Biodiversity, distributions and isolation of microplastics pollution in finfish species in the Panjkora River at Lower and Upper Dir districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan / Biodiversidade, distribuição e isolamento de poluições por microplásticos em espécies de peixes no rio Panjkora nos distritos de Lower e Upper Dir da província de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa do Paquistão

The basic aim of this study was aimed to determine the ichthyofaunal diversity of River Panjkora in both upper and lower Dir districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.Fish samples were collected by using fishnets from March to September 2020. A total of 724 specimens were collected and classified into 5 families, 14 genera, and 18 species. The overall results revealed that most fish fauna of river Panjkora contains 8 species of family Cyprinidae (56.49%) followed by 4 species of Nemacheilidae (24.44%), 2 species of Channidae (10.63%), and Sisoridae (7.04%), and 1 species of Mastacembelidae (1.38%), respectively. Among all kinds of fish species, Schizothorax plagiostomus (16.57%) was highly dominated and followed by Carassius auratus (11.87%) and Racoma labiata (9.66%) and were reported as highly abundant, especially during April, May, and June. The least abundant species were Glyptothorax punjabensis, Glyptothorax sufii, and Mastacembelus armatus, that constituting 2.48%, 2.20%, and 1.38% of the total fish samples. The Overall Simpson's diversity (1-D= 0.919) and Simpson's Reciprocal index values (1/D= 12.3876), and Shannon's index (H= 2.68) were indicating that river Panjkora contains a quite rich and diverse group of fish species. The highest microplastics observed in site 7 compared to other study area. Conservation steps should be taken as a top priority to protect and conserve the marine environment and natural heritage from further loss, extinction and stop or minimize losses incurred through irresponsible fishery practices

O objetivo básico deste estudo foi determinar a diversidade ictiofaunística do rio Panjkora nos distritos de Lower e Upper de Dir, na província de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, no Paquistão. Amostras de peixes foram coletadas com redes de arrasto de março a setembro de 2020. Foram coletados 724 espécimes, classificados em 5 famílias, 14 gêneros e 18 espécies. Os resultados gerais revelaram que a maioria da ictiofauna do rio Panjkora contém 8 espécies da família Cyprinidae (56,49%), seguidas por 4 espécies de Nemacheilidae (24,44%), 2 espécies de Channidae (10,63%) e Sisoridae (7,04%) e 1 espécie de Mastacembelidae (1,38%). Entre todas as espécies de peixes, Schizothorax plagiostomus (16,57%) foi altamente predominante, seguida por Carassius auratus (11,87%) e Racoma labiata (9,66%), e elas foram relatadas como altamente abundantes, especialmente nos meses de abril, maio e junho. As espécies menos abundantes foram Glyptothorax punjabensis, Glyptothorax sufii e Mastacembelus armatus, que constituíram 2,48%, 2,20% e 1,38%, respectivamente, do total de peixes amostrados. O índice de diversidade de Simpson (1-D = 0,919), o índice recíproco de Simpson (1/D = 12,3876) e o índice de Shannon (H = 2,68) indicaram que o rio Panjkora contém um grupo bastante rico e diversificado de espécies de peixes. Os microplásticos mais altos foram observados no local 7 em comparação com outra área de estudo. Medidas de conservação devem ser tomadas como prioridade máxima para proteger e conservar o ambiente marinho e o patrimônio natural de novas perdas e extinção e para parar ou minimizar as perdas ocorridas por práticas de pesca irresponsáveis.

Biodiversity, distributions and isolation of microplastics pollution in finfish species in the Panjkora River at Lower and Upper Dir districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan

Abstract The basic aim of this study was aimed to determine the ichthyofaunal diversity of River Panjkora in both upper and lower Dir districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.Fish samples were collected by using fishnets from March to September 2020. A total of 724 specimens were collected and classified into 5 families, 14 genera, and 18 species. The overall results revealed that most fish fauna of river Panjkora contains 8 species of family Cyprinidae (56.49%) followed by 4 species of Nemacheilidae (24.44%), 2 species of Channidae (10.63%), and Sisoridae (7.04%), and 1 species of Mastacembelidae (1.38%), respectively. Among all kinds of fish species, Schizothorax plagiostomus (16.57%) was highly dominated and followed by Carassius auratus (11.87%) and Racoma labiata (9.66%) and were reported as highly abundant, especially during April, May, and June. The least abundant species were Glyptothorax punjabensis, Glyptothorax sufii, and Mastacembelus armatus, that constituting 2.48%, 2.20%, and 1.38% of the total fish samples. The Overall Simpsons diversity (1-D= 0.919) and Simpsons Reciprocal index values (1/D= 12.3876), and Shannons index (H= 2.68) were indicating that river Panjkora contains a quite rich and diverse group of fish species. The highest microplastics observed in site 7 compared to other study area. Conservation steps should be taken as a top priority to protect and conserve the marine environment and natural heritage from further loss, extinction and stop or minimize losses incurred through irresponsible fishery practices

Resumo O objetivo básico deste estudo foi determinar a diversidade ictiofaunística do rio Panjkora nos distritos de Lower e Upper de Dir, na província de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, no Paquistão. Amostras de peixes foram coletadas com redes de arrasto de março a setembro de 2020. Foram coletados 724 espécimes, classificados em 5 famílias, 14 gêneros e 18 espécies. Os resultados gerais revelaram que a maioria da ictiofauna do rio Panjkora contém 8 espécies da família Cyprinidae (56,49%), seguidas por 4 espécies de Nemacheilidae (24,44%), 2 espécies de Channidae (10,63%) e Sisoridae (7,04%) e 1 espécie de Mastacembelidae (1,38%). Entre todas as espécies de peixes, Schizothorax plagiostomus (16,57%) foi altamente predominante, seguida por Carassius auratus (11,87%) e Racoma labiata (9,66%), e elas foram relatadas como altamente abundantes, especialmente nos meses de abril, maio e junho. As espécies menos abundantes foram Glyptothorax punjabensis, Glyptothorax sufii e Mastacembelus armatus, que constituíram 2,48%, 2,20% e 1,38%, respectivamente, do total de peixes amostrados. O índice de diversidade de Simpson (1-D = 0,919), o índice recíproco de Simpson (1/D = 12,3876) e o índice de Shannon (H = 2,68) indicaram que o rio Panjkora contém um grupo bastante rico e diversificado de espécies de peixes. Os microplásticos mais altos foram observados no local 7 em comparação com outra área de estudo. Medidas de conservação devem ser tomadas como prioridade máxima para proteger e conservar o ambiente marinho e o patrimônio natural de novas perdas e extinção e para parar ou minimizar as perdas ocorridas por práticas de pesca irresponsáveis.

Effects of microplastics in freshwater fishes health and the implications for human health.

The presence of microplastics in aquatic environments has raised concerns about their abundance and potential hazards to aquatic organisms. This review provides insight into the problem that may be of alarm for freshwater fish. Plastic pollution is not confined to marine ecosystems; freshwater also comprises plastic bits, as the most of plastic fragments enter oceans via rivers. Microplastics (MPs) can be consumed by fish and accumulated due to their size and poor biodegradability. Furthermore, it has the potential to enter the food chain and cause health problems. Evidence of MPs s ingestion has been reported in >150 fish species from both freshwater and marine systems. However, microplastic quantification and toxicity in freshwater ecosystems have been underestimated, ignored, and not reported as much as compared to the marine ecosystem. However, their abundance, influence, and toxicity in freshwater biota are not less than in marine ecosystems. The interaction of MPs with freshwater fish, as well as the risk of human consumption, remains a mystery. Nevertheless, our knowledge of the impacts of MPs on freshwater fish is still very limited. This study detailed the status of the toxicity of MPs in freshwater fish. This review will add to our understanding of the ecotoxicology of microplastics on freshwater fish and give subsequent research directions.

Prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the largest populated city Karachi, Pakistan / Prevalência de leishmaniose cutânea na maior cidade populosa de Karachi, Paquistão

The study was undertaken from September 2018 to April 2019 to determine the prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in human beings living in six districts of Karachi. Suspected persons were screened for the disease and positive cases were identified on the basis of skin lesions and blood samples. Samples were observed by mounting their smear. A total of 207 subjects of different ages and sex groups were investigated, however, only 192 (92%) of the suspected cases were found to have the disease 64% of cases were male which were significantly high (p<0.05), than female 36%. The lesion was more frequently detected among the youth ages of 21-30 years (31%) as compared to other groups. In both sexes, legs were found to be more infected (25% male + 20% female) followed by arms (20% male + 0% female) and face (15% male +11% female). The mixed body parts had shown the lowest infections such as (4% in males + 5%) in females. In conclusion, the highest and lowest leishmaniasis infections were observed in District West (23% male + 9% female) followed by District East (15% male + 7% female), District Malir (11% male+ 4% female), District Central (7% male + 5% female), District Korangi (4% male + 7% female) and District South (4% male + 4% female) respectively.

O estudo foi realizado de setembro de 2018 a abril de 2019 para determinar a prevalência de leishmaniose tegumentar em seres humanos que vivem em seis distritos de Karachi. Pessoas suspeitas foram rastreadas para a doença e os casos positivos foram identificados com base em lesões de pele e amostras de sangue. As amostras foram observadas montando seu esfregaço. Um total de 207 indivíduos de diferentes idades e grupos sexuais foi investigado, no entanto apenas 192 (92%) dos casos suspeitos foram encontrados para ter a doença; 64% dos casos eram do sexo masculino, que foram significativamente elevados (p < 0,05), e do sexo feminino 36%. A lesão foi detectada com maior frequência entre os jovens de 21 a 30 anos (31%) em comparação com os outros grupos. Em ambos os sexos, as pernas estavam mais infectadas (25% homens + 20% mulheres), seguidas pelos braços (20% homens + 0% mulheres) e rosto (15% homens + 11% mulheres). As partes mistas do corpo mostraram as infecções mais baixas (4% homens + 5% mulheres). Em conclusão, as infecções de leishmaniose mais altas e mais baixas foram observadas no Distrito Oeste (23% homens + 9% mulheres) seguido pelo Distrito Leste (15% homens + 7% mulheres), Distrito Malir (11% homens + 4% mulheres), Distrito Central (7% homens + 5% mulheres), Distrito Korangi (4% homens + 7% mulheres) e Distrito Sul (4% homens + 4% mulheres), respectivamente.

Prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the largest populated city Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract. The study was undertaken from September 2018 to April 2019 to determine the prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in human beings living in six districts of Karachi. Suspected persons were screened for the disease and positive cases were identified on the basis of skin lesions and blood samples. Samples were observed by mounting their smear. A total of 207 subjects of different ages and sex groups were investigated, however, only 192 (92%) of the suspected cases were found to have the disease 64% of cases were male which were significantly high (p 0.05), than female 36%. The lesion was more frequently detected among the youth ages of 21-30 years (31%) as compared to other groups. In both sexes, legs were found to be more infected (25% male + 20% female) followed by arms (20% male + 0% female) and face (15% male +11% female). The mixed body parts had shown the lowest infections such as (4% in males + 5%) in females. In conclusion, the highest and lowest leishmaniasis infections were observed in District West (23% male + 9% female) followed by District East (15% male + 7% female), District Malir (11% male+ 4% female), District Central (7% male + 5% female), District Korangi (4% male + 7% female) and District South (4% male + 4% female) respectively.

Resumo O estudo foi realizado de setembro de 2018 a abril de 2019 para determinar a prevalência de leishmaniose tegumentar em seres humanos que vivem em seis distritos de Karachi. Pessoas suspeitas foram rastreadas para a doença e os casos positivos foram identificados com base em lesões de pele e amostras de sangue. As amostras foram observadas montando seu esfregaço. Um total de 207 indivíduos de diferentes idades e grupos sexuais foi investigado, no entanto apenas 192 (92%) dos casos suspeitos foram encontrados para ter a doença; 64% dos casos eram do sexo masculino, que foram significativamente elevados (p 0,05), e do sexo feminino 36%. A lesão foi detectada com maior frequência entre os jovens de 21 a 30 anos (31%) em comparação com os outros grupos. Em ambos os sexos, as pernas estavam mais infectadas (25% homens + 20% mulheres), seguidas pelos braços (20% homens + 0% mulheres) e rosto (15% homens + 11% mulheres). As partes mistas do corpo mostraram as infecções mais baixas (4% homens + 5% mulheres). Em conclusão, as infecções de leishmaniose mais altas e mais baixas foram observadas no Distrito Oeste (23% homens + 9% mulheres) seguido pelo Distrito Leste (15% homens + 7% mulheres), Distrito Malir (11% homens + 4% mulheres), Distrito Central (7% homens + 5% mulheres), Distrito Korangi (4% homens + 7% mulheres) e Distrito Sul (4% homens + 4% mulheres), respectivamente.

Biodiversity, distributions and isolation of microplastics pollution in finfish species in the Panjkora River at Lower and Upper Dir districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.

The basic aim of this study was aimed to determine the ichthyofaunal diversity of River Panjkora in both upper and lower Dir districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.Fish samples were collected by using fishnets from March to September 2020. A total of 724 specimens were collected and classified into 5 families, 14 genera, and 18 species. The overall results revealed that most fish fauna of river Panjkora contains 8 species of family Cyprinidae (56.49%) followed by 4 species of Nemacheilidae (24.44%), 2 species of Channidae (10.63%), and Sisoridae (7.04%), and 1 species of Mastacembelidae (1.38%), respectively. Among all kinds of fish species, Schizothorax plagiostomus (16.57%) was highly dominated and followed by Carassius auratus (11.87%) and Racoma labiata (9.66%) and were reported as highly abundant, especially during April, May, and June. The least abundant species were Glyptothorax punjabensis, Glyptothorax sufii, and Mastacembelus armatus, that constituting 2.48%, 2.20%, and 1.38% of the total fish samples. The Overall Simpson's diversity (1-D= 0.919) and Simpson's Reciprocal index values (1/D= 12.3876), and Shannon's index (H= 2.68) were indicating that river Panjkora contains a quite rich and diverse group of fish species. The highest microplastics observed in site 7 compared to other study area. Conservation steps should be taken as a top priority to protect and conserve the marine environment and natural heritage from further loss, extinction and stop or minimize losses incurred through irresponsible fishery practices.

Distribution and abundance of dinoflagellates from the coastal waters of Karachi, Pakistan, northern part of the Arabian Sea / Distribuição e abundância de dinoflagelados nas águas costeiras de Karachi, Paquistão, parte norte do Mar da Arábia

The present study reports on seasonal and spatial variations in diversity, distribution and abundance of dinoflegellates and indicates the presence of HAB species in Pakistan waters. A total of 179 taxa, recorded in this study from offshore and near-shore waters, belong to 41 genera in 26 families and 10 orders. The high species count (149 species) was recorded from Manora Island offshore station (MI-1) and 105 spp, 109 spp and 115 spp were encountered from the Mubarak village offshore station (MV-1), Manora near shore station (MI-2) and Mubarak Village near-shore station (MV-2) respectively. Tripos furca was the dominant and frequently occurring species (> 1 x103 to > 25 x103 cells L-1 from coastal and >1x 105 cells L-l from near-shore stations) in addition to less abundant Alexandrium catenella, Alexandrium sp., Alexandrium minutum, and Prorocentrum micans (>103 to 25x 103cells/L). Another 44 species occurred in relatively low numbers (<103 cell L-l). Seventy species were found throughout the study period at all four stations. High number of species in three genera (Tripos (38), Protoperidinium (34) and Prorocentrum (20) was recorded. Potently toxic (16 genera 43 species) and HAB related (19 genera and 30 species) dinoflagellate taxa were also recorded. The percent contribution of dinoflagellates in total phytoplankton population generally remained below 20% except for a few instances. Manora Island stations had comparatively higher Shannon index and equitability and slightly lower dominance index. The PCA plot showed strong positive correlation among chlorophyll-a concentration, dissolved oxygen, total number of phytoplankton and dinoflagellates.

O presente estudo relata variações sazonais e espaciais na diversidade, na distribuição e na abundância de dinoflegelados e indica a presença de espécies de HAB nas águas do Paquistão. Um total de 179 táxons, registrados nesse estudo de águas offshore e próximas à costa, pertence a 41 gêneros em 26 famílias e 10 ordens. A alta contagem de espécies (149 espécies) foi registrada na estação offshore da Ilha de Manora (MI-1) e 105 spp., 109 spp. e 115 spp. foram encontrados na estação offshore da vila de Mubarak (MV-1), Manora perto da estação costeira (MI- 2) e estação próxima à costa da Vila de Mubarak (MV-2), respectivamente. Tripos furca foi a espécie dominante e de ocorrência frequente (> 1 x103 a > 25 x103 células L-1 da costa e > 1x 105 células Ll de estações próximas à costa), além de Alexandrium catenella menos abundante, Alexandrium sp., Alexandrium minutum e Prorocentrum micans (> 103 a 25x 103 células/L). Outras 44 espécies ocorreram em números relativamente baixos (< 103 células L-1). Setenta espécies foram encontradas durante o período de estudo em todas as quatro estações. Foi registrado um alto número de espécies em três gêneros (Tripos (38), Protoperidinium (34) e Prorocentrum (20). Potencialmente tóxicos (16 gêneros e 43 espécies) e HAB relacionados (19 gêneros e 30 espécies), táxons de dinoflagelados também foram registrados. A contribuição percentual de dinoflagelados na população fitoplanctônica total geralmente permaneceu abaixo de 20%, exceto em alguns casos. As estações da Ilha de Manora tinham índice de Shannon comparativamente mais alto e equitabilidade e índice de dominância ligeiramente mais baixos. O gráfico de PCA mostrou forte correlação positiva entre concentração de clorofila-a e oxigênio dissolvido, número total de fitoplânctons e dinoflagelados.

Distribution and abundance of dinoflagellates from the coastal waters of Karachi, Pakistan, northern part of the Arabian Sea / Distribuição e abundância de dinoflagelados nas águas costeiras de Karachi, Paquistão, parte norte do Mar da Arábia

The present study reports on seasonal and spatial variations in diversity, distribution and abundance of dinoflegellates and indicates the presence of HAB species in Pakistan waters. A total of 179 taxa, recorded in this study from offshore and near-shore waters, belong to 41 genera in 26 families and 10 orders. The high species count (149 species) was recorded from Manora Island offshore station (MI-1) and 105 spp, 109 spp and 115 spp were encountered from the Mubarak village offshore station (MV-1), Manora near shore station (MI-2) and Mubarak Village near-shore station (MV-2) respectively. Tripos furca was the dominant and frequently occurring species (> 1 x10³ to > 25 x10³ cells L-¹ from coastal and >1x 105 cells L-¹ from near-shore stations) in addition to less abundant Alexandrium catenella, Alexandrium sp., Alexandrium minutum, and Prorocentrum micans (>103 to 25x 10³cells/L). Another 44 species occurred in relatively low numbers (<10³ cell L-¹). Seventy species were found throughout the study period at all four stations. High number of species in three genera (Tripos (38), Protoperidinium (34) and Prorocentrum (20) was recorded. Potently toxic (16 genera 43 species) and HAB related (19 genera and 30 species) dinoflagellate taxa were also recorded. The percent contribution of dinoflagellates in total phytoplankton population generally remained below 20% except for a few instances. Manora Island stations had comparatively higher Shannon index and equitability and slightly lower dominance index. The PCA plot showed strong positive correlation among chlorophyll-a concentration, dissolved oxygen, total number of phytoplankton and dinoflagellates.

O presente estudo relata variações sazonais e espaciais na diversidade, na distribuição e na abundância de dinoflegelados e indica a presença de espécies de HAB nas águas do Paquistão. Um total de 179 táxons, registrados nesse estudo de águas offshore e próximas à costa, pertence a 41 gêneros em 26 famílias e 10 ordens. A alta contagem de espécies (149 espécies) foi registrada na estação offshore da Ilha de Manora (MI-1) e 105 spp., 109 spp. e 115 spp. foram encontrados na estação offshore da vila de Mubarak (MV-1), Manora perto da estação costeira (MI- 2) e estação próxima à costa da Vila de Mubarak (MV-2), respectivamente. Tripos furca foi a espécie dominante e de ocorrência frequente (> 1 x103 a > 25 x103 células L-1 da costa e > 1x 105 células Ll de estações próximas à costa), além de Alexandrium catenella menos abundante, Alexandrium sp., Alexandrium minutum e Prorocentrum micans (> 103 a 25x 103 células/L). Outras 44 espécies ocorreram em números relativamente baixos (< 103 células L-1). Setenta espécies foram encontradas durante o período de estudo em todas as quatro estações. Foi registrado um alto número de espécies em três gêneros (Tripos (38), Protoperidinium (34) e Prorocentrum (20). Potencialmente tóxicos (16 gêneros e 43 espécies) e HAB relacionados (19 gêneros e 30 espécies), táxons de dinoflagelados também foram registrados. A contribuição percentual de dinoflagelados na população fitoplanctônica total geralmente permaneceu abaixo de 20%, exceto em alguns casos. As estações da Ilha de Manora tinham índice de Shannon comparativamente mais alto e equitabilidade e índice de dominância ligeiramente mais baixos. O gráfico de PCA mostrou forte correlação positiva entre concentração de clorofila-a e oxigênio dissolvido, número total de fitoplânctons e dinoflagelados.

Distribution and abundance of dinoflagellates from the coastal waters of Karachi, Pakistan, northern part of the Arabian Sea

Abstract The present study reports on seasonal and spatial variations in diversity, distribution and abundance of dinoflegellates and indicates the presence of HAB species in Pakistan waters. A total of 179 taxa, recorded in this study from offshore and near-shore waters, belong to 41 genera in 26 families and 10 orders. The high species count (149 species) was recorded from Manora Island offshore station (MI-1) and 105 spp, 109 spp and 115 spp were encountered from the Mubarak village offshore station (MV-1), Manora near shore station (MI-2) and Mubarak Village near-shore station (MV-2) respectively. Tripos furca was the dominant and frequently occurring species (> 1 x103 to > 25 x103 cells L-1 from coastal and >1x 105 cells L-l from near-shore stations) in addition to less abundant Alexandrium catenella, Alexandrium sp., Alexandrium minutum, and Prorocentrum micans (>103 to 25x 103cells/L). Another 44 species occurred in relatively low numbers ( 103 cell L-l). Seventy species were found throughout the study period at all four stations. High number of species in three genera (Tripos (38), Protoperidinium (34) and Prorocentrum (20) was recorded. Potently toxic (16 genera 43 species) and HAB related (19 genera and 30 species) dinoflagellate taxa were also recorded. The percent contribution of dinoflagellates in total phytoplankton population generally remained below 20% except for a few instances. Manora Island stations had comparatively higher Shannon index and equitability and slightly lower dominance index. The PCA plot showed strong positive correlation among chlorophyll-a concentration, dissolved oxygen, total number of phytoplankton and dinoflagellates.

Resumo O presente estudo relata variações sazonais e espaciais na diversidade, na distribuição e na abundância de dinoflegelados e indica a presença de espécies de HAB nas águas do Paquistão. Um total de 179 táxons, registrados nesse estudo de águas offshore e próximas à costa, pertence a 41 gêneros em 26 famílias e 10 ordens. A alta contagem de espécies (149 espécies) foi registrada na estação offshore da Ilha de Manora (MI-1) e 105 spp., 109 spp. e 115 spp. foram encontrados na estação offshore da vila de Mubarak (MV-1), Manora perto da estação costeira (MI- 2) e estação próxima à costa da Vila de Mubarak (MV-2), respectivamente. Tripos furca foi a espécie dominante e de ocorrência frequente (> 1 x103 a > 25 x103 células L-1 da costa e > 1x 105 células Ll de estações próximas à costa), além de Alexandrium catenella menos abundante, Alexandrium sp., Alexandrium minutum e Prorocentrum micans (> 103 a 25x 103 células/L). Outras 44 espécies ocorreram em números relativamente baixos ( 103 células L-1). Setenta espécies foram encontradas durante o período de estudo em todas as quatro estações. Foi registrado um alto número de espécies em três gêneros (Tripos (38), Protoperidinium (34) e Prorocentrum (20). Potencialmente tóxicos (16 gêneros e 43 espécies) e HAB relacionados (19 gêneros e 30 espécies), táxons de dinoflagelados também foram registrados. A contribuição percentual de dinoflagelados na população fitoplanctônica total geralmente permaneceu abaixo de 20%, exceto em alguns casos. As estações da Ilha de Manora tinham índice de Shannon comparativamente mais alto e equitabilidade e índice de dominância ligeiramente mais baixos. O gráfico de PCA mostrou forte correlação positiva entre concentração de clorofila-a e oxigênio dissolvido, número total de fitoplânctons e dinoflagelados.

Prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the largest populated city Karachi, Pakistan.

The study was undertaken from September 2018 to April 2019 to determine the prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in human beings living in six districts of Karachi. Suspected persons were screened for the disease and positive cases were identified on the basis of skin lesions and blood samples. Samples were observed by mounting their smear. A total of 207 subjects of different ages and sex groups were investigated, however, only 192 (92%) of the suspected cases were found to have the disease 64% of cases were male which were significantly high (p 0.05), than female 36%. The lesion was more frequently detected among the youth ages of 21-30 years (31%) as compared to other groups. In both sexes, legs were found to be more infected (25% male + 20% female) followed by arms (20% male + 0% female) and face (15% male +11% female). The mixed body parts had shown the lowest infections such as (4% in males + 5%) in females. In conclusion, the highest and lowest leishmaniasis infections were observed in District West (23% male + 9% female) followed by District East (15% male + 7% female), District Malir (11% male+ 4% female), District Central (7% male + 5% female), District Korangi (4% male + 7% female) and District South (4% male + 4% female) respectively.

Distribution and abundance of dinoflagellates from the coastal waters of Karachi, Pakistan, northern part of the Arabian Sea.

The present study reports on seasonal and spatial variations in diversity, distribution and abundance of dinoflegellates and indicates the presence of HAB species in Pakistan waters. A total of 179 taxa, recorded in this study from offshore and near-shore waters, belong to 41 genera in 26 families and 10 orders. The high species count (149 species) was recorded from Manora Island offshore station (MI-1) and 105 spp, 109 spp and 115 spp were encountered from the Mubarak village offshore station (MV-1), Manora near shore station (MI-2) and Mubarak Village near-shore station (MV-2) respectively. Tripos furca was the dominant and frequently occurring species (> 1 x103 to > 25 x103 cells L-1 from coastal and >1x 105 cells L-l from near-shore stations) in addition to less abundant Alexandrium catenella, Alexandrium sp., Alexandrium minutum, and Prorocentrum micans (>103 to 25x 103cells/L). Another 44 species occurred in relatively low numbers (<103 cell L-l). Seventy species were found throughout the study period at all four stations. High number of species in three genera (Tripos (38), Protoperidinium (34) and Prorocentrum (20) was recorded. Potently toxic (16 genera 43 species) and HAB related (19 genera and 30 species) dinoflagellate taxa were also recorded. The percent contribution of dinoflagellates in total phytoplankton population generally remained below 20% except for a few instances. Manora Island stations had comparatively higher Shannon index and equitability and slightly lower dominance index. The PCA plot showed strong positive correlation among chlorophyll-a concentration, dissolved oxygen, total number of phytoplankton and dinoflagellates.