Protozoan and helminths infestation of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus and its correlation with certain water quality variables along river Nile in the area of Greater Cairo

Bibliographic Information
Authors: El-Khayat H.M.M.; Sayed S.S.M.; Mohammed W.A.; Sadek A.-S.M.
Journal: Environmental Pollution
Publisher: Elsevier Ltd
Publication Date: March 2024
Volume / Issue: Volume 345
Article No.: 123459
ISSN: 2697491
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123459
Scopus: View on Scopus
PubMed: 38286257
Document Type: Article
Authors and Affiliations
El-Khayat H.M.M., Environmental Research and Medical Malacology Division, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt; Sayed S.S.M., Environmental Research and Medical Malacology Division, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt; Mohammed W.A., Environmental Research and Medical Malacology Division, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt; Sadek A.-S.M., Zoology and Entomology Department, College of Science, Al-Azhar University, P. O. 11765, Cairo, 11865, Egypt
Abstract
Pollutants and parasites represent stressors for fish at the individual, population, or community levels. The current study outlines the seasonal infestation pattern of Oreochromis niloticus by protozoan and helminths parasites linked to some physicochemical parameters (pH, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, and electrical conductivity), and metals (Cd, Pb, Fe, Zn, and Ca), at nine selected sites in River Nile (Greater Cairo area) from summer 2019 till spring 2020. Most of the studied criteria in Nile water samples showed normal levels during all seasons compared to the recommended limits of EPA. The parasitological examinations recorded three protozoan categories: Myxobolus (8 species), hemoflagellates (Trypanosoma mukasi) and Ciliates (Trichodina compacta), and three helminths; Clinostomum sp., Acanthocephala sp. and Euclinostomum ardeola. The highest incidence of infection was determined for Clinostomum sp., followed in descending order by Myxobolus sp., Acanthocephala sp., T. mukasi, E. ardeolathen, and T. compacta. Notably, this study introduces the novel identification of new species of Myxobolus in the blood of Oreochromis niloticus. The histopathological examination of gills, muscles, and kidneys reveals serious changes and the presence of encysted trematodes, metacercariae, and cysts of protozoan parasites. Additionally, the study employs cluster analysis based on site similarity in water variables and canonical correspondence analysis, explaining 98.7 % of the variables and indicating correlations between parasite infestation and environmental factors. These analytical approaches reveal the impact of land use activities on water variables and the influence of adjacent activities on fish parasite infestation patterns. In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive perspective by considering various factors to enhance our understanding of pollutants and parasites affecting fish in the River Nile. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd
Keywords
Fish parasites; Greater cairo; Metals; Oreochromis niloticus; Physicochemical; River nile; Animals; Cichlids; Environmental Pollutants; Fish Diseases; Helminths; Parasites; Rivers; Water Quality; animal; cichlid; fish disease; helminth; parasite; pollutant; river
Citation Information
Scopus Citations: 14
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