Histopathological changes from parasitic Nematoda infestation in the musculature of some marine teleost fishes from the Algerian coast

Abstract

Numerous marine fishes from the Algerian coast were examined for nematode parasites. Our study revealed five species of nematodes that were identified according to morphological characteristics: Anisakis simplex, Hysterothylacium aduncum, Hysterothylacium reliquens, Hysterothylacium fabri, Dichelyne pleuronectidis. D. pleuronectidis was newly collected from the study region. Four new host species were recorded for A. simplex, six for H. aduncum, and three for H. fabri. The infection rates observed were higher for Hysterothylacium and Dichelyne than Anisakis. The highest infection rate by Nematoda parasites were recorded for Trachinus draco L., Pagellus acarne (Risso) and Mullus barbatus L. (P = 100%, P = 53.33%, P = 42.5%), respectively. Nematoda larvae were found in body cavity and musculature. Histological changes associated with nematode musculature infestation revealed myodegeneration of fibers with a loss of striated texture and skin damage.