Massive occurrence of trichodinids is frequently accompanied by serious disease in fish farms. In this study, trichodinid species from the gills and skin of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) farmed in the central-western region of Brazil (state of Goiás) were morphologically characterized. Dried slides were prepared from the parasites and were impregnated with silver nitrate (2%). Morphometric characteristics were determined and schematic drawings of the denticles were made using photomicrographs produced from the slides. Seven species of trichodinid ectoparasites (Protozoa: Ciliophora: Trichodinidae) were found parasitizing the gills: four of the genus Trichodina Ehrenberg, 1838; one of Tripartiella Lom, 1959; one of Paratrichodina Lom, 1963; and one of Trichodinella Ṧrámek-Huṧek, 1953. On the body surface, three specimens of the genus Trichodina were identified. This study presents new geographical records of trichodinids in Brazil, thus confirming that Trichodina centrostrigeata, Trichodina compacta, Trichodina heterodentata, Paratrichodina africana and Tripartiella orthodens are widely distributed worldwide. Additionally, the first record of the genus Trichodinella in Brazil is presented. ResumoO parasitismo intenso por tricodinídeos está frequentemente relacionado à doença grave em fazendas de peixes. Neste estudo, espécies de tricodinídeos das brânquias e da pele de tilápias do Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus) cultivadas na região centro-oeste do Brasil (estado de Goiás) foram caracterizadas morfologicamente. As lâminas secas foram preparadas a partir dos parasitas e impregnadas com nitrato de prata (2%). As características morfométricas foram determinadas e desenhos esquemáticos dos dentículos foram confeccionados com fotomicrografias produzidas a partir das lâminas. Sete espécies de ectoparasitos tricodinídeos (Protozoa: Ciliophora: Trichodinidae) foram encontradas parasitando as brânquias: quatro do gênero Trichodina Ehrenberg, 1838; um de Tripartiella Lom, 1959; um de Paratrichodina Lom, 1963; e um de Trichodinella Ṧrámek-Huṧek, 1953. Na superfície do corpo, três espécimes do gênero Trichodina foram identificados. Este estudo apresenta novos registros geográficos de tricodinídeos no Brasil, confirmando que Trichodina centrostrigeata, Trichodina compacta, Trichodina heterodentata, Paratrichodina africana e Tripartiella orthodens estão amplamente distribuídas mundialmente. Adicionalmente, é apresentado o primeiro registro do gênero Trichodinella no Brasil.

The objective of this literature review is to highlight the main aspects of the fish's innate immune system, demonstrating the need for new alternatives for disease control, respecting the premise of sustainability, with the use of biologically active immunostimulants. In fish there is no presence of myeloid tissues or organs, the components of your immune system are classified only as lymphoids, and innate immunity is considered the organism's first line of defense against the pathogen. Thus, the use of food additives and immunostimulants help to improve the natural immune system of these animals. They can be synthetic, chemical or biological substances that induce the activation or increase of components of the immune system, thus providing early defense against diseases, and can be used as preventive treatment. Vegetable compounds, essential oils and bioactive plant strata have great potential, as they have proven antimicrobial and antiparasitic functions. Among them, garlic is considered one of the most effective, as it acts as a growth promoter, appetite stimulator, antimicrobial, antioxidant and immune stimulant, it also helps with hematological parameters and increases the well-being of fish, as well as the ability to improve meat quality and extend shelf life.

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