Time- and dose-dependent effects of bacterial infection on iron metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the juvenile soft-shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis

Key Points

• Iron metabolism is significantly affected by bacterial infection duration and dosage, leading to increased oxidative stress.
• In juvenile soft-shelled turtles, both inflammation and oxidative stress levels rise with bacterial exposure, highlighting vulnerable physiological responses.
• Assessment of iron levels across treatment groups shows a robust correlation between infection dosage and iron metabolism changes in turtles.
• Supports the need for further studies to understand the long-term health implications of bacterial infections in aquatic animals.