Background: The parasites consider being as one of the most important factors affecting fish health. Electron microscopy and molecular analysis are advanced techniques gives an accurate organisms diagnosing, especially parasites. The current study is the first integration of light and Scanning Electron microscopy with molecular analysis for the parasite, Paradiplozoon bingolensis, in Baghdad Governorate.
Objectives: This study aimed to identify Paradiplozoon species in Iraq by using integrative taxonomy tools that combine morphological and molecular analysis. In addition, confirming parasite diagnosis protects fish and supports their health management.
Methods: The fish have been cought it from the Tigris River near the Adhamiya district (Baghdad Governorate), from January to March 2025. All the collected samples were obtained from the gills of two fish, Cyprinus carpio and Arabibarbus grypus, confirming the presence of Paradiplozoon parasites. Subsequently, parasite genomic DNA was extracted, and then the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS2) region was amplified.
Results: Sequence analysis revealed a 99% identity with the parasite Paradiplozoon bingolensis. The results demonstrate the importance of combining the molecular phylogenetic analysis with the scanning electron microscopy for the diagnosis of Paradiplozoon parasites; they also highlight the need to enhance the accuracy of these diagnostic findings. Future studies should use additional genetic markers such as Cytochrome c Oxidase I (COI), 18S Ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA), alongside ITS2 analysis.
Conclusions: Moreover, comparative investigation on diverse fish species and various aquatic habitats, both within and beyond Iraq, is necessary to confirm these findings. Research should also focus on parasite diversity and the environmental factors influencing their distribution and prevalence.