The Immunostimulatory Potential and Resistance Aeromonas hydrophila of Pineapple Peel Extract in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

This study described the efficiency of pineapple peel extract (PPE) in increasing the immunity of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and in inhibiting Aeromonas hydrophila infections. The PPE concentrations used in this study were: 62.5, 125, and 250 mg/mL. 0.1 mL of PPE was administered via intraperitoneal injection into the fish. On day 7, fish was intraperitoneally injected with 0.1 mL A. hydrophila (density 108 CFU/mL). Hematology and biochemical serum parameters were observed on day 1 and 7 after injected with PPE and day 7 and 14 post-challenge with A. hydrophila. The results indicated that, red blood cells, white blood cells, and hematocrit of PPE-injected fish were significantly higher than those in the control group (p<0.05). Alkaline phosphatase, aspartate transaminase, and alanine transaminase in the fish groups receiving PPE were lower than those of the control group. After challenge test, fish injected with 125 mg/mL PPE concentration was able to significantly reduce the mortality rate compare to control (from 80.50% to 47.22%). It can be concluded that PPE was effective in preventing A. hydrophila infections, and had a positive impact on the immunity of fish. So that pineapple is an alternative plant that can be used to improve fish health.