Phyto-prophylactic Potentials of Dietary Ipomoea-batatas Leaves on Clarias gariepinus Exposed to Psedomonas aeruginosa: Biochemical Analysis and Liver Histopathology

Ipomoea batatas aqueous extracts was examined for it's phyto-prohylatic effects on the enzymes, bilirubin, metabolites, electrolytes and liver histopathology of Clarias gariepinus challenged with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. One hundred and fifty (150) C. gariepinus were distributed into five groups in triplicates and fed accordingly with 0ml/kg (DO), 50ml/kg (D1), 100ml/kg (D2) and 150ml/kg (D3) I. batatas supplemented diets. Two groups were fed with 0ml/kg (D0+v and D0-ve). At the end of feeding period, the fish fed D0-ve (negative control) and D1-D3 were infected with 1.5ml of 1.5 × 10¹⁰cfu/ml overnight grown Pseudomonas aeruginosa while the fish fed D0+ve was unfected. After seven (7) days post infection period, blood samples were collected from all groups to determine enzyme activities [Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine transaminase (ALT) and (ALP), Bilirubin activities [Total Bilirubin (TB) and Conjugated Bilirubin (CB)], Metabolites activities [Total Protein (TP), Albumine (ALB), Globulin (GLB), Urea (UR) and creatinine (CR)] and Electrolytes activities [Sodium (Na+), Potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), chloride (CL-) and bicarbonate (HCO-3)]. The fish livers were also harvested for histopathological analysis. The results revealed that the highest values of all enzymes and bilirubin activities were recorded in the fish fed D-ve (negative control) when compared to the fish fed D1 to D3 (treated groups) and D+ve (positive control). TB and GLB were lower while UR and CR were higher in the fish fed D-ve when compared to the fish fed D1-D3 and D+ve. ALB values were similar in the fish fed D+ve and D3. Na+ and CL- were significantly lower in the fish fed D-ve and the highest values of Ca2+ and K+ were also recorded in the fish fed D-ve. However, the values of HCO-3 had no significant difference. The histopathological analysis shows that the liver of the fish fed D+ve, D2 and D3 had exact same features suggestive of a cultured fish. However, the liver of the fish fed D-ve and D1 had no vacuoles and there was a mild infiltration by lymphocytes. Sequel to these results, it is evidential that I. batatas possess the potentials of maintaining normal biochemical activities, and safeguard fish liver against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It is therefore recommended that aquaculturist should embrace and apply this great discovery to maintain fish health especially in harsh environment.