effect of helminth parasites in mastacembalus armatus with special reference to hepato-somatic index

Present investigation was carried out to reveal the effect of parasitic infection on histology of liver and hepato-somatic index. Maximum 50% prevalence was recorded during winter season while minimum percentage of 25.02% was observed in monsoon season. Hepato-somatic index (HSI) for infected Mastacembalus armatus varied from 1.015 to 2.1 gm, as compared to non-infected fishes (1.62 to 5.88 gm). As morphologically, infected liver appeared pale yellow and very thin in size. External surface showed few encysted parasites. Histologically, infected liver showed loosening in hepatic parenchyma, irregular lobular arrangement and necrosis. Most of the hepatocytes are indistinguishable with eccentric and enucleated.