DETECTION OF TRYPANOSOMES (PROTOZOA: KINETOPLASTEA) IN FISH FROM THE KAMA RESERVOIR

Data were obtained on commercial fish infection with haematophagous parasites of the genus Trypanosoma in the Kama Reservoir. Ichthyological material was collected in September-December 2024 from different districts of the Reservoir. A total of 40 specimens of three fish species were examined. Parasitological studies were carried out according to common methods using the VisionAssist automatic system (Austria) and Vision microscopy automation software from Medica Product (Russia). Fish leeches Piscicola geometra were found in fish from the upper district of the Kama Reservoir. High leech infection prevalence and intensity were found in the bream Abramis brama (80%, 3–15 specimens; average, 7 specimens). The prevalence in the pike perch Sander lucioperca was 8% and the intensity was 3 specimens. Protozoa of the Kinetoplastea class, genus Trypanosoma were found in the blood of the bream. Based on morphological features, the protozoa were classified as Trypanosoma carassii. The prevalence of trypanosomes in breams was 40%. Fish from the central and lower districts of the Kama Reservoir were free of parasitic flagellates and their carriers. Trypanosomes had not been previously recorded in fish from the Kama Reservoir.