Article section

Article title
Contributor
Abstract
About article
DOI
Citation style
Copyright
Open access
References
Research Article

Trematode Infections and Histopathological Effects in Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus from the Polluted Andoni River, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Authors

  • Okpoji, Awajiiroijana U. Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9994-7594

    ao.okpoji@stu.unizik.edu.ng

  • Ndubuisi, Juliana O. Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
  • Eboh-Ajoku, Irene O. Department of Chemistry, Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe, University, Ideato, Nigeria
  • Emem, Justina A. Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, Nigeria
  • Ekwere, Ifiok O. Department of Chemistry, Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden, Nigeria
  • Alaekwe, Ikenna O. Department of Chemistry, Federal University, Gusau, Nigeria
  • Odibo, Ukachi E. Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria
  • Igwegbe, Kelvin C. Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, National Counter Terrorism Centre, Abuja, Nigeria
  • Onoja, Clement R. Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
  • Warder, Amaminor B. Department of Biology, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
  • InyangAbia, Abigail J. Department of Chemistry, Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden, Nigeria

Abstract

This study evaluated the prevalence, histopathological effects, and environmental drivers of trematode metacercariae in Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus from the Andoni River in the Nigerian Niger Delta. One hundred specimens were examined for parasitic cysts and associated tissue pathology, while physicochemical parameters of water samples from fish landing sites were analyzed following American Public Health Association protocols. The results revealed a 74% prevalence of infection, with metacercariae predominantly located in the gills, intestines, and muscle tissues. Infected fish exhibited significant histopathological alterations, including lamellar fusion, mucosal necrosis, goblet cell hyperplasia, myofibre degeneration, and fibrotic encapsulation. The condition factor was significantly lower in infected individuals, indicating impaired physiological status. Water quality analysis showed elevated concentrations of nitrates, phosphates, BOD₅, and turbidity, all of which were positively correlated with parasite prevalence. To our knowledge, this is the first documented assessment in the Niger Delta that integrates prevalence, histopathological alterations, and quantified environmental drivers of trematode infection in C. nigrodigitatus, offering an ecological and public health perspective rarely addressed in African inland fisheries research. These findings highlight the role of environmental stressors in promoting parasitic infections, and underscore the value of fish health indicators for monitoring aquatic ecosystem integrity and zoonotic risk in fish-consuming communities. Consequently, consumption of C. nigrodigitatus from the Andoni River may pose public health concerns.

Keywords:

Andoni River Chrysichthys Nigrodigitatus Fish Health Histopathology Trematode Infection

Article information

Journal

Journal of Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Animal Science

Volume (Issue)

2(2), (2025)

Pages

66-72

Published

20-08-2025

How to Cite

Okpoji, A. U., Ndubuisi, J. O., Eboh-Ajoku, I. O., Emem, J. A., Ekwere, I. O., Alaekwe, I. O., Odibo, U. E., Igwegbe, K. C., Onoja, C. R., Warder, A. B., & InyangAbia, A. J. (2025). Trematode Infections and Histopathological Effects in Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus from the Polluted Andoni River, Niger Delta, Nigeria. Journal of Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Animal Science, 2(2), 66-72. https://doi.org/10.69739/jaaas.v2i2.882

References

Abba, A. M., Abdulhamid, Y., Omenesa, R. L., & Mudassir, I. (2020). Impact of helminth parasites on length-weight ratio and condition factor of fishes in Ajiwa and Jibia reservoirs, Katsina State, Nigeria. Research Journal of Zoology, 2(1), 1.

Adedokun, O. A., Akinpelu, O. M., & Ogundipe, O. O. (2021). Trematode infection and histopathological changes in wild and cultured fish from Ogun River, Nigeria. Helminthologia, 58(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.2478/helm-2021-0001

Agrawal, M. C., & Rao, V. G. (2011). Indian schistosomes: A need for further investigations. Journal of Parasitology Research, 2011, 250868. https://doi.org/10.1155/2011/250868

Ahmed, M. S., Younis, E. M., & Abdel-Warith, A. W. A. (2019). Histopathological and haematological changes in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of cadmium. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 168, 230–237. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.10.111

Akan, J. C., Abdulrahman, F. I., & Ogugbuaja, V. O. (2012). Assessment of heavy metals in fish, water and sediments from Lake Geriyo, Adamawa State, Nigeria. Journal of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, 4(3), 55–61. https://doi.org/10.5897/JECE11.086

Anarado, C. J. O., Okpoji, A. U., & Anarado, C. E. (2023). Bioaccumulation and health risk assessment of lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury in blue crabs found in creeks in Bayelsa State of Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Asian Journal of Environmental & Ecology, 21(4), 46–59.

Ashraf, W., Seddigi, Z., & Abulkibash, A. (2014). Heavy metal accumulation in fish species from the Arabian Gulf. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 186(4), 2249–2257. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-013-3535-2

Audicana, M. T., Ansotegui, I. J., de Corres, L. F., & Kennedy, M. W. (2022). Anisakis simplex: Dangerous—dead and alive? Trends in Parasitology, 38(6), 463–475. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pt.2022.02.006

Badr, H. I., Shaker, A. A., & Mansour, M. A. (2011). Schistosomal myeloradiculopathy due to Schistosoma mansoni: Report on 17 cases from an endemic area. Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology, 14(2), 107–110. https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-2327.91945

Chai, J. Y., Song, T. E., Han, E. T., Guk, S. M., Park, Y. K., & Choi, M. H. (1998). Two endemic foci of heterophyids and other intestinal fluke infections in southern and western coastal areas in Korea. Korean Journal of Parasitology, 36(3), 155–161. https://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.1998.36.3.155

Chukwu, C. O. C., Okafor, F. C., & Nnaji, J. C. (2020). Parasites of Clarias gariepinus in Nsukka area of Enugu State, Nigeria. Helminthologia, 57(3), 190–199. https://doi.org/10.2478/helm-2020-0021

Fazio, F., Marafioti, S., Arfuso, F., Piccione, G., & Fortino, G. (2020). Histopathological and immunological alterations in fish exposed to heavy metals. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 193, 110295. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.110295

Hong, S. T., & Fang, Y. (2012). Clonorchis sinensis and clonorchiasis, an update. Parasitology International, 61(1), 17–24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.parint.2011.12.003

Horák, P., Mikeš, L., Lichtenbergová, L., Skála, V., Soldánová, M., & Brant, S. V. (2015). Avian schistosomes and outbreaks of cercarial dermatitis. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 28(1), 165–190. https://doi.org/10.1128/CMR.00030-14

Jezierska, B., & Witeska, M. (2006). The metal uptake and accumulation in fish living in polluted waters. In I. Twardowska et al. (Eds.), Soil and water pollution monitoring, protection and remediation (pp. 107–114). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-4728-2_7

Khosravi-Katuli, K., & Jazini, M. (2019). Evaluation of chronic toxicity of lead and cadmium on haematological and histopathological responses of freshwater fish. Chemosphere, 219, 409–417. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.12.064

Lun, Z. R., Gasser, R. B., Lai, D. H., Li, A. X., Zhu, X. Q., & Yu, X. B. (2005). Clonorchiasis: A key foodborne zoonosis in China. Lancet Infectious Diseases, 5(1), 31–41. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(04)01252-6

MacLean, J. D., Arthur, J. R., Ward, B. J., Gyorkos, T. W., Curtis, M. A., & Kokoskin, E. (1996). Common-source outbreak of acute infection due to the North American liver fluke Metorchis conjunctus. Lancet, 347(8995), 154–158. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(96)90038-1

Mazigo, H. D., Nuwaha, F., Kinung’hi, S. M., Morona, D., Pinot de Moira, A., & Wilson, S. (2012). Epidemiology and control of human schistosomiasis in Tanzania. Parasites & Vectors, 5, 274. https://doi.org/10.1186/1756-3305-5-274

Mladineo, I., & Poljak, V. (2021). Fish parasites as biological indicators of pollution. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 164, 112019. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112019

Oden, E. M. (2012). The prevalence and pathology of nematode infections in Parachanna obscura in the Cross River system [Doctoral dissertation, University of Calabar].

Okoye, O. C., Ukwe, C. N., & Onyema, M. O. (2022). Environmental degradation in the Niger Delta: Oil exploitation and fish habitat transformation. Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, 65(2), 246–264. https://doi.org/10.1080/09640568.2020.1862855

Okpoji, A. U., Emem, J. A., Ekwere, I. O., Odibo, U. E., Alaekwe, I. O., Warder, A. B., & Eboj-Ajoku, O. I. (2025). Bioaccumulation of nickel, lead, and cadmium in tissues of Callinectes sapidus from the Iko River, Nigeria: Implications for human health risk and environmental safety. Journal of Environment, Climate, and Ecology, 2(2), 29–37. https://doi.org/10.69739/jece.v2i2.844

Parija, S. C. (2013). Textbook of medical parasitology: Protozoology and helminthology (4th ed.). All India Publishers and Distributors.

Pozio, E., & Morales, M. A. (2005). The impact of globalisation on the spread of zoonotic parasites: The example of fish-borne trematodes. Trends in Parasitology, 21(2), 76–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pt.2004.11.010

Procop, G. W. (2009). North American paragonimiasis (Paragonimus kellicotti) in the context of global paragonimiasis. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 22(3), 415–446. https://doi.org/10.1128/CMR.00029-09

Sakru, N., Korkmaz, M., Demirci, M., Kuman, A., & Ok, U. Z. (2011). Fasciola hepatica infection in echinococcosis suspected cases. Turkiye Parazitol Dergisi, 35(2), 77–80. https://doi.org/10.5152/tpd.2011.15

Sangweme, D. T., Midzi, N., Zinyowera-Mutapuri, S., Mduluza, T., Diener-West, M., & Kumar, N. (2010). Impact of schistosome infection on Plasmodium falciparum malariometric indices and immune correlates in school-age children in Burma Valley, Zimbabwe. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 4(11), e882. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0000882

Singh, T. S., Sugiyama, H., Umehara, A., Hiese, S., & Khalo, K. (2009). Paragonimus heterotremus infection in Nagaland: A new focus of paragonimiasis in India. Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology, 27(2), 123–127. https://doi.org/10.4103/0255-0857.48958

Tavares-Dias, M., & Martins, M. L. (2017). Histopathology and parasitological indices of freshwater fish in Amazon estuaries. Fish Pathology, 52(1), 42–50. https://doi.org/10.3147/jsfp.52.42

Woo, P. T. K. (2006). Fish diseases and disorders: Volume 1—Protozoan and metazoan infections (2nd ed.). CABI Publishing.

Downloads

Views

53

Downloads

71