Monogenean Sparicotyle chrysophrii: The major pathogen of the Mediterranean gilthead seabream aquaculture

Abstract

Following the intensification of the Mediterranean aquaculture over the years, Sparicotyle (syn. Microcotyle) chrysophrii (van Beneden and Hesse, 1863; Microcotylidae, Monogenea) became one of the most pathogenic ectoparasites for the gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) aquaculture. It has demonstrated a remarkable versatility to expand over its known host range, accomplish an efficient transfer between the wild and farmed sparid populations over wide geographic areas, and establish itself as the most detrimental gilthead seabream pathogen. Even though the incidence of S. chrysophrii is closely monitored in marine aquaculture system throughout the Mediterranean, there is a general lack of recent and publicly available data on its epidemiology. Being considered as a parasite whose proliferation is expected to increase under global warming conditions, such lack of data additionally humpers the implementation of integrated pest management strategy at national and Mediterranean level. While EU scientific initiatives greatly contributed to our understanding of S. chrysophrii biology, ecology and sparicotylosis treatment and pathogenesis, there is more ahead to elucidate about the mitigation of the diseases, particularly towards the development of genomic selection breeding programs of parasite‐resilient gilthead seabream, omic‐based screening of novel drug targets and reversed vaccinology.

An inside out journey: biogenesis, ultrastructure and proteomic characterisation of the ectoparasitic flatworm Sparicotyle chrysophrii extracellular vesicles

“…Currently, treatment options for polyopisthocotylidan infections in aquaculture, including S. chrysophrii , are limited, with hydrogen peroxide and formaldehyde baths in their licensed formulation being the sole available chemotherapeutants. However, formaldehyde baths have already been banned in Italy, among other countries, due to safety concerns, and its use will not be warranted worldwide in the coming years [ 5 , 103 , 104 ]. Coupled with the ongoing threat of anthelmintic drug resistance, these limitations underscore the need for further therapeutic or prophylactic strategies to address sparicotylosis and proactively combat emerging drug resistance.…”

“…Currently, the gill-infecting Sparicotyle chrysophrii (Van Beneden and Hesse, 1863) (Polyopisthocotyla: Microcotylidae) is among the most threatening pathogens in farmed gilthead seabream ( Sparus aurata ) across the Mediterranean Sea [ 4 , 5 ]. The urge to find solutions for this parasitosis is clearly reflected in the scientific knowledge produced in the past decades.…”

“…The urge to find solutions for this parasitosis is clearly reflected in the scientific knowledge produced in the past decades. Epidemiological surveys [ 4 ] and distribution models have been established [ 6 ] and various anthelmintics have been tested [ 5 , 7 , 8 ].…”

Dietary Artemisia arborescens Supplementation Effects on Growth, Oxidative Status, and Immunity of Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata L.)

“…Its 2018 worldwide exports of 130,042 tons were valued at USD 653 million, and imports of 100,584 tons were valued at USD 532 million [24]. Gilthead seabream is generally considered a robust and pathogen-resilient species; however, it is highly affected by bacteria (e.g., Tenacibaculum maritimum), parasites (e.g., Sparicotyle chrysophrii, Enterospora nucleophila, Enteromyxum leei, and Amyloodinium ocellatum), and viruses (e.g., nervous necrosis virus; NVV) [25]. Among other pathogens, Myxobacteria are commonly affecting Greek aquaculture.…”