The fish parasites imply risk of zoonosis and endanger the health of the animals.
Aiming to evaluate the parasite indexes, the morphological characteristics of the
parasites and the occurrence of nematodes in Hoplias aff. malabaricus (Bloch, 1794)
arising from the Araguaia River, in Tocantins State, 50 samples were taken from
January to March 2012 and the parasites were diagnosed by morphological
characterization and PCR (Polymerase chain reaction). 36 parasites from the gills,
fins, skin, muscle and intestine were detected, of which, prevalence data (P), mean
intensity (MI) and mean abundance (MA) were determined registering four taxa:
Eustrongylides tubifex (Nematoda) Railliet 1915; metacercariae Ithyoclinostomum
dimorphum Diesing, 1850 (Digenea); Sebekia oxycephala, (Pentastomida) Diesing,
1835 and Acantocephala (unidentified cystacanthus). Due to the general similarity
between parasites, PCR technique was used for greater accuracy when identifying
the Eustrongylides genus, zoonotic parasite, which resulted in the confirmation of the
genus. We conclude that traíras of Araguaia River are infected by parasites,
Eustrongylides standing out, endangering the population, which shows the need to
establish preventive measures to parasites from fish.
|
