Published online by Cambridge University Press: 18 November 2009
Histopathological studies of Neoechinorhynchus hutchinsoni infection in Nemacheilus kashmirensis show partial or complete damage of the host intestinal wall, depending upon the degree of penetration. Increased number of goblet cells are seen at the site of unperforated wounds but where the intestinal wall is completely perforated the goblet cells were undifferentiated. The parasite destroys the mucosa, lamina propria, muscle layer and serosa leading to perforation. This report of perforation by Neoechinorhynchus hutchinsoni is the first in the genus Neoechinorhynchus.