Pathogen: in freshwater aquariums it is Ichtyophtirius multifiliis, but there is also a so-called "tropical" form that is caused by Cryptocaryon irritans. Before the clinical signs of the disease are manifested, the parasite is in the host's body for 4-6 days.
Pathogenesis: Ichthyophthyrius ("manka") affects all freshwater fish, including cold-water species... but Cryptocarion is found only in warm water, at a temperature above 18 degrees. These parasites have similar life cycles.
Mature parasites (trophonts), being under the epithelium, feed on host tissues.. Then, tearing the epithelium enters the water. Having sunk to the bottom, they form a cystic in which their division takes place. One trophon is formed! up to 2,000! daughter cells - they are called "vagrants." "Vagrants" come out of the cist and look for the "owner." "Vagrants" live - up to 2 days. With an increase in water temperature, the life cycle of the infusory decreases!
Symptoms: Small white grains on the skin, fins, gills (therefore, "manka"). Fish rub against stones, bottom, plants.. They often breathe, stop taking food, do not respond to external stimuli. A secondary bacterial infection is usually attached. All aquarium fish are susceptible to ichthyophthyriosis. Adults and juveniles are equally susceptible to the disease. The disease lasts 5-14 days and often ends in mass death of fish.
Treatment: Parasites that are on the host's body are not available for drugs. Drugs introduced into the water destroy vagrants. If you leave the aquarium for a week without fish, and at the same time raise the temperature, the parasites disappear. Some sources recommend a rise in temperature, for the duration of the treatment of fish. That's not exactly right! After all, if a fish is affected by a tropical form of ichthyophthyriosis, then an increase in temperature will provoke the active reproduction of the parasite.
The pathogen is localized not on the surface of the outer layer of the skin, but under the epithelial tissue, in connection with which many therapeutic solutions of drugs kill only parasites that have emerged from the epithelial cusps into the external environment for reproduction.
Preparations used in the treatment of ichthyophthyriosis - contain malachite green in their composition. These are drugs such as: Malachite green, Antipar, Sera Kostapur, Tetra ContraIK, SuperIKur, Sera Protazol, etc. A good therapeutic effect, in the treatment of ichthyophthyriosis, is given by the introduction together with Malachite green - Yodinol preparations at a rate of 1 ml per 10 liters.
Furazolidon also proved himself well. 50 mg per 10 liters.
In order to prevent the disease of ichthyophthyriosis - it is necessary to quarantine at least three weeks of all new fish. The disease can also be brought with live feed, an inventory that was in contact with a sick fish. For humans, fish parasite infusories are not dangerous.