Wed, 2013-04-17 09:19 | 
Parasitic infections are destructive in fish farming systems in Mediterranean, particularly in new imported species such as pandora (Pagellus erythrinus) and Sharpsnout (Diplodus puntazzo). Several species of monogen trematoda, Arthropods (copepods and Isopoda) are among the most important pests, that need to be confronted. The most common treatment against such parasites is formalin which is dangerous for both fish and personnel.
Emamectin (insecticide) and niclosamide (anthelmintic) are the main antiparasitic substances, to be tested against monogenea and Arthropoda (copepods and / or isopods), with both substances administered per os. Initial studies include annual seasonal patterns of ectoparasitism in correlation with different fish species and pathological profile of pathogens. Subsequently, potential toxicity of niclosamide will be examined by monitoring mortality and examining effects on the above species with macroscopic and histopathological tests. Though, toxicity tests on emamectin will not be conducted, as it is already licended.
Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of niclosamide will be studied after single administration, via injection and per os, respectively. Multiple drug administrations will be made, in order to calculate the distribution of the drugs in tissue through time. At the moment, no similar work is been carried out in Greece or internationally.
Eventually through this program we will be able to ensure an effective antiparasitic substance for each group of parasites (monogenea, isopods, copepods). This will give the possibility to design innovative and active treatments, which will significantly reduce mortalities and therefore the cost of the final product. The benefits could be multiple for it could allow cultivation of new species at a competitive level. These treatments will cover the large knowledge’s gap that currently exists on antiparasitic treatments and ectoparasites, in general, and treatments of farmed Mediterranean fish species in particular.
Ability to create new systems to study ectoparasitic infestations in Mediterranean fish species, can serve as blueprints of significant innovation in the European area. Results of this study could find applications in commercial aquaculture production of our country as well as on the basis of treatment.
keywords: ectoparasites, monogenea, niclosamide, emamectine
