Hematological Assessment of Parasitic Oreochromis niloticus Caught from Ureje Reservoir, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between intestinal parasites in Oreochromis niloticus and their hematology parameters from Ureje Reservoir, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. Hematological parameter have always been used to check the wellbeing of animals in general. A total of 240 fish were examined for intestinal parasitic infections using both microscopic and molecular methods. Concurrently, physico-chemical parameters of the reservoir water including pH, temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and phosphate were assessed to evaluate ecological influences on parasite occurrence. The results revealed an overall infection prevalence of intestinal parasites with Schistosoma, Ascaris, Ancylostoma, and Eustrongyloides species identified. Though all measured water quality parameters were within WHO/FEPA permissible limits, phosphate levels approached the upper acceptable threshold, indicating possible nutrient enrichment. Infected fish exhibited significantly lower red blood cell counts, hemoglobin concentrations, packed cell volumes, and condition factors, along with elevated white blood cell counts, compared to uninfected individuals (P < 0.01). These hematological alterations and reduced physiological condition suggest compromised fish health due to parasitism.