Changes of intestinal mucus glycoproteins after peroral application of Aeromonas hydrophila to common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

The intestinal mucosal system is supposed to provide a removal mechanism for bacterial noxes by increased secretion of mucins inducing a washing out effect. Data from this study indicate that modulation of secretion and glycosylation depends on the applied A. hydrophila strain. Application of A. hydrophila 60 leads to an increased secretion of small mucus glycoproteins, which may lead to a flushing out of the bacteria and therefore to an elimination of bacterial noxes. Manifestation of the bacteria seemed to be prevented. In contrast the application of A. hydrophila 38 apparently destroys the mucus layer, leaving the intestinal mucosa insufficiently protected against further pathogens, which then have the capability to invade the underlying tissue and induce disease.