Parasitic adaptation of fresh water fish, Channa Striatus

Abstract

The thorny headed acanthocephan, Pallisentis nagapurensis infects the intestine of fresh water murrel, Channa striatus. This parasite broughts severe histopathological changes in the intestine includes mucosa and submucosa are completely disrupted, thickened lamina propria, damage of epithelial cells, mucosa folds clumped. The intestinal villi of the mucosa shrinked, infected intestine often enlarged and slightly inflamed. Increase in the thickness of the muscular layer may be considered as an adaptation in the presence of parasite. The present paper deals with parasitic adaptation of an acanthocehalan and histopathological changes in the intestine of fresh water murrel, Channa striatus.