Impact of trypanosomiasis
on the blood parameters and growth factor (K factor) on freshwater fish Heteropneustes
fossilis (Bloch)
Verma Vinod Kumar, Jyoti, Kumar Anuj, Bhaskar Manju and Mishra Saurabh
Res. J. Biotech.; Vol. 20(10); 149-156;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/2010rjbt1490156; (2025)
Abstract
Like other living organisms, fishes could host internal or external parasites that,
while may not be usually fatal, thrive at the host's expense, causing pathological
and detrimental effects. Research on the pathological effects of Trypanosoma infections
in fish remains limited, highlighting the need for further studies to understand
their impact on fish health and physiology. This study investigates the pathological
impact of Trypanosoma sp. infection on fish, focusing on inflammatory responses
and physiological changes in blood parameters. Trypanosoma sp. infection was confirmed
through blood smear analysis, which revealed significant alterations in hematological
indices. Hemoglobin levels decreased markedly from 13.8% in uninfected fish to 9.50%
in heavily infected fish. Erythrocyte counts also declined significantly from 1.80
× 10⁶/Cumm, while leucocyte counts increased from 21,400/Cumm to 26,400/Cumm as
parasite load intensified.
Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) values exhibited an initial rise during mild infections
(60 Pg) but fell to 52.77 Pg during severe infections. Growth indices were notably
impacted, dropping from 107.07% in uninfected fish to 77.73% in cases of heavy infection,
correlating with increasing parasite density. These findings highlight the detrimental
effects of Trypanosoma sp. on fish health, indicating reduced metabolism and suppressed
growth in infected individuals. Blood diagnostics provide valuable insights into
the physiological and pathological status of fish under parasitic stress, emphasizing
the need for effective management strategies.
