Prevalence and parasitic load in Emerita analoga “Muymuy” on the beaches of Mollendo (Arequipa), Southern Peru

The mole crab, Emerita analoga, is found on the sandy beaches of the Pacific coast and is the primary food resource for various populations, particularly shorebirds. Along the Peruvian coast, E. analoga has been reported as a hydrobiological resource used for human consumption, which raises potential public health concerns due to its role as an intermediate host for different groups of parasites. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and parasitic load in E. analoga, as well as the relationship with sex and cephalothorax length (LC). The study was conducted on the Mollendo beach circuit (Arequipa, Peru) during October and November 2023. It was found that of the 548 E. analoga individuals sampled, 51.64% were infected and exhibited larger LC sizes, with females showing a greater mean size (x̄ = 20.06 mm). Fisher's test revealed no significant differences between sex and parasitic infection; however, significant differences were observed between LC and infection (r = 0.32, p < 0.001), especially in females (r = 0.31, p < 0.001). Two parasite species were identified: Profilicollis altmani (Acanthocephala), with a prevalence of 41.61%, and Proleptus sp. (Nematoda), with 4.74%. A survey conducted among the local population highlighted the current use of E. analoga in fishing and human consumption (e.g., omelet and ceviches), which poses an increased health risk given that more than 50% of the individuals were found to be infected.