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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

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