I do think she made a valid point,
LOL, I had a sense this wasn't quite over, yet.
You can think what you like, that's certainly your prerogative, but I know of no scientific or practical evidence that would bear that theory out. As previously stated .....
The various compounds found in garlic simply act as a parasitic/bacterial preventative. It will not cure any type internal parasite, or any other form of pathogen that I am aware of. But it will also not lead to any type of super bug, anymore than supplementing a fish with Vitamin C will.
Generally speaking, when a "bug" becomes a "super bug" it is due to that pathogen building up a resistance to the medication being used to kill it. What pathogens survive, build up an immunity to that medication. This is why your Dr. will tell you to take all 10 days worth of an antibiotic, even if you feel better after 6 days. The risk is that by not taking it for the full duration some bugs may survive, and become immune to that medication. (and possibly others)
Garlic is not a medication, and is not used to kill any type of aquatic pathogen that I am aware of, certainly not any type of IP. If your theory was correct, then anyone taking a Vitamin C supplement immediately prior to catching a cold, would have the potential to create a *super cold* that would have an immunity towards Vitamin C. It doesn't work that way, anymore than someone eating yogurt daily risks creating super bugs in their gut. Natural substances such as garlic, are immunostimulants, not medications. Some of these compounds have been shown to have biological effects such as growth promotion, immunostimulation, antistress, antibacterial, antifungal, antivirals, and appetite stimulators.
The area of natural immunostimulants in the aquaculture circles has really taken off over the past several years.
http://www.springerlink.com/content/d4hp781jq1251710/fulltext.html
The use of immunostimulating herbs in fish. An overview of research
Jeney Galina, G. Yin, L. Ardó and Z. Jeney
Accepted: 21 January 2009 Published online: 11 March 2009
Abstract
The use of immunostimulants as an alternative to the drugs, chemicals and antibiotics currently being used to control fish diseases in fish culture is attracting the attention of many researchers. In this context, many have focused on the use of medicinal plant products as potential therapeutic measures for modulating the immune response and, specifically, on the use of herbs to prevent and control fish diseases. Medicinal plants (plant remedies) are a deeply rooted component of the cultural heritage of many people from diverse cultures and countries and are, as such, closely linked to the maintenance of good health. The aim of this paper is to review research currently being carried out on the herbs and herbal extracts that have been shown to modulate the immune system of fish. Special attention is given to the use of Chinese and Indian herbs.
If one does have a fish with IP's, the following sticky explains how one can treat those IP's using a non traditional, non medicinal form of treatment. Safe, easy, dirt cheap, and highly effective.
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?339362-Treating-Hexamita-aka-Spironucleus
HTH
