Impact of parasites on the haematological and biochemical parameters of selected bagrid species from lower river Benue Nigeria

Abstract

Impact of parasites on the haematological and biochemical parameters of selected bagrid species from Lower River Benue Nigeria was investigated. Out of the 240 fish samples comprising of 120 each of Bagrus bayad and Bagrus docmak used, 145 fish samples comprising of 46.21% samples of B. bayad and 53.79% samples of B. ducmack were not infested while 95fish samples comprising of 54.74% samples of B. bayad and 45.26% samples of B. docmak were infested with 389 different parasites belonging to one species of protozoan (Tricodina acuta) found on the gills and skin of their fish samples, two species of Cestode (Diphilobothrium latum and Hymenolepis nana), two species of Nematode (Capillaria philipinensis and Eustrongylids excisus), all which were found in the intestine and stomach of their fish hosts ; while B. bayad accounted for 207 (53.21%) of the total parasites, B. docmak recorded 182 (46.79%) parasites. B. bayad had higher prevalence (43.33%) but lower intensity (3.98) than B. dockmak with 35.83% prevalence and 4.23 intensity. The haematological parameters of the infected fishes indicated reduction in the haemoglobin concentration (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV) and red blood cells (RBC). However, the infected fishes had higher white blood cell (WBC) than uninfected fishes. However, significant (p