First Record ofAnisakis simplexThird-Stage Larvae (Nematoda, Anisakidae) in European HakeMerluccius merluccius lessepsianusin Egyptian Water

Abstract

The prevalence of infection and the identification of anisakid larvae in European hakeMerluccius merluccius lessepsianusfrom Hurghada City, Red Sea Governorate, Egypt, were investigated. Fish samples were collected during the period of February and November 2014. Twenty-two (36.66%) out of sixty examined fish specimens were found to be naturally infected withAnisakistype I larvae mostly found as encapsulated larvae in visceral organs. There was a positive relationship between host length/weight and prevalence of infection. Based on morphological, morphometric, and molecular analyses, these nematodes were identified as third-stage larvae ofAnisakis simplex. The present study was considered as the first report of anisakid larvae from European hake in the Egyptian water.