Nematóides com potencial zoonótico encontrados em Trichiurus lepturus (Linnaeus, 1758) coletados em ambiente marinho e lagunar, no estado de Alagoas, Brasil

Abstract

The increase in fish consumption in Brazil, combined with the popularization of dishes based on raw and/or undercooked fish, elevates the risk of transmission of parasites with zoonotic potential, which may pose risks to public health. Trichiurus lepturus L. 1758 (largehead hairtail) is a commercially important species that has a diet composed of organisms that can act as intermediate hosts for nematodes. This study aimed to investigate the presence of nematodes with zoonotic potential in specimens of T. lepturus, comparing the occurrence between the lagoon and marine environments in the municipality of Maceió, Alagoas, in addition to verifying whether the host's biotic variables influence parasitism. Thirty-two fish were analyzed, 16 from each environment. The total percentage of fish infected by nematodes with zoonotic potential was 84.4%, with 100% infection in individuals from the marine environment and 68.8% in individuals from the lagoon (estuarine). Six genera of nematode larvae were identified in the fish: Anisakis, Contracaecum, Terranova, Pseudoterranova, Raphidascaris and Hysterothylacium, located in the stomach, abdominal cavity, intestine and gonads. Among these, the genus Terranova showed the highest prevalence in both environments. Furthermore, in the lagoon, the average intensity and abundance were higher for Contracaecum sp., while in the marine environment these rates were higher for Hysterothylacium sp. The presence of nematodes pathogenic to humans in T. lepturus has already been reported in several studies, which highlights the relevance of this species in relation to ecology, economy and health. This study also represents the first record of occurrence for the genera Terranova and Pseudoterranova on the coast of Alagoas. The results obtained reinforce the need for sanitary measures and educational actions aimed at the safe consumption of this fish, considering its potential transmission of zoonoses and the risks associated with public health.