Ectoparasite Infestation Research Articles

Skin transcriptomic analysis and immune-related gene expression of golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus) after Amyloodinium ocellatum infection

Amyloodiniosis is a severe disease of marine and brackish water fish caused by Amyloodinium ocellatum. Golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus) is often repeatedly infected by A. ocellatum, leading to extensive mortality. However, little is known about the immune response mechanisms of the T. ovatus following reinfection with A. ocellatum. In this study, an extensive analysis at the transcriptome level of T. ovatus skin was carried out at 24 h post-infection by A. ocellatum. During the transcriptomic analysis, 1367 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the skin of T. ovatus under A. ocellatum infection and control conditions were obtained. In Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway annotated analyses, the DEGs were significantly enriched in the immune-related pathways. To better understand the immune-related gene expression dynamics, a quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to assess the primary and secondary infection groups of T. ovatus at different stages (3 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h and, 72 h post-infection) of infection with A.ocellatum. The results showed that innate immunity-related genes [interleukin (IL-8), chemokine ligand 3 (CCL3), toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7), and G-type lysosome (LZM g)] and adaptive immunity-related gene [major histocompatibility complex (MHC) alpha antigen I and MHC alpha antigen II] expression levels in the primary and secondary infection groups were significantly increased compared to the control group. The expression of MHC I and MHC II was more rapidly upregulated in the secondary infection group compared with the primary infection group after A.ocellatum infection. However, no significant differences of A.ocellatum load were observed in primary and secondary infection groups. In addition, the serum of the primary infection group had significantly higher concentrations of triglyceride (TG), higher alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities than the control group. This study contributes to understanding the defense mechanisms in fish skin against ectoparasite infection.

Blood glucose level, blood profile and ectoparasite infestation of cantang grouper fish commercially fed with the addition of marine leeches Zeylanicobdella

The main problem that often occurs in grouper cultivation is the appearance of disease attacks caused by pathogens due to water quality that has not been optimal during maintenance. There are common problems in grouper cultivation, that is unstable environmental conditions that cause accumulation of organic matter which can cause fish to be stress, which is characterized by increased blood glucose levels and susceptible to disease. The types of ectoparasites that commonly attack groupers are Trichodina, Cryptocaryon, Zeylanicobdella and Neobenedenia. An alternative to control pathogen attacks on fish is by increasing the body&#39;s defense cells of fish using immunostimulants. Zeylanicobdella known to have molecular weight of proteins that are immunogenic, and is thought to increase the activity of cells defense of the fish body as an immunostimulant. This study aims to find out the blood glucose level, blood profile and ectoparasite infestation of cantang grouper fish given a marine leeches Zeylanicobdella on feed. The method in this research used an experimental method with a factorial pattern consisting of two factors. Factor P is the dose given and factor Q is the maintenance time. Statistical test results showed there was an influence (p < 0.01) between the doses of marine leeches Zeylanicobdella on the number of erythrocytes and leukocytes, there was also interaction (p > 0.01) between the doses of marine leeches Zeylanicobdella with different maintenance times to the number of erythrocytes, leukocytes, differential leukocytes including lymparhocytes, neutrophils and monocytes. The results showed that there was a very significant difference between blood glucose levels and ectoparasite infestation of cantang grouper maintenance at different doses and times and there was an interaction effect (p < 0.01). The highest blood glucose level of 67.00 ± 5.148 mg/dL occurred in cantang grouper with a moderate degree of ectoparasite infestation of 36.20 ± 2.387 parasites on day 0 of maintenance with a dose of 0 ppm. The lowest blood glucose level of 28.80 ± 0.837 mg/dL occurred in cantang grouper with a mild degree of ectoparasite infestation, that is 12.60 ± 1.517 parasites on the 28th day of rearing with a dose of 9 ppm. The results showed that the highest of total erythrocytes was at a dose of 7 ppm with a maintenance time of the 21th day are 2,534 × 106 cell/ml. Total Leukocyte was at a dose of 9 ppm with a maintenance time of the 28th day are 1,4902 × 106 cell/ml. The percentage of lymphocytes is the highest with a range of 58-93%, neutrophils range from 5-38% and monocytes range from 1-9%.

Analysis of Blood Glucose Levels and The Development of Ectoparasite Infestation on Pacific White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) Which Were Given Crude Protein Zoothamnium penaei at High Stocking Densities

The main constraint in pacific white shrimp culture with high stocking density (super intensive), can cause a decrease in water quality and shrimp were stress and are susceptible to disease. The purpose of this study was to analyze stress levels (blood glucose levels) and the development of ectoparasite infestations. In this experimental study, used 2 ponds with an area of 2000 m2 per pond, stocking densities in pond I were 150 individuals/m2 and 350 individuals/ m2 in pond II, with a maintenance period of 90 days. The results showed that the shrimp was stressed during rearing, with blood glucose levels of white shrimp at a high stocking density of 350 individuals/ m2 ranging from 43-54 mg/dL significantly different from blood glucose levels at stocking density of 150 individuals/ m2 (p<0.05). The ectoparasites found were the genera Zoothamnium, Epistylis and Vorticella. The development of the infestation of the three genera showed an increase starting on the 30th, 60th and 90th days, the degree of infestation from mild to moderate, but on the 90th day there was a significant difference (p<0.05), with a moderate degree of infestation in the stocking density. 100 individuals/m2 and weight at stocking density 350 individuals/ m2.

Abundances of Ectoparasite of Sheep around West Shoa Zone Gindeberet Woreda

A cross sectional study was carried out in West Shoa Zone of Oromia regioninal state in Gindeberet woreda from june 20/,2017 to October 2017, .Sheep are the most important farm animal in our country, special dominant livestock, providing skin or wool and cash income in addition to food subsistence value obtained from livestock production. However due to the ectoparasite there is loss of skin value, income and wool due to poor management problem. The purpose of this study was to identify major ectoparasites of sheep and to determine their prevalence in the study area and to assess the magnitudes of these parasites in relation to sex, age and body condition. Out of 200 sheep examined 133 (66.5%) sheep were infested with the major ectoparasite. The major ectoparasite identified were ticks 31%, followed by lice 15.5%, fleas 12.5%, Melophagus ovinus 7% and Mange mites 0.5%. The overall infestation with ectoparasites was higher in females (37.5%) than males (29%). The overall prevalence in association with age categories was higher in adult (34%) than in the young (32.5%). The prevalence of major ectoparasite based on the BCS was found to be higher in poor (33.5%) than the (21.5%) medium and the good (11.5%) from in the overall occurrence of ectoparasites. The higher prevalence of ticks, lice, fleas, M.ovinus, and mangemites were observed in female and males. The highest prevalence of tick infestation (n=62) were observed in the area, among ectoparasite ticks were the most prevalent parasites (n=62) with the prevalence of 31% in the area, while the prevalence of mangemites was 0.5 %( n=1). Based on age classification the prevalence of Ticks (17.5%), lice (9%), fleas (7.5%), Melophagus ovinus (or sheep ked) (4%), and mange mite (0.5%) were highly prevalent in the adults than young’s (13.5%), (6.5%), (5%) and (3%) respectively. From the result of this study it is possible to conclude that ectoparasite infestation has affected drawback in the production of sheep at the study area.

Oral vaccine formulation combining tick Subolesin with heat inactivated mycobacteria provides control of cross-species cattle tick infestations

Tick vaccines are necessary as part of a One Health approach for the control of tick infestations and tick-borne diseases. Subolesin (SUB, also known as 4D8) is a tick protective antigen that has shown efficacy in vaccine formulations for the control of ectoparasite infestations and pathogen infection/transmission. A recent proof-of-concept study reported oral vaccination combining Rhipicephalus microplus SUB with heat inactivated Mycobacterium bovis (IV) as an immunostimulant for the control of cattle tick infestations. Based on the efficacy of Rhipicephalus decoloratus SUB for the control of multiple cattle tick species in Uganda, herein we design a controlled pen trial using an oral formulation combining R. decoloratus SUB with IV for the control of R. decoloratus and Rhipicephalus appendiculatus cattle tick infestations. Vaccine efficacy (E) of SUB + IV on tick life cycle was compared with IV and SUB alone and with PBS as control. The IgG antibody titers against SUB and M. bovis P22 and the serum levels of selected protein immune biomarkers (IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, C3) were determined and analyzed as possible correlates of protection. Oral immunization with IV and SUB alone and in SUB + IV combination were effective for the control of tick infestations (E = 71–96% for R. decoloratus and 87–99% for R. appendiculatus) with highest E (higher than 95%) for SUB + IV. The results demonstrated that oral immunization with the SUB + IV formulation resulted in effective control of cattle tick infestations through the activation of multiple immune mechanisms. These results support the application of oral vaccine formulations with SUB + IV for the control of cattle infestations with Rhipicephalus species towards improving animal health.

KASUS SCALY FACE PADA KAKATUA PUTIH (Cacatua alba) DI TAMAN KONSERVASI MADIUN UMBUL SQUARE

Scaly face is an infestation by burrowing mites Knemidocoptes pilae. It is frequently encountered in birds, where the mite affects featherless tracts, most commonly the beak, and eyelids. Losses due to ectoparasite infestation in birds was decreased appetite, hair loss, hyperkeratosis, alopecia, itching and death. The purpose of writing a case study is provides information about the management of the scaly face in the white parrot (Cacatua alba) in the Madiun Umbul Square Conservation Park. East Java, Indonesia, on 20 July - 20 August 2020. Observations were directly, by assisting in handling and treatment in isolation cages. A white parrot weighs 600 grams, from Balai Konservasi Sumber Daya Alam (BKSDA) showed hair loss and keratosis around the eyes and. Handling bird placement in isolation cages, skin scraping examination, found Knemidocoptes pilae, treatment with 0.02 ml of 1% ivermectin and 0.1 ml of Vetadryl® subcutaneously 3 times on 30 July, 10 and 17 August 2020. The results of treatment show healing such as appetite increases, keratosis disappears, and fine hairs grow around the eyes.

Serum proteins and leucocytes differential count in the common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) infested with ectoparasites

A total of 48 Pond reared common carp C. carpio ranged between 2.5-11.8 cm in total length were obtained from University of Basrah's fish farm during May-June 2011. It was investigated for parasites, and it was infested with four different groups of ectoparasites, including Ciliophora (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis and Trichodina sp.), Monogenoidea (Dactylogyrus spp. and Gyrodactylus sp.), Trematoda (Ascocotyle coleostoma metacercariae) and Crustacea (Dermoergasilus sp. and Lernaea sp. copepodid larval stage). Differential count of leucocytes, total protein level, albumin and globulin in blood serum were determined in healthy (non-infested) and infested fish. No significant differences (p&gt;0.05) have been reported between infested and non-infested fish in all blood parameters except in monocyte counts of the third group (infested with two species of Ciliophora) and sixth group (double infestation between A. coleostoma and Dermoergasilus sp.). This study showed that common carp can withstand different light and mild infestation of ectoparasites. We can considered common carp among a fish category having very good resistibility towards ectoparasites.

HEMATOLOGIC ANALYSIS OF TILAPIA (Oreochromis niloticus) ON ECTOPARASITE INFECTION OF THE FLOATING NET CAGES IN RAWA PENING

Hematological analysis of plasma proteins by testing for hemoglobin, erythrocytes, and leukocytes against ectoparasite infection in cages was carried out by taking samples of fish with consumption sizes of 15-20 cm. The aim of this study was to find out the amount of exposure to ectoparasites internally in the body of tilapia based on blood protein hematology test. Analysis of the data used is analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the aim of knowing the effect of sampling and the parameters tested. The results showed that the presence of infection identified normal hemoglobin levels of 7.438 g/dL, erythrocytes were quite low at 1.5605 x1012/L, this is the nutritional factor given to tilapia and leukocytes were still in normal condition, namely 61.985x109/L. The ectoparasites found were Streptococcus sp, Lernaea sp, Aeromonas sp, and Trichodina sp. The effect of the value of plasma protein content in blood for hemoglobin and leukocytes is still in normal condition, but erythrocytes are below the normal point so that from internal factors of tilapia disease, hematological blood plasma protein affects tilapia disease, especially on erythrocyte variables that affect fish anemia to mass death. This is in accordance with the situation in the field where tilapia in the KJA (Floating Net Cage) experienced sudden and mass death in a short period of time even though previously routine controls had been carried out by cage cultivators. When fish experience stress, fish blood glucose levels will increase while fish blood plasma total protein levels decrease.

Therapeutic effects of oral fluralaner in pet rabbits with severe sarcoptic mange (Sarcoptes scabiei)

Sarcoptic mange is one of the most severe, highly contagious, and fatal ectoparasitic infestations of rabbits. Fluralaner, an isoxazoline class of oral ectoparasiticide, is considered as a very potent acaricide. The present study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of oral fluralaner in pet rabbits with severe spontaneous Sarcoptes scabiei infestation. A total of eight un-neutered pet rabbits, tested positive for S. scabiei by microscopy of skin scrapings, were enrolled. Seven rabbits had severe clinical infestation (score 5), while remaining one rabbit had moderate disease clinical signs (score <3). A single oral dose equivalent to 25 mg/kg of fluralaner was administered to each rabbit. On day 14 post-therapy, marked improvements in the skin lesions were observed; severely infested rabbits had a clinical score of 3, while the moderately infested rabbit had a score of 1. However, none of the rabbits tested negative for S. scabiei. On day 30 post-therapy, complete clinical recovery was recorded in all rabbits (Score 0), but, a complete parasitological clearance was not recorded except to the moderately infested rabbit. All rabbits were tested negative for S. scabiei on day 45 post-therapy. Therefore, a single oral dose of fluralaner at a 25 mg/kg was found to be effective in the treatment of severe sarcoptic mange in pet rabbits and no additional topical or systemic medications were needed. Further studies in a larger number of individuals with a bigger spectrum of disease severities (i.e. more moderate/mild) are needed to comprehensively document the safety and efficacy of this drug in mangy rabbits.

Effectiveness of Topical 0.5% Ivermectin Shampoo in the Treatment of Pediculosis Capitis among School-going Female Children.

Background:Pediculosis is a common ectoparasitic infestation in children. There are different treatment modalities that have been used in the treatment of pediculosis capitis from time immemorial, each with their own shortcomings. Increasing emergence of resistance to permethrin has led to the lookout for newer alternatives.Aims and Objectives:The role of topical ivermectin in the management of pediculosis in people with culturally different hair grooming practices is analyzed in this study.Materials and Methods:This observational open-label clinical study was conducted in September–November 2019 in the schools that were under the rural health center at South India among school-going female children aged between 13 and 16 years of age and diagnosed with pediculosis.Results:This study demonstrated that a single application of ivermectin shampoo was able to kill head lice in 86.2% of the participants. In participants with persistent infection (13.8%), a repeat application killed the entire louse and 100% efficacy was demonstrated. Topical ivermectin is devoid of systemic side effects of oral ivermectin. Topical ivermectin has found to be more effective than contemporary recommended agents such as malathion and permethrin.

Identification of Ectoparasite Infection in Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Based on Water Quality in Rawa Pening

Testing of ectoparasites on water quality in infections that occured in tilapia in aquaculture activities in Rawa Pening. The purpose of this study was to determine the exposure to the abundance of ectoparasite bacteria that infected the growth of tilapia in Rawa Pening. This study used experimental method and purposive sampling with data processing in a descriptive survey. The data analysis used was analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the aim of knowing the effect of sampling and the parameters tested, this test was carried out 4 (four) times for water quality and ectoparasite observations 3 (three) times for testing to obtain the accuracy of data sampling. The results of this study showed that there was an infection with levels of ectoparasites identified from the types of Streptococcus sp, Lernaea sp, Aeromonas sp, and Trichodina sp. These bacteria attack fish with the highest number or total exposure in the Tuntang area. The reason was, currently water hyacinth was being cut down as one of the local government programs to reduce the blooming of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) of 7.92 mg/L, pH levels 7.59, ammonia levels 10-20 mg/L and nitrate levels 0.5 mg/L were still in optimal conditions from the results carried out.

Prevalence and Intensity of Ectoparasitic Infestations in Commercial Layer Chickens reared under Elevated Cage System

Prevalence and Intensity of Ectoparasitic Infestations in Commercial Layer Chickens reared under Elevated Cage System

Detection of deltamethrin, cypermethrin and flumethrin efficacy against buffalo lice-Haematopinus tuberculatus.

The cattle and buffalo farm practices have been adopted differently by farmers in India but the infestation of ectoparasites including louse has been advocated in high population of animals across the country. The aim of this study was to identify the louse morphologically and determine the in vitro efficacy of the insecticides deltamethrin, cypermethrin and flumethrin against the buffalo louse, Haematopinus tuberculatus. The present research work was conducted using lice collected from organized buffalo dairy farms of Mhow block, Indore district of Madhya Pradesh, India. The adult's lice were collected from heavily infested regions of the body and tail of buffaloes. Some of the collected adult's lice were preserved for morphological identification in 70% alcohol. Briefly, in vitro treated surface bioassay utilizing a cloth rectangle that allows lice to move freely has been used. The concentrations were prepared as 30, 60, 90 and 120ppm for deltamethrin and flumethrin, whereas for cypermethrin, 100, 200, 300 and 400ppm concentrations were prepared in distilled water. The 600μl of each concentration was spread evenly over a cloth rectangle held in the bottom of a Petri plate. Ten adult lice were used for each concentration in triplicate (n = 30) and the same is maintained for control. The vitality of the louse was assessed at various intervals: 30, 60, 120, 180 and 240min. The lousicidal efficacy was determined by using in vitro bioassays with deltamethrin, cypermethrin and flumethrin. It is observed that as the concentration of insecticides increases with exposure time, mortality of lice is also increased. The current study reveals that cypermethrin and flumethrin were effective in their recommended doses but in the case of deltamethrin, the lice showed a low level of resistance. Furthermore, this type of study on buffalo louse has not conducted in Mhow region of Madhya Pradesh where heavy infestation of lice occurs on buffalo.

Ectoparasite Infestation Prevalence in Cats (Felis Domestica) at the Teaching Animal Hospital of FKH IPB

Cats are animals that are widely kept by the people of Indonesia. Both domesticated and feral cats can be attacked by ectoparasites. Ectoparasites that attacks cats are ticks, mites, fleas and fleas. Ectoparasites can breed well if the sanitation and cleanliness of the cat's cage is not maintained. Data collection was carried out for one month from February 1st - 28th  2021 .Ectoparasite samples were taken directly from every cat that came to RSHP. The results of the examination showed that 27 cats were positively infected with ectoparasites from 29 cats that had the potential to be infected with ectoparasites. The prevalence of ectoparasite infestation in domestic cats that came to RSHP was 93,1%. A total of 27 cats were infested with ectoparasites consisting of 2 Rhipicephalus sanguineus fleas, 11 Felicola subrostratus fleas, two Sarcoptes scabiei infection mites, 14 infectious mites Otodectes cynotis and infection mites. Ctenocephalides felis as many as 7 tails. One individual cat may be more affected than one type of ectoparasite. The calculation of the prevalence of ectoparasites in cats observed was 93,1%, which consisted of the prevalence of Sarcoptes scabiei infestation 6,89%, Otodectes cynotis 48,27%, Ctenocephalides felis 24,13%, Ripicephalus sanguineus 6,89% and Felicola subrostratus 37,93 %. The presence of ectoparasites can be minimized by always maintaining cleanliness and routine caring for cats.

Prevalence of Anemia in Small Ruminants in Garividi region of Andhra Pradesh

The present clinical study was conducted from March 2022 to August 2022 to determine the prevalence of anemia in small ruminants that were presented to Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary Science, Garividi. The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence and associated etiologies causing anemia in the area. A total of 344 animals (238 goats and 106 sheep) were presented to the VCC with the history of generalized weakness, inappetance, diarrhea and poor weight gain. The overall prevalence of anemia was 70.3% among the presented cases. The prevalence was higher in sheep (74.5%) than goats (68.5%) with non-significant difference (p > 0.05). The prevalence in young ones was higher as compared with adult small ruminants with prevalence of 65.3% and 34.7%, respectively. The prevalence was higher in female (71.5%) than male (28.5%) but there is no significant difference (p >0.05). Blood parameters were analyzed to rule out the anemia and its etiology. Anemia in small ruminants should be ruled out to prevent production, reproductive and economic losses in the flock. In sheep ectoparasitic infestation (30.4%), endoparasitic infection (44.3%), mixed infection (10.12%) and other conditions (15.2%), whereas in goats ectoparasitic infestation (38.6%), endoparasitic infection (25.8), mixed infection (16.6%) and other conditions (19.01%) were the etiologies that led to anemia.

Prevalence of ectoparasites in pet animals in Palpa, Nepal.

Pet animals (dog, cat and rabbit) are kept for pleasure, enjoyment and companionship instead of their utility. They harbor many ectoparasites (tick, flea, mite) which have public health significance in developing countries. A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of ectoparasites on pet animals of Tansen Municipality of Palpa, Nepal. A total of 134 pet animals (cats, dogs and rabbits) were screened for ectoparasites, and semi-structured questionnaire were asked to get information regarding management practices (knowledge, attitude and practice of ectoparasite infestation) by owner. The ectoparasites were collected by hand picking and preserved in labelled vials containing 70% ethanol. A total of ninety-two (68.7%) pet animals were found to be infested with one or more ectoparasites. Among the pet animals examined, 73.9% (65/88), 58.3% (21/36) and 60% (6/10) were dogs, cats and rabbits respectively were found infected with ectoparasites. Four ectoparasite species were detected, of which one was tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus), two were fleas (Ctenocephalides canis, C. felis) and, one was louse (Linognathus setosus). Comparison of overall prevalence of ectoparasites among pet animals indicated that dogs were more susceptible to ectoparasite infestation. Only few of the respondents knew about the ectoparasites and diseases caused by them. The present study determined that high prevalence of parasites, and the low level of public awareness is the fundamental reason behind pet related zoonotic disease. Extensive public education about pet related zoonoses is needed to create awareness in public and to reduce the risk of harboring zoonotic diseases of public health importance.

Tests on the efficacy of amitraz, ivermectin and eprinomectin for control of lice in goats

Ectoparasitic infestations with Linognathus stenopsis and Bovicola caprae are a serious concern in goat farms, especially during the winter and spring. This study tested the efficacy of three modern insecticide drugs (ivermectin, eprinomectin and amitraz) applied via different routes for control of sucking and chewing lice in naturally co-infected goats. Each of drugs was tested on 30 goats. The animals from the first flock were treated with a single dose of ivermectin, applied subcutaneously at 0.2 mg/kg, the second one received a single spot on treatment with 1 mg/kg еprinomectin and the third flock was treated twice with amitraz, through spraying at a dose of 4 mL/1 L water. The results were evaluated before the treatments and at post treatment days 3, 14 and 60. On post treatment day 60, the application of ivermectin resulted in reduction of Bovicola caprae population by 73.05%, and for that of Linognathus stenopsis: by 92.70%. Eprinomectin demonstrated 100% reduction of both lice. The reduction of L. stenopsis and B. caprae caused by amitraz was by 92.20% and by 98.61% respectively. The macrocyclic lactone eprinomectin showed the highest efficacy (Р&lt;0.05), was not toxic for goats and therefore, may be used as a treatment of choice for lice control.

Prevalence and Spatial Distribution of Ectoparasites in Wallago attu of River Penna, YSR District, Andhra Pradesh, India

An ectoparasitic survey on fish Wallago attu (n = 95) of river Penna, YSR district, Andhra Pradesh (India) was executed from August, 2017 to February, 2018. A total of 3202 parasites belonging three ectoparasitic groups viz., three monogeneans - Thaparocleidus indicus, thaparocleidus wallagonius, Mizelleus indicus, one copepod - Ergasilus malnadensis, and one isopod - Alitropus typus were detected from the gills of the examined hosts. Their spatial distributions on the host gills were reported. Only E. malnadensis, T. wallagonius and T. indicus showed aggregate distribution while the remaining two species, M. indicus and A. typus showed random distribution. Only, A. typus, T. wallagonius and T. indicus showed positive and statistically significant correlation with the condition factor. Location wise ectoparasite analysis revealed the higher infestation rates in site-II Somasila backwaters, Vontimitta compared to site-I Chennur. Spatial distribution studies revealed that there is no significant preference for the sides of the host fish. Both the sides of gill arch were equally infected. However, they showed preference within the gill arches. Monogeneans preferred gill arches II, III and IV, whereas copepods and isopods preferred gill arches I and II. There was meagre effect of host size and host sex on the ectoparasitic infection. These types of spatial distribution studies give an accurate location of the parasites to apply the eradication measures and eradicate them efficiently in fish aquaculture.

Alteration in gills, skin, and fins of snakehead fish (Channa striata) due to ectoparasite infection: a macropathological and histopathological approach

Snakehead fish (Channa striata) is a freshwater fish with high economic value both as ornamental and consumed fish. However, the ability to adapt to fluctuating environmental states prompts snakehead fish to be susceptible to parasites, ectoparasites, and endoparasites. Gills, skin, and fins are the major body parts that are often infected with ectoparasites. This study aims to discover the macro pathology in gills, skin, and fins of ectoparasites-infected snakehead fish and its histopathology. This study was conducted from April to June 2021. Observational data on macro pathology and histopathology were analyzed qualitatively. The results indicated that the macro pathology of the skin, gills, and fins of snakehead fish infected with ectoparasites indicates discoloration, excess mucus production, the dull coloration of the gills, and irritation of the gills body surfaces, and skin hemorrhages. In conclusion, infection of ectoparasites affects several alterations in the skin, gills, and fins, both macro pathological and histopathological.

Retrospective Seasonal Parasitological Survey on Prevalence and Epidemiological Determinants of Ectoparasitic Infestations in Dogs and Cats of Damietta, Egypt

Retrospective Seasonal Parasitological Survey on Prevalence and Epidemiological Determinants of Ectoparasitic Infestations in Dogs and Cats of Damietta, Egypt