It is my impression from many sources that the so-called "cures" of fish
Mycobacteriosis with antibiotics are usually just inhibition of the
secondary invaders of the ulcers. When the open would is in contact with the
usual range of potential pathogens present in the aquarium the usual
protective factors in the skin, scales, mucus layer etc are not working
against infection establishment.
As you correctly observed -
<<The Mycobacterium infests the fish's macrophages upon
phagocytosis there the fish's T-lymphocytes then go into action to trigger
the macrophages antibacterial measures or simply trigger
the death of the macrophage setting the bacterium free to be
destroyed by other macrophages as well as to be bound by
antibodies for easier targetting.>>
- or to destroy other macrophages and eventually overcome that particular
specimen.
Acquired immunity is not the only process operating in immunity and I do
believe that some groups of fish are more susceptible because of
evolutionary factors.
I agree with all the preventive recommendations but I don't feel that
treatment with antibiotics is likely to give a good outcome in the long
term.
Regards,
Bruce.
Bruce Hansen, A.N.G.F.A., Advancing Australian Aquatics.
Bruce Hansen, ANGFA, caring for our aquatic ecosystems.
Please visit us at http://www.ozemail.com.au/~fisher/angfa.htm
----- Original Message -----
From: Tyrone <12860379 at narga.sun.ac.za>
To: <rainbowfish at pcug.org.au>
Sent: Tuesday, 31 August 1999 16:40
Subject: [RML] fish TB "cures"
> Hello