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Abstract The present study was carried out to investigate parasites that infested one of the most important sea food, the blue crab Portunus pelagicus. Samples were seasonally collected from Mediterranean sea, Ras El Bar, Damietta, Egypt. Results showed that P. pelagicus were only infected with two types of parasites (protozoa and nematode larvae). The current study revealed that physicochemical parameters, salinity, temperature and conductivity, are considered one of the strongest factors that affecting the abundance of parasites. Histopathological alterations were obvious in the soft tissues that are more exposed to water and more sensitive to parasites. Biometric analysis elucidated that the highest infection of parasites was recorded in the crabs with medium size. On the other hand, the least infection was recorded in the heaviest crabs. The present study also warns against handling or eating undercooked crabs because of the possibility of transmitting these parasites to humans. |