Challenges in the control of acanthocephalosis in aquaculture: special emphasis on Neoechinorhynchus buttnerae

Abstract

Acanthocephalans are endoparasites of several vertebrate species. These parasites are able to attach the host intestine, which culminates in low nutrient utilization and severe economic losses. This review discusses the impact of acanthocephalosis for aquaculture and demonstrates promising control and treatment measures against this parasitosis. Echinorhynchus truttae was considered one of the main parasites affecting salmonids; however, there are currently no scientific data on relevant outbreaks of this parasitosis. It is emphasized that, currently, the disease caused by Neoechinorhynchus buttnerae in tambaqui Colossoma macropomum is the fish acanthocephalosis with the strongest impact, besides being one of the most important acanthocephalosis affecting animal production worldwide. It has been noted that this disease has direct correlation with an environment replete with contaminated zooplankton and biosafety failures. Amongst revised synthetic chemotherapeutics, carbon tetrachloride and loperamide are described as being strongly efficient against E. truttae , and levamisole has been the most studied molecule for N. buttnerae . Considering the demand for alternative molecules, studies have shown that thyme, garlic and peppermint are promising against acanthocephalans. It must be emphasized a great need for standardization of in vitro and in vivo tests, as well as the need for studies on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. As prospects to control acanthocephalosis, we highlight the need for development of innovative aquaculture environments (biofloc and recirculation systems) that can prevent or extinguish the intermediate host, new methods of drug inclusion in the diet and genetic studies aiming improvement of resistant fish lineage and even the genome description of the parasite.

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