Abstract

AHMAD, F. et al. Distribution and pathology caused by Bothriocephalus acheilognathi Yamaguti, 1934 (Cestoda: Bothriocephalidae): a review. Rev. vet. [online]. 2018, vol.29, n.2, pp.142-149. ISSN 1669-6840.  http://dx.doi.org/10.30972/vet.2923283.

The asian tapeworm or asian fish tapeworm, Bothriocephalus acheilognathi, is native to East Asia and in the past few decades has been spread widely throughout the world via human activities to all continents. Examples of these activities include the movement of cyprinid fish for aquaculture, the pet fish trade, aquatic weed control, mosquito control and more recently due to movement of bait fish. In addition, birds which eat infected fish may transport the cestode's eggs and spread them through defecation. B. acheilognathi has been reported in an estimated 200 species of freshwater fish, and this wide host range has assisted its establishment, but it is primarily reported from cultured and wild carps. It is a problem for aquaculture and is suspected for adversely affecting endangered wild species. It is listed as a Pathogen of Regional Importance (PRI) by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (2015). The main vector of its spread appears to be the introduction of its native host, the Asian grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella, for aquacultural purposes or for use in the control of aquatic vegetation. At present, it is the common carp, koi carp, mosquito fish, and probably many other fish serve as the main vehicle of expansion of this parasite. The Asian tapeworm is pathogenic to fresh-water fishes, especially young carp fry and may cause great economic loss in hatcheries and fish farms. It has the ability to colonize new regions and adapt to a wide spectrum of fish hosts. It represents one of the most impressive and deplorable examples of a parasite widely disseminated by man assisted movements of fish. The rate of dissemination and success of colonization has been aided by the cosmopolitan distribution of both intermediate and definitive hosts.

Keywords : asian tapeworm Bothriocephalus acheilognathi; pathogenicity; cyprinid fish; dissemination; economic losses.

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