ABSTRACT: A comparative immunohistochemical method employing avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex and using polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies in paraffin-embedded sections was tested for its ability to detect antigens which cause mycobacteriosis in swordtail Xiphophorus helleri, a freshwater fish. By using the polyclonal antibodies anti-Mycobacterium bovis (BCG strain) and anti-M. paratuberculosis, we were able to find the mycobacterial antigens in tissues of the fish. The monoclonal anti-M. avium detected a positive reaction only in cells of kidney granulomas. The use of bleaching to eliminate confusion between melanin and chromogen end-product during the diagnosis of fish mycobacteriosis was also studied.

KEY WORDS: Fish mycobacteriosis . Swordtail

Published in DAO Vol. 24, No. 2 (1996) on February 1
ISSN: 0177-5103. Copyright © Inter-Research, Oldendorf/Luhe, 1996