Occurrence and Histopathology of Henneguya sp. (Cnidaria: Myxozoa) in the Air Breathing Organ of the Sharptooth Fish Clarias gariepinus (Clariidae)
Occurrence and Histopathology of Henneguya sp. (Cnidaria: Myxozoa) in the Air Breathing Organ of the Sharptooth Fish Clarias gariepinus (Clariidae)
Nounagnon Darius Tossavi1,2*, Mariette Sindété3, Nike Fumilayo Aladetohun4, Marie-Line Escande5, Adam Gbankoto3
ABSTRACT
For around 49 fish species, respiration is partly ensured by a specific organ called Air Breathing Organ (ABO). ABO replaces fish gills in hypoxic conditions. The present study is dedicated to investigate the occurrence and potential physiological effects due to a myxosporean parasite infecting ABO in Clarias gariepinus. To achieve this goal, a total of 339 C. gariepinus was investigated for myxosporean infection. Fish sex, size and weight were recorded and light and electron microscopes were used to identify the parasite and to enlighten the physiological impacts. The prevalence was accessed as a function of fish size and climatic seasons. Water physicochemical parameters were collected and its correlation with the prevalence of infection was assessed. The mean prevalence was 10.91% (37/339). No significant difference was observed either between males and females (χ2=0.136; df=3; p=0.987) or between seasons (χ2=1.772; df = 3; p=0.621). However, significant difference was recorded between fish class weight (χ2=11.781; df = 5; p=0.038). Longitudinal and transverse sections in the ABO revealed cysts establishment in the elastic cartilage of ABO and its cartilage erosion. This leads to limitation of fish’s ability to exchange air gases by reduction the folds. Therefore, a crucial attention could be paid to this parasite and develop effective control measures to mitigate its impact on fish health and production.
Keywords | Clarias gariepinus, Suprabranchial organ, Prevalence, Electron microscope, Pathology, Physicochemical parameters
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