Diversity of myxozoan parasites infecting freshwater fishes in Punjab molecular and biochemical approaches

Abstract

The present study reports 12 species of myxozoan parasites using morpho- molecular approaches from three genera with 6 new species. Genus Hennegoides was reported for the first time in India, and Myxobolus pseudoacinosus found in Cyprinus carpio. Highest parasite diversity was found in Labeo rohita, with gills being the most infected organ. Histopathology revealed hypertrophy and necrosis of gill tissue. Cases of co-infection were also reported. 5 different types of actinospores were identified which are the alternate stages of myxozoans infecting oligochaetes. It was concluded from the biochemical analysis that the infection of myxozoan parasites significantly affect the liver and kidney enzymes of the fish host. The degree of alteration in these parameters was directly related to the intensity of the infection, with the most substantial changes observed in heavily infected fish. newline