Redescription and molecular characterization of Baruscapillaria spiculata (Nematoda: Capillariidae) parasitizing the Neotropic cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus from two Argentinian lagoons.

Two species of intestinal Capillariidae were hitherto known from the Neotropic cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus, Baruscapillaria spiculata (Freitas, 1933), and Baruscapillaria appendiculata (Freitas, 1933). The original descriptions are very short and brief, and further reports of both species are scarce and/or confusing. This paper provides a morphological redescription and molecular characterization, based on the partial 18S rDNA gene, of B. spiculata specimens parasitizing the Neotropic cormorant in two continental lagoons from Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Both morphological and morphometrical differences between B. spiculata and B. appendiculata are highlighted on the examination of available type material. Additionally, two previous reports of B. appendiculata from Mexico and Brazil are discussed. A phylogenetic analysis conducted on specimens of B. spiculata and 46 other capillariid isolates available from the GenBank demonstrated a sister-taxon relationship between our specimens and the type species of Baruscapillaria. But, at the same time, significant genetic distances between both taxa showed an interesting variability of the genus Baruscapillaria. The probable division of this genus into multiple genera could probably be confirmed through integrative studies including more species.

Lecithochirium monticellii digenetic trematode parasites of Trichiurus lepturus (Actinopterygii) from the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with notes on its taxonomy.

Trichiurus lepturus (Actinopterygii, Perciformes) is a commercially and economically important fish. A total of 60 specimens of this cutlassfish were collected of the coast the municipalities of Niterói and Cabo Frio, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The fish were measured, necropsied, filleted and had their organs investigated for digenetic trematodes. Taxonomic identification was based on morphological and morphometric characters. The specimens of T. lepturus were parasitized with adult specimens of Lecithochirium monticellii. Parasite indices of prevalence, intensity, mean intensity, abundance, mean abundance, range of infection, and site of infection of parasitic species were evaluated. Notes on the taxonomy of the parasite were also included. This is the first report of L. monticellii parasitizing T. lepturus in Brazil.

Pterobothrium crassicolle parasitizing Paralichthys orbignyanus (Osteichthyes, Paralichthyidae) in Brazil.

From September 2014 to November 2015, 30 Paralichthys orbignyanus specimens were obtained from Sepetiba Bay in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The fishes were necropsied and cestode larvae were recovered from the abdominal cavity, mesentery, and serosas of the stomach, intestine, spleen, liver, kidney and gonads. Nineteen fish were parasitized by a total of 90 trypanorhynch plerocerci. Based on morphological characters, these were identified as Pterobothrium crassicolle. The parasitism indices for P. crassicolle on P. orbignyanus, were 63.3% for prevalence, 4.7 for mean intensity, 3 for mean abundance and 1 to 18 for range of infection. These parasites were studied due to their importance during fish sanitary inspection, if one considers the harm that the repulsive aspect of infected fish may cause to consumers. This is the first record of P. crassicolle plerocerci parasitizing P. orbignyanus.

Nematode larvae infecting Priacanthus arenatus Cuvier, 1829 (Pisces: Teleostei) in Brazil.

From July to December, 2013, thirty Priacanthus arenatus specimens commercialized in the cities of Niterói and Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, were acquired. The fish were necropsied and filleted to investigate the presence of nematode larvae. Twenty fish (66.7%) out of the total were parasitized by nematode larvae. A total of 2024 larvae were collected; among them, 30 third-instar larvae of Anisakis sp. showed prevalence (P) = 20%, mean abundance (MA) = 1, and the mean intensity (MI) = 5, and infection sites (IS) = caecum, stomach, liver, and mesentery; and 1,994 third-instar larvae (1,757 encysted and 237 free) of Hysterothylacium deardorffoverstreetorum with P = 66.7%, MA = 66.5, and MI = 99.7, and IS = spleen, caecum, stomach, liver, mesentery, and abdominal muscle. This is the first study to report H. deardorffoverstreetorum and Anisakis sp. larvae parasitizing P. arenatus.

Morphological and genetic identification of Anisakis paggiae (Nematoda: Anisakidae) in dwarf sperm whale Kogia sima from Brazilian waters.

Anisakid nematodes have been identified in a wide variety of fish and marine mammal species. In Brazil, Anisakis physeteris, A. insignis, A. typica, A. nascetti, and those of the A. simplex complex have been reported infecting fishes and cetaceans. In this study, specimens collected from a dwarf sperm whale Kogia sima (Owen, 1866) stranded on the northeastern coast of Brazil were identified through morphological and genetic analyses as A. paggiae. Anisakids were examined through differential interference contrast light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Morphological and morphometric analysis revealed that these specimens belonged to Anisakis sp. clade II and more specifically to A. paggiae, exhibiting a violin-shaped ventriculus and 3 denticulate caudal plates, which are taxonomic characters considered unique to this species. Genetic analysis based on the mtDNA cox2 gene confirmed our identification of A. paggiae. Phylogenetic trees using both maximum likelihood and neighbor-joining methods revealed a strongly supported monophyletic clade (bootstrap support = 100%) with all available A. paggiae sequences. Integrative taxonomic analysis allowed the identification of A. paggiae for the first time in Brazilian waters, providing new data about their geographical distribution. Moreover, here we present the first SEM images of this species.

Morphological aspects of Clinostomidae metacercariae (Trematoda: Digenea) in Hoplerytrinus unitaeniatus and Hoplias malabaricus (Pisces: Erythrinidae) of the Neotropical region, Brazil.

Species of fish of Marajó Island, State of Pará, Brazil, were examined to identify the trematodes parasitizing 102 Hoplerytrinus unitaeniatus (gold wolf fish) and 104 Hoplias malabaricus (thraira). Metacercariae of two species of trematodes, 170 specimens of Clinostomatopsis sorbens and 10 Ithyoclinostomum dimorphum were found and identified. The parasitary indices of C. sorbens from H. unitaeniatus and H. malabaricus, were 43.14% and 30.77% for prevalence, 2.52 and 1.84 for mean intensity, 1.09 and 0.57 for mean abundance and 1 to 9 and 1 to 7 for range of infection, respectively, on both fish the site of infection was the mesentery. The parasitary indices of I. dimorphum from H. unitaeniatus were 2.94% for prevalence, 2.66 for mean intensity, 0.08 for mean abundance, 1 to 4 for range of infection, and the sites of infection were the mesentery and the muscle. Metacercariae of I. dimorphum were collected in muscles of a specimen of H. malabaricus, with 0.96% of prevalence, intensity of infection of 2 parasites and 0.02 of abundance. New morphological data of external and internal structures are presented. This is the first record of metacercariae of C. sorbens and I. dimorphum in Amazonian fish.

Allergenic response induced by Pterobothrium crassicolle (Cestoda: Trypanorhyncha) extracts in murine model.

The aim of this study was to determine the allergenic activity of components present in crude extracts of Pterobothrium crassicolle plerocerci (CPE) and blastocysts (CBE) obtained from Micropogonias furnieri in a murine model. Two groups of seven animals each received 50 µg of CPE or CBE on days 1, 35 and 120. Serum samples were tested by ELISA and Immunoblotting. Specific IgG and IgE levels were detected by ELISA, showing specific humoral responses for the primary immunization for both immunoglobulins and continuously growing titers for IgE. Positive Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis tests in rats sensitized with anti-CBE sera and tested by CBE, showed biologically, the allergenic activity of the extracts. The CPE and CBE showed some different recognition regions but both experimental groups recognized all regions of the extracts when tested for cross reactions, showing that CPE and CBE could share antigenic recognition sites.

Recovery of dried samples from the Helminthological Collection of the Oswaldo Cruz Institute (CHIOC)/Fiocruz through specimen rehydration technique.

The Helminthological Collection of the Oswaldo Cruz Institute is the biggest in Latin America and it is among the largest collections at worldwide reference level, with around 40,000 sets of specimens and approximately one million individual specimens. It contains helminths parasites of vertebrate and invertebrate animals that form part of the fauna of Brazil and other countries. The samples comprise holotypes, paratypes and representative specimens of Platyhelminthes, Acanthocephala, Nematoda and other non-helminth phyla, such as Annelida and Arthropoda. Some of the samples preserved in liquid media were found to have dried out. This made it impossible to analyze these samples morphologically for taxonomic purposes. The aim of this study was to test techniques used for rehydration of the tegument of specimens that had been found to have dried out and present protocols for such techniques. A total of 528 specimens that either no longer were immersed in preservatives or had already dried out were analyzed: 96 digenetic trematodes, 45 cestodes, 22 acanthocephalans, 357 nematodes, four hirudineans and four pentastomid crustaceans. The technique of rehydration using only distilled water on the specimens proved to be efficient for recovering tegument malleability, for all samples analyzed in this present study.

Genetic and morphological characterisation of a new species of the genus Hysterothylacium (Nematoda) from Paralichthys isosceles Jordan, 1890 (Pisces: Teleostei) of the Neotropical Region, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Taking into account the difficulties of taxonomic identification of larval anisakid nematodes based on morphological characters, genetic analyses were performed, together with those usually applied, in order to identify anisakid larvae found in the flounder Paralichthys isosceles from the littoral of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The analysis of 1,820 larvae revealed a new species, similar to Hysterothylacium MD, Hysterothylacium 2, Hysterothylacium KB and Hysterothylacium sp regarding the absence of the larval tooth, an excretory pore situated below the nerve ring level, and slender lateral alae. Moreover, the new species differs from Hysterothylacium fortalezae and Hysterothylacium reliquens with regard to the number and size of spines present on the tail end and from Hysterothylacium patagonicus by the absence of interlabia. The maximum parsimony and neighbour joining tree topologies based on the 18S ribosomal DNA gene, complete internal transcribed spacer region and cytochrome oxidase 2 (COII) gene demonstrated that the Brazilian larvae belong to Raphidascarididae and represent a unique genetic entity, confirmed as a new Hysterothylacium species. Furthermore, the new species presents COII genetic signatures and shares polymorphisms with Raphidascarididae members. This is the first description of a new anisakid species from Brazil through the integration of morphological and molecular taxonomy data.

Redefining the genus Spraguea based on ultrastructural and phylogenetic data from Spraguea gastrophysus n. sp. (phylum Microsporidia), a parasite found in Lophius gastrophysus (Teleostei) from Brazil.

The ultrastructure of the fish-infecting microsporidium Spraguea gastrophysus found in the dorsal ganglia and kidney of the anglerfish, Lophius gastrophysus (family Lophiidae) collected on the Brazilian Atlantic coast is described. Each whitish xenoma (up to 3.1 × 1.8 mm) contains several groups of parasites. The host cells are hypertrophied and contain various parasite life stages including mature spores and several developmental stages with unpaired nuclei. Monomorphic spores are ellipsoidal, lightly curved and measure about 3.35 × 1.71 µm. The spore contains a gradually tapering isofilar polar filament with five to six coils arranged in a single row. The nucleus occupies a central zone of the sporoplasm where also several polyribosomes are presented. The posterior vacuole contains a voluminous spherical and granular posterosome measuring up to ~0.65 µm in diameter. The partial small subunit, intergenic spacer and partial large subunit rRNA gene were sequenced and the phylogenetic analysis places the microsporidian described here in the clade that includes all sequences of the Spraguea genus. The ultrastructural morphology of the xenoma and the spores of this microsporidian parasite, as well as the molecular and phylogenetic analysis, suggest the description of a new species. A redefining of the genus Spraguea is also done.

Trypanorhyncha cestodes of hygienic-sanitary importance infecting flounders Paralichthys patagonicus Jordan, 1889 and Xystreurys rasile (Jordan, 1891) of the Neotropical region, Brazil.

From February 2007 to July 2010, 27 specimens of Paralichthys patagonicus, and from September to December 2010, 30 specimens of Xystreurys rasile were purchased from fish markets in the municipalities of Cabo Frio and Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The fishes were measured, necropsied, filleted, and further had their organs investigated. In P. patagonicus, 19 (70, 3 %) were parasitized with metacestodes of Trypanorhyncha species: Nybelinia erythraea, N. lingualis, Heteronybelinia nipponica, Pterobothrium crassicolle, Grillotia carvajalregorum, and Callitetrahynchus gracilis. In X. rasile, 17 (56, 6 %) were parasitized with metacestodes: N. erythraea, N. lingualis, H. nipponica, and G. carvajalregorum. The parasitological indices of prevalence, intensity, mean intensity, abundance, mean abundance, range of infection, and infection sites of each parasite species are presented. This is the first report of Trypanorhyncha cestodes parasitizing specimens of P. patagonicus and X. rasile. These cestodes were studied due to their importance during fish sanitary inspection, if one considers the harm that the repulsive aspect of infected meat causes to consumers.

Rodentolepis microstoma isolated from different species of Sigmodontinae rodents (Rodentia: Cricetidae) in the Cuenca del Plata, Argentina: Morphological aspects and molecular characterization.

The purpose of this paper was to study specimens of the genus Rodentolepis isolated from eight species of Sigmodontinae rodents (Rodentia: Cricetidae) from six provinces in the Cuenca del Plata, Argentina, based on morphological, morphometric and molecular characteristics (ITS1 rDNA and cox1 mtDNA). The genetic distances among studied specimens and other Hymenolepididae from rodents available in the GenBank were analyzed and phylogenetic inferences were provided. A total of 955 specimens of Sigmodontinae rodents were examined from seven localities of six provinces in the Cuenca del Plata region in Argentina. Tapeworms were removed from the rodents' small intestines. Conventional studies were used for the morphological and molecular analysis. Specimens of R. microstoma were identified. An amended diagnosis and detailed morphological description of this species is provided. The molecular analyses showed that the specimens studied form the same clade as that of R. microstoma previously studied from other hosts and regions. The genetic polymorphisms of R. microstoma observed corresponded to different groups of species hosts and regions. Moreover, eight species of sigmodontine rodents and 33 localities from the Cuenca del Plata region in Argentina constitute new host and geographical records. This study shows the importance of using integrative taxonomic approaches that combine morphological and molecular characters to understand biological diversity. Moreover, the discovery of R. microstoma in humans suggests the importance of further studies on this zoonotic cestode. This study provides important data on the taxonomy and distribution of R. microstoma to advance knowledge of the transmission dynamics of this parasite.

Hemiurid and lecithasterid digenean trematodes and camallanid and cucullanid nematodes parasitizing flounders collected off the coast of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil.

A total of 132 flounder specimens (60 Paralichthys isosceles, 36 Paralichthys patagonicus and 36 Xystreurys rasile) were collected off the coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The fish were measured, necropsied, and had their organs investigated for hemiurid and lecithasterid digenean trematodes and camallanid and cucullanid nematodes. Taxonomic identification of the parasites was based on morphological and morphometric characters and was conducted using bright-field and scanning electron microscopies. The trematodes Lecithochirium monticellii and Aponurus laguncula were found parasitizing P. isosceles, P. patagonicus and X. rasile while the nematodes Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) halitrophus and Cucullanus bonaerensis were found parasitizing P. isosceles and X. rasile and P. isosceles, P. patagonicus and X. rasile, respectively. Parasite indices of prevalence, mean intensity, mean abundance, and range of infection, as well as infection site, were evaluated for each parasite species. This study allowed to evidence the first occurrence of P. patagonicus by L. monticellii; X. rasile by A. laguncula and P. (S.) halitrophus; and P. isosceles and P. patagonicus by C. bonaerensis in the Western South Atlantic Ocean.

Sensitization with Eustrongylides sp. (Nematoda: Dioctophymatidae) antigens induce production of specific IgG and IgE in murine model.

Fish consumption plays an important role in human diet. Hoplias malabaricus, commonly known as traíra, is a freshwater fish widely appreciated in several Brazilian states and frequently infected by Eustrongylides sp. fourth-instar larvae (L4). The aim of the present study was to evaluate allergenic potential of Eustrongylides sp. L4 crude extract (CEE). BALB/c mice were immunized intraperitoneally (IP) by 10 µg CEE with 2 mg of aluminum hydroxide on days 0 and 35. Specific IgG and IgE antibody levels were determined after immunization and cellular immunity was evaluated by assessing intradermal reaction in ear pavilion. Epicutaneous sensitization was performed in dorsal region by antigen exposure using a Finn-type chamber containing 50 µg of CEE or saline solution, followed by evaluation of specific antibody levels. IP immunization resulted in a gradual increase in IgG antibody levels and transitory IgE production. Significant increase in ear thickness was observed in cellular hypersensitivity reaction. In case of antigen exposure by epicutaneous route, CEE was able to induce meaningfully increased levels of specific IgG and IgE antibodies as well as heightened cellular immunity. Both intraperitoneal immunization and epicutaneous contact with Eustrongylides sp. larval antigens were observed for first time to be capable of inducing immunological sensitization in mice.

Trypanorhynch cestodes parasitizing Mugil liza (Mugiliformes: Mugilidae) commercialized in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The aim of the present study was to identify, through morphological and morphometric analyses, the species of trypanorhynch cestodes found as plerocerci in the intestinal serosa of Mugil liza and to determine their parasitic indices. One hundred and fifty specimens of this mullet collected off the coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro were necropsied and the trypanorhynch cestodes found were fixed and preserved as whole mounts for morphological analysis. The plerocerci were identified as Callitetrarhynchus gracilis and Pterobothrium crassicole, both with a prevalence of 0.67%, an intensity of 1 and abundance of 0.0067, in single infections. This is the first record of a trypanorhynch cestode parasitizing M. liza in Brazil. Although the parasitic indexes were low, from a hygienic-sanitary perspective the plerocerci of these species are visible to the naked eye, and thus can disgust consumers and make marketing the fish unfeasible.

Acanthocephalan parasites of the flounder species Paralichthys isosceles, Paralichthys patagonicus and Xystreurys rasile from Brazil.

Flounders are commercially and economically important fish. A total of 120 specimens of flounders (60 Paralichthys isosceles, 30 Paralichthys patagonicus and 30 Xystreurys rasile) were collected off the coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The fish were measured, necropsied and filleted, and then had their organs investigated for acanthocephalans. Taxonomic identification of the parasites was based on morphological, morphometric and genetic characters. Paralichthys isosceles and P. patagonicus were parasitized by juveniles of Serrasentis sagittifer, Bolbosoma turbinella, Corynosoma australe and C. cetaceum; Xystreurys rasile was parasitized by C. australe. Genetic characterization confirmed the identification of specimens of Bolbosoma turbinella and Corynosoma australe, as demonstrated by phylogenetic analyses using both ITS and cox1 molecular targets. Parasite indices of prevalence, intensity, mean intensity, abundance, mean abundance, and range of infection, as well as infection site, were evaluated for each parasite species. This is the first report of S. sagittifer parasitizing P. isosceles and P. patagonicus, and B. turbinella parasitizing P. patagonicus.

Allergenic response induced by Pterobothrium crassicolle (Cestoda: Trypanorhyncha) extracts in murine model / Resposta alergênica induzida por extratos de Pterobothrium crassicolle (Cestoda: Trypanorhyncha) em modelo murino

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the allergenic activity of components present in crude extracts of Pterobothrium crassicolle plerocerci (CPE) and blastocysts (CBE) obtained from Micropogonias furnieri in a murine model. Two groups of seven animals each received 50 µg of CPE or CBE on days 1, 35 and 120. Serum samples were tested by ELISA and Immunoblotting. Specific IgG and IgE levels were detected by ELISA, showing specific humoral responses for the primary immunization for both immunoglobulins and continuously growing titers for IgE. Positive Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis tests in rats sensitized with anti-CBE sera and tested by CBE, showed biologically, the allergenic activity of the extracts. The CPE and CBE showed some different recognition regions but both experimental groups recognized all regions of the extracts when tested for cross reactions, showing that CPE and CBE could share antigenic recognition sites.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a atividade alergênica de componentes presentes em extratos crus de plerocercos (CPE) e de blastocistos de Pterobothrium crassicolle (CBE), obtidos de Micropogonias furnieri, em modelo murino. Dois grupos de sete animais receberam cada um 50 µg de CPE ou CBE nos dias 1, 35 e 120. As amostras de soro foram testadas por ELISA e Imunoblot. Os níveis específicos de IgG e IgE foram detectados por ELISA, mostrando respostas humorais específicas para a imunização primária para ambas as imunoglobulinas e títulos crescentes de IgE. Testes positivos de Anafilaxia Cutânea Passiva em ratos sensibilizados com soros anti-CBE e testados por CBE, demonstraram biologicamente, a atividade alergênica dos extratos. O CPE e o CBE evidenciaram algumas regiões de reconhecimento diferentes, mas ambos os grupos experimentais reconheceram todas as regiões dos extratos, quando testados para reações cruzadas, mostrando que o CPE e o CBE poderiam compartilhar locais de reconhecimento antigênico.

Eustrongylides sp. (Nematoda, Dioctophymatoidea) parasitizing Hoplias malabaricus (Actinopterygii: Erythrinidae) collected from the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Hoplias malabaricus (Characiformes, Erythrinidae), trahira, is a neotropical freshwater fish of economic and public health significance. A total of 45 specimens of H. malabaricus commercialized in the municipality of Magé, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, were acquired between April 2016 and April 2018 to investigate the presence of nematode larvae. Twenty of the fish were found parasitized by 347 fourth-stage nematode larvae identified taxonomically as Eustrongylides sp. using morphological, morphometric and molecular data. The parasitic indices were: prevalence 44.44%, mean intensity 17.35, mean abundance 7.71, and range of infection 2-40. Infection sites were musculature, mesentery, abdominal cavity, and serosa of intestine, stomach and liver. This is the first report of Eustrongylides sp. larvae parasitizing H. malabaricus in the state of Rio de Janeiro.

Atractis thapari (Nematoda, Atractidae) parasitizing Chelonoidis carbonarius and C. denticulatus (Testudinidae) in the state of Piauí, Brazil.

Atractis thapari Petter, 1966, an atractid nematode, was collected parasitizing the large intestine of tortoises of the species Chelonoidis carbonarius (Spix, 1824) (Cc) and C. denticulatus (Linnaeus, 1766) (Cd) (Testudinidae) in the Zoobotanical Park of the municipality of Teresina, state of Piauí, Brazil. Taxonomic identification was based on morphological and morphometrical features, and using bright-field and scanning electron microscopy. The present study adds new observations on the morphology of A. thapari, mainly relating to mouth papillae, the excretory pore, deirids, and male and female posterior ends. The parasitic indices of prevalence (P), mean intensity (MI), mean abundance (MA) and range of infection (RI) for A. thapari in these two tortoise species were: P = 100%, MI = 154,667, MA = 154,667, RI = 5,500-588,500 (Cc); P = 100%, MI = 93,639, MA = 93,639, RI = 1,000-224,500 (Cd). This report confirms the occurrence of A. thapari in Neotropical region, South America, Brazil, and extends its occurrences to a new host, the tortoise C. carbonarius. Adjustment of host management with the aim of improving hygiene and health conditions is suggested.

Callitetrarhynchus gracilis (Rudolphi, 1819) Pintner, 1931 (Cestoda: Trypanorhyncha) parasitizing the musculature of Sardinella brasiliensis (Steindachner, 1879) (Actinopterygii) off the coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Cestodes of the order Trypanorhyncha can frequently be found infecting the muscles of several marine fish species, and lead to a repugnant aspect of the fish and rejection by consumers. The Brazilian sardinella, Sardinella brasiliensis, occurs from the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean to northern Uruguay. In southeastern Brazil, fishing for the species is very intensive since it generates significant revenue as one of the most commonly consumed fish and an important element of the canned fish industry. The aims of the present study were to identify and report the occurrence of tiny cestodes (3 mm-6.6 mm) in the musculature of Brazilian sardinella that were purchased in the São Pedro fish market in the municipality of Niterói, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. From October 2013 to November 2016, 75 specimens of S. brasiliensis were investigated. The trypanorhynch cestodes encountered were identified as plerocerci of Callitetrarhynchus gracilis using morphological, morphometric and molecular data. Parasitic indices were calculated, and the cestodes infection of the musculature of Brazilian sardinella had the following values: prevalence, 40%; mean intensity, 3.47; mean abundance, 1.39; and range of infection, 1-18, specimens. The presence of this trypanorhynch cestode in the musculature of Brazilian sardinella is an important indicator of fish hygiene.