Scientists from the University of Alberta have found that a moderate increase in body temperature helps fish quickly recover from a bacterial infection and repair damaged tissues. The research was published in the journal eLife.
An increase in body temperature is a normal response of the body to an infection. While antipyretics can relieve the discomfort of fever, new research shows that they can also interfere with the immune system.
Researchers artificially created fever in fish with bacterial infections. The fish’s behavior was similar to that shown by people with a fever.
The scientists found that fish with a fever recovered from infection faster than fish without a fever. It also reduced fever, inflammation and helped repair tissues damaged by the disease.
The authors believe that maintaining a moderately high temperature may be beneficial in the treatment of infectious diseases in humans. It can also help prevent fever, secondary skin infections and facilitate wound healing.
However, the scientists noted that more human studies are needed to confirm their findings.