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 hygienic-sanitary 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.
Highlights
The fish species Balistes capriscus Gmelin, 1789, or grey triggerfish, occurs in the Eastern Atlantic, from the Mediterranean to Moçamedes, Angola, and in the Western Atlantic, from Nova Scotia, Canada, to Argentina
Larvae of diphyllobothriid and trypanorhynch cestodes and anisakid nematodes have been found in the abdominal musculature and viscera serosa of B. capriscus at these fish markets, which cause a repugnant appearance resulting economic losses
Representative specimens of each parasite species were deposited in the Coleção Helmintológica do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (CHIOC), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
Summary
The fish species Balistes capriscus Gmelin, 1789, or grey triggerfish, occurs in the Eastern Atlantic, from the Mediterranean to Moçamedes, Angola, and in the Western Atlantic, from Nova Scotia, Canada, to Argentina. The species feeds on benthic invertebrates, such as mollusks and crustaceans. It is consumed mostly fresh, smoked, and dried-salted, and is appreciated by consumers due to its excellent quality flesh (Bernardes et al, 2005; Froese & Pauly, 2017). Larvae of diphyllobothriid and trypanorhynch cestodes and anisakid nematodes have been found in the abdominal musculature and viscera serosa of B. capriscus at these fish markets, which cause a repugnant appearance resulting economic losses. The oriental cuisine and the consumption of raw fish, such as sushi and sashimi, have aroused a popular taste in western countries, increasing exposure to the risk of accidental infection by fish parasites (Broglia & Kapel, 2011)
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