Haematological and innate immune responses in Puntius sarana: normal range and seasonal variation

Abstract

AbstractA study was conducted to measure the normal ranges, seasonal and annual variations in haematological and immune parameters of juvenile healthy Puntius sarana (weighing 75–100 g) during three major seasons over two consecutive years. Significantly (P<0.05) lower serum myeloperoxidase and ceruloplasmin activities, superoxide production, plasma glucose level, packed cell volume and haemoglobin concentration were detected in winter as compared to the summer season. However, serum lysozyme activity, antiprotease activity, total erythrocyte count (TEC) and TLC profiles were consistent during all seasons. The reference intervals (25th–75th) of each parameter were estimated and a range was established. The annual changes in immune parameters with minimum and maximum values were measured and a significant variation was noticed in myeloperoxidase, antiprotease, total protein levels and TEC over two consecutive years. The lower levels in haematological and innate immune status of fish during winter possibly indicate a higher disease risk period for the species.