The process of infection, migration, growth and development of Sanguinicola inermis Plehn, 1905 (Digenea: Sanguinicolidae) in carp, Cyprinus carpio L.

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Abstract
Sanguinicoliasis is a serious disease of cultured carp causing high mortality in early fry. Experimental infections were used to study the pattern of penetration, and subsequent behaviour and development of the parasite. Maximum penetration of cercariae was achieved within 30 min, followed by a period of rapid development and growth marked by a doubling in length within the first 12 h. Subsequent growth was slower, during which major organ development took place, with gonadal maturity being completed between 60 and 90 days p.i. Penetration occurred mainly through the fins, particularly the caudal fin, and large numbers of worms remained in the skin where they continued to develop to maturity. A small proportion of the worms were found in the heart and gill vessels soon after infection. However, migration from the skin began at 60 days p.i. and greater numbers (57%) of the worms were found in heart and gill vessels at 90 days, coinciding with onset of egg production. Decline in worm numbers in the gill/heart region began after 120 days. Gill/heart worms differed in a number of features from skin worms, but egg production occurred simultaneously in both sites.