Prevalence of Fish Tapeworm – Diphyllobothrium latum in Commercial Fish Farms of Chitwan District, Nepal

Diphyllobothrium latum, commonly known as “fish- tapeworm”, has a zoonotic importance it causes Diphyllobothriasis in humans. Fish, one of the highly consumed meat sources by human, also acts second intermediate host for D. latum. There are several reports indicating consumption latum infested poorly cooked fish causing human. Thus, can be considered major risk factor Despite being public health concern, no scientific data regarding prevalence population commercial farms Nepal exists. The objective this study was to bridge knowledge gap estimating Chitwan district Nepal. conducted six municipalities Chitwan, Out 46 registered district, 42 were sampled study. from each farm brought Histology laboratory Department Aquatic Resource Management Agriculture and Forestry University, maintaining cold chain system dissected feces collection. For qualitative parasitological examination feces, sedimentation centrifugal flotation method used. sampled, 16 (38.10%) found positive presence any kind gastrointestinal parasites. examined, 9 (21.4%) Besides, Contracaecum sp. (19%), Coccidia (11.9%) Eustrongyloides (2.4%). This research indicated that more than 20% showing possibility transmission human population. practices farmers must include ways prevent infestation Moreover, general should made aware about its possible along with preventive measures safe consumption.