Suspected Infection by Myxobolus Sp in Laboratory Reared Oreochromis mossambica

Abstract

Oreochromis mossambica was reared at the pilot fingerling production centre at the Eastern University to supply disease free good quality fingerling for the public to venture towards stocking the reservoirs. During the brood stock rearing phase some fish showed the whirling signs and was suspected to be infected by myxosporean infection. Different organs of the moribund fish such as kidney, head, airbladder were removed and processed for histology. Thin sections were cut and stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Spores of myxosporeans were observed in the cepahlic cartilage and in the swimmbladder. To complete the description of the Myxobolus sp., DNA from the spores was extracted for sequencing. PCR products were successfully obtained and the sequencing work continues for the accurate identification. The presence of Myxobolus sp could be a threat to the wild population. The species identification of Myxobolus was confirmed with the molecular diagnosis.