Investigation into the influence of humic substances on the potentially pathogenic flora of fish

Abstract

The purpose of this research paper was to study the influence of humic substances on the potentially pathogenic microbial flora extracted from various species of fish. All the substances were obtained by the original technology of the Djala Gold Company, Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine. Investigations were based at the Department of Ichthyopathology of the Institute of Fisheries of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine. The results of the investigation showed that such a substance as potassium humate had no significant impact on the growth of pathogenic microorganisms, and in some cases contributed to a more intensive growth of the bacterial flora. At the same time, it does not have a negative impact on the autochthonous heterotrophic flora of the intestine of such fish as a carp (Cyprinus carpio) and a channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). Such substances as the compound of silver humate and methylene blue are characterized by a significant antimicrobial activity; they are promising for further research and application in the complex therapy and in the treatment of bacterial infections of fish.