In vivo and in vitro assays using biosynthesized silver nanoparticles on Aeromonas hydrophila-infected Clarias gariepinus

The biosynthesis of nanoparticles using silver (Ag+) and plant extracts such as Myrmecodia sp. has high potential as an antibacterial agent. Present research aimed to evaluate in vitro and in vivo antibacterial assays of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against Aeromonas hydrophila. The results showed that 40% AgNPs provided the optimum inhibition index (7.7 +/- 0.45 g mm). Meanwhile, Aeromonas hydrophila infected-fish without an AgNPs injection showed significantly reduced of erythrocytes (20.89 +/- 0.03 x 10(6) mu L-1), hemoglobin (1.20 +/- 0.10 g dL(-1)), and neutrophils, while the levels of leukocytes (11.73 +/- 0.09 x 10(3) mu L-1), platelets (29.67 +/- 2.91 x 10(3) mu L-1) and lymphocytes were found to be significantly increased. Additionally, the infected-fish that were injected with either AgNPs or Myrmecodia sp. extract showed an improved survival rate compared to the control group. The biogenerated-AgNPs demonstrated potent antimicrobial activity, either in vitro or in vivo, and beneficial for use in fish cultivation.