- Comparative status of infestation index value of helminthes parasite in selected fresh water bodies of Palghar district region.
Dr.Mukti Y. Srivastava
Shri JhabarmalTibrewala University, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, India
*Corresponding Author Email: muktibiotech@gmail.com
Innovation Insights, Volume No: 1, Issue No: 1 and Page 48-61
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Abstract
Fishes are the most important source of food in all over the world. They are also easily infested by endo-parasites and ecto-parasites in both fresh and sea water ecosystem. The present study was conducted to estimate the infestation index of helminth parasite in Channapunctata, Anabustestudineus and Oreochromismossambicus from Vasai- Virar region of Palghar district during July 2021 to December 2022. The study helps to predict the comparative and present status of fresh-water bodies of Vasai region i.eChikaldongri and Satpalalake. It was found that the infestation index of helminth parasite in Oreochromismossambicus and Channapunctatais less than Anabustestudineus. During summer season maximum parasite was collected from freshwater fishes. Also, it was observed that due to drastic anthropogenic activities held in study area since 2017, the fish species have started to decline because of loss of habitat and vigorous pollution with illegal constructions and activities. The analysis of data shows the occurrence of helminth parasites vary according to the season in freshwater fishes. Helminth parasite and host species, host size, feeding habitats and seasons and localities also influence the intensity. After data analysis, the study was concluded that the high infections of helminth parasite were occurred in summer followed by winter and low in rainy season. Thus, studies postulated that the environmental factors and feeding habitat are influencing the seasonality of parasitic infestation directly or indirectly. The present work also indicates that the helminth (Nematode) parasite is extensively distributed in stomach and digestive system of edible freshwater fish Channapunctatus. It is postulated that, “due to the occurrence of these parasites, the physiological activities of the victimized fishes are hindered. Parasites may lead to epidemics and mortalities, resulting in economic loss in a particular area. Besides this, there is always the possibility of their transfer to the human beings by consumption of raw and partially cooked infected fishes.” Post- pandemic studies revealed low availability of fish species in study area.
Keywords:Chikaldongarilake, Satpala Lake, Channa punctatus, Oreochromismossambicus, Anabustestudineus, Endo-parasites, Host-parasite relationship.
Introduction
Fishes are the most important staple food in the coastal areas. They are also easily infested by endo-parasites and ecto-parasites in both fresh and sea water ecosystem. Ecto-parasites live and feed on the external surface of fish attached to the gills, skin, fins etc. While, endo-parasites live and feed within the internal organs, tissues or blood vessels. Fish parasites are a diverse group of organisms which have significant impact on fish health, growth, sexual behaviour and ecosystem dynamics. Hence, understanding the prevalence rate, diversity and effects of fish parasites is very much essential for both fisheries management and healthy aquatic ecosystem.
Palghar is a district in northern Maharashtra state in western India. The total geographic area of the district is 5,344sq.km. It is located on 19.69°N and 72.77°E. It comprises the wide amphitheatre like Ulhas basin on the south and hilly Vaitarna valley on the north together with plateaus and the slopes of Sahyadri [1].
The present study was conducted to estimate the infestation index of helminth parasites in selected freshwater fish species from Vasai- Virar region of Palghar district.
Objectives:
- To study the selected fresh water bodies and to collect the adequate number of specimens for the designated studies.
- To identify endo-parasites from stomach and intestine of the selected fresh water fish species with the help of appropriate identification keys at hand.
- To find out the prevalence and comparative status of parasites overall observed in the selected fish species from two localities and its proper bio-statistical presentation.
- To find out the status of host-parasite relationship in the selected fish species.
- To present the record of parasites collected from fish specimens by digital photography wherever possible.
Materials andMethhod
Study area: Station 1: Chikaldongarilake is situated at Chikaldongari area in Virar, the suburb of Mumbai which coordinates Lat. 19.47°N and Long. 72.8°E. It is approximately 2km far from Virar railway station. It has a total population of approx. 25,000. This area is very much rich in flora and fauna due to suitable habitat for many animal and plant species. There is also very less human interaction as this is fully covered by mudflats and also estuary.
Station 2: Satpalalakeis situated at Satpala area in Vasai, the suburb of Mumbai which coordinates Lat. 19°26’1″N and Long. 72°46’42″E. It is approximately 11km far from Vasai railway station. It has a total population of approx. 15,000. This area is very much famous for its traditional ponds and lakes. There is human interaction as anthropogenic activity is concerned.
Channapunctatus (Snake headed fish) is the native fish of Vasai and Virar region and is widely distributed in small lakes.
- Methodology:
“Collection of host fishes: The host fishes (Channa punctatus, Oreochromismossambicus, Anabustestudineus) collected from the study area during July 2021- December 2022 at regular interval of 15 days at different time. After random collection with the help of local fishermen from different study sites, the host fish were brought to the laboratory for identification and subsequent collection of parasites.
Fish Measurement: The total length(TL) of the fish hosts were measured from tip of the snout to the end of the caudal fin with the lobes folded.” Weight in grams were also measured.
- Collection of Endo-parasites: The hosts were dissected for the collection of internal parasites by usual killing method of giving a blow on the head. The parasites collected were counted in the living state and “were processed and identified with the help of keys” (Yamaguti, 1985). Population dynamics of endoparasites were determined with appropriate biostatistical analysis.
Ecological analysis: Ecological terms are studied as per the formula given by Margolis[2].
Index of infection = No. of host infected x No. of parasite collected
Table 1.1: Infestation index of Helminth parasites in selected freshwater species at study area (Chikaldongrilake) with respect to seasonal variations:
|
Fish Species |
Seasons |
Prevalence rate |
Mean intensity |
Abundance rate |
Infestation index |
|
Anabustestudineus |
Rainy |
20.53 |
4.86 |
0.22 |
5.13 |
|
Winter |
43.92 |
2.27 |
0.48 |
22.84 |
|
|
Summer |
54.47 |
1.83 |
0.56 |
37.58 |
|
|
Oreochromismossambicus |
Rainy |
8.69 |
11.5 |
0.13 |
1.30 |
|
Winter |
21.49 |
4.65 |
0.32 |
7.52 |
|
|
Summer |
33.60 |
2.97 |
0.36 |
15.12 |
|
|
Channapunctata |
Rainy |
14.70 |
6.8 |
0.17 |
2.64 |
|
Winter |
22.44 |
4.45 |
0.28 |
6.28 |
|
|
Summer |
32.30 |
3.09 |
0.42 |
17.76 |
Table 1.2 : Infestation index of Helminth parasites in selected freshwater species at study area (Satpala lake) with respect to seasonal variations:
|
Fish Species |
Seasons |
Prevalence rate |
Mean intensity |
Abundance rate |
Infestation index |
|
Anabustestudineus |
Rainy |
2.66 |
37.5 |
0.10 |
1.06 |
|
Winter |
12.12 |
8.25 |
0.14 |
1.69 |
|
|
Summer |
32.64 |
3.06 |
0.36 |
12.08 |
|
|
Oreochromismossambicus |
Rainy |
0 |
72 |
0 |
0 |
|
Winter |
6.31 |
15.83 |
0.06 |
0.37 |
|
|
Summer |
10 |
10 |
0.13 |
1.6 |
|
|
Channapunctata |
Rainy |
6.74 |
14.83 |
0.07 |
0.47 |
|
Winter |
11.95 |
8.36 |
0.13 |
1.43 |
|
|
Summer |
21 |
4.76 |
0.22 |
4.62 |
Figure 1: Comparative status of Prevalence rate in selected freshwater species at study area with respect to seasonal variations:
Figure 2: Comparative status of Mean intensity rate in selected freshwater species at study area with respect to seasonal variations:
Figure 3: Comparative status of Abundance rate in selected freshwater species at study area with respect to seasonal variations:
Figure 4: Comparative status of Infestation index rate in selected freshwater species at study area with respect to seasonal variations:
Observations and Discussions
The study helps to predict the comparative and present status of fresh-water bodies of Vasai region i.eChikaldongri lake from Virar and Satpalalake from Nalasopara. It was found that the infestation index of helminth parasites in Oreochromismossambicus and Channapunctatais less as compare to Anabustestudineus [Table 1.1]. During summer season maximum parasites was collected from freshwater fishes. The rise in the prevalence percent and mean intensity with the rising size (length) of the host can depend upon two factors- One factor is the increased volume of food ingested by large-size fishes and another factor can be the age of the fishes. But some reviewed paper suggests that juveniles food intake capacity is more as compared to adult fishes as immunity of host is concerned. The degree of parasitism was discovered to be directly connected to the fishes feeding habits and age. Also, it was observed that due to drastic anthropogenic activities held in study area since 2017, the fish species have started to decline because of loss of habitat and vigorous pollution with illegal constructions and activities as well as ultra-modernization. The comparative data is as follows:Prevalence, Mean Intensity, Abundance rate and Index of infection:Out of total 1,019 fish specimens examined, 291 specimens were found infected with endoparasites in Chikaldongri lake (site 1). These endoparasites were identified as Nematode sps. Overall, Anabus examined is 342 species,Oreochromis is 347 species and Channais 330 species. During the study period, the recorded range of prevalence rate at Site 1 was highest in summer season followed by winter and rainy season. The maximum prevalence (54.47%) was recorded in Anabussps in summer whereas minimum prevalence (8.69%) was recorded in Oreochromissps in rainy season. The mean intensity was observed in Oreochromissps (11.5%) is highest in rainy season and lowest in Anabussps (1.83%). The abundance rate was recorded (0.13%) in Oreochromismossambicus during rainy season whereas (0.56%) in Anabustestudineus during summer season. The infestation index rate is highest in Anabussps (37.58%) during summer season whereas lowest in Oreochromissps(1.30%) during rainy season (Fig 1,2,3,&4).Also, recorded data in Satpalalake (site 2) reveals that, the infestation rate is higher in summer and lowest in winter and rainy seasons. Total fish specimens examined was 841. The infected fish specimens were 103 and were found to be infected by identified Nematodes sps and metacercia larvae of Liver fluke. The maximum prevalence (32.64%) was recorded in Anabussps during summer season whereas minimum prevalence (0%) was recorded in Oreochromissps during rainy season. In Anabussps, the highest mean intensity rate was recorded (37.5%) during rainy season and lowest was recorded (3.06%) during summer season. The highest abundance rate was found in Anabussps (0.36%) during summer season whereas in Oreochromissps (0%) during rainy season. Also, infestation index rate is higher in Anabussps (12.08%) during summer season and Oreochromissps (0%) during rainy season (Fig 1,2,3,&4).Host’s size in length and a number of parasites:Larger-bodied host species should give more space, more nutrients, and possibly a wider variety of niches for parasitic organisms. They also feed at a higher rate, a feature that exposes them to more food-borne parasite infective stages per unit time, and they tend to live longer than small-bodied hosts, providing a more prominent habitat for parasites (Poulin and Morand, 2014). It was observed during study that larger fishesi.e more than 15cm in length were loaded more with parasites as compare to smaller fishes i.e less than 15cm in length. Basically, fishes from Chikhaldongrilake were found to be infected more by parasitic worms as compare to Satpala lake. The degree of parasitism was also found to be directly connected to the fishes feeding habits and age. It was also reported that at least one worm species was present in one specimen of the host fish with more than 15cm length.Host- Parasite relationship: The study indicates that, there is a strong interaction between host and parasite species in the study area. Many helminth parasites are collected from the intestinal tract of fish species. It is postulated that feeding habits, age, and size of fish host do matters for the residence of parasites inside the host body. It has been observed that, fish act as an intermediate host for most helminth parasites. Very few fish hosts act as final hosts as concerned about the lifecycle of parasites. Also, it is studied that, parasites reside in the host in order to complete their lifecycle. Hence, it is concluded that, fish act as a first and second intermediate host for most of the helminth parasite. At least one larva of the third stage is observed and identified during the study period.
Conclusions
It is concluded that, till date no studies are carried out on fish helminthes in vasai-virar region. This study is performed in order to find the health status of host and also specify the host-parasite relationship status. It was found that host size, sex and weight definitely matter if parasite infestation rate is calculated. During study period it is also found that, fish doesn’t show any vigorous infestation as the habitat is suitable for the growth of host species. Mostly larval stages of parasites are observed during dissections. Might be larval stages of helminth do not infect fish species adversely.But in recent years, due to drastic anthropogenic activities in a study area the fish species growth is lessen down. It is also very difficult to find the fish specimen frequently due to environmental impact. In recent years, continuous flooding in area every year has made fish species to be endangered. Availability of fish species is a crucial task since recent status of an area is concerned. Huge apartments, malls, international schools, amusement park has taken place whereas traditional ponds, lakes have vanished. Even observation of migratory birds in study area has affected. Many bird’s species has also lessened down their visits due to change in food habitat.Also, it is found that a seasonal variation has an impact on growth of parasitic infestation in host species. It is observed that, summer seasons has highest prevalence rate. The study also helps to reveal the ecological and biological status of host and parasites.
Recomendations:In-depth knowledge of parasites: Proper identification of parasitic stages and its infestation ratio to the host species. Rate of prevalence, mean intensity and mean abundance of parasites must be thoroughly watched.Thorough identification of fish species: Fish species should be thoroughly identified by observing morphological features as well as its habitat is concerned. The reproductive cycle of fish species should be observed periodically.Awareness about infected and non-infected fish speicies: Identification of infected and non-infected fish species through general body markings and movements. Gills, scales, tail fins can be observed thoroughly for test of infection.Comparison between the habitat and fish species: comparing fish species and its habitat will provide an authentic tool for parasitological study.Genetic studies on host-parasite: DNA sequencing and bioinformatic studies of selected species will give a remarkable phylogenetic patterns and ecological evidence.Awareness among localities due to infected edible fish species: Local people should be made aware about the consumption of infected fish species and diseases occurrence due to same through talk, interview or education.
Acknowledgement:
The authors are very much thankful to the local fishermen for their generous help during the field work.
References:
1] Yamaguti S, (1961). Systemahelminthum the nematode of vertebtrates.Intersciencepublishers .INC.NewYork and London; 3(1 &2).
2] Margolis, (1982). The use of ecological terms in parasitology (Report of an adhoc committee of American society of Parasitologists).Journal of Parasitol.68: 131-133.
3] Jadhav B.V. and Bhure D.B. (2006). Population dynamics of helminthes parasite in freshwater fishes from Marathwada region (M.S.) India Flora Fauna 12(2):143-148.
4] Dhole et al; (2010). Survey of helminth parasites in freshwater fishes from marathwada region, MS, India.Journal of fisheries and aquaculture; 1(1):01-07.
4] Kaur. (2012), “Host parasite relationship: Sengasp. (Dollfus, 1934) In Association with Naturally Infected Freshwater Host Fish Channa punctatus (Bl.)” Journal of chemical, biological and physical sciences 2(4): 2175-2181.