<![CDATA[Background: Trichodina spp. are common ectoparasites of cultured fish and are associated with impaired health and productivity. Purpose: This study examined the prevalence, organ distribution, and host related factors associated with Trichodina infestation in farmed Clarias gariepinus. Method: Ninety five farmed C. gariepinus were randomly sampled from concrete, earthen, and plastic tank production systems. Gill, skin, and fin scrapings were examined for Trichodina infestation using wet mount preparations. Sex, total length, body weight, and Fulton’s condition factor were also assessed. Parasites were identified using standard parasitological techniques. Associations between infestation status and categorical variables were evaluated using chi-square tests. Differences in Fulton’s condition factor between infested and non infested fish were assessed using an independent samples t-test. Statistical significance was established at p < 0.05. Results: The overall prevalence of Trichodina infestation was 42.1% (40/95). The gills were the most frequently affected site (67.5%), followed by the skin (40.0%) and fins (12.5%). Sex was not significantly associated with infestation (χ² = 0.24, df = 1, p = 0.62). However, significant associations were observed between infestation and total length (χ² = 11.02, df = 4, p = 0.026) and body weight (χ² = 13.67, df = 6, p = 0.033), with higher prevalence in intermediate to larger sized classes. Infested fish had significantly lower Fulton’s condition factor compared with non infested fish (t = 2.31, df = 93, p = 0.023). Conclusion: Findings from this farm level investigation demonstrate an association between Trichodina infestation, organ specific distribution, host size, and Fulton’s condition factor in farmed African catfish under routine aquaculture conditions. Routine parasitological surveillance, improved farm management practices may therefore be important for reducing parasite burdens, promoting fish health and productivity.]]>
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