Evaluation of Bacterial and Parasitic Load of Clarias species from River Niger and an artificial habitat in Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

The bacterial and parasitic load of Clarias gariepinus fishes collected from a fish pond and River Niger in Onitsha, Anambra State were studied. A total of 25 apparently healthy and diseased fishes comprising of 13 (2 diseased and 11 healthy pond fishes) and 12 apparently healthy fishes from River Niger were examined. The skin, gills and intestine of the fishes were examined. The findings of bacteriological examinations revealed that Staphylococcus Species (sp)Enterobacter sp , Pseudomonas sp, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus feacalis, Proteus sp, Aeromonas sp , Vibrio sp and Salmonella sp were present in the skin, gills and intestine of the fishes examined. Prevalence of bacteria in the different parts of the fishes were: Intestine > gills and skins and also gills > skin in two habitats. Parasitic examination of the fishes revealed the presence of: Entamoeba sp, Trichodina sp, Ichthiopthrius sp, Gyrodactylus sp, and Neobenedenia melleni. Entamoeba sp (84.0%) was the most prevalent parasite encountered while the least was Gyrodactylus species and Neobenedenia species (4.0%) respectively. Comparative analysis of the samples from pond and river showed that Pond fishes haboured more bacteria and parasites than River Niger fishes. This study has shown that apparently healthy and diseased fishes from artificial culture systems and natural water habitat habour bacterial and parasitic organisms capable of infecting humans.

Keywords: Clarias gariepinus, Proteus sp, Entamoeba sp, gills and Trichodina sp.

Nigerian Journal of Parasitology, Vol. 32 [1] March 2011, pp.117-122