STUDIES ON ANASAKIASIS AMONG SOME MARINE FISHES

Abstract

Nematodes are one of the most economically important helminth parasites of the world . The marine ascaridoids ( Anisakids) have been intensively studied , in part due to the ability of smne species to infect humans . For this reason ,the present study was planned to investigate the clinical signs , Post-mortem lesions , parasitological examination , infestation rate , seasonal prevalence and intensity of Am•sakis ne1natode larvae among our native fish breeds ; Saurus tumbil , Sparus aurata Sardina pilchardus and Mugil cephalus . As well the relationship between the infestation rate and fish body weight was investigated . Moreover , the effect of freezing on the viability of Anisakid nematodes \Vere studied .The results reveled :-

Naturally infested fishes showod no obvious clinical signs except anem1a. On post mortam examination, inflammation and adhesions of internal organs , congestion of muscles around the site of the parasite attachment and reduction in liver size were observed . Prasitological exanlination revealed larvae of Anisakid nematodes belonging to order Ascaridda , family Anisakidae and classified as larvae of genus Anisakis , genus Contracaecum , genus Pseudoterranova and genus flysterothylacium .The third larval stage of the first three genera were found in the body cavity in 1J1e f(Jnn of either free living or encapsulated while the third stage larvae and adults of the fourtl1 genus were present .