Tapeworm Bothriocephalus Acheilognathi Research Articles

Occurrence of Asian tapeworm Bothriocephalus acheilognathi (Yamaguti, 1934) in aquaculture systems of North East Hill region of India

Occurrence of Asian tapeworm Bothriocephalus acheilognathi (Yamaguti, 1934) in aquaculture systems of North East Hill region of India

First identification of eggs of the Asian fish tapeworm Bothriocephalus acheilognathi (Cestoda: Bothriocephalidea) in human stool

We report the first case of egg isolation of the Asian fish tapeworm Bothriocephalus acheilognathi (Bothriocephalidea) from human stool. A male patient from Saint Laurent du Maroni (French Guiana) presenting abdominal pain was examined in France for the diagnosis of intestinal parasites. Diphyllobothrium-like eggs were observed in his stool. However, molecular phylogenetic analyses based on sequences of rDNA and COI genes showed that the eggs observed belong to a bothriocephalidean cestode B. acheilognathi. The adult life stages of B. acheilognathi cestodes are known as invasive parasites of a wide spectrum of fish; however, they have not been described to parasitize any mammals. This human infection seems to be accidental and represents a parasite passage through human intestine after the consumption of an infected fish host.

Do lower feeding rates result in reduced growth of a cyprinid fish infected with the Asian tapeworm?

Ecology of Freshwater FishVolume 21, Issue 2 p. 172-175 Letter Do lower feeding rates result in reduced growth of a cyprinid fish infected with the Asian tapeworm? J. Robert Britton, J. Robert Britton Centre for Conservation Ecology & Environmental Change, Bournemouth University, Poole, BH12 5BB, UKSearch for more papers by this authorJosephine Pegg, Josephine Pegg Centre for Conservation Ecology & Environmental Change, Bournemouth University, Poole, BH12 5BB, UKSearch for more papers by this authorDavid Baker, David Baker Centre for Conservation Ecology & Environmental Change, Bournemouth University, Poole, BH12 5BB, UKSearch for more papers by this authorChris F. Williams, Chris F. Williams Environment Agency, Bromholme Lane, Brampton, Cambridgeshire, PE28 4NE, UKSearch for more papers by this author J. Robert Britton, J. Robert Britton Centre for Conservation Ecology & Environmental Change, Bournemouth University, Poole, BH12 5BB, UKSearch for more papers by this authorJosephine Pegg, Josephine Pegg Centre for Conservation Ecology & Environmental Change, Bournemouth University, Poole, BH12 5BB, UKSearch for more papers by this authorDavid Baker, David Baker Centre for Conservation Ecology & Environmental Change, Bournemouth University, Poole, BH12 5BB, UKSearch for more papers by this authorChris F. Williams, Chris F. Williams Environment Agency, Bromholme Lane, Brampton, Cambridgeshire, PE28 4NE, UKSearch for more papers by this author First published: 08 February 2012 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0633.2012.00551.xCitations: 6 Dr. Robert Britton, Centre for Conservation Ecology & Environmental Change, Bournemouth University, Poole, BH12 5BB, UK. E-mail: rbritton@bournemouth.ac.uk Read the full textAboutRelatedInformationPDFPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessClose modalShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Citing Literature Volume21, Issue2April 2012Pages 172-175 RelatedInformation RecommendedRelationship between Length of Roundtail Chub and Infection Intensity of Asian Fish Tapeworm Bothriocephalus acheilognathiMark J. Brouder, Journal of Aquatic Animal HealthAsian Fish Tapeworm Bothriocephalus acheilognathi in the Desert Southwestern United StatesThomas P. Archdeacon, Alison Iles, Jason S. Kline, Scott A. Bonar, Journal of Aquatic Animal HealthNovel Praziquantel Treatment Regime for Controlling Asian Tapeworm Infections in Pond‐Reared FishAlison C. Iles, Thomas P. Archdeacon, Scott A. Bonar, North American Journal of AquacultureEffects of Praziquantel on Eggs of the Asian Tapeworm Bothriocephalus acheilognathiS. Jason Kline, Thomas P. Archdeacon, Scott A. Bonar, North American Journal of AquacultureOptimization of feeding quantity and frequency to rear the cyprinid fish Garra rufa (Heckel, 1843)Mafalda M. R. S. Catarino, Mónica R. S. Gomes, Susana M. F. Ferreira, Sílvia C. Gonçalves, Aquaculture Research

New distribution record for the Asian tapeworm Bothriocephalus acheilognathi Yamaguti, 1934 in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa

New distribution record for the Asian tapeworm Bothriocephalus acheilognathi Yamaguti, 1934 in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa

Khawia japonensis (Cestoda: Caryophyllidea): another invasive parasite of carp, Cyprinus carpio L., imported to Europe

Carp, Cyprinus carpio L., is one of the most important cultured fish, especially in Central Europe and Asia (Kottelat & Freyhof 2007). In Europe, it is infected with a large number of parasites, many of them introduced from Asia, mainly from the Far East of Russia and China (Bauer, Musselius & Strelkov 1973; Hoole 1994; Kennedy 1994; Williams & Jones 1994; Hoole, Bucke, Burgess & Wellby 2001). Parasitic worms , i.e. helminths, are represented, among others, by tapeworms (Cestoda) including the most pathogenic species, the Asian fish tapeworm Bothriocephalus acheilognathi Yamaguti, 1934 (syn. B. gowkongensis Yeh, 1955), recently placed in the order Bothriocephalidea (Kuchta, Scholz & Bray 2008; Scholz, Kuchta & Williams 2011b). Other potentially pathogenic cestodes of carp belong to the order Caryophyllidea, the species of which possess a monozoic (only one set of genital organs) and unsegmented body and use tubificid oligochaetes as intermediate hosts (Mackiewicz 1972, 1994). At present, two caryophyllidean tapeworms parasitic in carp are of veterinary concern (Hoole et al. 2001; Oros, Hanzelova & Scholz 2004). Khawia sinensis Hsu, 1935 (Caryophyllidea: Lytocestidae), is native in East Asia and was described from the vicinity of Beijing in China (Hsu 1935). It successfully colonized a major part of Europe and was also imported to North America (Kulakovskaya 1961; Williams & Sutherland 1981). However, the veterinary importance of K. sinensis has decreased considerably during the last few decades, possibly as a result of the more recent introduction of Atractolytocestus huronensis Anthony, 1958 (Lytocestidae), to Europe (Oros, Hanzelova & Scholz 2009). Atractolytocestus huronensis was described from common carp in the USA (Great Lakes), but its North American origin is questionable because common carp are not native in this continent (Kohlmann, Gross, Murakaeva & Kersten 2003). Recently, the cestode has been introduced to a number of European countries, including Great Britain (Kralova-Hromadova, Stefka, Spakulova, Orosova, Bombarova, Hanzelova, Bazsalovicsova & Scholz 2010; Bazsalovicsova, Kral'ova-Hromadova, Stefka, Scholz, Hanzelova, Vavrova, Szemes & Kirk 2011). In this paper, another caryophyllidean cestode, Khawia japonensis (Yamaguti, 1934), which occurred originally in East Asia (Yamaguti 1934; Scholz, Shimazu, Olson & Nagasawa 2001), is reported from Europe for the first time. Journal of Fish Diseases 2011, 34, 943–949 doi:10.1111/j.1365-2761.2011.01311.x

Asian Fish Tapeworm Bothriocephalus acheilognathi in the Desert Southwestern United States

The Asian fish tapeworm Bothriocephalus acheilognathi (Cestoda: Bothriocephalidea) is an introduced fish parasite in the southwestern United States and is often considered a serious threat to native desert fishes. Determining the geographic distribution of nonnative fish parasites is important for recovery efforts of native fishes. We examined 1,140 individuals belonging to nine fish species from southwestern U.S. streams and springs between January 2005 and April 2007. The Asian fish tapeworm was present in the Gila River, Salt River, Verde River, San Pedro River, Aravaipa Creek, and Fossil Creek, Arizona, and in Lake Tuendae at Zzyzx Springs and Afton Canyon of the Mojave River, California. Overall prevalence of the Asian fish tapeworm in Arizona fish populations was 19% (range = 0-100%) and varied by location, time, and fish species. In California, the prevalence, abundance, and intensity of the Asian fish tapeworm in Mohave tui chub Gila bicolor mohavensis were higher during warmer months than during cooler months. Three new definitive host species--Yaqui chub G. purpurea, headwater chub G. nigra, and longfin dace agosia chrysogaster--were identified. Widespread occurrence of the Asian fish tapeworm in southwestern U.S. waters suggests that the lack of detection in other systems where nonnative fishes occur is due to a lack of effort as opposed to true absence of the parasite. To limit further spread of diseases to small, isolated systems, we recommend treatment for both endo- and exoparasites when management actions include translocation of fishes.

Spatial and Temporal Distribution of the Asian Fish Tapeworm Bothriocephalus acheilognathi (Cestoda: Bothriocephalidea) in the Rio Grande (Río Bravo del Norte)

Recent collections of the Asian fish tapeworm Bothriocephalus acheilognathi in the Rio Grande have raised concern about the potential impacts on Rio Grande endemic and imperiled fishes. The objectives of this study were to determine distribution and definitive hosts of the Asian fish tapeworm within the Rio Grande drainage and to quantify occurrences and abundances. In total, 1,992 fish spanning 11 families were collected and examined for Asian fish tapeworms in the Rio Grande and the Pecos and Devils rivers. The parasite was collected from red shiners Cyprinella lutrensis, Tamaulipas shiners Notropis braytoni, sand shiners N. stramineus, river carpsuckers Carpiodes carpio, plains killifish Fundulus zebrinus, western mosquitofish Gambusia affinis, blue suckers Cycleptus elongatus, blacktail shiners Cyprinella venusta, proserpine shiners Cyprinella proserpina, and Manantial roundnose minnow Dionda argentosa, with the latter four species being new host records. Monthly collections of red shiners from Big Bend National Park exhibited prevalence levels above 15% in January-March and December and below 10% during April-June and October. With over 50% of the Rio Grande icthyofauna in Texas considered imperiled, the occurrence and pathological effects of the Asian fish tapeworm in combination with reduced water quantity and quality and increased habitat fragmentation are of concern for these taxa.

Effects of Praziquantel on Eggs of the Asian Tapeworm Bothriocephalus acheilognathi

AbstractPraziquantel, an anthelmintic, is commonly used to control the Asian fish tapeworm Bothriocephalus acheilognathi in grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella and baitfish. We treated 50 individuals from three different cyprinid fish species with praziquantel at 6 mg/L, a dose higher than the minimum recommended for complete Asian tapeworm removal in 24 h but much less than the concentration that would have ill effects on the fish. Praziquantel killed hundreds of adult tapeworms, but many ruptured and released eggs. We observed that the eggs released from Asian tapeworms treated with praziquantel were viable and produced thousands of coracidia over several days. We warn fishery managers that even if fish receive the typically recommended praziquantel treatment regime and all adult tapeworms are killed, viable eggs and coracidia may be present in the holding water or attached to the skin of treated fish, the surfaces of equipment, or treatment personnel.

Threatened fishes of the world: Profundulus hildebrandi Miller, 1950 (Profundulidae)

Common names: Escamudo de San Cristobal; Chiapas killifish. Conservation status: Endangered on Mexican red list (DOF 2002). Identification: D: 11–13; A: 14– 17; P: 16–21. Lower jaw broad, heavy, protruding and including upper jaw; body slender, a caudal ocellus (Figure 1). Lateral scales 32 to 34; gill rakers 14–20. Coloration: the narrow, irregular vertical bars of the young and juveniles are mostly continuous. Origin of the dorsal fin posterior to that of the anal; elongated anal fin in adult females (Miller 1950). Maximum size (TL) for males and females is 120.5 mm and 130.1 mm respectively. Distribution: Endemic to the Sierra of San Cristobal, Chiapas, Mexico, at 2,110–2,360 m altitude (VelazquezVelazquez and Schmitter-Soto 2004). Abundance: The total estimated population is approximately 40000 individuals (95% confidence interval 7745 to 72047) (Velazquez-Velazquez and Schmitter-Soto 2004). Habitat and ecology: Lotic and lentic environments; physicochemical characteristics: temperature (14.4–18.9°C), DO (4.2–10.7 mg/l), pH (6.3–8.1), conductivity (124.2–828 μS). It feeds mainly on insect larvae (Chironomus sp.) and crustaceans (VelazquezVelazquez et al. 2007). Reproduction: Breeding occurs from January to June; sex ratio is close to 1:1. Threats: Introduced exotic species: Micropterus salmoides, Oncorhynchys mykiss, Ctenopharyngodon idella, Cyprinus carpio, Rana catesbeiana and a tapeworm Bothriocephalus acheilognathi (VelazquezVelazquez et al. 2007). Additional risk factors included urban growth and sewage pollution of streams, habitat destruction, fragmentation and modification. Conservation action: Recently the local government established a wetlands park, and introduced hundreds killifish. We are implementing a research project on the biology of P. hildebrandi, to develop a management plan to protect the entire habitat, using the killifish as a flag species. Environ Biol Fish (2009) 84:345–346 DOI 10.1007/s10641-008-9425-8

The Acute Toxicity of Praziquantel to Grass Carp and Golden Shiners

AbstractThe acute toxicity and highest nonlethal concentration of praziquantel (LC0) were determined in the laboratory for grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella and golden shiner Notemigonus crysoleucas, two cyprinids known to harbor the Asian tapeworm Bothriocephalus acheilognathi. Praziquantel is an anthelmintic used to treat fish with tapeworms. The 24‐h and 96‐h LC50 values were 55.1 and 49.7 mg/L for golden shiners (1.3 g) and 63.4 and 60.6 mg/L for grass carp (9.1 g). The 24‐h and 96‐h LC0 values were 50.0 and 45.0 mg/L for golden shiners and 60.0 and 60.0 mg/L for grass carp.

Removal and Quantification of Asian Tapeworm from Bonytail Chub Using Praziquantel

AbstractThe spread of the Asian tapeworm Bothriocephalus acheilognathi has been identified as a potential threat to endangered cyprinid fishes, such as bonytail Gila elegans and humpback chub G. cypha. Praziquantel is often used to remove Asian tapeworms from these species, but little information is available on the effectiveness or side effects of these treatments. I performed laboratory experiments using bonytails (110–457 mm total length) to evaluate the dosage and time needed to effectively remove 100% of Asian tapeworms using praziquantel. A low dose of 0.7 mg/L for 24 h was not effective at removing all Asian tapeworms, whereas a 24‐h exposure at 1.5 mg/L and higher was 100% effective. A bath treatment of 12‐h duration only appears effective at the highest dose of 36 mg/L, but not all Asian tapeworms are cleared from the host within this time frame. No short‐term mortality or side effects of praziquantel treatment were observed. Praziquantel bath treatments can effectively and safely remove 100% of Asian tapeworms from bonytail if dosage and treatment duration are adequate. In some cases, repeated treatments may be necessary to ensure that Asian tapeworms are not spread into new environments.

Ecological aspects of the occurrence of asian tapeworm, Bothriocephalus acheilognathi Yamaguti, 1934 infection in the largemouth yellowfish, Labeobarbus kimberleyensis ( ) in the Vaal Dam, South Africa

Infection of fish by the Asian tapeworm can damage intestines and cause abnormal growth. Eighty largemouth yellowfish Labeobarbus kimberleyensis were collected in the Vaal Dam (26°52.249′S, 28°10.249′E) with the aid of gill nets during a study between April 2005 and February 2006. The fish were killed and the weight and length determined. Thereafter the intestines were removed, the length determined and the intestines opened to expose the tapeworms. The distance between the beginning of the intestine and the attachment position of the first tapeworm was measured, and thereafter all the worms were collected. The prevalence, abundance and mean intensity was calculated for all the surveys. Seasonality and intensity of tapeworms were compared to the intestine and total lengths of the fish. All the tapeworms were identified as the Asian Tapeworm Bothriocephalus acheilognathi Yamaguti, 1934. The position of the first tapeworm was located between 10% and 20% from the anterior end of the intestine in close proximity to the bile opening. A total of 100% prevalence was recorded for all the surveys and the highest mean intensity of 231.1 was recorded during the autumn survey. The lowest mean intensity of 73.7 was recorded during the summer survey. Although the infection rates were very high, the fish condition was good and apparently the fecundity of the fish was not negatively affected as young fish fry was collected during the summer survey. Parasite numbers are higher and differ from a study conducted in 2000 and this is attributed to water temperature and water quality. No correlation was observed between parasite intensity and total length of each fish. This indicates that intensity is not dependant on host size and that infection is not the result of a buildt of over years.

Effectiveness of Praziquantel Bath Treatments against Bothriocephalus acheilognathi in Grass Carp

AbstractMany states ban the importation of fish infected with the Asian tapeworm Bothriocephalus acheilognathi. Treatment with an effective tapeworm parasiticide prior to shipment would allow fish to be imported that might otherwise be rejected. In this study, extended praziquantel bath treatments of infected grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella were tested to determine their efficacy against Asian tapeworms. Preliminary praziquantel treatments of 0.7 mg/L or more for an exposure period of 24 h at grass carp densities of 69 g/L were effective in eliminating all tapeworms from 22‐g fish. When the treatment duration was lowered to 12 h, a praziquantel concentration of 2.8 mg/L was required for effective treatment. In replicated studies, significantly reduced tapeworm numbers (0–5 tapeworms per treated fish compared with 30+ tapeworms per control fish) were observed following 24‐h exposures to praziquantel at 0.5, 0.7, 1.0, and 1.5 mg/ L. Tapeworm elimination occurred only at the maximum concentration of 1.5 mg/L when 88‐g grass carp were stocked at a density of approximately 6 g/L. When fish density was raised to 60 g/L, the 1.5‐mg/L treatment did not eliminate all tapeworms: 4 of 30 fish contained a single tapeworm.

The Asian fish tapeworm Bothriocephalus acheilognathi: a potential threat to native freshwater fish species in Mexico

Introduction of the parasite Bothriocephalus acheilognathi Yamaguti, 1934 with the herbivorous carp Ctenopharyngodon idellus, and other cyprinids, has been documented in almost every continent, except Antarctica. This study presents the current geographical distribution of this cestode in the freshwater fish of Mexico, highlighting infections in autochthonous and endemic species. It compiles existing information and presents original data. B. acheilognathi is widely dispersed among the freshwater fish of Mexico, being recorded to date in 49 fish species from 26 genera, 7 families and 5 orders. B. acheilognathi is reported from Mexico for the first time in Dionda ipni, Notropis celayensis, Yuriria alta, Gambusia vittata, Poecilia butleri, P. mexicana, Poeciliopsis baenschi, Poeciliopsis sp., Cichlasoma cyanoguttatum and C. labridens. The new hosts identified in this study bring the total number of known host species to 102 in 14 families and 7 orders of freshwater fishes around the world. Given its wide distribution among Mexican freshwater fish species, the abundance of the parasite and its high pathogenicity, parasitological data for B. acheilognathi should be considered as an important factor in native fish conservation policies. Biological changes in the freshwater habitats in Mexico caused by the introduction of exotic fish species and their parasites are virtually ubiquitous and extremely difficult to eradicate once established. As such, they should be considered as one of the most serious threats to native fish conservation.

Relationship between Length of Roundtail Chub and Infection Intensity of Asian Fish TapewormBothriocephalus acheilognathi

Nonnative parasites have been blamed for the decline of native fish species in the American Southwest. The Asian fish tapeworm Bothriocephalus acheilognathi has parasitized many native fish species, but little is known of its effects on native cyprinid fish hosts. I found a strong negative correlation (Spearman's rank correlation, rs = −0.846; P < 0.001) between total length of roundtail chub Gila robusta and number of Asian fish tapeworms. A significant, but weaker negative correlation existed between weight of fish and number of tapeworms (rs = −0.687; P < 0.001). In addition, infected fish were significantly shorter (P = 0.0241) than uninfected fish. Infection by Asian fish tapeworm may slow growth, increase susceptibility to infestation, and increase predation on roundtail chub and possibly other native cyprinids.

Helminth Parasites of Native Hawaiian Freshwater Fishes: An Example of Extreme Ecological Isolation

The Hawaiian Islands harbor a depauperate native freshwater fish fauna comprised of 4 endemic gobies (Gobiidae) and 1 endemic sleeper (Eleotridae). We hypothesized that the natural helminth parasite community of these stream fishes would be depauperate because of colonizing constraints. In the absence of exotic fishes, native fishes in streams of Hanakapi'ai and Nu'alolo valleys harbored no adult helminth parasites. In Hakalau Stream on Hawai'i and Wainiha River on Kaua'i, we found introduced swordtails and guppies (Poeciliidae); here, the native gobioid fishes shared species of helminths with poeciliids. They were the nematode Camallanus cotti, the Asian tapeworm Bothriocephalus acheilognathi, and the leech Myzobdella lugubris. Such parasitological data should be incorporated into management plans for the conservation of native Hawaiian stream fishes as these parasites have been previously demonstrated to cause disease.

Squash-Plate Technique for Detecting Asian Tapeworms in Fish

Abstract A method for detecting the Asian tapeworm Bothriocephalus acheilognathi in fish is described. Glass slides or plates are used to flatten the intestinal tract, and the worms are detected by reflected light and low-power microscopy.

Survivorship and Parasite-induced Host Mortality among Mosquitofish in a Predator-free, North Carolina Cooling Reservoir

Survivorship of mosquitofish infected with the pseudophyllidean tapeworm Bothriocephalus acheilognathi was significantly reduced as compared with uninfected mosquitofish when fish were held at temperatures of 20, 25 and 30 C. Survivorship of infected and uninfected fish was also significantly reduced as water temperatures were increased to 25 and 30 C. When mosquitofish were maintained at 25 C, larger individuals with lower parasite densities survive longer than smaller individuals with higher densities of the cestode. Pearson correlation and multiple regression analyses of survival time of Gambusia affinis on density of Bothriocephalus acheilognathi and total host length indicate that survivorship is a function of parasite density and host size. Certain demographic characteristics of mosquitofish populations in a system devoid of piscivorous predators (but with B. acheilognathi) were compared with those in a system having piscivorous predators (but without B. acheilognathi). Random samples of mosquitofish taken monthly from the two systems revealed no significant differences in either sex ratios or in mean lengths of male or female mosquitofish. The Krumholz (1963) predation hypothesis would predict otherwise, to wit, that sex ratios in the predator-free system should be 1:1 (with predators, sex ratios should be approximately 1 male: 2 females) and that both males and females should be significantly larger than males and females in a system possessing a full complement of piscivorous fishes. It is hypothesized that similarities among demographic features of mosquitofish populations in the two systems investigated in the present study are the result of parasite-induced, size-selective host mortality in the predator-free system on the one hand and of predation pressure from piscivorous fishes on the other.