Pathology induced by Pomporhynchus kashmiriensis (Acanthocephala) in the alimentary canal of naturally infected Chirruh snow trout, Schizothorax esocinus (Heckel)

Histopathology of the alimentary canal of Chirruh snowtrout, Scizothorax esocinus (Heckel), naturally infected with the acanthocephalan parasite, Pomphorhynchus kashmiriensis was studied by light microscopy. The proboscis and bulb was found to be deeply penetrated into the host tissues. Macroscopic examination revealed over secretion of mucous and shedding of host tissues at the host parasite interface and white fibrous nodules on the external surface of infected intestine, which was an indication for the presence of parasite. The major changes in parasite induced histopathology were at the site of attachment to the host’s intestine which includes destruction of villi and epithelial linings. Increased cellular infiltrations at the site of attachment may be a consequence of host’s defence involving cell mediated immunity. In the areas of trunk contact with the host tissue, compression/absence of intestinal folds and loss of columnar appearance of epithelial cells were evident.