Monogenean parasites in mexican fish: a recapitulation

Abstract

Aquaculture has always been considered a very important activity although serious problems have restricted its development in Mexico. Parasitic conditions can affect product quality and result in severe cases in a complete loss of profitability. Among helminths, monogeneans is the group most commonly found in Mexican fish farms and cause considerable damage and high mortality rates in different production systems. Monogeneans in Mexico are represented by several species of economic importance showing both high host specificity and prevalence, thus constituting a potential risk for intensive fish culture in the tropics and subtropics. For instance, tilapia that can be considered one of the most important economic fresh water fishery resources in the country, accounts for 50 % of all Mexican aquaculture output, while carp production plays an important social and economic role in rural communities. Although monogeneans cause great economic losses, there is scant information on them in Mexico. The present review seeks to provide the most relevant information regarding epidemiological aspects, economic impact, species abundance and distribution across Mexico, as well as host signals and symptoms for a practical diagnosis of these parasitic diseases, factors which promote their increase and expansion, and lastly, alternative methods for prevention and control.