Studi Kasus Patologi Infeksi Protozoa Tetrahymena spp pada Ikan Hias Guppy (Poecilia reticulata )

Abstract

The study was aimed to explore the protozoan Tetrahymena spp infection in Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) fish, with intended to the morphology of parasites in tissue sections and the resulting tissue lesions. Sample of diseased Guppy fishes were used in the study. Observation of clinical symptoms of the Guppy were revealed lethargic, vertical swimming and impaired equilibrium. The fish organs were observed macroscopically and microscopically. The result of macroscopic observation showed that there were excessive haemorrhage and ulceration at skin particularly in the dorsal and lateral abdomen. Protozoan parasite in the skin, muscles and gill tissues were identified by histopathological examination using hematoxylin-eosin staining and positive responses to periodic acid Schiff staining. Study of protozoan morphology revealed a spherical shape pyriform with a narrow anterior end, have dimension in average 50.5 x 32.4 μm. The parasites cause skin erosion, and hemorrhage, muscular degeneration and necrosis along with gills edema. Severe fatty degeneration was presented in liver while there was edema and congestion in the intestinal mucosa. As these fishes were been cultured in the aquarium such disease is thought to be caused by the deterioration of water quality, feed contamination or a poor handling.