Immune response for acute infection of Aeromonas hydrophila of two distinct color morphs of northern snakehead, Channa argus

This study compared the immunological responses of black and white varieties of Channa argus to Aeromonas hydrophila infection. The white variety showed higher mortality rates, increased oxidative stress (higher MDA levels), stronger inflammatory responses (IL-1 beta, IL-8 expression), and lower antioxidant capacity (SOD, T-AOC levels) compared to the black variety. Transcriptomic analysis revealed distinct gene expression profiles, with pathways related to metabolism and immune response enriched differently between the two varieties. These findings emphasize genetic influences on susceptibility and immune regulation in C. argus following bacterial infection.