Helminth parasites of Caspian kilka (genus Clupeonella) as bioindicators of heavy metals

In the present study, intestinal helminth parasite fauna of 398 specimens of three species of kilkas, C. engrauliformis (N= 92), C. grimmi (N= 136) and C. cultriventris (N= 170) from Babolsar harbor were investigated. Five parasitespecies were found including: Corynosoma strumosum (Acanthocephala), Pronoprymna ventricosa (Trematoda), Contracaecum sp. (Nematoda), Raphidascaris sp. (Nematoda) and Anisakis sp. (Nematoda). The highest prevalence and abundance were observed in C. strumosum and P. ventricosa.The prevalence and abundance of C. strumosum in C. grimmi was significantlyhigher than C. engrauliformis. The prevalence and abundance of P. ventricosa inC. cultriventris was significantly higher than C. engrauliformis. The prevalence,mean intensity and mean abundance of the parasites were compared accordingto the sex, length group and season also effect of parasite on host growthparameters was considered. The diversity, equability, similarity, speciesrichness, dominance Indices and specificity indices of helminth parasites of thethree host species were studied.Also the lead and cadmium concentrations in the intestine, muscle, liver, kidneyand gonad of kilkas and their parasites C. strumosum and P. ventricosa weremeasured and compared. The results revealed that lead and cadmiumconcentrations in C. strumosum and P. ventricosa were significantly higherthan kidney, liver, intestine, gonad and muscle. The lead and cadmiumconcentrations of the parasites were compared according to the sex, parasitismand season.

PhD

Advisors:Shahla Jamili, Masoumeh Malek Counsellors:Mohammad Bagher Nabavi, Abbas Ali motallebi