Abstract

Background:
T-2 toxin, a type A trichothecene, exhibits hepatotoxic, immunosuppressive, and oxidative effects in fish.

Aim:
This study examines the protective effects of Mycofix Plus and Mycosorb A+ commercial mycotoxin binders against T-2 induced toxicity in gilthead seabream.

Methods:
In a 6-week feeding trial, 180 fingerlings (initial weight 100 g) were allocated into 6 groups in triplicate. The dietary groups consisted of a control, binder-only diets, a T-2 toxin-challenged group, and contaminated diets supplemented with either binder (1-g kg⁻¹). Measurements included clinical manifestations, innate immunity, oxidative status, enzymatic activity, histological changes, and survival following a V. harveyi challenge.

Results:
T-2 toxin–exposed fish exhibited severe clinical signs, organ damage, and immunosuppression of the innate immune response compared with control fish (p < 0.05). These changes were accompanied by a significant increase in cortisol and oxidative stress indicators (glutathione reductase and lipid peroxidase). In the disease-resistance trial, the T-2 group showed the highest susceptibility to V. harveyi (mortality: 90%). However, the inclusion of Mycofix Plus and Mycosorb A+ in the diets significantly counteracted the impact of the toxin, improving the antioxidant status and reducing clinical symptoms. Notably, these treatments restored survival rates to 70%–80% and provided substantial relative protection (57.14–71.43%) compared to fish receiving the T-2 toxin alone.

Conclusion:
Mycofix® Plus and Mycosorb® A+ are mycotoxin binders used as functional feed additives in gilthead seabream to reduce T-2 toxin toxicity and enhance disease resistance to V. harveyi.

Key words: Gilthead seabream; Immunosuppression; Mycotoxin binders; T-2 toxin; Vibrio harveyi.