Transcriptomic analysis of channel catfish liver response to Aeromonas hydrophila infection correlated to skin integrity and fed state

This study focuses on the hepatic immune response of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) under varying feeding statuses and fin-clipping conditions following infection with Aeromonas hydrophila. Transcriptomic data revealed strong complement activation (C3, C5) in the fed groups, contributing to more severe tissue damage and inflammation.

In contrast, the unfed groups demonstrated delayed immune responses characterized by increased apoptosis and impaired tissue repair mechanisms. Histopathological findings showed that at 2 hours post-challenge, the NCN group exhibited moderate vascular congestion and edema, while no significant findings were detected in the other groups. By 4 hours post-challenge, vascular congestion, edema, and lymphoplasmacytic infiltration were detected in the non fed non clipped group, and at 8 hours post-challenge, moderate to severe edema and vascular congestion were observed.