Morphology and molecular phylogeny of Heterobothrium lamothei (Monogenea: Diclidophoridae), a gill parasite infecting the tiger puffer fish Lagocephalus sceleratus (Tetraodontidae) / Morfologia e filogenia molecular de Heterobothrium lamothei (Monogenea: Diclidophoridae), um parasita das guelras que infecta o peixe tigre pufferLagocephalus sceleratus (Tetraodontidae)

Members of the family Diclidophoridae are potentially dangerous species for the puffer fish aquaculture worldwide. They are parasitic polyopisthocotyleans, with a posterior haptor equipped with clamps for attachment to the host's surface, allowing the worm to resist the flow of water to maintain its position on gills. The anterior body of the worm is deformable, allows the worm to feed on blood sucked from fish gills. The present study is the first description of a Heterobothrium species from the gills of the tiger puffer Lagocephalus sceleratus (Tetraodontidae) from the coasts of the Arabian Gulf at Jubail, Saudi Arabia morphologically by light microscopy as well as by molecular analysis of the parasite partial 28S rRNA through multiple sequence alignments and phylogeny by maximum likelihood analysis which is provided for the first time for the described species. Seventeen tiger puffer fish were captured alive from marine water off Saudi Arabia; gills were separated and further examined for parasitic infection. Nine fish were found infected with a monogenean parasite which was robust, equipped by two buccal organs at the tapered anterior end; the posterior haptor was rectangular with four symmetrically arranged clamps, with no isthmus. Marginal hooks absent. Ovary elongated, U-shaped, testes numerous, irregularly shaped and extended from the posterior part of the ovary to the anterior margin of the haptor. Copulatory organ muscular, as a spherical cup armed with 12 to 15 genital hooks. The molecular analysis of the parasite 28s rRNA and phylogeny revealed a percentage of identities between 87.47-89.09%, with Diclidophoridae species within the monophyletic clade of Mazocraeidea where a maximum percentage of 89.09% were obtained for the morphologically different sister taxon H. okamotoi. The results obtained from molecular analysis are consistent with the conclusions drawn from morphological classification where that the parasite recorded was morphologically similar to H. lamothei which was not characterized by molecular analysis before. The recovered sequences were deposited into the GeneBank under accession number MT322610.(AU)

Os membros da família Diclidophoridae são espécies potencialmente perigosas para a aquicultura de peixes puffer em todo o mundo. Eles são parasitas poliopisthocotyleans, com uma hélice posterior equipada com pinças para fixação na superfície do hospedeiro, permitindo que o verme resista ao fluxo de água para manter sua posição nas brânquias. O corpo anterior do verme é deformável, e permite que o verme se alimente de sangue sugado das guelras dos peixes. O presente estudo é a primeira descrição de uma espécie Heterobothrium das guelras do tigre Lagocephalus sceleratus (Tetraodontidae) das costas do Golfo Arábico em Jubail, Arábia Saudita, usando morfologia por microscopia leve, bem como análise molecular do rRNA parcial do parasita 28S através de alinhamentos de sequências múltiplas e filogenia por análise de máxima verossimilhança que é fornecida pela primeira vez para as espécies descritas. Dezessete peixes tigre puffer foram capturados vivos da água marinha da Arábia Saudita; as brânquias foram separadas e mais tarde examinadas para detecção de infecção parasitária. Nove peixes foram encontrados infectados por um parasita monogênio robusto, equipado por dois órgãos bucais na extremidade anterior afilada; o hortetor posterior era retangular com quatro pinças dispostas simetricamente, sem istmo. Ausência de ganchos marginais. Ovário alongado, em forma de U, testículos numerosos, de forma irregular e estendido desde a parte posterior do ovário até a margem anterior do hortelino. Órgão copulatório muscular, como um copo esférico armado com 12 a 15 ganchos genitais. A análise molecular do parasita 28s rRNA e filogenia revelou uma porcentagem de identidades entre 87,47-89,09%, com espécies Diclidophoridae dentro do clade monofilético de Mazocraeidea onde uma porcentagem máxima de 89,09% foi obtida para o táxon-irmão morfologicamente diferente H. okamotoi. Os resultados obtidos da análise molecular são consistentes com as conclusões tiradas da classificação morfológica onde o parasita registrado era morfologicamente semelhante ao H. lamothei que não era caracterizado pela análise molecular antes. As sequências recuperadas foram depositadas no GeneBank sob o número de acesso MT322610.(AU)

Cucullanus marajoara n. sp. (Nematoda: Cucullanidae), a parasite of Colomesus psittacus (Osteichthyes: Tetraodontiformes) in the Marajó, Brazil / Cucullanus marajoara n. sp. (Nematoda: Cucullanidae), um parasito de Colomesus psittacus (Osteichthyes: Tetraodontiformes) no Marajó, Brasil

Abstract Cucullanus marajoara n. sp. (Cucullanidae) is reported to parasitize Colomesus psittacus (Tetraodontiformes), which is a fish species from the Marajó Archipelago, state of Pará, estuarine region of the Brazilian Amazon. The new species differs from similar species by the presence of a protruding upper lip on the cloacal opening, the distribution of the cloacal papillae: five pre-cloacal papillae pairs and 5 are ventral and located posteriorly to the pre-cloacal sucker and an unpaired papilla is located on the upper cloacal lip and five post-cloacal pairs, and a pair of lateral phasmids located between papillae pairs. Additionally, Cucullanus marajoara n. sp. is compared to other species of this genus described in Brazil, particularly Cucullanus ageneiosus and Cucullanus oswaldocruzi, which both occur in the same zoogeographic region of this study but parasitize fish of a different order (Siluriformes). Cucullanus dodsworthi and Cucullanus brevicaudatus are the only described species parasitizing fish of the order Tetradontiformes in Brazil, and the new species differs from these species by the distribution of the cloacal papillae and the host habitat. The description of Cucullanus marajoara n. sp. adds data to the biodiversity of described parasites that parasitize Tetradontiformes of the estuarine ichthyofauna in the Brazilian Amazon.

Resumo Cucullanus marajoara n. sp. (Cucullanidae) é descrita parasitando Colomesus psittacus (Tetraodontiformes) peixe do arquipélago de Marajó, Estado do Pará, região estuarina da Amazônia brasileira. A nova espécie difere de seus congêneres por apresentar lábio superior da abertura cloacal protrudente e na distribuição de papilas cloacais: 5 pares pré-cloacais, e uma papila não pareada no lábio superior da cloaca e 5 pares pós-cloacais, um par de fasmídeos laterais. Além disso, Cucullanus marajoara n. sp. é comparada com outras espécies do gênero descritas no Brasil, em especial Cucullanus ageneiosus e Cucullanus oswaldocruzi, ambos parasitos de peixes da ordem Siluriformes; porém, ocorrendo na mesma região zoogeográfica deste estudo, diferem da ordem do hospedeiro da nova espécie (Tetraodontiformes). Cucullanus dodsworthi e Cucullanus brevicaudatus são as únicas espécies descritas parasitando peixe da ordem Tetradontiformes no Brasil, e a nova espécie difere dessas na distribuição das papilas cloacais e habitat dos hospedeiros. Cucullanus marajoara n. sp. adiciona dados a biodiversidade de parasitos descritos parasitando Tetradontiformes da ictiofauna estuarina da Amazônia brasileira.

Gnathostomatidae nematode parasite of Colomesus psittacus (Osteichthyes, Tetraodontiformes) in the Ilha de Marajó, Brazilian Amazon / Nematoide Gnathostomatidae parasito de Colomesus psittacus (Osteichthyes, Tetraodontiformes) na Ilha de Marajó, Amazônia Brasileira

Abstract The genus Gnathostoma comprises 17 species, whose adult specimens are found in the stomach serosa of animals that consume raw fish; some species of the genus are zoonotic agents. The present study describes the presence of a nematode (Gnathostomatidae) parasitizing the digestive tract of Colomesus psittacus in the Ilha de Marajó in the eastern Brazilian Amazon. Thirty specimens of C. psittacus were collected in the municipality of Soure, Ilha de Marajó, state of Pará, Brazil, transported to the laboratory, necropsied and the helminths were collected and fixed. Of the 30 fish that were studied, 16.67% were parasitized with nematodes. The nematode larvae found encysted in the intestinal serosa have anterior region with two lips, each with a pair of papillae; a cephalic bulb armed with six rows of discontinuous spines; four cervical sacs; a claviform esophagus; cuticular striations along the body; a simple excretory pore; and a short tail ending in a mucron. These morphological structures are diagnostic characters of the genus Gnathostoma, whose adults parasitize the stomach of carnivorous mammals and, rarely, the stomach of fish. However, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds are intermediate hosts of the third-stage larvae (L3), and humans may act as accidental hosts.

Resumo O gênero Gnasthostoma é composto por 17 espécies, sendo reportado o caráter zoonótico para algumas. Este trabalho descreve a presença de nematoide da família Gnathostomatidae, parasito do trato digestório de Colomesus psittacus, na Ilha de Marajó, Amazônia oriental brasileira, transportados para o laboratório, necropsiados os helmintos colhidos e fixados. Dos 30 animais analisadas 16,67% estavam parasitados por nematoides. As larvas de nematoides foram encontradas encistadas na serosa intestinal, apresentam na região anterior dois lábios com duas papilas cada, bulbo cefálico armado de 6 fileiras de espinhos descontínuos, quatro sacos cervicais, esôfago claviforme, estrias cuticulares ao longo do corpo, abertura anal simples, cauda curta, terminando em um mucron. A junção de todos esses caracteres morfológicos, são características diagnósticas para gênero Gnathostoma. Os indivíduos adultos são parasitos de estômago de mamíferos carnívoros e raramente de peixes, porém peixes, anfíbios, répteis e aves atuam como hospedeiros intermediários das larvas (L3) e o homem pode atuar como hospedeiro acidental.

The Clinical Features and Prognostic Factors in Adults with Acute Etrodotoxin Poisoning Caused by Ingesting Puffer Fish

PURPOSE: We conducted this study in order to determine clinical features and prognostic factors in adults with acute tetrodotoxin (TTX) poisoning caused by ingestion of puffer fish. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 107 patients were diagnosed with TTX poisoning. The subjects were divided into two groups according to duration of treatment; Group I, patients were discharged within 48 hours (n=76, 71.0%), Group II patients were discharged after more than 48 hours (n=31, 29.0%). Group II was subsequently divided into two subgroups [IIa (n=12, 11.2%), IIb (n=19, 17.8%)] according to the need for mechanical ventilation support. RESULTS: In multivariable logistic regression analysis, the predictors of the need for treatment over 48 hours were dizziness (odds ratio [OR], 4.72; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.59-12.83), time interval between onset of symptom and ingestion (OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.16-0.97), PaCO2<35 mmHg (OR, 8.37; 95% CI, 2.37-23.59). In addition, predictors of the need for mechanical ventilation were a time interval between onset of symptoms and ingestion (OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.11-0.96) and PaCO2<35 mmHg (OR, 5.65; 95% CI, 1.96-18.66). CONCLUSION: Overall, dizziness, time interval between onset of symptoms and ingestion, DeltaDBP and PaCO2<35 mmHg predict the need for treatment over 48 hours, time interval between onset of symptoms and ingestion and PaCO2<35 mmHg predict the need for mechanical ventilation support after acute TTX poisoning.

Anatomopathological study of parrot pufferfish Colomesus psittacus parasitized by the aspidogastrean Rohdella sp / Estudo anatomopatológico do peixe baiacu papagaio Colomesus psittacus parasitado pelo aspidogastrea Rohdella sp

Aspidogastrea are globally-distributed parasites of the class Trematoda, which have been described as pathogens of a range of aquatic organisms, in marine and freshwater environments. The principal morphological characteristic of the group is an adhesive ventral disc, which is responsible for fixing the parasite to the host organism. In this study, 112 specimens of Colomesus psittacus from the municipality of Cametá, in the state of Pará (Brazil), were necropsied. Platyhelminthes of the genus Rohdella attached to the mucous membrane of the fish's intestine by the adhesive disc were observed. Fragments of parasitized tissue were fixed in Davidson solution and then processed and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Other fragments were fixed in glutaraldehyde, processed and observed under a scanning electron microscope. The prevalence of the parasite was 76.4%, mean intensity of infection was 8.0 and mean abundance was 6.2. The parasitism provoked chronic enteritis with diffused inflammatory infiltration. The adherence of the parasite to the mucous membrane of the intestine resulted in strangulation and hyperplasia of the region, as well as causing hypertrophy of the muscle of the mucous membrane. The present study describes the anatomopathological and ultrastructural aspects of the parasitism of the intestine of C. psittacus by Rohdella sp.

Os Aspidogastreas são parasitos da classe Trematoda, distribuídos globalmente e têm sido descritos como patógenos em uma gama de organismos aquáticos de ambientes marinhos e de água doce. A principal característica morfológica do grupo é um disco adesivo na região ventral responsável pela fixação do parasito no organismo hospedeiro. Neste estudo, 112 espécimes de Colomesus psittacus provenientes do município de Cametá, no estado do Pará (Brasil), foram necropsiados. Foram observados platelmintos do gênero Rohdella aderidos à mucosa intestinal através do disco adesivo. Fragmentos de tecido com parasito foram fixados em solução de Davidson e processados e corados em Hematoxilina-Eosina. Outros fragmentos foram fixados em glutaraldeído, processados e observados em microscopia eletrônica de varredura. A prevalência parasitária foi de 76, 4%, intensidade média de infecção de 8,0 e abundância média de 6,2. O parasitismo ocasionou uma enterite crônica com difuso infiltrado inflamatório. A fixação do parasito na mucosa intestinal provocou estrangulamento e hiperplasia da região, bem como hipertrofia da muscular da mucosa. O presente trabalho descreve os aspectos anatomopatológicos e ultra-estruturais da ação parasitária por Rohdella sp. no trato intestinal de C. psittacus.

A Case of Hemoperitoneum due to Spontaneous Rupture of Visceral Artery Aneurysm after Ingestion of Puffer Fish / 대한구급학회지

Ingestion of puffer fish can cause intoxication, which produces a wide range of symptoms due to the presence of neurotoxins, such as tetrodotoxin, in puffer fish. Abdominal pain is just one of the symptoms that should be treated with symptomatic and supportive therapy. This study reports a case of a 56-year-old male patient with abdominal pain, who was admitted to the emergency room with a diagnosis of puffer fish poisoning. In this case, the abdominal pain did not improve, but rather, the symptoms worsened. Finally, the cause of the abdominal pain was found to be hemoperitoneum due to active bleeding at the greater omentum, as observed on abdominal computed tomography; the source of bleeding was the right colic artery branch. Embolization was performed successfully, and the post-intervention course was uneventful. The patient was discharged without any complications within 13 days after admission.

A Series of Cases of Fukuda Classification Grade IV Tetrodotoxin Poisoning due to Ingestion of Tetrodotoxin from Puffer Fish

Ingestion of the eyes and many of the internal organs of puffer fish can result in severe and potentially lethal intoxication, but there is little available information regarding the results of grade IV tetrodotoxin (TTX) intoxication. Thus, we retrospectively reviewed and analyzed the clinical characteristics of ventilator therapy patients and those suffering respiratory failure after ingestion of TTX from puffer fish, who were admitted to our hospital from January 2002 to May 2011. Of the total patients evaluated, we observed seven cases of Fukuda classification grade IV TTX poisoning. All patients were discharged without any complications within 5-26 days after admission.

Clinical Analysis of Puffer Fish Poisoning Cases

PURPOSE: Ingestion of puffer fish can be poisonous due to the presence of potent neurotoxins such as tetrodotoxin (TTX) found in its tissues. There are few clinical reports related to TTX. We performed this study to evaluate the clinical characteristics of TTX poisoning. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of the 41 patients diagnosed with TTX poisoning who visited the Seoul Asan medical center from July 2004 and December 2010. A review of patients'electronic medical records and patient telephone interviews were conducted. Diagnosis of TTX poisoning was confirmed by observing the casual link between puffer fish consumption and the development of typical TTX intoxication symptoms. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients included in the study was 46.6 years. The highest incidence of intoxication was observed in patients in their 50s (10 patients). Seasonal distribution of intoxication events included 10 in spring, 7 in summer, 10 in fall, and 14 in winter. In most cases, symptoms occurred within 1 hour of ingestion. A wide range of symptoms were associated with puffer fish ingestion affecting multiple body systems including neuromuscular (27 patients), gastrointestinal (19 patients), and cardiopulmonary/vascular (19 patients). All patients were treated with symptomatic and supportive therapy and recovered completely, without sequelae, within 48 hours. In three cases, ventilator support was required. CONCLUSION: TTX poisoning is not seasonally related, and patients admitted to the emergency room were observed with a wide range of symptoms. Where TTX poisoning is diagnosed, supportive therapy should be performed. Early intubation and ventilation is important, especially is cases of respiratory failure.

Clinical and epidemiological study of 27 poisonings caused by ingesting puffer fish (Tetrodontidae) in the states of Santa Catarina and Bahia, Brazil / Estudo clinico-epidemiológico de 27 envenenamentos causados pela ingestão de baiacus (Tetrodontidae) nos estados de Santa Catarina e Bahia, Brasil

Puffer fish can be poisonous due to the presence of the potent neurotoxins such as Tetrodotoxin (TTX) and Saxitoxin (STX) found in its tissues. The authors report 27 human poisonings from ingestion of puffer fish in patients treated at Toxicology Centers in the states of Santa Catarina and Bahia, Brazil, between 1984 and January 2009. Poisonings were classified as moderate (52 percent) and severe (33 percent), two deaths were observed. Early diagnosis is very important to ensure respiratory support.

Os baiacus ou peixes-bola podem ser venenosos devido à presença em seus tecidos corporais de Tetrodotoxina e/ou Saxitoxina, ambas potentes neurotoxinas. Os autores relatam 27 envenenamentos por ingestão da carne de baiacus. Os pacientes foram atendidos nos Centros de Toxicologia de Santa Catarina e da Bahia de 1984 a 2009. Os acidentes foram classificados em moderados (52 por cento) e graves (33 por cento), havendo dois óbitos. O diagnóstico precoce é fundamental no sentido de garantir suporte ventilatório aos pacientes.

Envenenamento fatal por baiacu (Tetrodontidae): relato de um caso em criança / Fatal poisoning caused by puffer fish (Tetrodontidae): report of a case involving a child

É descrito um envenenamento pela ingestão de vísceras de um baiacu-pintado (Sphoeroides testudineus) por uma criança de dois anos, que apresentou sudorese fria, fraqueza muscular progressiva, parada cardiorrespiratória e morte. São discutidos os riscos do consumo da carne e vísceras de baiacus, fato comum em certas regiões do Brasil.

A case of poisoning resulting from ingestion of viscera from a spotted puffer fish (Sphoeroides testudineus) by a two-year-old child is described. The child presented cold sweating, progressive muscle weakness, cardiorespiratory arrest and death. The risks of consuming the meat and viscera of puffer fish, which is a common occurrence in certain regions of Brazil, are discussed.

Situation of Puffer fish poisoning treated at the Intensive care unit of Hue Central hospital for 5 years (from 2000 to 2004)

For 5 years, the Intensive care unit of Hue central hospital treated 24 patients suffering from Puffer fish poisoning. Puffer fish are found in seas and rivers. 24 These 24 cases occurred in the sea areas of Thua Thien Hue province. Puffer fish contains Tetrodotoxin which is a potent neurotoxin. The specific clinical symptoms at admission: paresthetic tongue and lips (24 patients), paresthetic limbs, abdomen and chest (21 patients), abdominal pain and vomiting (20 patients), sweating (8 patients), headache (7 patients), bradycardia (7 patients), respiratory muscle paralysis must be artificial ventilation (1 patient). Treatment with gastric lavage, then ingestion of activated charcoal plus sorbitol is effective method. There was no deaths.