ABSTRACT
Although fish are a valuable source of animal protein for human, their production is reduced
sometimes by parasitic diseases. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the frequency and
importance of possible parasites that could infect freshwater fish in Sohag governorate. A
total of 150 samples [100 Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and 50 catfish (Clarias
gariepinus)] were chosen at random from various farms in the Sohag Governorate for this
purpose. According to the parasitological analysis of the collected fish, Clarias gariepinus had
the highest infection rate 64% (32/50) compared to Oreochromis niloticus 56% (56 / 100).
Quadriacanthus spp. (50%), Contracecum spp. (50%), Trichodina spp. (56%), Myxobolus
spp. (55%), Cryptosporidium spp. (50%), and encysted metacercaria [microscopic (55%), and
macroscopic (35%)] were the parasites found in Nile tilapia fish. In contrast, the identified
parasites in catfish included microscopic encysted metacercaria (60%) and Quadriacanthus
spp. (54%), Trichodina spp. (64%), Myxobolus spp. (44%), Henneguya spp. (40%), and
Cryptosporidium spp. (56%). It is evident from the current study that a significant frequency
of numerous zoonotic parasites were found in the fish under examination. As a result, control
measures in fish farms are required to prevent the spread of these parasites, which pose a risk
to public health.
Keywords: Fresh water fish, Nile tilapia, Cat fish, Oreochromis niloticus, Clarias gariepinus,
parasites, Sohag governorate, Egypt.