Molecular epidemiology of helminth diseases of the humpback grouper, , as a pattern for mapping fish diseases in the Sunda Strait, Indonesia.

BACKGROUND AND AIM

and are important but neglected helminth parasites of marine fish. The humpback grouper, the most relevant definitive host, harbors several and spp. simultaneously on body surfaces and gills. These species can be distinguished morphologically This study aimed to identify and spp. infestations in monogenean humpback grouper by multiplex polymerase chain reaction method, which seems to be widely distributed in the study area. Data can be used as a basis for mapping disease patterns in Strait waters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty humpback groupers () were collected from eight different areas in the Sunda Strait and examined using scrapings from body surfaces and gill lamellae followed by multiplex PCR for identification.

RESULTS

Parasites on body surfaces were recovered from 49 fish (61.2%) and were found on gill lamellae in 72 fish (90%) by microscopic examination. Endoparasites were absent. Ectoparasites identified included, , eggs, , , , , , , , , , and .

CONCLUSION

The distribution of trematode disease in humpback grouper in Sunda Strait waters was revealed. All parasites were from genera, and . Risks associated with these parasites should not be overlooked. Prevention and control programs need to be extended to other marine fish. Humpback grouper should be dewormed more frequently.