The Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Physiological and Histopathological Biomarkers of some Fungal Infections and Proposed Silver Nanoparticles Remediation

The Nile tilapia are susceptible to various infections originating from the aquatic environment, particularly fungal pathogens. Fungal infections are considered the second most significant cause of losses in aquaculture, especially during the cold winter months. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have emerged as promising antifungal agents in aquaculture. In this study, fungi isolated from the Nile tilapia exhibiting fungal infections were identified based on their morphological characteristics. Infected fish were treated with silver nanoparticles at concentrations of 5, 10, and 15µg/ L, dissolved in the aquarium water. Histopathological and hematological analyses were conducted to evaluate the treatment effects, and the in vitro antifungal activity of AgNPs was also assessed. All treated fish showed signs of recovery, with the highest recovery rates observed at concentrations of 5 and 10µg/ L. These findings suggest that silver nanoparticles can be safely and effectively used as antifungal additives in aquaculture water at concentrations of 5–10µg/ L to reduce mortality caused by fungal infections, particularly during the winter season.