Abstract
Abstract Background Estimate shows that about one billion people rely on fish as primary source of animal protein. Currently, the global record portraying Nigeria as the largest producer of fishes (over 15,489 t per annum) in Africa is being threatened by the presence of various species of parasites that consider fishes as suitable definitive hosts. Control strategies will, however, be ineffective if there are scanty epidemiological data. Based on this premise, we undertook this present study to identify species of parasites, their prevalence, mean intensities, and indicators of infection of Coptodon zillii in Zobe Dam in the study area. Methodology Study design was cross-sectional in nature with sample size of 411 fish. The data collected from this study were entered into Microsoft Excel 2010 and analyzed with Epi Info™ 7. After evisceration and standard histological protocol, recovered parasites were identified as Acanthogyrus tilapiae using standard identification keys. Results Major findings of this study show that the overall prevalence and mean intensity of piscine acanthocephaliasis were 16.30% (12.94–20.31) and 1.46 (1.19–1.72) parasites per Coptodon zillii respectively. Prevalence and mean intensity of Acanthocephala infection significantly increased as the length of fish increased (χ 2 = 14.001; p = 0.0002) with fish having a length range of 17.0–23.9 cm being about four times more likely to be infected compared to those with 11.0–16.9 cm length [COR (95% CI) 3.78(1.81–7.89)]. In like manner, there was a significant increase in the prevalence of infection as the weight of fish increased (χ 2 = 6.055; p = 0.0139) with those belonging to weight category 190.1–250.0 g being three times more likely to be infected compared to those in 70.1–130.0 g category [COR (95% CI) 3.38 (1.05–10.84)]. Besides, Fulton’s condition factor was a major determinant of infection with piscine acanthocephaliasis (χ 2 = 13.981; p = 0.0002). Conclusion Based on the findings of this study, it could be concluded that length, weight, and condition factor were indicators which contributed substantially to piscine acanthocephaliasis in Zobe Dam. In view of reports indicting acanthocephalans as biomarkers of lead (Pb) pollution, further study is, however, recommended to ascertain this hypothesized heavy metal pollution in the study area and its environs.