Journal of Research in Biology
ISSN No: Print: 2231 –6280; Online: 2231- 6299
An International Scientific Research Journal
Original Research
Journal of Research in Biology
Seasonal patterns of Myxobolus (Myxozoa : Myxosporea) infections in Barbus callipterus Boulenger, 1907 (Cyprinidae) at Adamawa - Cameroon Authors: Fonkwa Georges1,2, Efole Ewoukem Thomas1, Tchuinkam Timoléon2, Fomena Abraham3 and Tchoumboue Joseph1
ABSTRACT: For a detail understanding of the seasonal patterns of Myxobolus infections so as to elaborate control strategies, 305 Barbus callipterus specimens were sampled from May 2016 to May 2017 at Mapé River (Adamawa-Cameroon). After classical examination, the prevalence of infection was determined. Ten Myxobolus species were identified. Irrespective of the parasite species, fishes were more infected in the dry season (74.93%) than the rainy season (69.72%) without significant difference. Institution: Seasons did not significantly influence on the prevalence of parasites in the sizes and 1. Laboratory of Ichthyology and Applied Hydrobiology, sex of various fishes’ class. However, Myxobolus ngassami was predominantly prevalent in male fishes during the dry season in contrast to the females. Regardless Faculty of Agronomy and of the organ type and parasite species, the dry season was remarkably more favorable Agricultural Sciences, University of Dschang, P.O. to the infection of organs. Mono and polyinfections occurred during the two seasons and whatever the season, the prevalence of polyinfection’s categories dropped with Box 222, Dschangthe increasing number of associated parasite species. Cameroon. 2. Laboratory of Biology and Keywords: Applied Ecology, Vector Myxobolus, Prevalence, Season, Barbus callipterus, Mapé river, Cameroon. Borne Parasitic and Infectious Diseases Unit, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang P.O. Box 67, Dschang-Cameroon. 3. Laboratory of General Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, P. O. Box 812, YaoundéCameroon. Corresponding author: Fonkwa Georges
Article Citation: Fonkwa Georges, Efole Ewoukem Thomas, Tchuinkam Timoléon, Fomena Abraham and Tchoumboue Joseph Seasonal patterns of Myxobolus (Myxozoa: Myxosporea) infections in Barbus callipterus Boulenger, 1907 (Cyprinidae) at Adamawa -Cameroon Journal of Research in Biology (2018) 8(1): 2413-2424 Dates: Received: 05 Jan 2018 Web Address: http://jresearchbiology.com/ documents/RA0659.pdf Journal of Research in Biology An International Scientific Research Journal
Accepted: 01 Feb 2018
Published: 15 Feb 2018
This article is governed by the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by/4.0), which gives permission for unrestricted use, non-commercial, distribution and reproduction in all medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
2413-2424 | JRB | 2018 | Vol 8 | No 1
www.jresearchbiology.com
Fonkwa et al., 2018 INTRODUCTION Myxosporeans
Fish sampling and identification of Myxosporeans are
mainly
fish
parasites
species
(Fomena et al., 2010; Eiras et al., 2010). Their
Fishes were harvested monthly from fishermen
pathogenic effects entail the depression of fish growth
during the study period i.e. May 2016 to May 2017.
(Longshaw et al., 2010), reproduction (Obiekezie and
They were captured both at the day and night using fish
Okaeme, 1990) and the massive fish deaths (Gbankoto
nets and fishing canes. On the field, specimens were
et al., 2001; Feist and Longshaw, 2005). Lom and
immediately stored at 10% formalin solution and
Diková (2006) reported that among about 2180
transported to the laboratory for examination. Overall
Myxosporeans species (62 genera) composing the world
305 fish samples (159 males against 146 females) were
of Myxosporeans fauna, the genus Myxobolus Bütschli,
caught. The standard lengths ranged from 52 to 110 mm
1882 was numerically the most abundant with 31% of
with an average of 94.66 mm. Fishes were categorized
species.
into 3 class sizes of 20 mm amplitude each. The modal In Africa, researches emphasize more on
Myxosporeans systematic than its seasonal dynamics
class i.e. [70 - 90] represented 64.92% of sampled fishes.
(Folefack, 2010; Abakar, 2006). This is questionable
Amid the laboratory phase, identification and
because, the water physico-chemical characteristics
examination of fishes were done as per Stiassny et al.
variation resulting from the seasonal change may lead to
(2007) and Abakar (2006) respectively. Consequently,
the disruption of host/parasite equilibrium causing fish
standard and total lengths were estimated to the nearest
stress and deaths (Bilong and Jeannette, 2004). The
millimeter utilizing a slide caliper of stainless brand and
objective of the study was to assess the seasonal
the sex decided after dissection. External organs (fins,
patterns of Myxobolus infections in an economical and
skin, scales and eyes) and internal organs (gills, spleen,
dietary fish namely B. callipterus in order to boost its
kidneys, intestines, gall bladder, stomach and gonads)
production.
were analyzed with naked eyes and after that with Motic stereoscopic microscope at 10X to search for the
MATERIALS AND METHODS
macroscopic cysts. Three smears of kidneys, spleen and
Study Area
gonads were made (anterior, medium and posterior
Fishes were captured at the MAPE River in a
region) and were analyzed at a total magnification of
village named MGBADJI (6°00’- 6°20’NL and 11°20’-
1000X with a light microscope keeping in mind the end
11°40’ EL). The latter belongs to Bankim subdivision,
goal to identify spores. Cysts were crushed amongst
Adamawa – Cameroon Region. The average altitude is
slide and cover glass in a drop of distilled water and
about 724m above the sea level while the soil is a
their contents were identified with the light microscope
mixture of clay and sand. The climate is of tropical
at 1000X. After fixation of spores with methanol, they
Soudano-guinean type with a long rainy season running
were stained with May-Grünwald-Giemsa and snapped
from March to November and a short dry season from
with digital camera (Canon Ixus mark). Myxosporeans
November to March. The annual average temperature is
species were distinguished by Lom and Arthur (1989).
about 23°C whereas the rainfall ranges between 1500
Parasitological parameter studied
and 2000 mm (Olivry, 1986).
The prevalence (Pr) of infection conveyed in percentage was the proportion between the quantity of fish's species infected by a given parasite species and
2414
Journal of Research in Biology (2018) 8(1): 2413-2424
Fonkwa et al., 2018 the number examined (Bush et al., 1997).
Parasites
Whatever the season, no principal parasite was
were qualified as principal (Pr > 50 %), intermediate (10
recorded. Myxobolus pharyngeus appeared only during
% ≤ Pr ≤ 50 %) and scarce (Pr < 10 %) (Valtonen et al.,
a single season. On the one hand, during the rainy
1997).
season, prevalences were significantly higher (X2 =
Statistical analysis
58.14; P < 0.001) with M. pseudodispar and lower in
The comparison of prevalences was performed 2
M. muelleri. On the other hand, M. ngassami was the
by the Chi-square (X ) test. The significance level was
most prevalent during the dry season (X2 = 68.46; P <
P < 0.05 and the Graph Pad Prism 5 software was used
0.001) while M. pharyngeus was absent. The sole
for analysis.
parasite species showing seasonal significant variation of prevalence was Myxobolus mapei. The latter being more prevalent (X2 = 4.00; P < 0.05) in the dry season
RESULTS The results are illustrated on Table 1 and
than in the rainy season.
Figures 1 to 7.
Prevalence of infection as a function of class size and
Seasonal prevalence of Myxosporeans species
seasons
The myxosporeans fauna recorded (Figure 1)
The prevalence of infection as a function of
was composed of 10 Myxobolus species. The seasonal
class size and seasons (Figure 3) shows that fishes were
prevalence of Myxosporeans species (Figure 2 ) reveals
infected in all the three class sizes during the dry and
that, irrespective of the parasite species, fishes were
rainy seasons. Whatever the class size, the prevalence
more infected in the dry season than in the rainy season,
did not differ between seasons (P > 0.05). Whether in
2
however without significant difference (X = 0.77; P =
the rainy season or the dry season, the higher prevalence
0.380). During the rainy season three parasite species
was recorded in the class 90-110 mm, however without
were intermediate against five during the dry season.
any significant difference (X2 = 1.40; P = 0.237).
F
C
B
A
G
H
E
D
I
J
A : Myxobolus tchadanayei Abakar et al., 2006 (x 1500);
B : Myxobolus mapei Fonkwa et al., 2017 (x 1200);
C : Myxobolus muelleri Bütschli, 1882 (x 1500);
D : Myxobolus ellipsoides Thélohan, 1982 (x 1500);
E : Myxobolus pseudodispar Gorbunova, 1936 (x 1500);
F : Myxobolus pharyngeus Parker et al., 1971 (x 1500);
G : Myxobolus tchoumbouei Fonkwa et al., 2017 (x 1000); H : Myxobolus umidus Carriero et al., 2013 (x 1500); I : Myxobolus sessabai Lekeufack et al., 2017 (x 1500);
J : Myxobolus ngassami Lekeufack et al., 2017 (x 1500)
Figure 1. Spores micrographs of Myxobolus species studied Journal of Research in Biology (2018) 8(1): 2413-2424
2415
Fonkwa et al., 2018
90 80
Prevalence (%)
Prevalence (%)
70 Rainy season
60
Dry season
50 40 30 20
Total
M. ngassami
M. sessabai
M. umidus
M. tchoumbouei
M. pharyngeus
M. pseudodispar
M.ellipsoides
M. muelleri
M. mapei
0
M. tchadanayei
10
Parasite species
Figure 2. Seasonal prevalence of Myxosporeans species
150
Prevalence (%) (%) Prevalence
Rainy season
Dry season
100
50
0
[50 - 70]
]70 - 90] Class size (mm)
]90 - 110]
Figure 3. Prevalence of infection as a function of class size and seasons 2416
Journal of Research in Biology (2018) 8(1): 2413-2424
Fonkwa et al., 2018 Seasonal prevalence of parasite species as a function
of seasons (Figure 5) illustrates that, organs were
of class size
infected during both the dry and the rainy seasons.
The seasonal prevalence of parasite species as a
According to the seasonality of infections, organs are
function of class size is illustrated on Figure 4. It
grouped into three categories: those infected only in the
appears that, in term of species number, whatever the
rainy season (gills), the dry season (fins) and those
class size, parasite species occurred more in the rainy
infected during the two seasons (operculum, skin,
season apart from the class size 50-70 mm, where 8
kidney and liver). Regardless of the organ type, the dry
species were recorded both in the dry and the rainy
season was remarkably (P < 0.05) more favorable for
seasons. During the dry season, the higher prevalence
organ infection. Although kidneys were the most
(P < 0.05) was noticed for Myxobolus ngassami in the
infected organs during both the rainy (X2 = 308.60; P <
class [90 - 110] while in the rainy season the higher
0.001) and the dry seasons (X2 = 392.20; P < 0.001), no
(P < 0.05) prevalence (M. pseudodispar) was observed
significant difference of prevalence was observed.
in the class 70 - 90 mm. In this latter class, Myxobolus
Prevalence of parasite species as a function of organs
ngassami was the sole parasite exhibiting a very
and seasons
2
significant (X = 8.55; P < 0.01) variation of prevalence
As shown on Figure 6, the prevalence of
between the two seasons. Moreover, it was more
parasite species fluctuated according to seasons and
prevalent in the dry season than in the rainy season.
organs. Fins and gills were infected only during a single
Prevalence of parasite species as a function of hostâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
season by one parasite species. Kidneys were the only
sex and seasons
organs where intermediate species were found contrary
The prevalence of parasite species as a function
to other organs harboring scarce parasite species. In the
of hostâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sex and seasons (Table 1) shows that
operculum, the two seasons were not only favorable to
independently of the parasite species, male fishes were
the occurrence of Myxobolus mapei but also, its
more infected in the rainy season than the dry season
prevalences were the highest (P < 0.05) compared to
2
(X = 0.06; P = 0.812) contrary to females mostly
those of other parasite species. In the kidneys, apart
infected during the dry season (X2 = 0.01; P = 0.909).
from M. pharyngeus, all parasite species appeared
2
Whether in the rainy season (X = 0.30; P = 0.586) or 2
during both the dry and rainy seasons. The prevalence
dry season (X = 0.05; P = 0.822), the prevalence did
of Myxobolus ngassami in the kidneys was about twice
not vary significantly between males and females.
higher in the dry season than in the rainy season
When parasite species are taken into account, it
(X2 = 7.82; P < 0.01). Meanwhile, M. pseudodispar
appears that in both males and females, M. ngassami
exhibited the higher prevalence (P > 0.05) during the
was the only parasite exhibiting a significant difference
rainy season.
(P < 0.05) in prevalence between the two seasons.
Seasonal prevalence of mono and polyinfections
Moreover, it was more present in male fishes during the
The
seasonal
prevalence
of
mono
and
dry season contrary to the females. No matter the season
polyinfections is summarized on Figure 7. It appears
and the fishâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sex, the prevalence fluctuated very
that during both the dry and the rainy seasons, fishes
significantly (P < 0.001) between parasite species.
were
Percentage of infected organs as a function of
(monoinfection)
seasons
(polyinfection). The monoinfections were more frequent
The percentage of infected organs as a function Journal of Research in Biology (2018) 8(1): 2413-2424
infected
by and
a
single more
parasite
than
one
species species
during the rainy season than the dry season (X2 = 0.79; 2417
2418
0 00
ngassami ngassami M.M.
5
Class [50 - 70]
M. ngassami M. ngassami
M. ngassami M. ngassami
5
ngassami M. M. ngassami
10
M. sessabai M. sessabai
15
sessabai M. M. sessabai
Class ]70 - 90]
M. umidus M. umidus M. sessabai M. sessabai
20
umidus M.M. umidus
M. M. pharyngeus M. pharyngeus tchoumbouei M. tchoumbouei
Rainy eason on Rainy season Rainy sseas
sessabai M.M. sessabai
M.M.umidus umidus
Class]70 - 90]
M.M. M. tchoumbouei umidus umidus M.tchoumbouei
Parasite species Parasite species Parasite species Parasite species
M. tchoumbouei M. tchoumbouei
M. pharyngeus M. pharyngeus
Parasite spe cie s
M. pharyngeus M. M. pseudodispar pseudodispar M.pharyngeus
Class [50 - 70]
Parasite spe cie s
M. tchoumbouei M. tchoumbouei
pharyngeus M. M. pharyngeus
Parasite species
M. pseudodispar M. pseudodispar
M. pseudodispar M. pseudodispar M. ellipsoides M. ellipsoides
M. muelleri
Dry s eas on
M. pseudodispar
Dry season
M. ellipsoidesM. muelleri M. ellipsoides
Rainy s eas on
M. pseudodispar
Dry season
M. ellipsoides M. ellipsoides
10
M. ellipsoides
Rainy season
muelleri M. M. muelleri
Rainy season
M. ellipsoides
M. muelleri
10 M. mapei M. mapei
10
M. muelleri
15
M. muelleri M. muelleri
15
M. mapei
000
M.M.mapei mapei
15
M. mapei
15
M. tchadanayei M. tchadanayei
M. mapei M. mapei
000
M. tchadanayei
00
(%)(%) (%) Prevalences Prevalences Prevalences
55
M. tchadanayei M. tchadanayei
10 10
M. tchadanayei M.tchadanayei
Prevalences (%) (%) (%) Prevalence Prevalences
15 15
M. tchadanayei
(%) PrevalencePrevalences (%) (%) Prevalences
Prevalence (%) Prevalence (%)
Class [50 - 70]
Rainy season Dry season
Fonkwa et al., 2018
Class [50 [50 -- 70] 70] Class
Class [50 - 70]
Class [50-70] Dryseason eason on Dry sseas Dry
10
5
5
Parasite species Parasite species Class ]90 - 110]
150
Class ]90 - 110]
100
5
50
Parasite Parasitespecies species
Figure 4. Seasonal prevalence of parasite species as a function of class size (mm)
Journal of Research in Biology (2018) 8(1): 2413-2424
Fonkwa et al., 2018 Table 1. Prevalence of parasite species as a function of hostâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sex and seasons Males S. No Parasite species
Seasons Rainy Dry 79* 80* 8.86 2. 50
Females X
1
M. tchadanayei
2
M. mapei
6.33
11.25
3
M. muelleri
0.00
4
M. ellipsoides
5
2
P
Seasons Rainy Dry 63* 83* 9.52 7.23
X2
P
0.25
0.617
3.01
0.083
1.20
0.274
4.76
13.25
2.98
0.084
0. 00
-
-
1.59
1.20
0.04
0.844
5.06
2. 50
0.72
0.396
6.35
1.20
2.87
0.091
M. pseudodispar
20.25
10.00
2.38
0.123
14.29
12.05
0.16
0.691
6
M. pharyngeus
2.53
0. 00
2.05
0.152
0.00
0.00
-
-
7
M. tchoumbouei
12.66
12.50
0.00
0.980
9.52
9.64
0.00
0.981
8
M. umidus
11.39
15.00
0.45
0.502
12.70
12.05
0.01
0.906
9
M. sessabai
2.53
3. 75
0.19
0.660
1.59
4.82
1.13
0.288
10
M. ngassami
5.06
16.25
5.21
< 0.05
3.17
13.25
4.49
< 0.05
Total
50.63
48.78
0.06
0.812
46.03
46.99
0.01
0.909
X2 37.17 41.52 P < 0.001 < 0.001 *: number of examined fishes; -: no value; P : error probability
23.49 30.61 < 0.001 < 0. 001
P = 0.374) contrary to polyinfections (X2 = 0.72;
combinations. No matter the season, their frequencies
P = 0.397). Whatever the season, four categories of
dropped very significantly (P < 0.001) with the
polyinfections were recorded namely bi, tri, tetra and
increasing number of combined parasite species.
pentaspecific i.e. respectively 2 to 5 parasite species Rainy season
Dry season
60
40
Target organs
Total
Liver
Kidneys
Gills
Fins
0
Skin
20
Operculum
organs ofofinfected Percentage infected organs Percentage
80
Figure 5. Percentage of infected organs as a function of seasons Journal of Research in Biology (2018) 8(1): 2413-2424
2419
0
2420
Class[50 [50 70][50 - 70] Class Class - -70]
00 Parasite species
Parasite Parasitespecies species
0
Parasite species
2
Parasitespecies species species Parasite Parasite
Parasite species
Parasite species
1
10
15 14 13 12 11 10 9 58 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 00
Parasite species Parasite species
Skin
Skin
0
ngassami M.M.ngassami
Dry season
sessabai M.M.sessabai
Liver
Rainy season
umidus M.M.umidus
Dry season Dry Dryseason season Dry season Dry season
tchoumbouei tchoumbouei M. M.
Rainy Rainyseason s eas on Dryseason s eas on Dry
pharyngeus M.M. pharyngeus
1
Prevalence (%) (%) Prevalence
5
pseudodispar M. M. pseudodispar
Dry season
ellipsoides M.M. ellipsoides
Parasite Parasite species Parasite species Parasite species Parasite species Parasite speciesspecies M. ngassami
15
M.M.muelleri muelleri M. ngassami
Class [50 - 70]
M. sessabai
00
M.M.mapei mapei M. sessabai
Operculum Operculum
tchadanayei M.M. tchadanayei M. umidus
Rainy season Parasite species
M. tchoumbouei
Prevalences (%)
Prevalence (%) (%) Prevalence
5
M. pharyngeus
M. ngassami M. ngassami M. ngassami M. pseudodispar
3
(%) Prevalence(%) Prevalence
Dryseason season Dry Dry season
Liver
ngassami ngassami M. M.
0
M. ngassami M. ngassami M. sessabai
00
M. sessabai sessabai ellipsoides M.M.
(%) Prevalences (%) Prevalence (%) Prevalence
10
M. sessabai sessabai sessabai M.M. M. umidus
10
umidus umidus M. M. umidus M.muelleri M.
15
M. umidus M. umidus M. tchoumbouei
Dry Dryseason season
M. tchoumbouei M. tchoumbouei M. mapei
Rainy Rainyseason season
pharyngeus M. M. tchoumbouei pharyngeus M.tchadanayei M.
Class Class[50 [50- -70] 70]
M. mapei muelleri M. muelleri M. M. tchadanayei muelleri M.tchadanayei M. ellipsoides M. ellipsoides M. M. mapei M. ellipsoides pseudodispar M. pseudodispar M. pseudodispar M.M. muelleri M. pseudodispar pharyngeus M. M. pharyngeus ellipsoides M.pharyngeus M. tchoumbouei M. tchoumbouei M. tchoumbouei M. pseudodispar M. M. tchoumbouei umidus M. umidus M. M. pharyngeus M.M.umidus sessabai sessabai M. sessabai M. M. tchoumbouei M. sessabai ngassami M. M. ngassami M. ngassami umidus M. M. ngassami
000 0
M. tchoumbouei M. tchoumbouei M. tchoumbouei M. pharyngeus
1
Prevalences (%)
555 5
M. pharyngeus M. pharyngeus M. pseudodispar
5
(%) Prevalence (%) Prevalence
Prevalence (%) (%) Prevalence
tchadanayei M. tchadanayei M. M. tchadanayei mapei M. mapei M.
10 10 10 10
M. pseudodispar M. pseudodispar
M. ellipsoides M. ellipsoides
(%) Prevalences (%) Prevalences Prevalences (%) 15 15 15 15
M. pseudodispar M. pseudodispar M. ellipsoides
M. ellipsoides M. ellipsoides M. muelleri
Rainyseason season Rainy Rainy season
M. muelleri M. muelleri
M. mapei M. mapei
5
M. muelleri M. muelleri M. mapei
M. mapei M. mapei M. tchadanayei
Class [50 - 70] Class [50 -- 70] 70] Class [50 Class [50-[50 70] Class - 70]
Rainy season Rainy season Rainy season Rainy seasonRainy season
15
Fonkwa et al., 2018
Fins Fins
1
2
Class 0 [50 - 70] M. tchoumbouei M. tchoumbouei Parasite species
Parasite species
Kidneys Kidney
Parasitespecies species Parasite
Gills Gills
1
Parasite species
M. M.tchadanayei tchadanayei Parasite species
Figure 6. Prevalence of parasite species as a function of organs and seasons
Journal of Research in Biology (2018) 8(1): 2413-2424
Fonkwa et al., 2018 50 45 40 Rainy season
Dry season
Prevalence (%)
35 30 25 20 15 10
Pentaspecific
Tetraspecific
Trispecific
Bispecific
Polyinfections
0
Monoinfections
5
Mono and polyinfections Mono and polyinfections
Figure 7. Seasonal prevalence of mono and polyinfections melanotheron in Bénin was higher in the dry season. In
DISCUSSION Irrespective
the
the fishes Ctenopoma petherici, Clarias pachynema and
prevalence of infection did not differ between seasons.
Hepsetus odoe from the river Sangé (Cameroon),
This may be due to the insignificant variation of water
Folefack and Fomena (2013) showed that Myxobolus
physico-chemical characteristics with the seasons.
sp2 occurred mostly during the dry season whereas M.
Based on season, parasites were grouped into three
petrocephali, M. nkamensis and M. gariepinus were
categories: those occurring mostly during the dry season
more frequent in the rainy season. Abakar (2006)
(category A), the rainy season (category B) and those
asserted that, in the river Chari (Chad), Myxobolus
occurring without seasonality (category C). The results
brachysporus and M. camerounensis were more present
of category (A) parasites were explained by Obiekezie
in Oreochromis niloticus during the dry season than the
and Okaeme (1990). In fact, those authors thought that
rainy season. The explanation being the pollution of
during the dry season, the high temperature of water and
Chari river by factories installed in Moundou and Sarh
mud can encourage the infection with myxosporeans.
(Chad towns). The pollution was significant during the
According to Uspenskaya (1995), when myxospores
dry season because of the intensive water evaporation
sink in water, they undergo aging and maturation in the
and this could negatively affect the actinospores. This
mud or sludge in order to parasitize new hosts.
pollution is also noticed in Mapé river because
Gbankoto et al. (2001) indicated that the prevalence of
neighboring population dump refuse in the water and
Myxobolus sp. and Myxobolus zillii which are gills
use nitrated fertilizers for agriculture. As for the
parasites
category B parasites, Abakar (2006) claimed that
for
of
Tilapia
the
parasite
zillii
and
species,
Sarotherodon
Journal of Research in Biology (2018) 8(1): 2413-2424
2421
Fonkwa et al., 2018 Sarotherodon galilaeus and O. niloticus were more
two seasons were favorable to the mono and
infected during the rainy season in Chad. His
polyinfections and whatever the season, the prevalences
explanation was based on Lausanne (1988) literature.
of polyinfection categories dropped with the increasing
So, during the rainy season, flood water dissolves soil
number of associated parasite species. This observation
minerals and organic matters accumulated during the
may be due to the interspecific competition between
dry season. This will encourage the growth of planktons
parasite species. The higher the number of associated
and algae which serve as food for fishes. Actinospores
species, the higher the intensity of interspecific
being stuck on this food, fishes get infected by
competition due to resources shortage and thus lower
consuming them. The case of category (C) is similar to
the prevalence.
that noticed by Bilong and Jeannette (2004) and Abakar (2006). According to them, some myxosporeans species
CONCLUSION
are present in the fishes throughout the year; others
The seasonal patterns of Myxobolus infections
appear once in a year whereas some exhibit two or three
in Barbus callipterus were affected by the parasite
peaks of infection each year (Blazer et al., 2003).
species, the host’s sex, class size and the target organ.
Oligochaetes being intermediate hosts in myxosporeans
The recorded data are useful for elaborating control
life cycle (Markiw and Wolf, 1983) the seasonal
strategies.
variation of parasitism by myxosporeans could be due to the seasonal supplying of actinospores by oligochaetes
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