Helminth Infections in Channa punctatus (Bloch, 1793): Seasonal Patterns and Taxonomic Spectrum in Deoria and Sultanpur Districts of Uttar Pradesh, India

Anil Kumar; Anjilesh Kumar; Manjulendra Kumar; Sudhir Kumar; Sushil Kumar

doi:10.56093/ijans.v95i12.171386

Authors

Anil Kumar Baba Raghav Das Post Graduate College, Deoria, Uttar Pradesh-274001 and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur-273009
Anjilesh Kumar Department of Bioengineering, National Institute of Technology, Agartala, Tripura, India
Manjulendra Kumar Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India-2260225
Sudhir Kumar Baba Raghav Das Post Graduate College, Deoria, Uttar Pradesh-274001
Sushil Kumar Department of Zoology, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University

https://doi.org/10.56093/ijans.v95i12.171386

Keywords:

Channa panctatus, Fish, Helminth, Parasites, Prevalence

Abstract

Fish are among the important sources of animal protein and also provide essential nutrients beyond protein. Their productivity often declines due to a variety of helminth infections. The present study assessed the prevalence of helminths in Channa punctatus. Fish samples were collected from the Ghaghra and Chhoti Gandak rivers in Deoria district and from the Gomti river in Sultanpur district between June 2024 and May 2025. Acanthocephalan, nematode, trematode and cestode parasites were recovered from the gastrointestinal tract and body cavity. Five genera were identified: Neocamallanus sp., Clinostomum sp., Genarchopsis sp., Senga sp. and Pallisentis sp. Parasite prevalence reached its peak during the monsoon season, with Pallisentis sp. showing a statistically significant difference in Sultanpur (p < 0.05, Kruskal–Wallis test). Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive relationship (ρ = 0.91), indicating consistent patterns of prevalence between the two districts. The findings underline seasonal variation in helminth infections of C. punctatus and stress the need for regular monitoring to ensure sustainable fisheries and food safety.

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Author Biographies

Anil Kumar, Baba Raghav Das Post Graduate College, Deoria, Uttar Pradesh-274001 and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur-273009

Assistant Professor

Department of Zoology
Anjilesh Kumar, Department of Bioengineering, National Institute of Technology, Agartala, Tripura, India

PhD Research Scholar
Manjulendra Kumar, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India-2260225

PhD Research Scholar

Department of Zoology
Sudhir Kumar, Baba Raghav Das Post Graduate College, Deoria, Uttar Pradesh-274001

Assistant Professor

Department of Zoology

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