Bothriocephalus Acheilognathi Research Articles

Potential Role of the Eastern Mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) in the Spread of the Harmful Fish Parasite, Asian Tapeworm Schyzocotyle (Bothriocephalus) acheilognathi

Biological control of undesirable organisms and pathogens often involves the introduction of alien species into new regions. However, alien species themselves pose a potential threat to local ecosystems and economies. The Eastern mosquitofish Gambusia holbrooki is recognised as a dangerous invasive species, but despite this, it is still used for biological control of mosquito larvae, a potential vector of malaria plasmodium transmission to humans, on the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus. We focused on the species composition of helminths in this fish species. We detected adult nematodes Pseudocapillaria (Pseudocapillaria) tomentosa and cestodes Schyzocotyle acheilognathi (formely Bothriocephalus acheilognathi). The above nematode was observed for the first time in fish of the genus Gambusia. Importantly, the cestode S. acheilognathi, which we found in G. holbrooki, is the most successful invasive alien parasite species in freshwaters of the planet and is extremely hazardous to natural ecosystems and aquaculture as it can cause mass mortality of young fish. Thus, the current practice of transferring mosquitofish between water bodies on the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus to control mosquito larvae may contribute to the undesirable spread of a harmful quarantine fish parasite.

Herbivorous Juvenile Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) Fed with Genetically Modified MON 810 and DAS-59122 Maize Varieties Containing Cry Toxins: Intestinal Histological, Developmental, and Immunological Investigations.

Feeding experiments with juvenile grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) fed with genetically modified maize MON 810 or DAS-59122 dried leaf biomass were carried out with 1-, 3- and 6-month exposures. Dosages of 3–7 μg/fish/day Cry1Ab or 18-55 μg/fish/day Cry34Ab1 toxin did not cause mortality. No difference occurred in body or abdominal sac weights. No differences appeared in levels of inorganic phosphate, calcium, fructosamine, bile acids, triglycerides, cholesterol, and alanine and aspartame aminotransferases. DAS-59122 did not alter blood parameters tested after 3 months of feeding. MON 810 slightly decreased serum albumin levels compared to the control, only in one group. Tapeworm (Bothriocephalus acheilognathi) infection changed the levels of inorganic phosphate and calcium. Cry34Ab1 toxin appeared in blood (12.6 ± 1.9 ng/mL), but not in the muscle. It was detected in B. acheilognathi. Cry1Ab was hardly detectable in certain samples near the limit of detection. Degradation of Cry toxins was extremely quick in the fish gastrointestinal tract. After 6 months of feeding, only mild indications in certain serum parameters were observed: MON 810 slightly increased the level of apoptotic cells in the blood and reduced the number of thrombocytes in one group; DAS-59122 mildly increased the number of granulocytes compared to the near-isogenic line.

Mahseer, the history of the king of the river

Mahseers (Cyprinidae) is one of the most important freshwater fish in Southeast Asia. This fish is being a consumption fish, ornamental and sport fishing. Mahseers can grow up to more than 30 kg. Therefore, this species is called The King of The River. This paper reviewed some aspects of this interesting fish. A total of 54 papers have been reviewed where some of the papers come from our Ichthyos Research Group, Universitas Syiah Kuala. There are 50 species of mahseer throughout the world, where 20 species of which are found in Asia. Indonesia has four species of mahseer, namely; Tor tambra, T. tambroides, T. duorenensis, and T. soro, of which two species, T. tambra and T. tambroides are found in Aceh province. Between the two species, T. tambra has a wide distribution. The original habitat of the mahseer fish waters with speed currents, clear water, high dissolved oxygen, and low water temperatures. In the wild, mahseers migrate upstream for spawning during periods of high flooding in the early rainy season. The spawning occurs one or two months at the place that is inundated during floods. Mahseer is omnivorous, they fed on mollusks, aquatic plants, small fish, insects to fruits that grow on the banks of rivers. Mahseer fish in rearing ponds are often attacked by Lernea sp., Argulus sp., Trichodina sp., and Bothriocephalus acheilognathi worms

Inhibitory effect of aqueous extract of flowers Dianthus chinensis on the proteins and acetycholinesteras for Bothriocephalus acheilognathi

Livestock plays a significant role in the national economy, making it crucial to safeguard the livestock population in order to achieve economic growth and increase exports. The current study aimed to determine whether or not the addition of an aqueous extract of Chinese carnation flowers to the tissues of the parasitic worm Bothriocephalus acheilognathi found in carp fish affected their total protein content and the enzyme’s activity (Cyprinus carpio). Treatment with an aqueous extract of Chinese carnation flowers was found to raise both total routine concentration and acetylcholinesterase activity (AchE). The parasite’s demise is ultimately caused by the host’s behavior, reproduction, health, and other factors.

LOOP-MEDIATED ISOTHERMAL AMPLIFICATION (LAMP) ASSAY FOR DETECTION OF ASIAN FISH TAPEWORM, SCHYZOCOTYLE ACHEILOGNATHI (YAMAGUTI, 1934) [SYN. BOTHRIOCEPHALUS ACHEILOGNATHI

The Asian fish tapeworm (Schyzocotyle acheilognathi syn. Bothriocephalus acheilognathi) (AFT) is an invasive parasite that can infect many species of fish, although most hosts are primarily members of Cyprinidae. Pathogenicity has most often been reported in aquaculture settings in fry and fingerling stages of carp (Cyprinus spp.). More recently, it has been shown to cause growth retardation in the endangered bonytail chub (Gila elegans) and found to be widespread in populations of endangered humpback chub (Gila cypha) in the Colorado River, Grand Canyon, Arizona. AFT spreads most often through the transport of infected fish, particularly baitfish. Despite its harmful potential, there is no efficient or accurate ante mortem test to detect AFT in water or fish samples before transport. Herein, we report on the development of a sensitive and specific loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay to detect the parasite in under 30 min from laboratory prepared samples. Six LAMP primers were designed to amplify a variable region of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene in AFT with the detection and quantification of DNA on a real-time fluorometer. The limit of detection was 1 × 101 copies/μl of DNA extracted from as few as 2 AFT eggs. Future application of our assay would be a low-cost test to rapidly and accurately detect AFT DNA from environmental samples on-site so that preventive actions can be taken to halt the spread of the AFT through the movement of infected fish.

Intestinal Histopathologies due to infestation of Bothriocephalus acheilognathi in the common carp, Cyprinus carpio (Linn. 1758)

The present investigation was undertaken to study the intestinal histopathologies due to infestation of helminth parasite, Bothriocephalus acheilognathi in the Cyprinus carpio. Only symptomatic and moribund samples of adult diseased fishes of Cyprinus carpio were collected and were brought to the laboratory for patho-morphological and patho-anatomical examinations. The main histopathological lesions and changes were seen in the intestine. The prominent cells were shrinking of nucleus indicating pyknosis gradual loss of parts and mucosal and submucosal cells, excessive mucus secretion and lymphatic infiltration in lamina propria. Further edema and extreme of necrosis as apparent from cells undergoing process death was another important pathology induced by B. acheilognathi. In addition to these findings, shorting atrophy and villi almost complete loss of normal architecture changes were found histopathological important in intestine of C. carpio. No changes were noticed in other organs of the affected fishes. In severe infestations the fishes showed growth retardation.

Ecological analysis of the fish cestode fauna of the mouth of Kura River

The research was conducted in 2014–2019 in the mouth of Kura River. A total of 334 fish specimens of 24 species were examined by the method of full parasitological dissection. As a result, 17 tapeworm species in two orders and eight families were found: Caryophyllaeus fimbriceps, C. laticeps, Caryophyllaeides fennica, Eubothrium acipenserinum, Bothriocephalus acheilognathi, Ligula colymbi, L. intestinalis, Bothriocephalus acheilognathi, Ligula colymbi, L. intestinalis, Proteocephalus filicollis, P. gobiorum, P. ocellata, P. osculatus, Siluritaenia siluri, Gryporhynchus pusillus, and Paradilepis scolecina. Of these, seven species are specific cyprinid parasites, two species are specific sturgeon parasites, two species are specific to sticklebacks, two species to catfish, and one species to gobies; the other three species parasitize in fishes of various families. The main organ of cestode localisation in the studied fishes is the intestinal lumen, where 11 worm species were found. In other fish organs (body cavity, mucous membrane of the anterior intestine, liver, mesentery, and intestinal walls), the number of tapeworm species ranged from one to four. One cestode species invaded from one to seven fish species. In the bream, we found six tapeworm species, while in the other fish species, from one to five. Among the cestodes found, 14 species infect zooplankton-eating fish and only three species (Caryophyllaeus fimbriceps, C. laticeps, Caryophyllaeides fennica) infect fish that feeds on benthic invertebrates. The largest trophic group was the benthophages; they hosted 12 cestode species. In the planktophages and predators, we found eight and seven tapeworm species, respectively. Predatory fishes like pike, asp, round and bighead gobies accumulate parasites from the bodies of their preys, consequently, their cestode fauna is the richest. Most recorded fishes are euryhaline. Nevertheless, due to the absence of typical marine forms among the found cestodes, we registered more tapeworm species in the fish occurring the highly desalinated area of the Kura mouth than in more mineralized water. Six recorded species (Caryophyllaeus fimbriceps, Bothriocephalus acheilognathi, Ligula colymbi, L. intestinalis, Digramma interrupta, and Paradilepis scolecina) are causative agents of fish diseases. Ligula colymbi and L. intestinalis, which have large plerocercoids, caused pathogenic changes in fish organisms. The other pathogenic species did not induce noticeable disorders. They are much smaller, and, thereto, had comparatively low invasion rate in the examined fish.

Seasonal histopathological alterations caused by Bothriocephalus acheilognathi in Schizothorax niger of Kashmir valley

Liver and intestines affected by an cestode parasite viz., Bothriocephalus acheilognathi along with their host (Schizothorax niger) were collected randomly. Bothriocephalus acheilognathi causes damage to the intestinal tissues and induce complex host response; the affected fish were anemic and emaciated. The viscera were dark red on opening the abdomen. The intestinal contents showed lot of mucous and contained dark contents. The mucosal wall was red in colour and revealed necrotic surface. The histopathological changes were varied in severity with the season and parasitic burden. Intestinal infection of Bothriocephalus with Adenoscolex was usually seen together. Severe enteritis with heavy infilitration of inflammmtory cells and fibroblasts seen in lamina propia. Liver cells showed severe degenerative changes.

Investigations on Endohelmint Fauna of Teleost Fishes of Aras and Murat Rivers in Turkey

In this study which has been done between April 2008 and June 2009, fishes captured from Ağrı and Erzurum were examined by endoparasite fauna. Examined fishes are as follows: Acanthobrama marmid Heckel, 1843, Alburnus akili Battalgil, 1942, Barbus plebejus Bonaparte, 1839, Barbus mursa Güldenstädt, 1773, Capoeta barroisi Lortet in Barrois, 1894, Capoeta capoeta Güldenstädt, 1773, Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758, Leuciscus cephalus Linnaeus, 1758. Consequently, a total of 908 individual parasites were detected from six parasite species; Rhabdochona denudata Dujardin, 1845 (Nematoda), Neoechinorhynchus sp. and Pomphorhynchus sp. (Acanthocephala), Bothriocephalus acheilognathi Yamaguti, 1934, and Caryophyllaeus laticeps Pallas, 1781 (Cestoda), Allocreadium isoporum Looss, 1894 (Digenea). The distribution of the infection prevalence, mean intensity, and abundance values of parasite species were determined. As a result of our study, 93 of 233 (39.91%) fish were reported with parasites.

The synthesis of lipids and proteins in vitro in tissues of Cyprinus carpio infected with Bothriocephalus acheilognathi

The problem of the mechanisms of regulation of biochemical processes in carp Cyprinus carpio (Linnaeus, 1758) tissues and organs caused by infection with Bothriocephalus (Schyzocotyle) acheilognathi (Yamaguti, 1934) at different intensities of invasion remains practically unstudied. The purpose of this study was to dedetrmine the intensity of lipid and protein synthesis in vitro when [6-14C]glucose and [2-14C]lysine are used as their precursor in the tissues of the intestine, hepatopancreas and skeletal muscles of carp. The study was conducted on this-year carp with body weight 14.5–20.5 g, at different invasion rates of the helminth B. acheilognathi, which belongs to the family Bothriocephalidae of the Pseudophyllidae order of the Cestoda class of the Plathelminthes phylum. The examined carp were divided into three groups: 1st group of fish was free from intestinal helminths of B. acheilognathi (control); 2nd group of fish was weakly infected with helminths (intensity of invasion was 1–3 helminths per fish); the 3rd group of fish was highly infected (the invasion intensity was 4 worms and more per fish). Our results showed that in fish infected with the helminth B. acheilognathi in comparison to uninfected, the intensity of lipid synthesis in the intestinal wall, hepatopancreas, skeletal muscle was much lower when [6-14C]glucose was used as a predecessor than when [2-14C]lysine was used as a predecessor. In the examined tissues, significant decrease was observed in the synthesis of reserve lipids (mono-, di- and triacylglycerols) in comparison to the structural (phospholipids and cholesterol), which depends on the intensity of the B. acheilognathi invasion. In the metabolic processes in the wall of the intestine, hepatopancreas, skeletal muscle of this-year carp infectd with B. acheilognathi helminths, under in vitro conditions, [6-14C]glucose was used more than [2-14C]lysine. The intensity of protein synthesis in the intestinal wall, hepatopancreas, skeletal muscles of this-year carp infected with the helminth B. acheilognathi under in vitro conditions increased when [6-14C]glucose was added to the incubation medium, on average 7.1–28.3% and decreased when [2-14C]lysine was added, on average 7.8–25.7%.

<strong><span lang="EN-GB">Prevalence and incidence of helminth infection in some freshwater fishes of<em> </em>Sukhnag stream in Kashmir</span></strong>

Helminth infection, with high mortality rate, causes significant damage to fish industry worldwide In Kashmir, about 31 species of helminths are known to affect local fish population. In this study, we investigated seasonal variation of helminth parasites in snow trout (Schizothorax plagiostomus Heckel,1838) and scale carp (Cyprinus carpio communis Linnaeus, 1758) collected from Sukhnag stream for a period of two years (February 2017 to January 2019). Helminths Adenoscolex oreini (cestode), Diplozoon kashmirensis (trematode), and Pomphorhynchus kashmirensis (acanthocephalan) were recovered from S. plagiostomus while Bothriocephalus acheilognathi (cestode) and P. kashmirensis have been recovered from C. carpio communis. Prevalence and mean intensity of helminth infection was highest in S. plagiostomus (25.26% and 13.79) and lowest in C. carpio communis (10.82% and 8.47), respectively. Prevalence of helminths was at its peak in summer (June/July) and lowest in winter (December/January) in both native (S. plagiostomus) and exotic (C. carpio communis) fish species. This study revealed significant seasonal and monthwise variation in parasitic load of fishes which could be due to the difference in temperature, feeding habits of fish, fish species, immunity levels and other abiotic conditions of the water body.

The lipid metabolism in carp during invasion by the tapeworn Bothriocephalus acheilognathi

The changes in total lipids, their fatty acid composition and the ratio of individual classes were established in tissues of the intestine, hepatopancreas and skeletal muscles of carp (Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758), with body weight 14.5–20.5 g, at different rates of invasion by Bothriocephalus acheilognathi (Yamaguti, 1934) helminth, which belongs to the family Bothriocephalidae, of the Pseudophyllidae order, of the Cestoda class. The examined carp was divided into three groups: first group of fish was free from intestinal helminths of B. acheilognathi (control); second group of fish was weakly infected with helminths (intensity of invasion is 1–3 helminths per fish); the third group of fish was highly infected (the invasion intensity is 4 worms and more per fish). Our results showed that fish infected with helminth B. acheilognathi compared to uninfected fish had reduced total lipid level in the gut due to phospholipids, triacylglycerols, and also lipids were characterized by lower content of linoleic, linolenic, arachidonic, penta- and hexanoic fatty acids; decrease in the level of unsaturated and increase in the content of saturated fatty acids, which leads to an increase of the saturation factor. During the infection of carp with B. acheilognathi in the hepatopancreas, the content of total lipids, structural lipids – phospholipids and reserve energy sources – triacylglycerols is probably reduced, and lipids are characterized by a high content of saturated fatty acids (С14:0, С16:0, С18:0) and lower content of unsaturated: arachidonic (С20:4), linolenic (С18:3) and linoleic acid (С18:2), which is associated with a decrease in the source for the synthesis of a number of polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially docosahexaenoic (С22:6). The total content of lipids, triacylglycerols, free fatty acids and phospholipids in skeletal muscle of carp during the Bothriocephalus invasion decreased and the content of free cholesterol, mono- and triacylglycerols increased. Helminth B. acheilognathi has the effect of reducing the total lipids of the skeletal muscle content of С18-, С20-, С22-polyunsaturated fatty acids and increasing the content of saturated (С14:0, С16:0, С18:0) and monounsaturated (С16:1, С18:1) fatty acids. The obtained results prove that the parasite B. acheilognathi in the intestine of the carp significantly affects the nutrition processes of the host depending on the intensity of the damage by helminths, which is accompanied by impaired lipid metabolism.

Features of the parasitic system formation in common carp in the aquaculture of the north-eastern and eastern regions of Ukraine

The research aimed to determine the peculiarities of the formation of the parasitic system in common carp in the aquaculture of the North-Eastern and Eastern regions of Ukraine. According to the results of the research, 27 species of parasites were found in common carp (12 — protozoa, 6 — monogeneans, 3 — trematodes, 2 — cestodes, 4 — parasitic crustaceans). Three species (11.1%) of registered parasites were invasive. 22 species (81.5%) of detected common carp’s parasites develop directly and 5 (18.5%) — with the participation of definitive and intermediate hosts. 26 species (96.3%) of common carp’s parasitic fauna were found in crucian carp and 21 species (77.8%) in other coarse fish species (roach, rudd, bleak, perch). It has been established that among the protozoa, pathogens from the genera Trichodina, Chilodonella, and Ichthyophthirius were of epizootic importance for young common carp; Eimeria carpelli, Ichthyobodo necator, Myxobolus ellipsoides, and Myxobolus dogieli had relevance. The level of prevalence in common carp fingerlings during outbreaks of chylodonelosis was 72%, two-year-olds — 65%, three-year-olds — 27%, during outbreaks of ichthyoftiriosis — 45%, 56%, and 24%, respectively. Prevalence of Trichodina acuta and Trichodina nigra in common carp fingerlings was, respectively, 52% and 38%, Ichthyobodo necator — 16%, Eimeria carpelli — 22%, Myxobolus ellipsoides, and Myxobolus dogieli — 17–18%. Among the pathogens of helminthic diseases in the aquaculture, monogenetic suckers (Dactylogyrus anchoratus, Dactylogyrus extensus, Dactylogyrus vastator, Gyrodactylus cyprini, and Gyrodactylus katharineri), as well as cestodes (Bothriocephalus acheilognathi and Khawia sinensis) were the most epizootic significance for common carp. Prevalence of parasites from the genus Dactylogyrus reached 68–87% in fingerlings, from the genus Gyrodactylus — 21–36%. The highest level of Bothriocephalus acheilognathi infection (82%) was registered in fingerlings. The maximum prevalence of Khawia sinensis (62%) was observed in two-year-olds. Outbreaks of diseases caused by crustaceans Lernaea cyprinacea and Argulus foliaceus with a high level of prevalence have been reported in fish from fingerlings to three-year-olds. The level of prevalence of Lernaea cyprinacea was 69%, Argulus foliaceus — 22%

Features of the parasitic system formation in herbivorous fish in the aquaculture of the North-Eastern and Eastern regions of Ukraine

The research aimed to determine the peculiarities of the formation of the parasitic system in herbivorous fish in the aquaculture of the North-Eastern and Eastern regions of Ukraine. In fish farms of the North-Eastern and Eastern regions of Ukraine, 26 species of parasites were found in herbivorous fish: 19 species in the silver carp (11 — protozoa, 1 — monogeneans, 4 — trematodes, 3 — parasitic crustaceans); 18 species in the grass carp (6 — protozoa, 1 — monogeneans, 4 — trematodes, 4 — cestodes, 3 — parasitic crustaceans); and 20 species in the bighead carp (10 — protozoa, 1 — monogeneans, 4 — trematodes, 2 — cestodes, 3 — parasitic crustaceans). 11 species (42.3%) of registered parasites were invasive; 18 species (69.2%) of the detected herbivorous fish’s parasites develop directly and 8 (30.8%) — with the participation of definitive and intermediate hosts; the fish is an additional (second intermediate) host in the life cycle of 6 species (23.1%) of parasites. Outbreaks of diseases caused by parasitic protozoa from the genera Myxobolus, Cryptobia, Chilodonella, and Ichthyophthirius have been reported in both fingerlings and two-year-olds. The protozoa from the genera Ichthyobodo, Trichodina, and Trichodinella were registered en masse only in fingerlings. Pathogens from the genus Dactylogyrus were more often registered among three-year-old silver and bighead carps. Metacercariae of Ichthyocotylurus variegatus were found en masse in fingerlings of the grass carp. Posthodiplostomum cuticola larvae in unfavorable farms were found with a high level of prevalence in fish of different age groups. Thong plerocercoids were more commonly recorded in two-year-old silver and bighead carps and fingerlings of the grass carp. The highest level of cestode infection with Bothriocephalus acheilognathi was recorded in fingerlings of the grass carp. Parasitic crustaceans Sinergasilus lieni with a high level of prevalence were registered in two-year-old and three-year-old fish. Crustaceans Lernaea cyprinacea massively affected two-year-old and three-year-old fish. Pathogens from the genera Trichodina, Cryptobia, and Chilodonella, and Dactylogyrus hypophthalmichthys, Posthodiplostomum cuticola, and Sinergasilus lieni were of the greatest epizootic significance for the silver carp; for the bighead carp — from the genus Myxobolus, (especially M. pavlovskii), Chilodonella piscicola, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Dactylogyrus aristichthys, Posthodiplostomum cuticola, Diplostomum spathaceum, Digramma interrupta, and Sinergasilus lieni; for the grass carp — Bothriocephalus acheilognathi, Ichthyocotylurus variegatus, Ligula intestinalis, Sinergasilus major, Lernaea cyprinacea, Ichthyobodo necator, and Ichthyophthirius multifiliis

Control of fish parasites in aquaculture

This paper describes the results of parasitological monitoring of pond farms in the Krasnodar region. It was found that in the warm-water aquaculture of various systems, 25 species of fish parasites were invaded, and the fauna of parasites was determined. The obtained results are the basis for the analysis of the system of medical and preventive measures and actualize the development of new means and methods of treatment and prevention of diseases. It is established that the complex anthelmintic drug, according to the generally accepted classification of chemical compounds in accordance with the degree of danger, can be attributed to moderately hazardous compounds, and by cumulative properties - to the group of substances with weakly expressed cumulation. With repeated administration of the new drug to fish, there were no significant changes in the clinical status, some hematological and biochemical parameters, which is one of the necessary conditions for the possibility of using anthelmintic in clinical studies. As a result of a single therapeutic feeding with the use of a combined anthelmintic at a dose of 50 mg/kg, the 100% extensive and intensive efficiency of the deworming of carps invaded by Philometroides lusiana and Bothriocephalus acheilognathi was obtained.

Retraction Note to: Occurrence, spread and control measures of Bothriocephalus acheilognathi (Bothriocephalidae: Cestoda).

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1007/s12639-014-0568-6.].

BOTHRIOCEPHALUS SPP. INFECTION OF CYPRINIDAE: EPIZOOTOLOGY, CLINICAL FEATURES AND PATHOGENESIS, DIAGNOSTICS, THERAPEUTIC AND PROPHYLACTIC MEASURES

Bothriocephalosis of fish is a disease caused by tape worms Bothriocephalusopsariichthydis and Bothriocephalus acheilognathi parasitizing in the anterior partof intestine. Bothriocephalus spp. infection is widely spread among fish at pondfarms, cage fish farms in cooling ponds of thermal power and nuclear powerstations and in natural reservoirs. One have revealed Bothriocephalus in 26 speciesof fish attributed to Cyprinidae family, in salmons (Arctic salmon) and in somepredatory fish (catfish, pikeperch). Different species of cyclopes serve as theintermediate hosts necessary for development of helminths. Fish fry and fingerlingsare the most susceptible ones to infection. Fish of older age groups are lesssusceptible to this parasite. The data on biology, epizootology, clinical features andpathogenesis, diagnostics, therapeutic and prophylactic measures against thisinfection are represented. The results of the field trials with microsal againstBothriocephalosis in carps and grass carps carried out in different regions of theRussian Federation as well as monitoring of the safe use of microsal for the studyperiod (2007 to 2016) are described. The daily dose of medicated feed with 2% ofmicrosal corresponds to the daily feeding for fish. The therapeutic feeding iscarried out during one day without preliminary starvation period according to thecurrent technology of fish feeding with granulated feed. The dose level accordingto the active substance depends on water temperature and average fish weight andranges 12 to 40 mg/kg. Prophylactic treatment is carried out twice a year: in lateApril – early May and in late August – early September (at pond farms) and in lateSeptember – early October (at cage fish farms) when the water temperature is nothigher 150 C. In general the data obtained for 10 year period evidence aboutmicrosal’s safety for fish and at it's current application (according to theinstructions) the reasonable benefit/risk ratio is maintained in all cases.

Parasite Fauna of Fish in Büyükçekmece Dam Lake

Büyükçekmece Dam Lake, located in the Marmara Region, is the third largest water resource of the six main reservoirs of Istanbul. It is used as a safe drinking water source. In this study, the parasitic fauna of the freshwater fish species in Büyükçekmece Dam Lake was investigated during the period of September 2012-May 2013. Gill nets were used for the collection of fish specimens from the lake. The fish specimens were transported to the laboratory in fiberglass tanks and they were kept alive until parasitological examination. During the dissection, the body cavity, all internal organs, the gills, the eyes, the skin, and the fins were examined. A total of 273 fish specimens belonging to nine fish species were examined and 11 parasite species were found in infested individuals. Ancylodiscoides vistulensis, Tetraonchus monenteron, Paradiplozoon homoion, Caryophyllaeus laticeps, Bothriocephalus acheilognathi, Raphidascaris acus and Eustrongylides excisus were identified to the species level. Trichodina spp., Dactylogyrus spp., Ergasilus spp. and Glochidia larvae were identified the genus level in infested individuals. Monogenea was determined as the most common parasite group. Eustrongylides excisus was also observed as the most prevalent parasite in as different fish species.

Parasites of ornamental fish commercialized in Macapá, Amapá State (Brazil).

This study investigated the parasites fauna of four freshwater ornamental fish species in aquarium shops of Macapá, Amapá State, in addition to survey the commercialized fish species and sanitary conditions of aquarium shops. Different native and non-native ornamental fish species were found in aquarium shops, mainly Poecilidae. We examined 30 specimens of Xiphophorus maculatus, 30 Danio rerio, 30 Paracheirodon axelrodi, and 30 Corydoras ephippifer for parasites. Of the 120 fish examined, 22.5% were parasitized by one or more species and a total of 438 parasites were collected and identified. Parasites such as: Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Monogenea, undermined Digenea metacercariae, Acanthostomum sp. metacercariae, Camallanus spp., Bothriocephalus acheilognathi and Echinorhynchus sp. infected the hosts examined. Endoparasites in the larval stage showed the greatest diversity and Camallanus spp. was found in all hosts species examined. Paracheirodon axelrodi (43.3%) was the most parasitized host, while C. ephippifer (6.7%) was the least parasitized. Despite the low ectoparasites level, six species of endoparasites was observed, demonstrating that prophylactic and quarantine procedures were not fully adequate. Therefore, failures in prophylactic procedures on any link in the production industry of ornamental fish may cause parasite transmission to ornamental fish captured in different environments and localities.

A comparative study of parasite communities of some endemic fish species in River Babol and Alborz Dam in the Southern Caspian Sea basin in Mazandaran province

The Babol River is one of the main rivers in the Southern Caspian Sea basin in Mazandaran Province. The Alborz Dam has been built along the river to provide annual irrigation and flood protection. This study aimed to identify and describe the prevalence and parasite intensity of some endemic fish species in Babol River and Alborz Dam and to compare their parasite communities. The field investigations were carried out from June 2016 to March 2017 and approximately, 546 fish specimens, including Alburnoides tabarestanensis, Capoeta razii and Squalius turcicus, were examined. A total of 13 parasite species, including Ichthyophthirius multifiliis , Trichodina gracilis , Myxobulus minutus , Dactylogyrus chalcalburni , D. vistulae , D. lenkorani , Gyrodactylus gobioninum , G. prostate , Paradiplozoon homoion, Allocreadium isoproum , Rhabdochona denudatai, Ligula intestinalis and Bothriocephalus acheilognathi, were isolated from the examined fishes. The results showed that host-parasite system in Alborz Dam is mainly influenced by the parasite’s fauna of Babol River. The only exception in this regard is the plerocercoids of L. intestinalis , one of the most common parasites in Alborz Dam and found in the abdominal cavity of all fish species. The prevalence rate and the mean intensity of parasitic infection in this reservoir are far more than those in Babol River. In addition this is the first report of Trichodina gracilis from the gills and skin of C. razii in Iran.