Histopathology and autoecology of Didymocylindrus simplex (Digenea: Didymozoidae), parasite of Katsuwonus pelamis (Scombridae) in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean, off South America

Abstract

Pathological alterations and autoecology of Didymocylindrus simplex in Katsuwonus pelamis (Linnaeus, 1758) in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean off of South America are presented. This is the first record of the species in the region; the specimens are described. The pathologic changes observed most often were infiltration of lymphocytes and slight fibrosis of the connective tissue surrounding the parasite. The typical aggregated distribution pattern was observed for Didymocylindrus simplex Ishii, 1935. Statistical analysis demonstrated no correlation between the abundance and prevalence of parasites with the total length of the host. The sex of the host does not influence the prevalence and intensity of infection.

Keywords

• Didymozoids
• histopathology
• parasites of fish
• Trematoda