Authors:
Lawali, A. Argungu ,Usanga, Xavier Jerome and Jibrin, H. ,Nigeria |
Abstract:
Molecular techniques are potentially faster and more sensitive than culture, serology, and
histology methods that are traditionally used to identify fish parasites. Parasitic disease reduces
fish production by affecting the normal physiology of the fish and if left uncontrolled, could
result to mass mortalities or in some cases could serve as a source of infection for human and
other vertebrates that consume it. These parasites could be Ecto-parasites or Endo-parasites. The
protozoans and helminthes are reported to be the major group of parasites of fish involved in
parasitism in Nigeria. These techniques include polymerase chain reaction (PCR), multiplex
PCR, restriction enzyme digestion, DNA micro-arrays, Loop mediated isothermal amplification
(LAMP), and Nested PCR. Helminth parasites can be detected from asymptomatic fish by
molecular diagnosis techniques, so disease outbreak could be prevented. In this paper, molecular
techniques for the detection of fish parasites are reviewed and the potentials for its application
are as well discussed. Thus, the application of new techniques as a routine tool in a diagnostic
laboratory in areas where relevant literatures are scarce, will contribute to the reticence of
adoption of these methods. It is hoped that knowing more about the genome of helminthes could
provide useful insight into their biology. Knowing how they function and cause disease is
expected to lead to new, more effective ways of treating these infections. |
