Cestode and nematode larvae of hygienic-sanitary importance parasitizing Balistes capriscus Gmelin, 1789, collected from fish markets of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

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.

Keywords:
grey triggerfish; Diphyllobothriidea; Trypanorhyncha; Ascaridoidea; fish sanitary inspection