Abstract
M.Sc. (Zoology)
A literature survey revealed gaps in the knowledge on Ergasilus in Africa. This studied aimed to elucidate on some of these matters.
Ergasilus sarsi was collected from Lamprichthys tanganicanus during an expedition to Lake Tanganyika in March 2010. The gills of the fish were removed and preserved for further studies. Preserved specimens were studied with dissection- and light microscopy. Some specimens were also studied with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). For light microscopy the specimens were sectioned and then stained with AZAN and H&E.
A total of 32 Lamprichthys tanganicanus were collected and studied for ergasilids. The prevalence was 86.40%, the mean intensity 7.56 and the mean abundance 6.38. A total of 204 parasites were collected and only 27 hosts were infected. The highest intensity was 29 parasites. Pearson’s Chi-squared test was used to compare attachment preferences of Ergasilus sarsi. The parasite exhibited site selection but not host specificity. It was noticed that E. sarsi mostly attach to the tip of the gill filament of the second gill arch. The second gill arch receives the largest portion of water flow supporting distribution of newly hatch ergasilid nauplius. There was no significant preference for the dorsal, medial and ventral attachment sites (p-value = 0.000542). However, significant preference between distal, central and proximal regions (p-value = 1.19) was observed. Fryer (1965) observed that the pathology caused by ergasilids is related to their attachment position on the host. Ergasilids display variation regarding morphology of their second antennae. Some have spines and others elongated antennae that wraps around the entire gill filament. This study shows that Ergasilus sarsi (with no spines on the second antennae) wraps around the gill filament and cause considerable damage to the host. The entire gill filament structure changed due to lamellar fusion and proliferation of mucous – and epithelial cells. Comparison of an infected gill to a healthy gill revealed differences. The compression caused by the second antennae caused some blood vessels to rupture resulting in haemorrhage. The swimming legs of the parasite also cause considerable damage by scraping gill tissue off the host and pushing it towards the mouth parts of the parasite. Mucous cells, gill epithelium and blood cells were observed in the vicinity of the mouth and in the intestine of the parasite. An increase in the number of Rodlet cells and mast cells were also observed on the gills in close proximity to the parasite. Increase in the number of these cells clearly indicate an inflammatory response. This is the first record of Ergasilus sarsi on Lamprichthys tanganicanus. This study also provides the first detailed description of the pathology caused by Ergasilus sarsi as well as the attachment distribution of this parasite.