Prophylactic effects of chemicals and immunostimulants in experimental Tetrahymena infections of guppy

The prophylactic effects of chemicals and immunostimulants on the Tetrahyme na infection of guppies (Poecilia reticulata) were studied through experime ntal infections. Tetrahymena pyriformis was used in an experimental infecti on on a guppy population pre-treated by the following method; the base of t he caudal fin was covered with a 10% acetic acid-soaked cotton strip for 3 min. The study consisted of screening anti-Tetrahymena chemicals, testing p rophylactic effects of selected chemicals or immunostimulants, and finally evaluating the combination effects of the chemicals and immunostimulants. T he single uses of chemicals or immunostimulants did not completely prevent the Tetrahymena infection. Prevention was attained by the combination of a 0.5% sodium chloride bath and a feeding of C-UPIII (a Chinese herb mix) die t.