Prevalence of Foodborne Trematodes in Small Indigenous Fish Species in Local Markets of Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and mean infection intensity of zoonotic foodborne trematodes (FBT) in small indigenous species (SIS) fish hosts. A total of 8630 specimens of unknown origin were collected from the markets in Phnom Penh City. Fish were identified, weighed, and separated into 20 g subsamples for each fish species, and were examined using the artificial digestion method. A total of 10 species of FBT were detected in 11 species of fish out of the 23 species of fish in the total sample. All infected FBT species were intestinal flukes. No liver flukes were found. The overall prevalence of FBT infection was 29.3% ± 5.3%, and the mean intensity was 0.85 ± 1.89 metacercariae (Mc)/g. The highest FBT prevalence was observed for (10.7%) and (7.9%). Other species identified were spp., , , , , spp., and . The highest mean intensity was found for spp. (1.75 ± 3.03 Mc/g). was one of the main species constituting the SIS in urban markets (31.72%) and showed the highest prevalence of FBT (75.0%). In addition, had the highest diversity of intestinal flukes compared with other fish species. showed the highest mean intensity. but low diversity (only two species) and low prevalence. could be considered a potential indicator for targeted monitoring of FBT intestinal flukes, but could also be considered for quantitative studies considering its high mean intensity.