Mapping of parasitic helminth infestation and zoonotic risk in marine fishes of southern Indonesian waters

Abstract

ADHI RACHMAT SUDRAJAT HARIYADI. Mapping of parasitic helminth infestation and zoonotic risk in marine fishes of southern Indonesian waters. Under the guidance OF RISA TIURIA PRIOSOERYANTO, BAMBANG PONTJO PRIOSOERYANTO, and ETIH SUDARNIKA. This research was designed to study the differences in helminth parasitic infestation of three different fish hosts (Tuna, fusilier, and grouper). Fish samples were collected from three regions in south Indonesian waters (Sunda Strait, North Bali and East Nusa Tenggara) in order to observe geographical variations of parasitic infestations. Twenty six genera of parasitic worms from the viscera were isolated, identified, and their respective zoonotic risks were assessed. Three genera of phylum nemathelminthes, one genus from phylum plathyhelminthes, and one genus from phylum acanthocephala were identified as zoonotic parasites. Histopathological analysis of the digestive tract found that there were presence of parasites, atrophy of villi, secondary infection, as well as correlation between parasite infestation and cases of inflammation (enteritis). By mapping, level of infestation (numbers of parasites per host and numbers of parasites per gram muscle) could be used to indicate zoonotic risks in different locations. The same variable could potentially be used for indicating the amount of parasites and the presence of intermediate/paratenic/definitive hosts; thus contributing to the estimation of other marine wildlife’s health status.