Diversity and seasonal distribution of parasites of Oreochromis niloticus in semi-arid reservoirs (West Africa, Burkina Faso)

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the diversity, abundance, intensity, and seasonal distribution of parasites of Oreochromis niloticus. A total of 254 specimens of O. niloticus was sampled in Loumbila and Ziga reservoirs in both rainy and dry season and examined for parasites. The total prevalence was 55.90% and the highest seasonal prevalence, abundance and intensity were observed during the rainy season. Recorded parasites were the myxozoan Myxobolus tilapiae, the copepode Lamproglena monodi, the monogeneans Cichlidogyrus tilapiae, Cichlidogyrus halli, the digenetic trematode Clinostomum species, the nematode Paracamallanus cyathopharynx, and the acanthocephalan Acanthogyrus tilapiae. The latter species had higher prevalence (45.67%) and high abundance. L. monodi, C. tilapiae, C. halli, and P. cyathopharynx were only observed in Loumbila reservoir. A. tilapiae, Clinostomum spp. and M. tilapiae were found in both reservoirs with a high abundance. In conclusion, it was found out that O. niloticus specimens were heavy infection with a broad number of parasites. This situation could eventually reduce performance and productivity of the species, especially in aquaculture.