The aim of this study was to assess the effects of T-2 toxin-contaminated feed (at concentrations of 1.0 and 1.8 mg/kg) on the rainbow trout immune system by studying non-specific cellular and humoral immune responses and its effect on red and white blood cells. Consumption of T-2 toxin at both concentrations resulted in significantly increased erythrocyte counts and a decrease in mean corpuscular volume. While a significant decrease in mean corpuscular haemoglobin was observed at both experimental concentrations, the decrease in plasma haemoglobin was only significant at the higher T-2 toxin concentration. Higher T-2 toxin concentrations resulted in a significant increase in leukocyte and lymphocyte count, while absolute phagocyte count and counts of less mature neutrophil granulocyte forms remained unchanged at both concentrations. Non-specific humoral immunity (bactericidal activity measured as complement activation) decreased significantly in both experimental groups when compared with the control. The results of this study show that T-2 toxin in feed at a concentration range of 1.0-1.8 mg/kg influences the immunological defence mechanisms of rainbow trout.Trial registration number, MSMT-3876/2014-14; date of registration, 31/1/2014.

Department of Animal Protection Welfare and Behaviour University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno Palackeho tr 1946 1 612 42 Brno Czech Republic

Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game Fish and Bees University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno Palackeho tr 1946 1 612 42 Brno Czech Republic

Department of Experimental Biology Faculty of Science Masaryk University Kotlarska 2 611 37 Brno Czech Republic

Department of Zoology Fisheries Hydrobiology and Apiculture Faculty of AgriSciences Mendel University in Brno Zemedelska 1 613 00 Brno Czech Republic

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