Didymozoids in Muscle of Atlantic Chub Mackerel (Scomber colias)

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2019

Authors

Mota, R (Author) Other; Alves, M (Author) Other; Cristina Vieira (Author) ICBAS; Vieira, J (Author) ICBAS; Paula Tamagnini (Author) FCUP; Saraiva, A (Author) FCUP

Journal

Title: Acta Parasitologica

Vol. 64

Pages: 308-315

ISSN: 1230-2821

Publisher: Springer Nature

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 1 Citation

Scopus - 1 Citation

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00Q-CGZ

DOI: 10.2478/s11686-019-00049-5

Abstract (EN): BackgroundDigenean trematodes of the family Didymozoidae are tissue parasites that are particularly common in scombrid fish. These parasites can reduce the commercial value of fish, especially the ones occurring in the muscle.PurposeIn the present study and for the first time, we report the occurrence of didymozoids in muscle tissue of Atlantic chub mackerel (Scomber colias) collected in northeast Atlantic (Portuguese coast).MethodsThe entire musculature of 64 Scomber colias was removed and examined macroscopically and under a stereomicroscope to search for parasites.ResultsThe prevalence (3.1%) and abundance (0.03) of infection detected were quite low, but the parasites cause muscle softening decreasing the quality of the infected fish. If the infection levels increase, this may constitute a cause of concern for the fisheries and canning industry.ConclusionDidymozoids identified in this study are closely related to muscle parasites detected in other fish species of the genus Scomber, most probably the same species. Phylogenetic analysis also corroborates the hypothesis that muscle-parasitizing didymozoids are distinct from the ones parasitizing other fish organs.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 8