EN
The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of Ichtio Hexan (a complex blend of Allium sativum extract, Chelidonium majus extract, Origanum vulgare extract, carvacrol and cinnamic aldehyde) for the control of spironucleosis (hexamitosis) in rainbow trout fingerlings. For this purpose, three groups of rainbow trout naturally infected with S. salmonis were fed diets containing either no Ichtio Hexan or supplemented with Ichtio Hexan at a rate of 0.1 ml/kg bw (group 1) or 1 ml/kg bw (group 2) for 38 days. During this period mortalities were recorded and the dead fish were examined to confirm the isolations of S. salmonis. At the end of the experiment the fish were sacrificed, individually weighed and measured, their livers removed and weighed. In order to determine the prevalence and intensity of infection the intestinal contents were examined. The results of the present study showed that Ichtio Hexan in an amount of 0.1 ml/kg bw considerably reduced mortality caused by S. salmonis in rainbow trout fingerlings. The number of S. salmonis trophozoites in the digestive tract after administration of Ichtio Hexan at this dose for 38 days was significantly reduced and limited only to the posterior part of the intestine. On the other hand, in the 1 ml/kg bw fed group none of the fish were infected and the gain in the body weight was significantly increased; however, the mortality rate was similar to the control group. The experimental groups did not differ significantly from each other with regards to the condition factor and hepatosomatic index. Considering the above findings, Ichtio Hexan at a dose of 0.1 ml/kg bw can be successfully used in rainbow trout farms to reduce the mortality rate in S. salmonis infected fish.