Temporal variation in the infection dynamics and maturation cycle of Oligogonotylus manteri (Digenea) in the cichlid fish, 'Cichlasoma' urophthalmus, from Yucatán, México.

Abstract

We studied the infection dynamics and maturation cycle of Oligogonotylus manteri in wild and caged 'Cichlasoma' urophthalmus, and determined the potential role of different sources of infection in its transmission in a quarry (MITZA). Metacercariae, and nongravid and gravid stages of O. manteri were present throughout 1 annual cycle. Prevalence, mean intensity, and/or aggregation values peaked around April and June in both wild and caged fish. This period of time includes the start of the rainy season, in which the water temperature reaches its maximum annual values. Because temperature is a major factor triggering 'C.' urophthalmus activity (food intake, growth, and reproduction), and O. manteri metacercariae and adults are trophically transmitted, temperature may be playing an important role in the recruitment of worms to the fish. We also determined that cercariae infect caged fish through a mechanism other than trophic transmission whereby fish consume infected snails, which has been described as the most common mode of transmission to 'C.' urophthalmus.