Cestode and nematode larvae of hygienic-sanitary importance parasitizing Balistes capriscus Gmelin, 1789, collected from fish markets of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract

Balistes capriscus is an appreciated fish species in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, due its excellent quality flesh. The constant presence of helminth larvae in the abdominal musculature, viscera and serosa of individuals of the species has been the subject of complaints among local fish traders because of economic losses due to their repugnant aspect. Considering their hygienicsanitary importance and significance for collective health, the presence of helminth larvae was investigated in 44 individual fish of B. capriscus purchased from fish markets in the municipalities of Rio de Janeiro, Niterói, Campos dos Goytacazes and Cabo Frio, state of Rio de Janeiro, in 2017-2018. Cestode larvae, identified as Diphyllobothriidae gen. sp. and Callitetrarhynchus gracilis, were found parasitizing the abdominal cavity, abdominal musculature, mesentery and liver serosa. Nematode (Raphidascaridiidae) third-instar larvae, identified as Hysterothylacium deardorffoverstreetorum and Raphidascaris sp., were found parasitizing stomach, intestine, liver, spleen, liver serosa, mesentery and abdominal cavity. The highest parasitic indices were for Raphidascaris sp., with prevalence of 70.45%, mean intensity of 15.61, mean abundance of 11 and infection range of 1-76 specimens per host. Considerations of the zoonotic potential and hygienic-sanitary significance of these helminths are presented to increase food safety for consumers.

Helminth larvae of hygienic-sanitary importance parasitizing Fistularia petimba Lacepède, 1803, collected from fish markets of the municipality of Cabo Frio, RJ, Brazil

“…Parasitism of Brazilian fish by trypanorhynch larvae has been reported in several studies on taxonomy, parasite ecology and hygienic-sanitary conditions (São Clemente et al, 1997;Felizardo et al, 2010;Oliveira et al, 2019;Diniz et al, 2022;Leite et al, 2022). Trypanorhynch larvae acquire significance due to their repugnant aspect, especially when present as massive infections in musculature and organs, which can make commercialization infeasible due to sanitary inspection and/or consumer rejection, thus resulting in economic losses (Silva et al, 2017;Oliveira et al, 2019;Diniz et al, 2022;Leite et al, 2022). Furthermore, studies using murine models indicated an allergenic potential for some of these cestode species (Mattos et al, 2015).…”

“…The adult trypanorhynchs inhabit the gastrointestinal tract of elasmobranchs, while larval forms can infect several species of teleosts, elasmobranchs, and marine invertebrates (Campbell & Beveridge, 1994;Palm, 2004). Parasitism of Brazilian fish by trypanorhynch larvae has been reported in several studies on taxonomy, parasite ecology and hygienic-sanitary conditions (São Clemente et al, 1997;Felizardo et al, 2010;Oliveira et al, 2019;Diniz et al, 2022;Leite et al, 2022). Trypanorhynch larvae acquire significance due to their repugnant aspect, especially when present as massive infections in musculature and organs, which can make commercialization infeasible due to sanitary inspection and/or consumer rejection, thus resulting in economic losses (Silva et al, 2017;Oliveira et al, 2019;Diniz et al, 2022;Leite et al, 2022).…”

“…Humans become accidental hosts by eating infected raw or undercooked fish (Anderson, 2000). Anisakid and raphidascaridid larvae have been reported parasitizing several marine fish species in Brazil (Knoff et al, 2007;Felizardo et al, 2009;Fontenelle et al, 2015;Fonseca et al, 2016;Diniz et al, 2022;Leite et al, 2022). Audicana & Kennedy (2008) reported the zoonotic potential of anisakid nematodes because they can cause allergic and gastrointestinal problems.…”

Nematodes and acanthocephalans of hygienic-sanitary importance parasitizing Hyporthodus niveatus (Valenciennes, 1828) (Actinopterygii) collected from fish markets of the municipality of Niterói, RJ, Brazil

“…Female genital spines located on ventral side, smaller than those of males. to host musculature, as has been suggested (Diniz et al, 2022;Leite et al, 2022;Miguel et al, 2022).…”

“…Nematodes of the families Anisakidae and Raphidascarididae can be transmitted to humans, with fish acting as intermediate, paratenic or definitive hosts (Anderson, 2000). Anisakid and raphidascaridid nematode larvae have been reported parasitizing several marine fish species in Brazil (Knoff et al, 2007;Felizardo et al, 2009;Fontenelle et al, 2015;Fonseca et al, 2016;Diniz et al, 2022;Leite et al, 2022;Miguel et al, 2022). Audicana & Kennedy (2008) reported on the zoonotic potential of anisakid nematodes.…”