EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF HELMINTH PARASITE INFECTIONS IN MARINE FISHES FROM COASTAL WATERS OF KARACHI, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Fish are a major source of affordable protein globally and play an essential role in supporting economic livelihoods through fisheries. The present study assessed the prevalence and intensity of helminth parasite infections in four commercially valuable marine fish species—Lutjanus argentimaculatus, Johnius dussumieri, Plectorhynchus cinctus, and Pampus argenteus—collected from the Karachi coast. From January to December 2022, a total of 113 fish specimens were collected monthly using cast nets, hand nets, and fishing rods with the help of local fishermen. Parasitological examination revealed that 84.07% of the fish were infected with helminth parasites. The highest infection prevalence was recorded in June (45.46%), while the lowest occurred in January (3.33%). Among the studied species, Pampus argenteus showed the greatest mean infection intensity (2.15 parasites per infected fish), followed by Johnius dussumieri (1.89), Plectorhynchus cinctus (1.87), and Lutjanus argentimaculatus (1.70). Seasonal analysis indicated a markedly higher infection rate during summer compared to winter. These results highlight the species-specific vulnerability of marine fish to helminth infections and underscore their implications for fish health, food safety, and sustainable fisheries management.