Dynamics of parasite population and its histopathological and histophysiological effects in the stomach of a freshwater fish

The caryophyllaeid cestode Lytocestoides fossilis infects the freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis. The study was conducted for two consecutive years (2004-06) to record the bio-statistical data of the parasite. The incidence, intensity, density and index of infection of the parasite have been recorded. The infection was more during June to September, moderate during February to May and low during October to January. The parasite brought about severe histopathological changes in the stomach of infected fish. The changes observed in the stomach of fish included structural damage of the villi, inflammation, and fibrosis associated with hyperplasia and metaplasia. The hypertrophy of mucous layer led to vacuolation and necrosis. Histochemical changes were noticed with enhanced carbohydrate, protein and lipid contents. The enhanced substrate content in the infected organ might be due to the disfunctioning of the digestive tract, which results in the accumulation of various metabolites. Mucus secretion was triggered as a protective interaction against parasitic invasion. The parasitic infection affects the general metabolic state of the host and as the result, the fish becomes sluggish and moribund

Ethnozoological study in a tropical wildlife sanctuary of Eturunagaram in the Warangal district, Andhra Pradesh

701-704The ethnozoological practices using different animal products and their derivatives as medicine by the Koya and Guthikoya tribes in the Eturunagaram wild life sanctuary has been discussed. The study elucidates the use of 23 animals, which are described as folk medicine by the local tribal community. A field survey was conducted through interviews with a structured questionnaire revealed use of 23 species for the curing of various diseases. The zootherapeutic knowledge inherited since time immemorial was mostly based on the use of domestic animals and wild animals as important medicinal resources. It is suggested that this kind of knowledge may be useful to save the life in emergency. The study also gives emphasis on the strategies of conservation and management of faunistic resources. The ethnozoological practice indicates that traditional knowledge of zootherapy is a must and to be strengthened in order to discover the new line of resources in pharmaceutics