Raquel Xavier1, Ricardo Barroso2, João Cardoso2, Cristina Cruz2,3, Ana Pereira4, Aurélia Saraiva5,6. 1. CIBIO-InBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal. raq.xavier@cibio.up.pt. 2. Faculty of Sciences, Biology Department, University of Porto, Rua Do Campo Alegre, Edifício FC4, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal. 3. CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Center of Marine and Environmental Research, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208, Porto, Portugal. 4. CIBIO-InBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal. 5. Faculty of Sciences, Biology Department, University of Porto, Rua Do Campo Alegre, Edifício FC4, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal. amsaraiv@fc.up.pt. 6. CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Center of Marine and Environmental Research, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208, Porto, Portugal. amsaraiv@fc.up.pt.
Abstract
PURPOSE: European pilchard (Sardina pilchardus) is a highly valued fish in many European countries, particularly in Portugal. Despite current stock declines and the threats coccidia pose to European pilchards (e.g. castration), little is known about coccidian parasites infecting pilchards captured off the Portuguese coast. METHODS: In this study, we analyzed the infection patterns, the morphology of oocysts and the phylogenetic relations of coccidian parasites from European pilchard captured in Northern Portugal. RESULTS: Only Goussia oocysts were detected in infected tissues and prevalence of infection was 64% (n = 61). Oocysts were detected primarily in the liver with fewer infections in the stomach, intestine and gonads. No differences were found in the prevalence between seasons. Phylogenetic analysis showed these parasites are closely related to Goussia clupearum, placing them within a recently described group of Goussia, the clupearum type. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides more data on Goussia from the clupearum type with phylogenetic analysis indicating that these parasites cluster according to fish host taxonomy, thus suggesting some degree of co-evolution.
PURPOSE: European pilchard (Sardina pilchardus) is a highly valued fish in many European countries, particularly in Portugal. Despite current stock declines and the threats coccidia pose to European pilchards (e.g. castration), little is known about coccidian parasites infecting pilchards captured off the Portuguese coast. METHODS: In this study, we analyzed the infection patterns, the morphology of oocysts and the phylogenetic relations of coccidian parasites from European pilchard captured in Northern Portugal. RESULTS: Only Goussia oocysts were detected in infected tissues and prevalence of infection was 64% (n = 61). Oocysts were detected primarily in the liver with fewer infections in the stomach, intestine and gonads. No differences were found in the prevalence between seasons. Phylogenetic analysis showed these parasites are closely related to Goussia clupearum, placing them within a recently described group of Goussia, the clupearum type. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides more data on Goussia from the clupearum type with phylogenetic analysis indicating that these parasites cluster according to fish host taxonomy, thus suggesting some degree of co-evolution.
Authors: Marcelo F da Silva; Rebeca S de Araújo; Diehgo T da Silva; Osimar Sanches; Igor Hamoy; Edilson Matos Journal: J Fish Dis Date: 2019-04-01 Impact factor: 2.767