Cutlassfish infestation (Trichiurus lepturus) by Anisakis simplex larvae in Moroccan Atlantic coast

Abstract

The aims of this research were to identify the morphology and determine the population dynamics of Anisakis simplex which infects Cutlassfish (Trichiurus lepturus). The samples of T. lepturus were collected at the fishing port of Mehdia at Atlantic coast, Kenitra city, Morocco, from April 2015 to March 2016. 210 fish specimens were collected then transferred in refrigerated condition to laboratory and immediately examined for Anisakis larvae. The parasites larvae were cleared in glycerin, observed in light microscope. The prevalence of A. simplex larvae was 59.04%. The infection with A. simplex was significantly higher (p=0,0005) in summer. The infected fish size were significantly larger (p=0.0005) than uninfected fish. The prevalence by locality of infection with the larvae was 59.04% and 10.95% in body cavity and musculature respectively. In conclusion, the populations consuming Cutlassfish are at risk to be infected.