Parasitism of Cichlasoma paranaense Kullander, 1983 and Gymnotus carapo Linnaeus, 1814 by Clinostomum complanatum (Rudolphi, 1814) Metacercariae in the Taquari river

Abstract

The infection, known as yellow spot disease, produced by metacercariae of Clinostomum spp. was studied in fishes of the Taquari river, located in Jataizinho, Paraná State, Brazil. A total of 1,582 specimens, belonging to 36 species, were collected between March 1999 and April 2001. Yellow spot disease was observed only in Gymnotus carapo Linnaeus, 1814 (Gymnotiformes, Gymnotidae) and Cichlasoma paranaense Kullander, 1983 (Perciformes, Cichlidae). This parasitism was generated by metacercariae of Clinostomum complanatum (Rudolphi, 1814) (Digenea, Clinostomidae). Among the 88 specimens of G. carapo examined, 7 (prevalence = 8%) had cysts of the parasite. Four of them were captured in July 1999 and three in October 1999. In the other months, no specimen found was infected. Using relative condition factor (Kn) analysis, it was determined that both infected and non-infected specimens had a total weight equal to the theoretically expected value for each total length (Kn = 1.0). Among 56 individuals of Cichlasoma paranaense, 6 (prevalence = 10.7%) had between 1 and 27 metacercariae of C. complanatum (mean intensity of infection = 9.3 +/- 9.6). In March 1999 and April of both 2000 and 2001, the specimens examined were not infected. The infected fish had a total weight higher than the expected value (Kn > 1.0), while the non-infected fish had a weight equal to the expected value (Kn = 1.0).

Health assessment of grey mullet Mugil cephalus based on interrelationship between parasite co‐infections and relative condition factor

“…Negative effects caused by pathogenic parasites on their hosts can be expected, nevertheless, it is difficult to define or quantify whether those effects directly caused any alteration on well‐being of hosts and this measure has been applied to either individual or, even though in limited numbers, varieties of co‐infecting parasites to their fish hosts (Silva‐Souza, ; Ranzani‐Paiva et al ., ; Vianna, ; Neff & Cargnelli, ; Ranzani‐Paiva & Silva‐Souza, ; Silva‐Souza & Ludwig, ; Lizama, Takemoto & Pavanelli, ; Lacerda, Takemoto & Pavanelli, ; Guidelli et al ., ; Karling et al ., ). Brasil‐Sato () indicated that quantifiable results obtained from this host–parasite relationship on the influence of co‐infecting type of parasitism could be a useful tool in ichthyoparasitology and, in particular, applications to fish farming.…”

Incidence and histopathology of encysted progenetic metacercaria of Clinostomum complanatum (Digenea: Clinostomidae) in Channa punctatus and its development in experimental host

“…The infection and infestation of parasites particularly trematodes including C. complanatum should be managed for successful aquaculture both from economic and zoonotic point of view. The infection affects the feeding habit, acquisition of body weight and reduced fecundity and even death of the host fish [7] . On the other hand, many reports show that they have zoonotic potential as well.…”

Occurrence of Clinostomum complanatum in Aphanius dispar (Actinoptrygii: Cyprinodontidae) collected from Mehran River, Hormuzgan Province, South of Iran

“…However, the presence of Clinostomum spp. cysts (external bumps) makes the fish unattractive and can be seen by humans but normally they do not consume them [10] . The final hosts of this parasite are piscivorous birds, generally ducks or herons, in which it invades the oral cavity or pharynx.…”

“…The parasite cysts are surrounded by a thick capsule from the fish tegument. The infection of fish by Clinostomum can result in behavioral changes, disease and death, on one hand and economic loss on the other [10,13] .…”