Morphological and molecular characterization of monogenean (Platyhelminthes) parasites of Oreochromis niloticus (Cichlidae) from aquaculture of São Paulo State

• Grant number: 15/08969-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2015
• End date: July 31, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Parasitology - Helminthology of Parasites
• Principal Investigator: Claire Juliana Francisco
• Grantee: Marcela Fontes Bongiovani
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IBB). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 13/50504-5 - Improved quality of cultured fish for human consumption, AP.TEM

Abstract

Favorable conditions are reported to aquaculture in Brazil, mainly due to its large hydro potential. Nowadays, fish farming in cages has been developed with greater intensity in the country. This fish farming method enables the use of existing aquatic environments and requires less investment compared to aquaculture, practiced in tanks. From the Ivory Coast, Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) was introduced in the northeast in 1971 and distributed across the country. Comparing the exotic species that are used as a source of economy in Brazil has great competitive advantages over native. This is due mainly hardiness, rapid growth and adaptation to confinement that this species has. However, several studies have reported mortality outbreaks, particularly in intensive farming due to monogenetic diseases caused by helminths than in the phylum Platyhelminthes heavy infestations that can promote excessive production of mucus in the gill filaments and destruction of the epithelium, with rupture of blood vessels, producing respiratory hypofunction and the death of fish by asphyxiation. This research project aims to make morphological and molecular analysis of monogeneans of O. niloticus from 3 fish farming in the state of São Paulo. Thus, this study will provide information secure and appropriate measures parasitological monitoring to produce healthier fish and higher value for companies in the aquaculture sector. (AU)