Alterations in histopathology and stress-associated gene expression induced by infection with Prohemistomum vivax encysted metacercariae in Nile tilapia

• DOI: 10.1007/s10499-024-01418-2
• Publication Date: 2024-02-29T08:02:31Z
• Authors: Shimaa Abdelkhalek; Marwa M. Attia; Marwa A. Ibrahim; Reda M. S. Korany; Mohamed Abdelsalam; Dalia A. Abdel-mo...
• Keywords: Nile tilapia; Histopathology

Abstract Due to limited data on the pathogenicity of Prohemistomum vivax ( P. ) and its impacts fish health, this study aimed determine morphological, molecular characteristics, pathogenicity, histopathological alterations in infected with . Eight hundred (800) Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus were collected from various farms Kafr El Sheikh Governorate. The examined for encysted metacercariae (EMC) different organs. Tissue specimens underwent analysis, expression stress-related genes, genetic characterization by sequencing internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2). oval round shape organs including muscle, skin, eyes, intestine, liver, kidney, gills O. Sequencing phylogenetic analysis ITS2 region revealed a 507-bp fragment, confirming parasite identity matching within same clade as other isolates. Infected displayed abdominal hydropsy, skin darkening, emaciation. detected during period 620/800 fish, an overall prevalence 77.5%. seasonal was 95% summer, 85% spring, 55% autumn, 75% winter. intensity infection 1–40 cysts per microscopic field. Histopathological examination muscles parasitic embedded muscle fibers, causing severe degeneration necrosis. Upregulation cytochrome P450 (cpy1a1), heat shock protein 70 (hsp-70), tumor suppressor p53 (p53) recorded both liver samples compared controls. This indicates activation detoxification, cellular stress, apoptotic pathways response infection. There is available health; thus, provides key insights into morphology, tilapia.