Thursday, September 10, 2026

The Correlation between Altmetric Score and Citations in Pediatric Orthopaedic Journal Articles

Introduction

In scientific research, it is indispensable to take reliable and comprehensive meas-urement of the impact for published articles. It enables researchers to identify classical ar-ticles from a great number of publications, which can promote the development in special research areas. Traditionally, measures of bibliometrics are the mainstream for assessing the influence of article and journal performance, which have been widely used and accepted by researchers [1,2]. However, studies have shown that it takes up to 3 years after publication for a certain article to reach citation peak and this delayed period affects the judgement of influence [3,4]. The rapid development of social media platforms, including Twitter, Blogs, Facebook and others are providing novel insights into the immediate impact of research work com-pared to traditional bibliometrics. Therefore, as a valuable adjunct tool for evaluating the impact of articles, Altmetric score was designed and created in 2010 [5]. Studies regarding the correlation between Altmetric score and traditional bibliometrics have been done in some other research fields, such as general surgery literature [1], urology literature [6] and dermatology journal articles [7]. To our knowledge, no similar study has been done in pe-diatric orthopaedic field. The objective of this study is to examine the correlation between traditional bibliometrics including citations, impact factor, impact index and Altmetric score among the classical articles in specific major pediatric orthopaedic journals, meanwhile, analyzing and identifying the characteristics of these articles in different aspects.

Materials and Methods

Characteristics of the top 100 publications ranked by Altmetric score from four im-portant pediatric orthopaedic journals were recorded and analyzed via Altmetric database in April 2022. Considering the citation lag period, we set up the publication year range from 2016 to 2018. Altmetric scores, the number of citation, and online mentioned sources were obtained from Altmetric and Dimensions [8] . We gained the characteristics of articles by reviewing the detailed content. Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) and coefficient of determination (R2) were used to evaluate the correlation between Altmetric score and cita-tions, impact factor, impact index. A p -value of < 0.05 was considered statistically signif-icant. All statistics were performed by using GraphPad PRISM (GraphPad Software Inc, La Jolla, CA) or Microsoft Excel (Microsoft, Redmond, WA).

Results

A total of 100 publications from 2016 to 2018 were recorded and analyzed in our study. There was no statistically significant correlation between citation number and Alt-metric score (r=0.1027, p=0.3092, R2=0.0105), also no correlation was found between Alt-metric score and impact factor (r=0.0670, p=0.5079, R2=0.0045) or impact index (r=-0.1104, p=0.2768, R2=0.0122) (Figure 1). Retrospective study contributed to the highest proportion (52%) of the study type for these articles, followed by prospective study (11%) and review (11%) (Figure 2). Frac-ture research remained the most popular topic, followed by deformity and trauma (Figure 3). Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics consisted of the most part (59%) in the four main journals, while the journal Pediatric Traumatology Orthopaedics and Reconstructive Sur-gery was excluded in the top 100 articles ranked by Altmetric score (Figure 4). Low evi-dence level (Level III and Level IV) maintained the mainstream (80%), correspondingly, high evidence level (Level II) only took 20% of the whole (Figure 5).

Figure 1: Correlations between Altmetric score and traditional bibliometrics.

a) There is no significant correlation between Altmetric score and citation number for articles (p=0.3092)

b) Altmetric score does not correlate with impact factor significantly (p=0.5079).

c) Altmetric score does not correlate with impact index significantly (p=0.2768).

Figure 2: Study types in classical articles. RCT: randomized controlled trial

Figure 3: Hot topics in classical articles.

Figure 4: Proportion of journals in classical articles.

Figure 5: The level of evidence in classical articles.

Discussion

Table 1: Social media platforms in classical articles.

This novel study, to our knowledge, is the first article to examine the correlation be-tween Altmetric score and traditional bibliometric factors including citation number, im-pact factor and impact index in this specialty. Our study demonstrated a lack of strong association between novel Altmetric score and traditional bibliometrics, which is sup-ported by the low coefficients of determination furtherly. It indicates that traditional bibliometrics and Altmetric score should not be seen alternatively but complementarily when evaluating the scientific impact of publications, which was also demonstrated by pre-vious studies in other fields including orthopaedic, implantology, plastic surgery and pe-diatric surgery [9-12]. Shortness of papers with high evidence level was found in our data, which is similar with most traditional bibliometric studies [13-15]. This suggests either Altmetric score or traditional citation times are not assuredly affected by the evidence level. It can be ex-plained that novel ideas or designs are frequently published as observational studies ini-tially, then garnering concentration over time. Most of top 100 publications focus on clini-cal research, only one of them talks about basic science, which indicates that the research direction of pediatric orthopaedics is still clinical field, this result is consistent with pre-vious study of the same type [7]. Notably, previous studies have demonstrated that social media platforms can pro-vide a popular approach for resident and academic clinicians obtaining training and communication [16- 18]. This might suggest these social media platforms are paths for participating within both academic professional communities and potential patients, thus, it should attract the interest of clinicians and scientific researchers. In our study, Twitter hold the majority of online platforms, which is consistent with other studies [9,19]. Either Altmetric score or traditional bibliometrics does have their own value in the influ-ence assessment of research work. However, Altmetric score can estimate the interest and attention immediately after the publication. While traditional bibliometrics remain a reli-able, valid, and stable method of evaluating the impact of research in a particular field as time goes by [4,20]. Our study is not without limitations (Table 1). Only the main specific journals of pediatric orthopaedics were included in our analysis, other related publications in journals outside of the specific area were excluded, although many of these may be impactful and outstanding. We used retrospective study to analyze the data. Retrospective is a limitation itself, which can only reflect situations at the time of data collection. Correspondingly, current trends might be different compared with «old» trends. Therefore, it is unavailable to de-duce the trend or correlation among publications at different time points from our results. Despite these limitations, our study can help to illuminate the correlation between tradi-tional bibliometrics and Altmetric score.

Conclusions

Although Altmetric score provides a novel perception about the immediate reflection of impact and performance in the scientific work, there is insufficient information to sup-port Altmetric score has a concrete relationship with traditional bibliometrics or could re-place that independently. Our findings indicate that Altmetric score should be considered as a complementary tool to traditional bibliometrics which may ignore the immediate impact of several publications. As the utilization and popularity of social media platforms will presumably continue to rise, recognizing the part that Altmetric score has played in responding immediate impact may help guide future research and promote the wide-spread dissemination progress of science.

BJSTRAngelaRoy

Current State of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Capreolus and Cervid Species and the Potential of Future Zoonosis

Introduction

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV- 2) is a positive sense single-stranded RNA virus that constantly threatens the public health [1]. After the initial identification, the pandemic had spread to regions far across its originated continent claiming more than 5.9 million deaths and infecting more than 433 million people around the world [2]. The infection alone did not lead the virus as a global threat. The ability to transform into multiple subtype variants due to its RNA nature made governments and health care departments more challenging to successfully identify and cure infected patients. While the current state of SARS-CoV-2 is a major concern, the event of its emergence is also important because the transmission itself was zoonotic. SARSCoV- 2 is categorized within the severe acute respiratory syndrome related Coronavirus (SARSr-CoV) of the family Coronaviridae [3]. In attempts to discover which animal started the infection, reports indicated a genome sequence of one of the SARr-CoV which resembled 96% of the whole RaTG13 gene within SARS-CoV-2 [4]. The report suggested hard evidence of viral genome sequences from bats were the origin of the initial infection. Since the report was released, several other bat viral genome sequences related to SARS-CoV-2 have been sighted from different regions in China and Japan [5-8]. Considering previous reports, it may have been inevitable of cross-infection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus from nonhuman mammals. As the infection continue among the human population, other mammals were also in the risk of exposure by any contacts with human patients. SARS-CoV-2 targets the host angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptor to tether cells [9]. Interestingly, ACE-2 receptor are highly conserved genes which are observed in various animal species [10]. As a result, various incidents regarding dogs, cats, zoo animals, and even farmed minks were documented as a SARS-CoV-2 infection [11-14]. While domestic and industrial mammals were the first to be infected due to numerous human contacts, the continuous widespread has led to further spillovers regarding local wildlife [15]. Among the indigenous wildlife, capreolus and cervid species were reported to be highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, especially white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), the Père David’s deer (Elaphurus davidianus), and the typical roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) [16]. This review is to aim on the current SARS-CoV-2 situation in wild capreolus and cervid species and the potential zoonotic backlash it will bring to human public health care.

Methods of Transmission from Human to Wildlife

When compared to local domestic and industrial animals, wildlife located far from suburbs are considered less hazardous to confront direct SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, reports suggest a high possibility that infected patients shed SARS-CoV-2 within feces [17]. Recent research on other Coronavirus subtypes such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) report detection rates of 14.6% and 2.4% within fecal and urine samples [18]. The predecessor SARS-CoV inflicted patients experienced diarrhea and SARS-CoV RNA was detected within the stool samples and small intestines [19]. The SARS-CoV virus was able to remain contact and fully functional in diarrheal samples for a maximum 4 days at room temperature [20]. Similar to its former subtypes, a recent report discovered a U. S. patient infected with SARS-CoV-2 shed SARS-CoV-2 RNA in their feces [21]. More than 50% 96 patients’ feces samples collected over 31 days detected SARS-CoV-2 [22]. The research proves that a portion of the infected patients are able to shed SARS-CoV-2 virus via diarrheal feces. The disposed virus derived from populated suburbs, hospitals, and airports will be transported to various sewage systems. Mistreated water has the potential to carry SARS-CoV-2 RNA and act as a potential vehicle to expose the virus directly to the natural aquatic environment [23- 25]. Coronavirus has been known to lose its initial infectivity when exposed in water due to its lipid envelope structure [26]. However, depending on the viral subtype and condition of the water such as temperature, Human derived Coronavirus are known to survive more than 500 days [27]. This provides ample time for wandering roe deer and other cervids to be contacted by the virus and be infected via the gastrointestinal organs. The other major method of a spillover would be due to seasonal hunting. Studies regarding retropharyngeal lymph node samples of wild deer discovered a sharp increase in positive SARS-CoV-2 RNA signatures when the hunting season started on September 19, 2020, until January 10, 2021 [28]. The study in Iowa suggests major influx of people during the hunting season left various SARS-CoV-2 containing residue infecting the Southeastern area (Figure 1) Suresh V. Kuchipudi, et al. [28]. The virus contacted deer acted as a viral reservoir to actively spread to other regions, gradually infecting in all directions. This state limited situation later developed to regional crossing inflicting SARS-CoV-2 infection in other states.

Figure 1: Epidemic curve showing SARS-CoV-2 weekly cases (per 100,000) in humans and the monthly change in SARS-CoV-2 positivity in White-tailed deer in Iowa. Adapted from Multiple spillovers and onward transmission of SARS-Cov-2 in free-living and captive White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) by Suresh V. Kuchipudi, 2022, Proc Natl Acad Sci 119(6).

Current State of Capreolus and Cervid Species Infection

While SARS-CoV-2 was widespread in major human populated regions, SARS-CoV-2 wildlife dissemination were not yet sighted. The trend of the viral infection tends to have a gap of one year in the viral progression. As of today, situation of SARS-CoV-2 infecting various cervid and capreolus species is spotted in almost every continent. Vast samples of deer originating from different countries in North America such as Ohio and Maryland in the United States and Canada have detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA [29]. SARS-CoV-2 detection efforts are also increased in Eurasian countries such as northern Fennoscandia, Iceland, and Eastern Russia [30]. Compared to the western regions, reports regarding cervid and capreolus species inhabiting eastern countries are relatively short. Main reports are focused on the direct culprit which started the viral outbreak. Japan, China, and Singapore reported positive identification of the same SARS-CoV-2 strand containing bats. This strongly predicts there will be high chance of local deer or other capreolus species exposed to SARS-CoV-2 residue and naturally be infected.

Viral Characteristics and Variants among the Infected Cervid Species

SARS-CoV-2 drastically developed within the human patients by transforming through a series of mutations later discovered as novel variants of the original virus. Within 2019 to 2022, major SNP mutations named as Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and the latest Omicron variant quickly spread to heavily populated human settlements. Similarly, local wildlife has also contacted the gradually mutating virus. It is crucial for both the infected deer and human patient to be identified which subtype of SARS-CoV-2 as every variant mostly contains variant specific point mutations. For example, the previous alpha variant was identified as a novel variant due to mutations such as N501Y, D614G, and P681H. This enabled the mutated spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 to improve its ability to bind cellular receptors of host cells [31]. The more recent variant Delta and Omicron contained more unique point mutations such as the T478K, P681R, and K417N mutation in Delta and E484D, P812R, and Q954H in Omicron variants [32,33]. While the alpha and other previously found variants are hindering within the human population, wild deer and other capreolus species are in the relatively early stages of dissemination. What is more concerning with the infected deer is that not only does the animals act as a suitable reservoir for SARS-CoV-2, but also the ability to transmission the virus from doe to fetus. Recent reports suggest adult white-tailed deer can transmit the Alpha variant of SARSCoV- 2 vertically [34]. The virus’s ability of vertical transmission in utero have been documented in human pregnant patients [35], but the ability of other wildlife mammals to pass on previous variants will indefinitely influence future SARS-CoV-2 development. Infected cervids will contain the virus through generations and may eventually harbor novel mutations that will in turn trigger yet another zoonosis to unsuspecting humans (Figure 2).

Figure 2: Schematics of SARS-CoV-2 zoonosis and pathways of cervid infection leading to potential reverse zoonosis.

Conclusion

Studies regarding the current spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection in wild cervid or capreolus species are yet to be finished. Further sequencing and observation will be required to successfully document how far wildlife have been exposed to the zoonotic virus that may prevent another, perhaps more serious outbreak of reverse zoonosis.

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Monday, September 7, 2026

Prevalence and Intensity of Helminth Parasites in Macrognathus Aculeatus (Lecepede, 1803)

Introduction

Bangladesh has a vast potential for the development of marine, estuarine and freshwater fishes. Bangladesh has large number of rivers, beels, haors, lakes, ponds etc. At present there are 260 freshwater fish species, 12 species of exotic fish, 475 species of marine fish and 60 species of prawn and shrimp available in these waters. Fisheries sector contributes to GDP 5.24%, animal protein supply 63% and foreign exchange earning 4.76% for the nation (Rahman, [1]). Fishes are the main source of protein in the riverine country like Bangladesh. They supply an appreciable part of human nutrition and also play a significant role in the economy of Bangladesh. Besides, all dietary essentials, amino acids are present in fish flesh and about 85-95% of fish protein is digestible (Nilson, [2]). Apart from being the source of essential nutrients, fisheries sector plays a significant role in the economic development of Bangladesh and contributed about 3.57% to National GDP during 2017-2018 fiscal years. In addition, exporting of fish and fishery products contributed about 1.50% of the total export earnings in Bangladesh during 2017-2018 fiscal years. Prime source of protein in our country is fish. But fish source of protein is generally invaded by parasites, causing various diseases to fish, which enhances considerable economic impairment in the form of mortality, stunted growth, and poor nutrient quality of fish flesh. A substantial part of the fish food is consumed by parasite (Zaman and Khanum [3]). The weight of fish may increase but the actual weight of the fish itself decreases (Srivastava, [4]). For proper progress of our body, it requires 50-60 gm of animal protein per day. But in Bangladesh we get only 6 gm per day. The per capita consumption of protein products is beef 0.4 gm, mutton 1.4gm, poultry 3.0 gm and eggs 1.2 gm. But the per capita consumption of fish has been estimated at 21 gm per day (Nuruzzaman, et al. [5-7]).

Parasites possess certain status in the animal kingdom because of their inconceivable acclimatization and impairing activities towards host. Fish parasitology has become a swiftly manifesting ground of aquatic science due to the progressive magnitude of aquaculture, concerns on filth effects on fish wellness and a generally growing interest in environmental biology Parasitic life autonomously evolved nearly each phylum from Protestant phyla to Chordates along with plant group so therefore their mode of life is highly fruitful (Schmidt, et al. [8]). In Bangladesh, scientists worked mainly on the taxonomic aspects of the fish helminthes of Bangladesh. Akhtar, et al. [4,6,9] have worked on the distribution of some aspects of biology of some metazoan parasites of fresh water and marine fishes of Bangladesh. In Bangladesh 290 parasite species till now been filed from marine and freshwater fishes. The fish parasites have also been signified as zoonotic and biological presumption in prospective of human health (Chaia, [10]). Dibothriocephalus latus and Gnathostoma spinigerum have zoonotic importance which was recovered from fishes. The ubiquitous fish fauna constitutes 31,400 species where half (14,970 species) dwelling in marine waters. Marine ecosystems possess long stability so that variety of fish parasite within host is supreme in freshwater.

Macrognathus aculeatus, commonly known as Tara baim and occupies in rivers, canals, ditches and inundated grounds. The fish is highly nutritious and are consumed by commoners. But heavy infestation of parasites may lead to the decreased production with decreased food value. Very few studies (Anonymous; Khanum et al. [11-13]) have explored the parasitic infestation of Macrognathus aculeatus and recent studies are scarce. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence and intensity of helminth parasites in Macrognathus aculeatus to understand the factors for high parasite burden causing decreased food value. Research and parasitological investigations in fishes accomplished in Bangladesh and are reviewed via literature study. But majority of fishes is heavily infected by parasites which decreases the food value, nutritional amounts and causes mortality.

Materials and Methods

Sampling Area

In the present study, the fishes were collected from different local fish ghat of Dhaka city, such as Swarighat and Keraniganj fish ghat of Dhaka city. The collection was held on weekly basis at a regular interval from July 2019-March 2020. Sampling Technique: A total of 35 Macrognathus aculeatus were examined. After the collection of the host specimen, these were brought to the Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka. Each fish was measured, and sex of fishes were recorded properly. The fishes were divided into 3 groups according to their length (6- 10.5 cm, 11-15.5 cm ,16-20.5 cm). The fishes were divided into 4 groups according to their weight (50-100 gm,101-151 gm, 152-202 gm, 203-253 gm). The numerical data of the collected parasites mentioning their organal distribution in the host body and food items shared in the host stomach were recorded. The specimens were kept temporarily in a freezer for further investigation.

Collection of Parasites

To collect the endoparasites, the surface of the visceral organs, mesentaries and body cavity were examined carefully i.e., stomach, intestine, rectum, liver etc. was separated and kept in Sodiumbicarbonate Solution (0.75% NaHCO3 Solution). The stomach, intestine and rectum were opened by an incision. To dislodge the parasite, the organs were scrapped by the scalpel. Livers and Kidneys were shredded with forceps to isolate the parasite. Fixation and preservation of parasites: Collected parasites i.e., the Cestode, Trematode, Nematode and Pentastomida were fixed in their respective methods accordingly. Fixation of parasites were done by the following methods:

Trematodes

Trematodes were chiefly by Acetic Formalin Alcohol (A.F.A.). Before fixation all groups of parasites must be sinked in Lactofenol for clearance image. The fixation of the compressed worms was carried out for several minutes for fixation. Then the trematodes were transferred in 70% ethyl alcohol in a vial for prolonged preservation and the vials were numbered and dated finally.

Nematodes

Nematodes were fixed mainly by hot glacial acetic acid. Boiled water poured in nematode parasites containing petridish. Therefore, parasites become relaxed and straightened. After 10 minutes the parasites were transferred to 70% ethyl alcohol solution in a vial.

Parasites Identification

Parasites were identified by using a compound microscope following the description and figures of Yamaguti (1958, 1959, 1961, 1963), Dogiel (1964) and Srivastave (1936) [14-18].

Results and Discussion

In the present investigation and research work provides useful information on the variety of endoparasites in Macrognathus aculeatus. A total of 4 species of parasites were recovered, two trematode and two nematodes. The prevalence and intensities of infection were reported in the study to measure their infestation rate. Different species variation of helminths was observed in the examined fish samples. The prevalence was highest for Acanthocolpus indicus (34.29%) and lowest in Metaquimperia callichroi (2.85%). Highest intensity was recorded in Acanthocolpus indicus (3.91±1.019) and lowest in Metabronema magnum (2±1.414) (Table 1). The present parasitic fauna was different than previous studies (Khanum, et al. [13]) where five and six species of helminth parasites were detected. The difference in the environmental factors due to continuous climate change over time may have been responsible for the discrepancies between the findings. Overall Prevalence and Intensity according to sex of fish: Total 35 Macrognathus aculeatus fishes were examined, of which 20 were infected with 68 parasites. The overall prevalence of infestation was 57.14%. The prevalence of infestation in male and female hosts were 57.9% and 56.25% respectively. Intensity was higher (4±0.24) in male than (2.67±0.184) in female (Figure 1).

Table 1: Prevalence and intensity of each species of helminths in Macrognathus aculeatus.

Figure 1: Graphical representation of Prevalence and Intensity according to sex of M. aculeatus.

Figure 2: Overall and sex-wise prevalence and intensity of parasite in different length groups of M. aculeatus.

Prevalence and Intensity of different Helminth Parasites in relation to Length Groups of Macrognathus Aculeatus

Prevalence of infestation was highest (62.96%) in 6-10.5 cm length group and lowest (33.33%) in 11-15.5 cm length group. The prevalence was 50% in 16-20.5 cm length group (Figure 2). Intensity of infestation was highest (3.65±.0143) in 6-10.5 cm length group, (2±0.5) in 11-15.5 cm and (2±0.7) in 16-20.5 cm length group. The value of r revealed that there were no significant association between length of the fish and parasite infestation Male fish had the highest prevalence in rainy season and lowest in summer while, female had the highest in summer and low in rainy season. (Table 2) Khanum et al. (1997) [12] reported heavy infestations in the largest size. length groups which is contradictory to the current findings. This variability may be due to the difference in feeding habit in the changing climatic context in recent years which may have affected the parasite burden in smaller length groups. Besides, Dogiel (1964) [18] reported that infective larvae could penetrate the tissue of the younger host more easily than those of others. Dobson (1962) [19] also indicated that younger animals were highly susceptible to non-specific infections. Thus, younger and smaller length fishes may have been harbouring more parasites than the other reported groups.

Table 2: P and r value of M. aculeatus.

Figure 3: Graphical representation of sex wise seasonal variation of prevalence and intensity in Macrognathus aculeatus.

Prevalence and Intensity of Parasite in Relation to Length Groups in Male and Female

In male, highest prevalence is (33.33%) in the 11-15.5 cm length group and lowest (0%) in 16-20.5 cm length group. The intensity was highest (4.2±0.274) in 6.5-10.5 cm length group and lowest (0%) in 16-20.5 cm length groups. In female, highest prevalence was (63.63%) in the 6.5-10.5 cm length group and lowest (33.33%) in 11-15.5 cm length group. The intensity was highest (2.86±0.26%) in 6.5-10.5 cm length group and lowest (2) in 11-15.5 cm and 16- 20.5 cm length groups (Figure 2). Similar finding was observed by Pathak, et al. [20,21].

Prevalence and Intensity of Different Helminth Parasites in Relation to Different Weight Groups of Macrognathus Aculeatus

Prevalence of infestation was the highest (66.66%) in 101-151 gm weight group and lowest (50%) in 203-253 gm weight group. The prevalence was 60% and 55% in 152-202 gm and 50-100 gm weight group. Intensity of infestation was highest (4.54±0.22) in 50- 100 gm weight groups. Here, Coefficient of correlation (r) is -0.489. The value of P is 0.028 which is less than degree of freedom, α (0.05). Where P≤ 0.05, the correlation is significant statistically (Table 3). Infestation is negatively and moderately correlated with weight of host. Negative correlation implies that if weight of fish increase, the infestation rate will decrease. This is an important observation since previous studies on Macrognathus aculeatus didn’t report any association between weight of the fishes and parasite burden. The result could imply that nutrient deprived fishes are more prone to infection than well-fed heavy weight fishes.

Table 3: Prevalence and Intensity of helminth parasites in 4 weight groups of the host M. aculeatus.

Prevalence and Intensity of Parasite in Relation to Weight Groups in Male and Female

In male, highest prevalence was 60% in the 50-100 gm weight group and lowest was 0% in 101-151 gm and 203-253 gm weight group. The intensity was highest (4.44±0.27) in 50-100 gm weight group and lowest (0) in 101-151 and 203-253 gm weight groups. In female, highest prevalence is 66.66% in the 101-151 gm and 152-202 gm weight group and lowest (40%) in 50-100 gm weight group. The intensity was highest (5) in 50-100 gm weight group and lowest (1.75±0.24) in 152-202 gm weight groups (Table 4). Therefore, Coefficient of correlation (r) is -0.489. The value of P is 0.028 which is less than degree of freedom, α (0.05). Where P≤ 0.05, the correlation is significant statistically. Infestation is negatively and moderately correlated with weight of host. Negative correlation implies that if weight of fish increase, the infestation rate will decrease (Table 5).

Table 4: Prevalence and Intensity of parasite separately in male and female in different weight groups of the host Macrognathus aculeatus.

Table 5: P and r value of M. aculeatus.

Organal Distribution and Percentage of Helminth Parasites in Macrognathus Aculeatus

Investigation of organal distribution of helminth parasites including gills, alimentary tract (Oesophagus, stomach, intestine), liver, kidney, swim bladder was examined. Prevalence and Intensity were highest (42.86%) and (3.6±0.172) in intestine. Lowest Prevalence was in liver (2.85%) and lowest Intensity (1.5±0.35) was in rectum. Intestine is a preferred site by parasites as it provides the simplest form of nutrients which can be absorbed directly. Hence the finding is similar to a previous study (Khanum et al. 2011; Khanum and Parveen 1997) [12,13] in which intestine was the most affected organ followed by stomach and body cavity (Table 6). In the present observation, nematode parasite Metabronema magnum had the highest prevalence 100% in the intestine and found no other places in the alimentary canal. Among Trematode, Acanthocolpus indicus had highest prevalence (85.11%) in intestine and lowest (4.25%) in rectum. The other trematode Octangioides sp. had highest prevalence (64.29%) in intestine and lowest (7.14%) in rectum. The other nematode Metaquimperia callichroi had highest prevalence (66.66%) in liver and lowest (33.33%) in intestine (Table 7).

Prevalence and Intensity of Parasite in Relation to Weight Groups in Male and Female

In M. aculeatus, high prevalence rate was seen in February, high intensity rate seen in the month of October (Table 8). The seasons of Bangladesh are divided into 3 main seasons such as Summer (July, August, September), Rainy season (October, November, December) and Winter (January, February, March). In the male host, prevalence was highest (80%) in rainy season and intensity (3.625±0.305), prevalence 60% in winter and intensity (5±1.2) and 0% in summer. In female host, prevalence was highest (71.42%) and intensity (2.4±0.389) in winter, prevalence 57.14% and intensity (3±0.35) in summer and 0% in rainy season (Figure 3). Previous studies Khanum et al. (1997) [12] reported on the Organal distribution and seasonal prevalence of endoparasites in Macrognathus aculeatus and Mastacembelus armatus. The prevalence of infection was highest during the rainy season in Macrognathus aculeatus, while in Mastacembelus armatus the prevalence was highest in the winter. In both the species, heavy infestations were recorded in the largest length groups (Table 8).

Table 6: Prevalence and intensity of helminth parasites in different organs of Macrognathus aculeatus.

Table 7: Organal distribution and percentage of helminth parasite species in Macrognathus aculeatus.

Table 8: Monthly Prevalence and Intensity of helminth parasites in M. aculeatus.

The current investigation shows in Macrognathus aculeatus that infection rate was higher by trematods and lower by nematode. Male and female hosts were almost equally infected by parasites of different types. Among 3 different length groups of host high level of infection rate showed in lower length level. Infection rate was not statistically significantly correlated with length data. Among 4 various weight groups of host infection rate was statistically significantly correlated with weight data. Lowest infestation rate was seen in much heavier fishes. Parasites occupied in highest rate in intestine than any other organs in host body. In male host, prevalence rate was higher in rainy season and on the other hand prevalence rate is lower in winter for female fish host. Khanum et al. (2011) [13] reported that the prevalence of infection was highest during the rainy season in Macrognathus aculeatus which is observed here in male fishes. In the current study, females were less prone to infection during breeding seasons. Past studies reported the overall prevalence of parasites rather than sex-wise seasonal variation hence the difference may have not been observed previously (Eduardo, et al. [22]).

Intension of helminth parasite is to shatter the internal various parts of host like digestive tract having that meal and possess trouble by migrating to internal systems and fluid channels and due to scarcity of nutrition, lesion, ulcer and results mortality due to excessive transit. Nematodes larvae move to fish tissue and hampers destruction of cells and haemorrhage happens (Khanum, et al. [23,24]). Multiple factors such as nutrition, location, temperature, salinity, anatomical movement dominating the fish growth (Weatherley and Gill, 1987. Ahmed, et al. [25])and physique arrangement may alter owing to these factors. Around 56 critically endangered freshwater species are available and literatures available on biochemical and nutritional knowledge of fish, shrimp and prawn species (Rubbi, et al. [1,9,26]; Chakrabarty et al., 2003). Several alteration of surroundings may have true consequences production of fish (Brander, and Mohn, 2004). According to work done by Khanum, et al. [27], this research work supports that there is high prevalence rate in rainy season but in the present work larger fishes were more susceptible to infection by helminthes in winter and summer as well. The cestode Marsipometra confusa found from my research work which also supports with this work.

Conclusion

The various fishery development programs depend to certain extent on the successful fish parasitological research, as the improvement of fish yield can mainly be achieved from healthy fish stock. As hosts fishes play an important role for parasites. Among the animals’ fishes are the most important host for maintenance of mainly helminthes. Most of the fishes have parasites. They not only serve as the host of different parasites but also serve as carrier of many larval parasitic forms that mature and cause serious diseases in many vertebrates including man. The parasites of fish’s cause decrease in growth rate, weight loss and emaciation, affect yield of fish products, spread human and animal diseases, postpone sexual maturity of fish and mortalities of fish (Chandra 2006) [28-33]. The present study was conducted to identify different helminth parasitic infestation in relation to sex, length, weight, organs, months, and seasons for Macrognathus aculeatus. 4 parasites species (2 trematode Acanthocolpus indicus and Octangioides sp and 2 nematode Metabronema magnum and Metaquimperia callichroi) was observed in the examined fishes. A new record of helminth named Octangioides sp; commonly a parasite found in reptiles was identified showing zoonotic transmission in fish from reptiles. Further studies are necessary to detect the histopathological impact of parasite burden which may in turn affect the nutrient value and productivity of Macrognathus aculeatus.

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