Important Parasites of Zebrafish in Research Facilities

Abstract Parasitic infections are frequently observed in laboratory zebrafish, and some cause significant morbidity or effect research endpoints. This is somewhat surprising given the confined environment and the parasite-free water sources used in most facilities. However, laboratories often exchange fish among themselves with no knowledge of prior disease history, and many researchers still use zebrafish procured from pet fish dealers. Ten parasites are discussed here: two external protists (Piscinoodinium pillulare and Ichthyophthirius multifiliis), two Microsporidia Pseudoloma neurophilia and Pleistophora hyphessobriconis; the capillarid nematode Pseudocapillaria tomentosa, a myxozoan Myxidium streisingeri, and two trematodes, metacercariae of undetermined species and adult stages of Transversotrema patialense.