Cestode and nematode larvae of hygienic-sanitary importance parasitizing Percophis brasiliensis (Actinopterygii) collected from fish markets of the municipality of Niterói, RJ, Brazil

Abstract Percophis brasiliensis is a fish species appreciated as a fried appetizer at beachside kiosks of Niterói, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The constant presence of helminth larvae in the viscera and serosa of individuals of the species has been the subject of complaints among local fish traders because of economic losses due to their repugnant aspect. Considering their hygienic-sanitary importance and significance for collective health, the presence of helminth larvae was investigated in 64 individual fish of P. brasiliensis purchased from Niterói fish markets in 2019. Cestodes, identified as larvae of Grillotia carvajalregorum, were found parasitizing the serosa of the stomach, mesentery and abdominal cavity. Nematodes, identified as third-instar larvae of Contracaecum sp., Terranova sp., Hysterothylacium deardorffoverstreetorum, H. fortalezae and Raphidascaris sp., were found parasitizing the stomach, intestine, liver, gonads, stomach serosa, mesentery and abdominal cavity. The highest parasitic indices were for G. carvajalregorum and H. deardorffoverstreetorum, with prevalences of 100% and 81.25%, mean intensities of 8.05 and 8.13, mean abundances of 8.05 and 6.61 and infection ranges of 1–131 and 1–42 specimens per host, respectively. Considerations about the zoonotic potential and hygienic-sanitary significance of these parasites are presented in order to increase food safety for consumers.