An outbreak of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ciliophora: Ichthyophthiriidae) in wild endemic fish fauna Steindachneridium parahybae (Siluriformes: Pimelodiae) in Brazil.

Abstract

The ciliate Ichthyophthirius multifiliis is an important pathogen of freshwater fish that occurs in both temperate and tropical regions around the world. The purpose of present study was to report an outbreak of I. multifiliis in Steindachneridium parahybae from the Paraiba do Sul River in state of São Paulo (Brazil). The fins, tegument and gills of S. parahybae were examined for the presence of I. multifiliis, and blood parameters (Red Blood Cell, thrombocytes and leukocytes) were evaluated. All the examined fish (100%) were parasitized with I. multifiliis and the mean infection intensity was 15.5 parasites per fish. All the fish died 72 hours as a consequence of ichthyophthiriasis with alterations to the tegument coloration and open opercula. Red Blood Cell counts and hemoglobin concentration were low, indicating an anemic process.