Effects of β-1,3/1,6 glucan dietary supplements on some immunological and hematological health markersin Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) infected with Aeromonas hydrophila.

This experimental study aimed to investigate some hematological and immunological changes as a result of Aeromanas hydrophila infection in Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii Brandt, 1869). Their feeds were supplemented with β-1,3/1,6 glucan at different ratios, 250 mg/kg (βG250); 500 mg/kg (βG500) and 750 mg/kg (βG750). To create an experimental infection, 4×106 cfu/ml Aeromonas hydrophila inoculum was intraperitoneally injected to fish. 0.1 ml intraperitoneal bacteria injection was given to the fish in 12 of 15 tanks, each consisting of 10 fish (the fish in the control group were not given bacteria). Considering the βG500 and βG750 group fish as positive (C+) and negative control (C-) groups in terms of hematological parameters, it was found that RBC (erythrocyte) and Hb (hemoglobin) values, as well as RBC indices (MCV, MCHC, MCH) significantly increased. The immunological parameters, including WBC (leukocyte), leukocyte cell percentages (lymphocyte, monocyte, neutrophil, eosinophil), as well as cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α values showed similar increases in the βG500 and βG750 groups. It was found that the addition of 500 and 750 mg/kg doses of β-1,3/1,6 glucan to the feed stimulated non-specific immunity of fish against bacterial agents and/or septicemic diseases and beta glucan at this dosage range was determined to be ideal for fish health and that it may be a herbal immunostimulant that can be an alternative to many medicaments.