Correlation of endemicity between monogenean trematode, Microcotyle sebastis, and parasitic copepods in Korean rockfish, Sebastes schlegelii, from a fish farm in Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea

Infestations of parasites, particularly those caused by copepods and monogeneans, are a major hindrance to aquaculture and have a big negative economic impact. Sebastes schlegelii, a farmed Korean rockfish, is particularly prone to copepods and monogeneans. This study comprehended how parasitic copepods and rockfish from a farm in Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea, are related to the monogenean trematode Microcotyle sebastis. Our research revealed that monogeneans predominated, with a rate of 98.4% and an average infection intensity of 7 per infected fish. With an average infection intensity of 4 per sick fish, the infection rate for parasitic copepods was equally considerable, coming in at 91.7%. The high co-infection rate of both parasite families, at 90.8%, is noteworthy. Furthermore, Lepeophtheirus elegans and Peniculus truncatus, 2 parasitic copepod species, were discovered to have M. sebastis eggs attached to their bodies. This demonstrates a connection between parasitic copepod infestations in farmed Korean rockfish and the monogenean trematode M. sebastis. These discoveries highlight the necessity for creating more potent parasite control methods for the aquaculture sector and shed light on the intricate relationships between various parasite species.

Phthiriasis palpebrarum: A case of eyelash infestation with Pthirus pubis

Phthiriasis palpebrarum is a rare type of eyelid infestation. In the present study, a 63-year-old woman presented with a case of phthiriasis palpebrarum, which was initially misdiagnosed as anterior blepharitis. The patient had a 2-month history of repeated episodes of itching and burning sensations and moderate pain in both eyes that were not improved by antibiotic and corticosteroid eye drops. Slit lamp examination revealed lice and nits anchored to the eyelashes. All eyelashes were removed from the base along with lice and nits. The patient recovered fully within 2 weeks with no further management, and no evidence of lice or nits was found at the follow up. In conclusion, the findings of the present study suggests that patients presenting with itching of the eyelids and with clinical findings resembling seborrhea accumulation on the eyelashes should be carefully examined by prolonged observation with a slit lamp.