Effects of probiotics on Zebrafish model infected with Aeromonas hydrophila: spatial distribution, antimicrobial, and histopathological investigation

Usage of “probiotics” for treatment of food-borne pathogens associated diseases, makes a significant reduction in transmission of resistant bacteria, and antimicrobial resistance genes from aquaculture environments to humans. In this research, the authors aim to evaluate the immunomodulatory, and histological effects of two probiotic strains on the Zebrafish model. Fish models were treated with Lactobacillus delbrueckii (G2), Lactobacillus acidophilus (G3) and both probiotics (G4) and compared with the control group (G1) (only infected by pathogen and receiving no probiotic). Biometric tests, height, weight, and mortality rate of the fishes were assessed. Afterward, RT-PCR was conducted for bacterial existence of probiotic strains, and quantitative assessment of alterations in targeted immune genes. Subsequently, histological sampling was done for investigation of spatial distribution, and villus length in proximal, middle, and distal sections of intestinal tissues. Based on the results, G4 showed the highest gene expression for Lactobacillus acidophilus after 28 days (P < 0.05). G4 also showed an increase in the number of goblet cells and villus length in the middle and distal sections of intestinal tissue after 56 days. Furthermore, after 56 days, the highest number of intraepithelial cells was observed in the proximal sections of intestinal tissue in G4. G2 and G3 showed significant differences in comparison with G1 (P < 0.05). After 60 days, the highest gene expression for Lactobacillus bulgaricus was found in group treated with only this probiotic bacteria. The highest expression level of IL-1β and TNF-α were found in G1. The highest survival rate was in the case of groups only treated with Lactobacillus bulgaricus (G2). To sum up, it seems that usage of probiotics for the improvement of public health and fisheries industries can be helpful. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: [Image: see text]