PREVALENCE OF GUT HELMINTH PARASITES OF CLARIAS GARIEPINUS IN LAKE ABUJA, DEKINA LGA, KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigates the distribution and prevalence of gut helminth parasites in Clarias gariepinus African Catfish from Lake Abu’ja, located in Ojofu-Anyigba, Dekina Local Government Area of  Kogi State, Nigeria. The study involved examining 162 fish samples obtained from local fishermen between March and August 2024, covering both dry and rainy seasons. The gut helminth parasites identified in the fish included cestodes Monobothrium sp., Diphyllobothrium sp., trematodes Diplostomum sp., and nematodes Procamallanus sp., Capillaria sp.. The results revealed an overall infection rate of 56.79%, with  cestodes being the most prevalent group 46.94%, followed by nematodes 40.75% and trematodes 12.24%. The study also identified a significant association between parasite prevalence and fish sex, with females exhibiting higher infection rates 67.14% than males 48.91%. Additionally, fish size and weight were correlated with infection rates, with smaller fish showing higher susceptibility. Parasites were more abundant in the intestine compared to the stomach. The findings underscore the zoonotic potential of these parasites, especially Capillaria sp ., which is of particular public health concern due to its transmission via undercooked fish. This study provides crucial baseline data for future research on parasitic infections in aquaculture and wild fisheries and offers recommendations for better management practices to control parasitic diseases in aquaculture systems.