Optimization of tools for the detection and identification of Cryptocotyle metacercariae in fish: Digestion method and viability studies

Some trematode metacercariae, including marine digeneans belonging to the genus Cryptocotyle, induce black spots in target tissues due to the attraction of fish host melanophores. To promote precise quantification of infection, the counting of black spots has to be confirmed by reliable quantification of metacercariae after tissue digestion. This process ensures the isolation of undamaged parasites for morphological and molecular identification. The aim of this work was to optimize the pepsin digestion protocol and to assess the duration of viability of Cryptocotyle metacercariae in fish post‐mortem (pm). Four digestion protocols were compared by measuring the viability rate of metacercariae. The present study shows that the orbital digestion method was the least destructive for metacercariae and allowed better quantification of Cryptocotyle infection. Moreover, morphological identification seemed reliable up to 8 days pm for Cryptocotyle infection.