The effect of Biokos™, a natural lipopeptide surfactant extracted from the bacterium Pseudomonas, on Epistylis infections in Carassius auratus

O efeito de Biokos™, um surfactante lipopeptídico natural extraído da bactéria do gênero Pseudomonas, na infecção por Epistylis em Carassius auratus

Abstract

In the aquaculture industry, biocides are routinely used to treat parasitosis in fish, and researchers are continually developing sustainable alternatives that can replace these harsh chemicals. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a new natural compound, Biokos^TM, for the treatment against Epistylis sp. in Carassius auratus fish. The infestation was identified by the presence of whitish plaques on the integument of five animals, and the diagnosis was confirmed through skin scrapings. Biokos^TM is a lipopeptide derived from the bacteria Pseudomonas that can destroy the functionality of the cell membrane of ciliated protozoa. The action of Biokos^TM does not harm animals and the environment because the compound degrades into amino acids and fatty acids within days. A 0.15 m³ (150 L) aquarium was treated with an Ich-Away^TM water conditioner manufactured by the Danish company Sundew ApS, which has Biokos^TM as the active ingredient. Six tablets were added to the water daily for two days, and new skin scrapings were performed. The fish were clinically well and no longer possessed lesions or parasites. The results obtained indicate that Biokos^TM can be an innovative and more sustainable alternative for controlling epistyliasis in ornamental fish.

Keywords:
Aquatic health; parasite; ciliated protozoan; lipopeptide; ornamental fish