A Preliminary Study of the Histopathological Biomarker Assessed in Health of River Snail, Filopaludina martensi in Khek River during Wang Thong District, Phitsanulok Province

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the health of Filopaludina martensi living in the Khek River flowing through the Wang Thong District, Phitsanulok Province using histopathological biomarker. The increased use of pesticides is reported along this river and potentially affecting aquatic animal health. Live specimens (n = 20) were collected during dry season (January to March 2011) and then, all specimens were processed by standard histological technique. Preliminary histopathology results of F. martensi showed in selected organs including of disorganization in the gills, the detachment between epithelial layer and connective tissue lining in the esophagus, infiltration of the melanomacrophage in the digestive gland, pyknotic nuclei and karyolysis in the testis were slightly observed. Although melanomacrophage infiltrate, probably as the reaction to contaminants, was also found in this study, it was rare only 5 percent (n=1). The result from this precursory study indicated that the histopathology in all organs rarely occurred. Consequently, F. martensi was still in good health. It was plausible that under the current situation, there was no environmental impact on this river snails’ existence.