Molecular identification of Trichodina compacta Van As and Basson, 1989 (Ciliophora: Peritrichia) from cultured Oreochromis niloticus in Egypt and its impact on immune responses and tissue pathology.

Trichodinids are peritrichous ciliated protozoa that affect both wild and cultured fishes. Several Trichodina species have low host specificity and are morphologically distinct, facilitating their identification based primarily on the presence of adhesive discs and the number of attached denticles. A trichodinid species named Trichodina compacta was first reported by Van As and Basson (1989) (Protozoa: Ciliophora: Peritrichia).