The Efficacy of a Single Intraperitoneal Injection of Flumequine in the Treatment of Systemic Vibriosis in Corkwing Wrasse Symphodus melops

Abstract

In this investigation, the efficacy of a single intraperitoneal injection of flumequine in the treatment of systemic vibriosis in corkwing wrasse Symphodus melops was examined. In a population of corkwing wrasse that was experiencing daily mortality, the dominant bacterium cultivated from kidney samples of dead fish was tentatively classified as a species of Vibrio resembling V. splendidus. The infected fish were randomly divided into two groups, each of 60 individuals. Group 1 was treated with flumequine (25 mg/kg of fish) administered by a single intraperitoneal injection, whereas the fish from group 2 were injected with saline. The mortality was observed daily for 21 d. The cumulative mortality was significantly (P < 0.005) higher in the control group (58%) compared with the medicated group (11%). Bacterial examination of kidneys from dead and surviving fish of both groups indicated the Vibrio to be quickly and effectively eliminated by the antibacterial agent.