Seasonal histopathological alterations caused by Bothriocephalus acheilognathi in Schizothorax niger of Kashmir valley

Abstract

Liver and intestines affected by an cestode parasite viz., Bothriocephalus acheilognathi along with their host (Schizothorax niger) were collected randomly. Bothriocephalus acheilognathi causes damage to the intestinal tissues and induce complex host response; the affected fish were anemic and emaciated. The viscera were dark red on opening the abdomen. The intestinal contents showed lot of mucous and contained dark contents. The mucosal wall was red in colour and revealed necrotic surface. The histopathological changes were varied in severity with the season and parasitic burden. Intestinal infection of Bothriocephalus with Adenoscolex was usually seen together. Severe enteritis with heavy infilitration of inflammmtory cells and fibroblasts seen in lamina propia. Liver cells showed severe degenerative changes.