Selection for improved resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila in Indian major carp Labeo rohita: Survival and innate immune responses in first generation of resistant and susceptible lines

Selection for disease resistance in fish may be performed directly on basis of survival data obtained in controlled challenge trials, or indirectly using information from immunological or molecular markers linked to differential survival. In the present study, several key innate immune parameters were measured in aeromoniasis resistant and susceptible lines of rohu Labeo rohita to assess their suitability as immune markers for use in indirect selection for increased resistance. Experimental infection with Aeromonas hydrophila (9.55 × 106 cfu g−1 fish) through the intraperitoneal route produced higher survival in the resistant line (73.33%) as compared to the susceptible line (16.67%). Blood and liver tissue samples from both lines were collected to study some of the innate immune parameters and immune-related gene expression. The respiratory burst activity of blood phagocytes, serum myeloperoxidase activity and ceruloplasmin level were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the resistant line compared to the susceptible line. Lower level of blood glucose and serum natural haemolysin titre were marked in the resistant line as compared to the susceptible line. No significant difference was measured in total serum protein concentration, antiprotease activity and bacterial agglutinin level between two lines, while the expression of transferrin, complement factor C3 and TLR 22-like transcripts were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in liver samples of the susceptible line. However, no such difference was found in β2-microglobulin and lysozyme gene expression between lines. The study demonstrated the possibility of using some of the investigated innate immune parameters as indirect marker traits for selection for improved resistance to aeromoniasis in rohu.

► Resistant line rohu showed higher (73.33%) survival to A. hydrophila challenge.
► Higher respiratory burst, myeloperoxidase and ceruloplasmin activities in resistant line.
► Lower level of blood glucose and natural haemolysin titre in resistant line.
► Serum ceruloplasmin activity could be used as indirect marker for selection.