Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:30:13Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2012-02-27Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:39:32Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 franceschini_l_me_botib.pdf: 588829 bytes, checksum: 796cb08752fb62d3915ad06ac0d6aa82 (MD5) / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / O desenvolvimento das atividades relacionadas à aquicultura tem aumentado consideravelmente a relevância dos estudos sobre parasitas e outros patógenos de organismos aquáticos, principalmente, daqueles hospedeiros com potencial para o cultivo e comercialização. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a ocorrência de infecções parasitárias e microbianas na produção de pacu Piaractus mesopotamicus e do híbrido patinga (P. mesopotamicus x Piaractus brachypomus) procedentes da região Noroeste do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Três pisciculturas foram amostradas bimestralmente, de fevereiro de 2010 a fevereiro de 2011: A - Reprodução e Larvicultura (pacu/patinga), B - Engorda (patinga) e C - Pesque-pague (pacu/patinga), das quais 35 peixes foram submetidos à análise parasitológica e 21 à análise microbiológica. Foram encontrados os parasitas: dactilogirídeos (Monogenea); Trichodina spp., Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Chilodonella sp. (Protozoa); Myxobolus spp. e Henneguya spp. (Myxozoa); Rondonia rondoni e Contracaecum sp. (Nematoda); e Dolops carvalhoi (Crustacea). Dentre os peixes analisados, 62,9% de “A” e 100% de “B” e “C” estavam infectados/infestados por pelo menos uma espécie de parasita. Pacus (n=44) apresentaram maior suscetibilidade a infestações por Anacanthorus penilabiatus, e as patingas (n=61), por Mymarothecium viatorum (p<0,05). Na análise microbiológica, 23,8% dos peixes de “A” e “B” e 33,3% da propriedade “C” estavam infectados com pelo menos um gênero de bactéria. A sazonalidade influenciou as infestações por Trichodina spp., A. penilabiatus e infecções pela bactéria Enterobacter sp. em patingas (p<0,05). No antibiograma, cepas de Pseudomonas sp., Stenotrophomonas maltophilia e Aeromonas sp. apresentaram resistência a todos antibióticos... / The development of activities related to aquaculture has considerably increased the relevance of studies on parasites and other pathogens of aquatic organisms, especially those with potential for production and marketing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of parasitic and microbial infections in the “pacu” Piaractus mesopotamicus and hybrid patinga (P. mesopotamicus x Piaractus brachypomus) from the Northwest of São Paulo State, Brazil. Fishes from three fish farms were evaluated every two months: A - Reproduction and larviculture (pacu / patinga), B - Growout (patinga) and C - Fee-fishing property (pacu / patinga). Fishes from each fish farm were collected from February 2010 to February 2011 for parasitological (n = 35 per property) and microbiological (n = 21 per property) analysis. The parasites found were: Dactylogyridae (Monogenea), Trichodina spp., Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Chilodonella sp. (Protozoa), Myxobolus spp., Henneguya spp. (Myxozoa), Rondonia rondonia, third stage larvae of Contracaecum sp. (Nematoda), and Dolops carvalhoi (Crustacea). Among the fishes examined, 62.9% from A and 100% from B and C were infected / infested with at least one parasite species. Pacu (n = 44) showed higher susceptibility to infestations caused by Anacanthorus penilabiatus and patinga (n = 61) by Mymarothecium viatorum (p < 0.05). In the microbiological analysis, 23.8% of fishes from A and B properties and 33.3% of fish from the property C were infected with at least one bacteria species. Seasonality influenced Trichodina spp. and A. penilabiatus infestations and infection caused by Enterobacter sp. in patingas (p < 0.05). In antibiogram test, strains of Pseudomonas sp., Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Aeromonas sp. were resistant to all beta-lactam antibiotics... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Very few recent studies have been done in South Africa on the occurrence or prevalence of parasites in humans. Based on the results of routine examinations for parasitic infections conducted in the Microbiology Laboratory of Ampath in Pretoria, this study focuses on the spectrum of parasites diagnosed in samples from humans in Gauteng, North West and Mpumalanga provinces between 2009 and 2010. Database searches for results of samples in which parasites were positively identified were conducted using the laboratory’s internal software system. Data of the positive results were exported and sorted according to date, specimen type, parasite identified, patient age, gender and geographic locality. Results showed that a total of 24 different species of parasites were identified in the laboratory over the two-year period. The overall numbers of parasites identified, according to the data searches, were 863 and 1061 in 2009 and 2010, respectively. The following parasites were identified: Entamoeba coli, Entamoeba histolytica, Endolimax nana, Acanthamoeba sp, Giardia intestinalis, Trichomonas hominis, Trichomonas vaginalis, Chilomastix mesnili, Blastocystis hominis, Cryptosporidium spp, Cystoisospora belli, Sarcocystis sp, Enterobius vermicularis, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, ancylostomatids (hookworm), Taenia saginata, Taenia solium, Dipylidium caninum, Inermicapsifer madagascariensis, Bertiella studeri, Schistosoma haematobium, Echinococcus granulosus and Cordylobia anthropophaga. In both years, the majority of cases originated from Gauteng Province followed by North West and Mpumalanga provinces. The data were summarized descriptively and compared with available published records. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / gm2014 / Veterinary Tropical Diseases / unrestricted

Although the physiological consequences of Notch signaling in hematopoiesis have been extensively studied, the differential effects of individual notch cleavage products remain to be elucidated. Given that a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 10 (ADAM10) is a critical regulator of Notch and that its deletion is embryonically lethal, we generated transgenic mice that overexpress ADAM10 at early stages of lymphoid and myeloid development (A10Tg). ADAM10 transgene expression alters hematopoiesis post-hematopoietic Lineage-Sca-1+c-kit+ (LSK) subset differentiation but prior to lineage commitment of progenitor populations. This results in delayed T cell development, abrogated B2 cell development, and dramatic expansion of functionally active myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in A10Tg mice. Given ADAM10’s role in Notch signaling, we hypothesized that the observed hematopoietic alterations may be a consequence of perturbed Notch signaling. In fact, blockade of ADAM10 (S2) rescues B cell development and reduces myeloid cells in A10Tg LSKs. Inhibition of γ-secretase (S3) in wild type (WT) LSKs results in enhanced myelopoiesis, mimicking the phenotype of A10Tg mice. Collectively, these findings indicate that the differential cleavage of Notch into S2 and S3 products regulated by ADAM10 is critical for hematopoietic cell-fate determination. Albeit arising in a tumor-free host, A10Tg MDSCs are functionally and phenotypically analogous to tumor-derived MDSCs. A10Tg MDSCs inhibit T cell activation in vitro, and inhibit adoptive immunotherapy (AIT) of metastatic melanoma in vivo, which can be reversed with MDSC depletion. Intriguingly, A10Tg mice are resistant to parasitic infection upon inoculation of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis. However, depletion of MDSCs abrogates this response, while adoptive transfer (AT) of MDSCs into WT mice increases their resistance. This polarized activity of MDSCs is heavily dependent upon interaction with mast cells (MCs). In fact, B16 melanoma cells metastasize more rapidly in WT mice infused with MDSCs when compared to MC-deficient mice (Kit Wsh/Wsh), with or without MDSC AT. Parallel to B16 progression, the ability of MDSCs to promote anti-Nb immunity is significantly diminished in MC-deficient (Kit Wsh/Wsh) mice even with MDSC AT. This augmentation of MDSC activity in the presence of MCs is further corroborated by in vitro co-culture assays that demonstrate a synergistic increase in cytokine production. Furthermore, MDSCs preferentially migrate to the liver in a MC-dependent manner. This interaction is mediated by MC-released histamine. In fact, MDSCs express histamine receptors (HR) and histamine induces MDSC survival, proliferation, and activation. We demonstrate that MDSC activity is abrogated with histamine blockade. Moreover, in humans, allergic patients present with an increase in MDSC population, and MDSCs purified from a stage I breast cancer patient exhibit increased survival in the presence of histamine. Taken together, our studies indicate that MCs and MC-released histamine are critical for the observed functional duality of MDSCs, ranging from immunosuppressive to immunosupportive, depending on the disease state.

In many developing countries, farmers and pastoralists still rely on their indigenous knowledge, practices and locally available plants to control nematode parasitic infections, both in livestock and humans. The overall aim of my thesis was to undertake bioassay-guided phyto-chemical study of extracts and their constituents from Ethiopian anti-parasitic plants used by healers to control gastrointestinal nematode parasites in livestock to validate their ethno-medicinal use and to characterise and identify their active ingredients. As a first experiment (Chapter Three), four types of crude extracts (water, 70% methyl-alcohol, absolute methanol and acetone) of four indigenous Ethiopian medicinal plants (Adenia species, Cissus ruspolii, Ipomoea eriocarpa and Euphorbia thymifolia) were screened against Teladorsagia circumcincta egg hatching in vitro, not only as a first step to validate the traditional healers claim but also to choose the most promising plant extract(s) for further phyto-chemical studies. The egg hatching inhibition (EHI) test results revealed that the anti-parasitic properties of these plants depended on plant species, dose, and solvent polarity. The water extracts of both C. ruspolii and Adenia sp. exhibited largest, up to 100% EHI but also larval migration inhibition activities, and were selected for further studies. The second experiment (Chapter Four) assessed the nature of active constituents in these extracts by physico-chemical methods. It was observed that the major constituents of both plant extracts responsible for the EHI activities are likely highly polar, water-soluble, small and moderately heat-labile molecules. The third and fourth experiments (Chapters Five and Six) consisted of separating Cissus ruspolii and Adenia sp. water extracts into discrete fractions by gel-permeation chromatography, EHI tests of Bio-Gel P-2 fractions followed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) profiling of these fractions to detect separated spots (in day light, under UV-light or after staining with various staining reagents) and also to see how elution patterns of separated spots affected by column parameters. The EHI tests on the fractions obtained revealed that the active constituents of C. ruspolii and Adenia sp. water crude extracts were eluted into few fractions based on their molecular sizes. The TLC profilings of these fractions identified spot patterns of active and inactive fractions, which allowed pooling of active constituents based on their EHI and TLC profiling into three pools for each plant. The fifth experiment (Chapter Seven) was to isolate and purify compounds from these pools using various preparative planar and column chromatographic methods. Sequential applications of column chromatography followed by preparative thin layer chromatography isolated and purified five active compounds from C. ruspolii and two active compounds from Adenia sp. The sixth experiment (Chapter Eight) was to characterize and propose/elucidate structures of compounds from the active fractions using chromatographic, analytical and spectroscopic methods. In this regard, the structures of two oleanane type triterpenoid saponins isolated from one of active fractions of Adenia sp. were proposed based on their mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data with support of compounds property, TLC and literature. Similar outcomes for C. ruspolii were not achieved due to lack of sufficient sample to run 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and distortionless enhancement by polarization transfer (DEPT), contamination of some purified compounds with ill-characterised substance from the preparative TLC matrix and in some cases mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data did not support each other. The last experiment (Chapter Nine) was to assess anthelmintic efficacy and safety of C. ruspolii and Adenia sp. crude water extracts in Heligmosomoides bakeri infected mice. This in vivo test revealed that both plant extracts exhibited significant reduction in worm burdens and worm egg excretion, with moderate effects on haematology and organ weights at tolerated dosages. In conclusion, both in vitro and in vivo data revealed that Adenia sp. and C. ruspolii have anthelmintic properties, thus validating traditional healer claims and supporting ethno-medicinal use. The bioassay-guided phytochemical study resulted in the isolation of a number of active compounds from these plants, for some of which a structure has been proposed.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-28T20:16:20Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2006-Simone Pontes Xavier Salles.pdf: 555957 bytes, checksum: 0138f22503bfb564545e246c2df55286 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2006-02-21 / The aim of this study was to know the profile of sanitary conditions of domiciliated dogs in Campus of UFRRJ with emphasis in associated factors of prevalence of enteric parasites. In the period of February to December of 2003, houses that had dogs were visited and their owners were interviewed. Two hundred fifteen dogs were examinated and their faeces collected. The centrifuge-flotation technique in saturate sugar solution was used to feacal exames. Variables such as faeces elimination, hygiene of ambient, access to the street, anthelmintic treatment, feed and presence of ectoparasites were analyzed as possible associated factors of prevalence of enteric parasites. With c2 were tested the possible association of the variables, using the program EPIINFO 2002. The prevalence of enteric parasites in the Campus was 56.7%. The Ancylostomatidae were more prevalent (40%), followed by Ascarididae (15.81%), Trichuris vulpis (8.37%), Cystoisospora sp. (17%), Dipylidium caninum (6.97%) and Giardia sp. (2.32%). Mixed intestinal infections were also observed in 48 animals. Characteristics as sex and breed weren?t associated to the enteric parasite infections. One to 3 year dogs showed the highest prevalence of Ancylostomatidae, emphasing the importance of prophylaxis of helminths in this age-range. Access to the street was associated to higher prevalence of enteric parasite infection, probably by the contact with contaminated ambient or by the deficient care of their owners. Animals on the age of 1 to 3 years showed more prevalence of Ancilostom?deos infection, verifying the importance of a prophylaxis on the control of these helmints on this age. The sanitary conditions of dogs were satisfactory, specially in relation to hygiene of the ambient where they lived. / O objetivo deste trabalho foi conhecer o perfil sanit?rio de c?es domiciliados no Campus da UFRRJ, com ?nfase na preval?ncia de parasitosintestinais e fatores associados. No per?odo de fevereiro a dezembro de 2003 foram visitados os domic?lios que tinham c?es e realizada uma entrevista estruturada aos propriet?rios. Foram coletadas amostras de fezes de 215 animais, e para o exame coprol?gico foi utilizada a t?cnica de centr?fugo-flutua??o em solu??o saturada de a??car. Vari?veis como elimina??o das fezes, higiene do ambiente, acesso ? rua, tratamento anti- helm?ntico, alimenta??o e presen?a de ectoparasitos foram analisadas como poss?veis fatores associados ? preval?ncia de endoparasitos. Realizou-se o teste de associa??o das vari?veis pelo c2 com uso do programa EPIINFO 2002. A preval?ncia de parasitos intestinais no Campus Universit?rio foi 56,7%. Os Ancilostom?deos foram mais prevalecentes (40%), seguidos por Ascarid?deos (15,81%), Trichuris vulpis (8,37%), Cystoisospora sp. (17%), Dipylidium caninum (6,97%) e Giardia sp.(2,32%). Infec??es intestinais mistas tamb?m foram encontradas em 48 animais. Caracter?sticas como sexo e ra?a n?o favoreceram a infec??o por enteroparasitos, no entanto animais com idade entre 1 e 3 anos apresentaram maior preval?ncia de infec??o por Ancilostom?deos, retratando a import?ncia de uma profilaxia no controle das helmintoses nesta faixa et?ria. Acesso ? rua esteve associado ? maior preval?ncia de infec??o por parasitos intestinais, provavelmente devido a maior exposi??o a ambientes contaminados ou at? por serem menos tratados por seus propriet?rios. As condi??es sanit?rias dos animais foram satisfat?rias, principalmente em rela??o ao quesito higiene do ambiente onde eles viviam.

Orientador: Luiz Jacintho Silva / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciencias Medicas / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-13T10:32:11Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Freitas_AndreRicardoRibas_M.pdf: 3288382 bytes, checksum: 1e4d10a420b3969b93fb46828328259d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007 / Resumo: Os programas de controle da esquistossomose têm obtido relativo sucesso ao controlar a morbidade relacionada a altas cargas parasitárias desta doença, sem, no entanto, diminuir a área de transmissão no Brasil. Como a neuroesquistossomose medular á uma forma grave de esquistossomose não relacionada a altas cargas parasitárias existe risco teórico de ocorrer em áreas de baixa endemicidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi estudar a ocorrência da NE (neuroesquistossomose) medular em uma região de baixa endemicidade, região de Campinas, estado de São Paulo. Foi feito um estudo retrospectivo, descritivo de base hospitalar com busca ativa em múltiplas fontes de informação. Utilizou-se como base os dois maiores hospitais públicos da região de Campinas. Os pacientes com diagnóstico de NE medular tiveram seus diagnósticos ratificados por critérios padronizados e baseados em quadro clínico típico, comprovação da infecção por Schistosoma mansoni e exclusão de outras causas de mielopatia. Os pacientes foram classificados como autóctones, importados, sem informação e indeterminado. Após esta classificação os dados clínicos e epidemiológicos foram analisados. Foram identificados 27 pacientes com NE medular dos quais 19 (85,2%) homens e 4 (14,8%) mulheres, as idades no momento do diagnóstico foram de 13 a 57 anos (média=31,2; desvio padrão=12,8 e mediana=29). Os pacientes foram classificados quanto ao local provável de infecção da seguinte forma: 14(51,9%) autóctones, 11(40,7%) importados e 2(7,4%) sem informações, não houve paciente classificado como indeterminado. Todos os pacientes importados se infectaram em municípios de áreas de alta endemicidade. A clínica deste grupo de pacientes não foi diferente do encontrado na literatura, nem foi diferente quando comparados os pacientes autóctones com os importados. Houve uma demora média de 70,6 dias (mediana=19; dp=166,9) entre a primeira consulta e o diagnóstico. A demora foi em média 88,1 dias maior entre os pacientes autóctones (média=112 dias; mediana=26; dp=224,3) do que entre os importados (média=23,9 dias; mediana=9; dp=42,7) e esta diferença foi estatisticamente significativa p=0,0247. A sensibilidade da sorologia foi de 87,5%, da imunologia de LCR 93,8% e dos exames parasitológicos foi de 40,0%. Apenas 4 (14,8%) tiveram evolução com melhora completa, 6 (22,2%) apresentaram melhora sem limitações, 13 (48,1%) apresentaram melhora com limitações e 4 (14,8%) não apresentaram melhora alguma. Apenas 11 pacientes (41%) com NE medular incluídos neste estudo estavam notificados à vigilância epidemiológica e a informação de que estes pacientes tinham quadros neurológicos não constavam no banco de informações do SINAN. Concluiu-se que a NE medular ocorre mesmo em áreas de baixa endemicidade e nestas áreas existe uma demora muito grande no diagnóstico, principalmente entre os pacientes autóctones. O exame de fezes não se mostrou sensível para diagnóstico e rastreamento de pacientes vulneráveis a NE medular por se tratarem de pacientes com baixas cargas parasitárias. Portanto métodos diagnósticos mais sensíveis deveriam ser utilizados pelos programas de controle de esquistossomose / Abstract: Programs for schistosomiasis control have enjoyed relative success in controlling death associated to high parasitary loads for this illness, without, however, decreasing the area of transmission in Brazil. Since spinal neuroschistosomiasis is a grave form of neuroschistosomiasis unrelated to high parasitary loads, there is a theoretical risk of its occurrence even when not in a particularly endemic area. The goal of this study was to study the occurrence of spinal NE (neuroschistosomiasis) in a non-endemic area, the region of Campinas, in the Sate of São Paulo. A retrospective, descriptive, hospital-based study was carried, with information actively sought after from various sources of information. The two largest public hospitals in the region of Campinas were used as bases. The patients diagnosed with spinal NE had their diagnoses ratified according to standard criteria and based on typical clinical status, proof of infection by Schistosoma mansoni and the exclusion of other causes for myelopathy. Patients were classified as autochthonous, imported, without information and undetermined. After this classification, the clinical and epidemiological data were analyzed. A total of 27 patients with spinal NE were identified, of which 19 (85.2%) were men and 4 (14.8%) women. The ages on diagnosis ranged from 13 to 57 (average=31.2; standard deviation=12.8 and median=29). The patients were classified as to their probable location of infection the following way: 14(51.9%) autochthonous, 11(40.7%) imported and 2(7.4%) without information. No patients were deemed undetermined. All imported patients were infected in municipalities located in highly endemic areas. Clinical evaluation of this group of patients was no different from that found in the literature, nor was it different when autochthonous patients were compared to imported patients. There was an average period of 70.6 days (median=19; sd=166.9) between the first consultation and diagnosis. The period was on average 88.1 days longer for autochthonous patients (average=112 days; median=26; sd=224.3) than for imported patients (average=23.9 days; median=9; sd=42.7) and this difference was statistically significant p=0.0247. Sensitivity of the serology was 87.5%, LCR immunology 93.8% and for parasitological exams it was 40.0%. Only 4 (14.8%) had evolution with complete recovery, 6 (22.2%) presented improvement without limitations, 13 (48.1%) presented improvement with limitations and 4 (14.8%) did not present improvement. Only 11 patients (41%) with spinal NE included in the study had been notified to epidemiological surveillance and the information that these patients had neurological patterns of symptoms was not present in the SINAN data base. It can be concluded that spinal NE occurs even in non-endemic areas and that diagnosis in such locations can take excessively long, especially for autochthonous patients. Feces exams were not shown to be sensitive for diagnosis and tracing of patients vulnerable to spinal NE since such patients presented low parasitary loads. Therefore more sensitive means of diagnosis should be utilized by schistosomiasis control programs / Mestrado / Ciencias Biomedicas / Mestre em Clinica Medica

The dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus (Lowe 1834), is a protogynous sequential hermaphrodite and is considered to be one of the most important fish species in the Mediterranean Sea. It is a K-strategist, being slow growing and late maturing, and this, coupled with its reproductive biology and relatively sedentary behaviour, has made it extremely sensitive to overexploitation, leading it to be classified by the IUCN as an endangered fish species. Wild dusky grouper have suffered from disease outbreaks in the past decade, leading to mass mortalities across the Mediterranean Sea, including Libyan coastal waters. These mortalities have mostly been attributed to Nodavirus infections. In Europe and Brazil, efforts are in place to culture this fish for commercial grow-out and stock enhancement programmes. In Libya, the dusky grouper is consumed regularly and is considered a prime-eating fish. Its importance for the Libyan internal market, as well as its potential for export, makes it an ideal candidate for future Libyan aquaculture activities. Given the scarce literature regarding the dusky grouper in Libya, this study aimed first to assess dusky grouper fisheries, spawning seasons and to identify the main threats that the fishing sector poses for wild stocks. Second this study aimed to determine the health status of wild dusky grouper offered at a local fish market in the capital Tripoli, in order to identify pathogens, pathologies or other health issues that might pose a hazard to cultured populations but also to remaining wild dusky grouper stocks. To achieve these aims, twelve field surveys spanning the period of 2013-2015 were conducted. From these surveys, it was established that the dusky grouper is captured throughout the year, including the spawning season. Fish sizes offered for sale ranged between 20-92 cm total length (TL), with the fish being sold from local fishing grounds around Tripoli, but also from as far as Benghazi, 1300 km to the east of Tripoli. The dusky grouper is principally caught in artisanal fisheries and by spearfishing, with approximately 300 spear-fishermen serving one particular fish market in Tripoli that was a focus in this study, and with dusky grouper being one of their main targets. Over the period of the survey, 267 landed dusky grouper were inspected for visible lesions prior to sampling. A total of 50 dusky grouper with sizes ranging from 27- 66 cm TL including the gonads from a further five fish measuring 66-92 cm TL that were sampled separately and examined to assess the stage of sexual maturity and to look for the presence of parasitic infections mainly affecting the gills, skin and gonads. The spawning season was found to extend from May to early September, with females ranging between 39-68 cm TL, males measuring 57-92 cm TL, and transient fish measuring 58-68 cm TL. From otolith readings of 8 fish, the youngest fish was a 3 year old juvenile of 28 cm TL and the oldest was an 8-9 year old 56 cm TL female. Whilst the highest prevalence of parasitic infection was found to be monogenean infection of the gills, with 100% prevalence, followed by gnathiid isopods infecting the oral cavity with 92% prevalence, it was the nematode Philometra sp. infecting post-spawning ovaries at 52% prevalence, that gave the highest apparent pathological impact. Necrosis potentially attributed to Philometra sp. in one particular ovary, was at a level likely to have caused complete parasitic castration, while others showed varying levels of probable functional reduction. The pathologies described need further investigation, especially in relation to possible synergies between Philometra sp. and bacteria in causing the necrosis. From the 267 inspected dusky grouper, 55 fish ranging in size from 42-92 cm TL were observed to be affected by external skin lesions of unknown aetiology. Twenty-six of these fish were sampled, having lesions at various stages of severity, and 5 further unaffected fish were used for histological assessment of the skin as negative controls. Histopathologically, the lesions comprised a multifocal, unilateral or bilateral dermatitis, involving the epidermis, superficial dermis and scale pockets, and sometimes, in severe cases, the hypodermis. Severe lesions had marked epidermal spongiosis progressing to ulceration. Healing was observed in some fish. Bacteria and fungi could be isolated from severe lesions, although they were not seen histopathologically in early-stage lesions. By contrast, metazoan parasite eggs were observed in the dermis and epidermis of some fish with mild and moderate dermatitis. Unidentified gravid digenean trematodes, carrying similar eggs, were also seen within the blood vessels of the deep and superficial dermis. The newly described condition was termed dusky grouper dermatitis (DGD). DGD’s geographical distribution along the Libyan coastline was investigated using a novel application of the social media network Facebook. Using Facebook, it was possible to document skin lesions of dusky grouper in Libyan waters from images attached to the entries of spear-fishermen. Thirty two Facebook accounts and 8 Facebook groups posting from 23 Libyan coastal cities provided a retrospective observational dataset comprising a total of 382 images of dusky grouper caught by spearfishing from December 2011-December 2015. Skin lesions were observable on 57 / 362 fish, for which images were of sufficient quality for analysis, giving a minimal prevalence for lesions of 15.75%. Only dusky grouper exceeding an estimated 40 cm total length exhibited lesions. The ability to collect useful data about the occurrence and geographical distribution of pathological conditions affecting wild fish using social media networks, demonstrates their potential utility as a tool to support epidemiological studies and monitor the health of populations of aquatic animals. The gravid digenean trematode described from mild lesions of five fish was identified using reconstruction through histological sectioning as belonging to the Family Aporocotylidae Odhner, 1912. This is the first description of a blood fluke from the dusky grouper, as well as from dermal blood vessels. The parasite was relatively long; the longest section of the parasite that could be measured was 1500 µm and 20-80 µm in width, while the total length of the parasite was estimated at 1500-2000 µm. Minute tegumental spines, possibly covering only a few parts of the parasite, were seen from some cross-sections. The parasite had one post-testicular ovary, which might overlap the testis, a pre-ovarian ascending uterus, and a post-ovarian descending uterus. It also possessed an oesophagus surrounded by oesophageal glandular cells and a pre-ovarian and pre-testicular extension of the vitelline cells, mostly at the level of the ascending uterus. The parasite was observed to be intra-vascular, the uterine lumen varies in size to accommodate between 1-7 eggs. The uterine eggs were embryonated and observed to span several stages of maturation. Eggs were also found in the dermal blood vessels, in the dermis, and in the epidermis, with the latter appearing to provide a potential route of egress of eggs into the environment. The extra-uterine eggs were 23.5 to 37.52 µm long and contained a ciliated miracidium. The eggs seemed to elicit a mixed inflammatory reaction, with degranulation of eosinophilic granular cells attached to the external surface of some of the eggs within the blood vessels but also the dermis. From observations made in the current study, this parasite appears to be a new species, most closely allied to none of the currently described Aporocotylidae genera. / In summary, the present study has demonstrated that the dusky grouper is extensively fished in Libya without discrimination to sizes and season, by both artisanal and spearfishing, with the latter as one of the main fishing methods, posing treats to the spawning potential and conservation of dusky grouper in Libya. The philometrid infecting the ovaries has a potential to reduce fecundity or to result in parasitic castration of wild broodstock. Gill-infecting monogeneans might represent a hazard for all stages of dusky grouper production. Dusky grouper dermatitis is a skin lesion, although there are no indications that infections may result in mortalities. Under culture conditions, however, this might change due to increase bacterial loads, which might lead to secondary bacterial infection. The presence of skin lesions would undoubtedly reduce the market value of whole fish. These findings are important for existing wild stocks, and for future plans regarding the aquaculture of dusky grouper. Future studies need to focus on the pathology of DGD, describing the disease process and aetiology using laboratory techniques such as TEM and virology as well as using morphology and molecular-based tools to describe the blood fluke and to determine their potential role in the initiation the disease. The novel approach to disease surveillance using social media Facebook posts could be further expanded by attracting citizen scientists, for future research assessing disease in wild fish, for sightings of mortality events and/or the appearance of disease outbreaks, or, for mapping marine mammal stranding’s and/or turtle nesting activity.