Morphological techniques used in ichthyopathological diagnosis

Abstract

In this review, different diagnostic techniques for identifying etiology of fish disease are described. Among microscopictechniques, we find rapid diagnostic tests to observe parasites, gill diseases and bacteria; routine histopathologicaltechniques are also used. In samples having bone tissue, decalcification methods are employed. In recent years, apart fromusing immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy, morphological techniques allow a deep study of diseasepathogenesis. At present, molecular techniques for pathogen identification and atomic-absorption spectrophotometry tomeasure the concentration and distribution of toxic metals in tissues they also use. In conclusion, different techniques cancontribute to the evaluation of disorders and provide tools for a better understanding in fish medicine.