HISTOPATHOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF THE LIVER OF POECILIA RETICULATA EXPOSED TO THE ANTIBIOTIC AZITHROMYCIN

Abstract

– The discharge of xenobiotics into ecosystems causes adverse effects on aquatic organisms, and emerging contaminants such as antibiotics are of concern due to their lack of regulation. In aquatic environments, these pollutants can damage tissues, organs and systems. This study evaluated the impact of environmental concentrations of azithromycin, a common antibiotic, on fish of the species Poecilia reticulata. Somatic indices and liver samples were analyzed to detect histopathological and biochemical changes. Azithromycin caused significant effects, such as an increase in the hepatosomatic index, changes in redox responses and tissue damage in the liver, demonstrating its influence on homeostasis.

Keywords: emerging contaminants; antibiotic; fish; liver; histopathology; biochemical biomarkers.