most prevalent fungal pathogen, followed by Fusarium solani, Saprolegnia delica, and Saprolegnia parasitica. Molecular identification based on ITS and LSU rRNA sequences confirmed the presence of Saprolegnia delica, Mucor hiemalis, Coniothyrium telephii, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Penicillium cellarum, and Fusarium californicum in the fish samples. Phylogenetic analysis further supported the morphological and molecular data, providing insights into the relationship between the isolated fungal strains and known species from various geographical regions. Our study enhances our understanding of the diversity and prevalence of fish fungal pathogens in common carp, emphasizing the significance of employing molecular techniques for accurate identification. These comprehensive findings offer essential insights into the impact of fungal infections on common carp populations, laying the groundwork for targeted control measures to mitigate their effects on global aquaculture.

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Acknowledgements

The first author acknowledges the monthly stipend support provided by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi, India, as Direct Senior Research Fellowship (CSIR-JRF/SRF) via File No.09/251(0171)/2020-EMR-I. The authors thank the Director, Centre of Research for Development (CORD), University of Kashmir, Srinagar, for their support.

Funding

The work of Uzma Shabir was supported by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi, India, as Direct Senior Research Fellowship (CSIR-JRF/SRF) via File No.09/251(0171)/2020-EMR-I. This work was also funded by Researchers Supporting Project number (RSP2023R364), King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre of Research for Development, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, 190006, India

    Uzma Shabir, Jehangir Shafi Dar & Ruqeya Nazir

  2. Department of Biosciences, University Centre for Development and Research, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali, Punjab, 140413, India

    Aashaq Hussain Bhat

  3. Experimental Biology Research Group, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Neuchâtel, Rue Emile-Argland 2000, Neuchâtel, Switzerland

    Aashaq Hussain Bhat

  4. Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, 11451, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

    Fuad Ameen

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  1. Uzma Shabir
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Contributions

Conceptualization: US; Formal analysis: US, JAD, AHB; Funding acquisition: US, FA; Investigation: US, RN; Methodology: US, JAD, AHB, RN; Project administration: FA; Resources: FA; Visualization: US, RN; Writing: US, JAD, AHB; Writing: review and editing: US, JAD, AHB. All the authors read and approved the paper.

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Correspondence to Aashaq Hussain Bhat.

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Communicated by Gharieb El-Sayyad.

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Shabir, U., Dar, J.S., Bhat, A.H. et al. The hidden world of fish fungal pathogens: molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis in common carp, Cyprinus carpio. Arch Microbiol 205, 311 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00203-023-03651-4

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