Morphological identification of endoparasites infecting Brachyplatystoma vaillantii (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae) intended for human consumption, Iquitos, Peru

Brachyplatystoma vaillantii (Valenciennes), commonly named in Peru as “Manitoa” is a resource of commercial value for direct human consumption and for ornamental activity in the juvenile stage. Unidentified and little-studied pathogens limit the productivity of Amazonian species; therefore, this study aimed to identify and morphologically describe the genera of endoparasites present in the visceral cavities, muscle, spleen, liver, and intestines of B. vaillantii. Sixty samples were acquired from the three main local markets in the city of Iquitos-Peru (20 fish per market). The fish were examined by direct observation and the parasites were collected, fixed and cleared for identification by classical taxonomy. Anisakis sp., Contracaecum sp., Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) juana, Sebekia sp. and Genarchella sp. were collected. Parasite indices were calculated, with Anisakis sp. larvae the parasite having the highest frequency (F%= 93.33) and mean intensity (Im=55.97) and P. (S.) juana the lowest frequency (F%=3.33) and medium intensity (Im=0.1). The parasites identified in this work represent a health risk to the host. It is recommended that more biological and pathological studies of these parasites be carried out since they can affect one of the main economic activities of the Peruvian Amazon.