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

AbstractNumerous 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:Anisakissimplex,Hysterothylacium aduncum,Hysterothylacium reliquens,Hysterothylacium fabri,Dichelyne pleuronectidis.D. pleuronectidiswas newly collected from the study region. Four new host species were recorded forA. simplex, six forH. aduncum, and three forH. fabri. The infection rates observed were higher forHysterothylaciumandDichelynethanAnisakis.The highest infection rate by Nematoda parasites were recorded forTrachinus dracoL., Pagellus acarne(Risso) andMullus barbatusL. (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.