Zoonotic Potential of Eustrongylides spp. in Freshwater Fish Meat

Dragana Ljubojević-Pelić; Miloš Pelić; Nikolina Novakov; Milica Živkov Baloš; Vesna Đorđević

doi:10.18485/meattech.2023.64.2.21

Dragana Ljubojević-Pelić Scientific Veterinary Institute Novi Sad
Miloš Pelić Scientific Veterinary Institute Novi Sad
Nikolina Novakov University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Agriculture
Milica Živkov Baloš Scientific Veterinary Institute Novi Sad
Vesna Đorđević Institute of meat hygiene and technology

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18485/meattech.2023.64.2.21

Keywords: nematodes, zoonoses, freshwater fish, fishborne parasites

Abstract

Parasites from the genus Eustrongylides spp. are widespread throughout the world in numerous species of freshwater fish and represent a significant hazard for humans. The development cycle of this parasite is complex. Definitive hosts are fish-eating birds while fish are intermediate host or paratenic host. Humans are accidental hosts and some clinical cases requiring surgical intervention have been reported, making eustrongylidosis a serious zoonotic disease. The aim of the paper is to present the most important characteristics of this parasite, previous findings in various fish species around the world, clinical cases in humans, prevention measures, as well as some aspects of current national and European regulations.