Bee and Fish Parasite
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Date
2024
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University of Oum El Bouaghi
Abstract
This university course intended for Master 1, Parasitologystudents, written by Dr. Tolba Mounia. covers major parasites affectinghoneybees and farmedfish.
Bee Parasites
• Varroa destructor: A mite causingvarroosis. It feeds on hemolymph, reproduces in broodcells, transmitsviruses (e.g., DWV), and weakens colonies. Control involves screening and monitoring infestation rates.
• Aethinatumida (Small HiveBeetle):Larvae damage brood, honey, and frames. Adults can fly long distances. Prevention relies on colony inspection and traps.
• Tropilaelapsspp.: Mites thatexclusivelyfeed on brood (cannot survive on adultbees). They cause malformedbees and rapidcolonydecline, especially in warm climates.
• Nosemosis (Nosema apis and N. ceranae):Microsporidian parasites infectingadultbee intestines. Spores cause dysentery, reducedforaging, and colonyweakening. Prevention includeshygiene, dry sunnyapiaries, and equipmentdisinfection.
Fish Parasites
• Protozoa: Example Cryptobiaiubilans (flagellate) causes intestinal inflammation, granulomas, and “hole-in-the-head” disease in cichlids.
• Monogenea (Platyhelminthes): Gyrodactylusderjavini attaches to skin, fins, and gills, causinglesions and respiratory issues. Direct life cycle.
• Nematodes: Hysterothylacium spp. (larvae in crustaceans, adults in fish); generally not pathogenic to humans. Morphological and reproductive featuresdescribed.
• Cestodes: Bothriocephalusacheilognathi (Asian tapeworm) infects cyprinids, causing intestinal damage, reducedgrowth, and mortality. Life cycle involvescopepods as intermediate hosts.
• Acanthocephala:Hookedworms living in fishgut; needarthropodintermediate hosts; generallylowpathogenicity but can cause intestinal lesions.
• Annelids (Hirudinea/leeches): Cause anemia, skin ulcers, and secondary infections; can transmit trypanosomes.
The course emphasizesdiagnosis (microscopy, grossexamination), life cycles, pathology, and prevention/control measures.