Prevalence of Henneguya Chrysichthys (Flagellated Protozoa: Cyst) and Haematological Changes Due to the Infection in Chrysichthys Nigrodigitatus

Abstract

Four Hundred (400) samples of Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus were examined for Henneguya chrysichthys using methods described for gills examination and haemopatholgy. 135 (33.8%), Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus were infected by Henneguya chrysichthys. The infection was seen on the gill filament as an oval cyst somewhat white and visible to the naked eyes. 27 (20%), 88 (65.2%) and 20 (14.8%) were recorded for low, moderate and high infection respectively. Lowest (22.7%) and highest (45.5%) prevalence were observed in the months of December and May respectively. Prevalence was higher in wet season (54.1%) than in dry season (45.9,%) More female fish (51.1%) had infection than the male fish (48.8%).Haematological examination revealed changes in blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentary rate and Haematocrit counts. Hemoglobin (per 100mI) remains the same in infected and uninfected fish. Erythrccyte count (X106/mm3) was 1.28�1.11 and 1.0�0.53 while leucocytes count (per mm3) was 2.36�1.0 and 43200�0.60 foruninfected and infected fish respectively. Leucocytosis in infected fish was marked by lymphocytes (35.11�0.32), Neutrophils (26.32�1.65), plasmocytes (23.06�0.9 1) and monocytes (16.0�0.21). Corresponding values of these classes of Leucocytes are 7.38�0.69, 21,86 � 1.71, 6.90� 1.12 and 7.24� 1.09 respectively in uninfected fish. Infected fish appeared weak and emaciated.