Developmental abnormalities and growth patterns in juvenile Oreochromis mossambicus chronically exposed to efavirenz

Efavirenz is an antiretroviral drug (ARV) used for the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV/AIDS) infections. The effects efavirenz may have on mammals is known, however, little is known about the effects on non-target aquatic organisms, especially on growth and development of fish. Adult Oreochromis mossambicus were bred to produce newly fertilised eggs. These eggs were exposed to efavirenz using two concentrations (10.3 ng/L and 20.6 ng/L) over 60 days growth period. The growing juveniles were kept in a static renewal system under controlled laboratory conditions (27 ± 1 °C; day:night photoperiod of 14:10) to simulate an optimal growth environment similar to summer. The endpoints included changes in growth, growth rates and morphological development based on exposure to efavirenz. After morphological analyses were done at (i) 1-day post hatching, (ii) approximately two weeks post hatching, (iii) 30 days post hatching and (iv) 60 days post hatching abnormalities were reported. Efavirenz had no noticeable effect on length and weight, or growth parameters of the juveniles at all stages. Efavirenz however, influenced the morphological development of the juveniles by causing physical abnormalities (p > 0.05). Abnormalities included spinal deformities and alterations to the shape of the jaws.