Published by De Gruyter

Volume 62 Issue 2

Issue of Acta Parasitologica

Contents
Journal Overview

Review

April 18, 2017

Pseudopecoelus mccauleyi n. sp. and Podocotyle sp. (Digenea: Opecoelidae) from the deep waters off Oregon and British Columbia with an updated key to the species of Pseudopecoelus von Wicklen, 1946 and checklist of parasites from Lycodes cortezianus (Perciformes: Zoarcidae)

Charles K. Blend, Norman O. Dronen, Gabor R. Racz, Scott L. Gardner

Page range: 231-254

Abstract

Pseudopecoelus mccauleyi n. sp. (Opecoelidae: Opecoelinae) is described from the intestine of the bigfin eelpout, Lycodes cortezianus (Gilbert, 1890) (Perciformes: Zoarcidae), collected at 200–800 m depths in the Northeastern Pacific Ocean off Oregon and Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The new species is distinguished by possessing a unique combination of the following diagnostic characters: vitelline fields that extend to the posterior margin of the ventral sucker; a slender, tubular and sinuous seminal vesicle that extends some distance into the hindbody; an unspecialized, protuberant ventral sucker; a genital pore at pharynx level; lobed to deeply multilobed testes; a lobed ovary; and an egg size of 68–80 μm × 30–46 μm. A single specimen of Podocotyle Dujardin, 1845 (Digenea: Plagioporinae) is also described from the intestine of an individual Coryphaenoides sp. (Gadiformes: Macrouridae) collected at 2,800 m depth off Oregon. A listing of parasites from the bigfin eelpout as well as observations of parasite diversity within relevant hosts are offered, new host and locality records are noted, and a brief discussion of Pseudopecoelus von Wicklen, 1946 in the deep sea is presented taking note of the low level of host specificity recorded (i.e. spp. of Pseudopecoelus are now known to parasitize deep-water fish from at least 20 piscine families). A new dichotomous key to the 39 recognized species of Pseudopecoelus is introduced.

April 18, 2017

New record of Steinernema arenarium (Artyukhovsky) (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) from Ukraine and a note on its distribution

Yegor Yakovlev, Jiří Nermut, Vladimír Půža, Vitaliy A. Kharchenko, Zdeněk Mráček

Page range: 255-264

Abstract

During a survey of the biodiversity of entomopathogenic nematodes in Ukraine, a population of Steinernema arenarium , strain Ch, was recovered in the sensitive Chornobyl Exclusion Zone. In the present work, this strain was morphologically and molecularly characterised using light microscopy and the sequences of the ITS and D2-D3 region of the 28S rDNA. In addition, we sequenced the ITS and D2-D3 regions of four populations of S. arenarium from a laboratory collection. Phylogenetic analyses were performed and the phylogenetic structure and geographic distribution of S. arenarium are discussed.

April 18, 2017

Isolation and molecular characterization of a Naegleria strain from a recreational water fountain in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

María Reyes-Batlle, Carolina Wagner, Atteneri López-Arencibia, Ines Sifaoui, Enrique Martínez-Carretero, Basilio Valladares, Jose E. Piñero, Jacob Lorenzo-Morales

Page range: 265-268

Abstract

Free-Living Amoebae (FLA) are widely distributed protozoa in the environment and have been isolated from many sources such as dust, soil and water. Among the pathogenic genera included in this group Acanthamoeba spp ., Naegleria fowleri and Balamuthia mandrillaris have been reported to be causative agents of lethal encephalitis, disseminated infections and keratitis. Naegleria fowleri is a pathogenic FLA species which causes Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM). At present there are not many available data on the distribution of Naegleria species in Spain from environmental sources. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of this genus in recreational water sources in the island of Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. In this study, ten samples collected from recreational water fountains were checked for the presence of Naegleria spp. using morphological and molecular identification tools. From the analysed samples, only one sample (seawater fountain) was positive for Naegleria spp. interestingly, not many reports of Naegleria spp. in seawater are available in the literature and thus awareness should be raised among the environmental and public health professionals.

April 18, 2017

PCR denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis as a useful method to identify of intestinal bacteria flora in Haemaphysalis flava ticks

Tian-Yin Cheng, Guo-Hua Liu

Page range: 269-272

Abstract

Ticks are blood-sucking ectoparasites of great medical and veterinary significance that can transmit bacteria, protozoa, fungi and viruses, causing a variety of human and animal diseases worldwide. In the present study, the intestinal bacterial flora associated with Haemaphysalis flava ticks in different developmental stages were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Eleven distinct DGGE bands were found using PCR-DGGE method. Sequences analyses indicated that they belonged to Bacillus cereus , Candidatus rickettsia , Erwinia sp., Klebsiella pneumoniae , Pectobacterium carotovorum , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Rickettsia peacockii , Rickettsia helvetica , Rickettsia slovaca , Staphylococcus simulans and Uncultured bacterium clone. Our find that the K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa isolates were presented in all H. flava ticks in different developmental stages. The present results indicated that zoonotic pathogens are present in H. flava ticks in Henan province, China. To our knowledge, this is the first report on intestinal bacterial flora associated with H. flava ticks in China.

April 18, 2017

Three new species of Pharygodonidae (Nematoda: Oxyuridea) in Laudakia tuberculata (Squamata: Agamidae) from Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India

Anjum N. Rizvi, Pallab Maity, Charles R. Bursey

Page range: 273-289

Abstract

Parapharyngodon tuberculata sp. nov., Thelandros tuberculata sp. nov. and Thelandros dehradunensis sp. nov. (Nematoda: Pharyngodonidae) from the large intestine of a rock lizard, Laudakia tuberculata Gray, 1827), are described and illustrated. Parapharyngodon tuberculata sp. nov. is the 8 th Oriental species and 59 th species assigned to the genus Parapharyngodon and differs from other species of the genus by possessing 3 pairs of caudal papillae, an echinate cloacal lip, 112–115 µm spicule length and postbulbar ovary. Thelandros tuberculata sp. nov. is the 5 th and Thelandros dehradunensis sp. nov. the 6 th Oriental species, respectively, and they are the 40 th and 41 st species assigned to the genus Thelandros . They differ from other species of the genus in caudal papillae arrangement, length of spicules, and structure of the anterior end of the esophagus. We transfer Parapharyngodon arequipensis Calisaya and Cordova, 1997 to Thelandros arequipensis (Calisaya and Cordova, 1997) comb. n. based upon the presence of a terminal operculum in the egg and large, pendant, caudal papillae.

April 18, 2017

Amoebicidal activity of α-bisabolol, the main sesquiterpene in chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) essential oil against the trophozoite stage of Acanthamoeba castellani Neff

Soumaya Hajaji, Ines Sifaoui, Atteneri López-Arencibia, María Reyes-Batlle, Basilio Valladares, José E. Pinero, Jacob Lorenzo-Morales, Hafidh Akkari

Page range: 290-295

Abstract

Acanthamoeba genus includes opportunistic pathogens which are distributed worldwide and are causative agents of a fatal encephalitis and severe keratitis in humans and other animals. Until present there are not fully effective therapeutic agents against this pathogen and thus the need to search for novel anti-amoebic compounds is urgent. Recently, essential oils of aromatic and medicinal plants have shown activity against Acanthamoeba strains. Therefore, this study was aimed to evaluate the activity of main component of chamomile essential oil (a sesquiterpene) namely α-bisabolol against the Acanthamoeba castellani Neff strain. After evaluation of the activity and toxicity of this molecule, IC 50 values of 20.839 ± 2.015 for treated amoebae as well as low citotoxicty levels in a murine macrophage cell line was observed. Moreover, in order to elucidate mechanism of action of this molecule, changes in chromatin condensation levels, permeability of the plasmatic membrane, the mitochondrial membrane potential and the ATP levels in the treated amoebic strains were checked. The obtained results revealed that α-bisabolol was able to induce apoptosis, increase the permeability of the plasmatic membrane and decrease both mitochondrial and ATP levels in the treated amoebae. Therefore, and given the obtained results, α-bisabolol could be used a future therapeutic agent against Acanthamoeba infections.

April 18, 2017

A new species of Oochoristica (Cyclophyllidea: Linstowiidae) from non-native Mediterranean geckos, Hemidactylus turcicus (Sauria: Gekkonidae), from Texas, USA

Chris T. McAllister, Charles R. Bursey

Page range: 296-305

Abstract

A new species of cyclophyllidean tapeworm, Oochoristica harschi sp. nov. is described from 2 of 18 (11%) non-native Mediterranean geckos ( Hemidactylus turcicus ) collected in June 2016 from Tom Green County, Texas, USA The new species has few characteristics in common with 17 species of Oochoristica previously described from Nearctic reptiles. Of this group, O. harschi is most similar to O. macallisteri Bursey and Goldberg, 1996 from the side-blotched lizard, Uta stansburiana from Arizona and California, USA, in number of testes, 14–20 vs . 12–20. However, O. harschi has oval suckers and a long neck compared to the circular suckers and absent neck in O. macallisteri . On comparison with other species of Oochoristica , it was found O. chinensis Jensen, Schmidt and Kuntz, 1983 from the Sino-Japanese realm, O. iguanae Bursey and Goldberg, 1996 from the Neotropical realm, and O. maccoyi Bursey and Goldberg, 1966 from the Panamanian realm were most similar to the new species. However, O. harschi can be differentiated by possessing a much longer neck and a shorter cirrus pouch. It can be further differentiated from O. chinensis by possessing an ovoid vs . an irregular vitellarium, from O. iguanae by having a smaller strobilus (65 vs . 110 mm) as well as an ovoid vs . a triangular vitellarium, and from O. maccoyi by having significantly more proglottids (145 vs . 89) and a longer strobilus (65 vs . 20 mm). The new species is the fifth species of Oochoristica reported from non-native H. turcicus and the 18 th species described from the Nearctic region.

April 18, 2017

The ruby-crowned tanager Tachyphonus coronatus Vieillot, 1822 (Passeriformes: Thraupidae) as a new host for Isospora ramphoceli Berto, Flausino, Luz, Ferreira, Lopes, 2010 in Brazil

Mariana Borges Rodrigues, Irlane Faria de Pinho, Lidiane Maria da Silva, Bruno doBomfim Lopes, Hermes Ribeiro Luz, Ildemar Ferreira, Carlos Wilson Gomes Lopes, Bruno Pereira Berto

Page range: 306-311

Abstract

Despite 12 coccidian species had been recorded from passerines of the Thraupidae family, none of them has been reported in the Parque Nacional do Itatiaia, in Southeastern Brazil. This locality is a protected area with a high degree of vulnerability, and is considered a "conservation island" of biodiversity. The aim of the current work was describe Isospora ramphoceli Berto, Flausino, Luz, Ferreira, Lopes, 2010 from ruby-crowned tanagers Tachyphonus coronatus Vieillot, 1822 in the Parque Nacional do Itatiaia. The oocysts of I. ramphoceli are subspheroidal, 23.1 × 22.1 μm, with smooth, bilayered wall. Micropyle, oocyst residuum and polar granule are absent. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal or ovoidal, 16.2 × 10.8 μm. Stieda body is knob-like and substieda body is large and homogeneous. Sporocyst residuum is composed of many scattered granules. Sporozoites are vermiform with a posterior refractile body and a nucleus. In addition to new locality, this is the first description of I. ramphoceli from T. coronatus .

April 18, 2017

Ecological implications of floods on the parasite communities of two freshwater catfishes in a Neotropical floodplain

Priscilla de Oliveira Fadel Yamada, Fabio Hideki Yamada, Reinaldo José da Silva, Luciano Alves dos Anjos

Page range: 312-318

Abstract

The parasite communities of two freshwater catfishes ( Auchenipterus osteomystax and Trachelyopterus galeatus ) were analyzed during the dry and rainy seasons in a Neotropical floodplain. The nature of river-floodplain systems places specific demands on parasite community structure, due to changes in the host environment. It was therefore hypothesized that flood conditions lead to an increase in the richness and abundance of fish parasites in the rainy season at the mouth of Aguapeí River floodplain. The Auchenipterus osteomystax parasite community was richer (11 vs . eight) in species than T. galeatus , although the latter exhibited a greater parasite burden (F 1,108 = 126.99, P<0.0001). During the rainy season both host species demonstrated high levels of parasitism (least squared means ± SE = 1.69 ± 0.05 vs . 1.34 ± 0.05; F 1,108 = 21.45, P<0.0001). Differences were found in the composition of the parasite species and the proportion of parasites for each host species and between each seasonal period. Flood conditions during the rainy season caused a change in the composition and structure of the parasitic communities. The results corroborate the hypothesis that floods are one of the most significant influences on shaping the parasite communities of fish in floodplains. Our greatest concern is the reduction these dynamics and effects bring about on local biota and, consequently, in host-parasite interaction. We would therefore like to take this opportunity to warn environmental agencies and hydroelectric companies about the importance of the conservation of the diversity of this location.

April 18, 2017

Morphological re-description of Electrotaenia malapteruri (Cestoda: Proteocephalidae) and Dujardinnascarismalapteruri (Nematoda: Heterocheilidae) infecting the Electric catfish Malapterurus electricus and heavy metal accumulation in host and parasites in relation to water and sediment analysis in Lake Manzala, North Delta, Egypt

Rewaida Abdel-Gaber, Fathy Abdel-Ghaffar, Mohamed Abdallah Shazly, Kareem Morsy, Saleh Al Quraishy, Sanna Mohamed, Heinz Mehlhorn

Page range: 319-335

Abstract

Parasites are one of the most serious limiting factors in aquaculture. The Electric catfish Malapterurus electricus was subjected to study the prevalence and mean intensity of parasitic infections throughout the whole year of 2015. Heavy metals accumulation in host fish and parasites were determined in relation to water quality and sediments of two different sites of Lake Manzala (Manzala and Bahr El-Baqar), Egypt. A total of 100 specimens of Electric catfish were collected and examined for the presence of helminth parasites. Two parasite species were recovered and morphologically identified. These were cestoda Electrotaenia malapteruri and nematode Dujardinnascaris malapteruri . Heavy metal analysis in water and sediments showed that measured heavy metals in Bahr El-Baqar were found in risky levels higher than permissible limits and Manzala site. Sediments were found to contain a higher level of metals than water samples. Heavy metals accumulation in recovered parasites and their host were also determined and showed significantly higher concentrations in parasites compared to their host tissues. According to bioconcentration factors, E. malapteruri showed that highest accumulation rate for all recorded elements up to 302. Essential elements like Cu and Fe were found in significantly higher concentrations in D. malapteruri , whereas E. malapteruri accumulated elements Cd, Pb, Ni, Mn, Zn and Ca to a significantly higher degree. Accordingly, the ratios (C [ D.malapteruri ] /C [ E. malapteruri ] ) for most essential elements were higher than 0.5. Therefore, fish cestodes can be regarded as useful bio-indicators more than nematodes when evaluating the environmental pollution of aquatic ecosystems by heavy metals.

April 18, 2017

Disruption of egg production by triclabendazole-resistant Fasciola hepatica following treatment with a commercial preparation of myrrh (Mirazid)

Mohamed M.O. Abdelaal, Gerard P. Brennan, Robert E.B. Hanna, Ahmed Abdel-Aziz, Ian Fairweather

Page range: 336-347

Abstract

An in vitro study has been carried out to monitor changes to the female reproductive system in adult triclabendazole (TCBZ)-resistant Fasciola hepatica following treatment with a commercial preparation of myrrh (“Mirazid”). Flukes were immersed for 6 h and 24 h in myrrh extract at a concentration of 200 µg/ml, then processed for histological and transmission electron microscope (TEM) examination of the uterus, Mehlis’ gland, ovary and vitellaria. Egg production had become abnormal at 6 h post-treatment (pt), with the uterine lumen being filled with free vitelline cells and masses of shell protein material; few eggs were present. At 24 h pt, no eggs were present. Distinct changes to the ovary and Mehlis’ gland were only observed after 24 h incubation in Mirazid. The ovary contained numbers of apoptotic oogonia and oocytes. In the Mehlis’ gland, the S1 cells were disorganised and the processes from them were vacuolated, although the disruption was not significant. More severe changes were observed in the vitelline cells and follicles. After 6 h incubation in Mirazid, although the gross organisation of the vitelline follicles appeared to be normal, nuclear changes indicative of the early stages of apoptosis were observed in the stem cells and shell protein production by the mature cells had decreased. At 24 h pt, a distinct shift in cell population was evident, with the follicles containing mainly mature cells and spaces were present between the cells. The shell globule clusters in the mature cells were disorganised. In more severely-affected follicles, cells were seen to be breaking down, with karyolytic nuclei and disintegrating cytoplasm. Overall, the results have shown that exposure to Mirazid treatment had a severe impact on egg production by TCBZ-resistant flukes, an effect that was mediated by disruption of the vitelline cells and of the mechanism co-ordinating egg formation in the ootype.

April 18, 2017

How does host ecology influence sampling effort in parasite diversity estimates? A case study using Neotropical freshwater fishes

Fábio Hideki Yamada, Ricardo Massato Takemoto

Page range: 348-353

Abstract

Accurately estimating biodiversity is fundamental to ecological understanding and prediction. Helminthes are often neglected in biodiversity estimates and when included are often underestimated. Here we examine how sampling effort affects estimates of parasite diversity in an assemblage of freshwater fish from a floodplain in Brazil. We also examine how ecological and behavioral factors influence the sampling effort necessary to accurately estimate the parasite diversity associated with a fish species. We use our dataset to suggest that host species with wide geographic distribution (i.e., long migrations), gregarious behavior (i.e., shoal), larger body size, higher population density, wide diet breadth (i.e., omnivorous), and autochthonous origin, increase the effort necessary to estimate the total diversity of parasites. However, estimating this parasitic fauna has several restrictions and limitations, due to the highly complex of the floodplain ecosystems, with non-linear and non-random responses.

April 18, 2017

cDNA library construction of two human Demodexspecies

DongLing Niu, RuiLing Wang, YaE Zhao, Rui Yang, Li Hu, YuYang Lei, WeiChao Dan

Page range: 354-376

Abstract

The research of Demodex , a type of pathogen causing various dermatoses in animals and human beings, is lacking at RNA level. This study aims at extracting RNA and constructing cDNA library for Demodex . First, P. cuniculi and D. farinae were mixed to establish homogenization method for RNA extraction. Second, D. folliculorum and D. brevis were collected and preserved in Trizol, which were mixed with D. farinae respectively to extract RNA. Finally, cDNA library was constructed and its quality was assessed. The results indicated that for D. folliculorum & D. farinae , the recombination rate of cDNA library was 90.67% and the library titer was 7.50 × 10 4 pfu/ml. 17 of the 59 positive clones were predicted to be of D. folliculorum ; For D. brevis & D. farinae , the recombination rate was 90.96% and the library titer was 7.85 x10 4 pfu/ml. 40 of the 59 positive clones were predicted to be of D. brevis . Further detection by specific primers demonstrated that mtDNA cox1 , cox3 and ATP6 detected from cDNA libraries had 96.52%-99.73% identities with the corresponding sequences in GenBank. In conclusion, the cDNA libraries constructed for Demodex mixed with D. farinae were successful and could satisfy the requirements for functional genes detection.

April 18, 2017

Helminth (Cestoda, Nematoda) and coccidian (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) parasites of the eastern small-footed myotis, Myotis leibii (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) from Arkansas, with a description of a new species of Eimeria

Chris T. McAllister, R. Scott Seville, Charles R. Bursey

Page range: 377-381

Abstract

During May and July 2016, 32 eastern small-footed myotis ( Myotis leibii ) were collected from five counties of northwestern Arkansas and their faeces examined for coccidian parasites. Four of 32 (13%) M. leibii harboured an eimerian that we describe here as new. Oocysts of Eimeria sassei sp. n. were ovoidal to ellipsoidal with a bi-layered wall and measured (length × width, L × W) 18.3 × 15.2 µm, with an L/W ratio of 1.2. A micropyle and oocyst residuum were absent but 1–2 polar granules were present. Sporocysts were ovoidal, 9.6 × 6.3 µm, with an L/W ratio of 1.5. A pronounced, button-like Stieda body was present but substieda and parastieda bodies were absent. A sporocyst residuum was present as distinct aligned or dispersed granules. One bat that we found dead was examined for helminth parasites. It harbored the tapeworm, Vampirolepis sp. and a nematode, Seuratum cancellatum . This is the first coccidian as well as the second helminths reported from M. leibii . In addition, this is the seventh species of coccidian parasite documented from Arkansas bats.

April 18, 2017

Molecular identification of Thelandros scleratus and Thelastoma icemi (Nematoda: Oxyruida) using mitochondrial cox 1 sequences

Anshu Chaudhary, Garima Kansal, Neetu Singh, Kumari Shobhna, Manu Verma, Hridaya S. Singh

Page range: 382-385

Abstract

Two species of parasitic nematodes collected from the intestine of Brook’s House Gecko, Hemidactylus brooki and American cockroach, Periplaneta americana L. The parasites were identified as Thelandros scleratus and Thelastoma icemi by PCR amplification method. Subsequently, sequence analysis of mt cox 1 (504 and 540 bp) for T. scleratus and T. icemi respectively revealed that these sequences showed maximum similarity of 90% (in case of T. scleratus ), 77% (in case of T. icemi ), to nematode sequences available on GenBank. To our knowledge, no cox 1 sequence is available for both the species of family Pharyngodonidae and Thelastomatidae. This study represents the first mitochondrial DNA characterization of both species.

April 18, 2017

First report on molecular evidence of Tylodelphys cerebralis (Diplostomulum cerebralis) Chakrabarti, 1968 (Digenea: Diplostomidae) from snakehead fish Channa punctata

Anshu Chaudhary, Richa Tripathi, Shivi Gupta, Hridaya Shanker Singh

Page range: 386-392

Abstract

Freshwater snakehead fish, Channa punctata (Perciformes: Channidae) from Meerut (U.P.), India were screened for infection with metacercaria from the eye (vitreous humor) and brain (cranial cavity) and were analyzed by molecular methods using PCR and sequencing of the complete internal transcribed spacers (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) of the ribosomal RNA gene. Recovered metacercariae from sites, vitreous humor and cranial cavity were previously diagnosed as Diplostomulum cerebralis Chakrabarti, 1968 on the basis of morphological characteristics. A combination of molecular methods in this study depicts that this is a species of genus Tylodelphys Diesing, 1850 which was misinterpreted as Diplostomulum . Hence, in this study, we validated the status of T. cerebralis (= D. cerebralis ) after 49 years from its original description. The present work might contribute to expand our knowledge for identification, biodiversity and taxonomy of diplostomids in Indian fishes.

April 18, 2017

The role of domestic dogs in the transmission of zoonotic helminthes in a rural area of Mekong river basin

Marcello Otake Sato, Megumi Sato, Tippayarat Yoonuan, Tiengkham Pongvongsa, Surapol Sanguankiat, Sengchanh Kounnavong, Wanna Maipanich, Yuichi Chigusa, Kazuhiko Moji, Jitra Waikagul

Page range: 393-400

Abstract

Dogs have been bred since ancient times for companionship, hunting, protection, shepherding and other human activities. Some canine helminth parasites can cause significant clinical diseases in humans as Opisthorchis viverrini causing cholangiocarcinoma in Southeast Asian Countries. In this study, socio-cultural questionnaire, canine parasitological analysis, necropsy, parasite molecular confirmation and dog roaming data were evaluated in Savannakhet, Lao-PDR, a typical Mekong Basin area. Dog owners comprised 48.8% of the studied population, with 61.2% owning one dog, 25.1% 2 dogs, 8.5% 3 dogs and 1.8% owning more than 4 dogs. Data from GPS logger attached to dogs showed they walked from 1.4 to 13.3 km per day, covering an area of 3356.38m 2 average, with a routine of accessing water sources. Thirteen zoonotic helminth species were observed. Causative agents of visceral and cutaneous larva migrans occurred in 44.1% and 70% of the samples respectively. Spirometra erinaceieuropaei was detected in 44.1% of samples. Importantly, O. viverrini was found in 8.8% of samples. Besides the known importance of dogs in the transmission of Ancylostoma spp., Toxocara spp. and S. erinaceieuropaei , the observed roaming pattern of dogs confirmed it as an important host perpetuating O. viverrini in endemic areas; their routine access to waterbodies may spread O. viverrini eggs in a favorable environment for the fluke development, facilitating the infection of fishes, and consequently infecting humans living in the same ecosystem. Therefore, parasitic NTDs control programs in humans should be done in parallel with parasite control in animals, especially dogs, in the Mekong River basin area.

April 18, 2017

The discovery of acanthocephalans parasitizing chaetognaths

Horacio Lozano-Cobo, Jaime Gómez-Gutiérrez, Carmen Franco-Gordo, María del Carmen Gómez del Prado-Rosas

Page range: 401-411

Abstract

A comprehensive literature review shows that 12 types of pathogens, micropredators and parasites are reported to interact with chaetognaths, mostly digenean trematodes, cestodes and nematodes larval stages. Through analysis of 78,152 chaetognaths from a monthly zooplankton time series (Jan 1996–Dec 1998) collected in the Mexican Central Pacific twelve acanthocephalan larvae parasitizing chaetognaths were discovered. This is the first record of an acanthocephalan parasitizing chaetognaths, raising to 13 the types of symbionts known to interact with them (excluding predators). Cystacanth larval specimens of Corynosoma sp. (Polymorphidae) were observed parasitizing the head, trunk and caudal cavities of three of the eight chaetognath species inhabiting this tropical coastal region ( Flaccisagitta enflata, Flaccisagitta hexaptera and Zonosagitta bedoti ). Because Corynosoma sp. parasitized chaetognaths during different months and years (Jan–Feb 1996, Mar and Jul 1997, Jan, Jun, Aug–Sep 1998) and because the total length of these cystacanths varied between 165–480 µm, suggesting growth inside the hosts, we conclude that chaetognaths are intermediate hosts of Corynosoma sp. The twelve parasitized chaetognaths were juveniles (without gonads) or immature adults (none in reproductively mature stage IV); therefore Corynosoma may have a negative influence on host reproduction. Marine crustaceans (amphipods, decapods, copepods, mysids and euphausiids) and fishes are common intermediate or paratenic hosts of acanthocephalans. Fish, sea birds and marine mammals are definitive hosts for marine Corynosoma species. The present discovery implies that acanthocephalans are transmitted trophically through different intermediate hosts (crustaceans, chaetognaths and/or fish); thus chaetognaths can also be part of the marine acanthocephalan life cycle.

April 18, 2017

Redescription of Philometra margolisiMoravec, Vidal-Martínez et Aguirre-Macedo, 1995 (Nematoda: Philometridae), a gonad-infecting parasite of the red grouper Epinephelus morio (Serranidae) in the Gulf of Mexico

František Moravec, Micah D. Bakenhaster, Erin H. Leone

Page range: 412-421

Abstract

The insufficiently known nematode species Philometra margolisi Moravec, Vidal-Martínez et Aguirre-Macedo, 1995 (Philometridae) is redescribed based on light and scanning electron microscopical (SEM) examinations of specimens collected from the gonad of the type host, the red grouper Epinephelus morio (Valenciennes) (Serranidae, Perciformes), in the northern Gulf of Mexico off Florida, USA. Also, new prevalence data for females of P . margolisi were derived from 188 fish, and a subset of these (n = 38) were used to determine prevalence and intensity of male nematodes. The male of this species was studied with SEM for the first time, which revealed some new, taxonomically important morphological features. The male posterior end had a V-shaped caudal mound, four pairs of minute adanal papillae, a pair of large papillae located posterior to the cloacal aperture and a pair of very small phasmids. The distal end of the gubernaculum is unique among all gonad-infecting species of Philometra parasitizing serranids in that its ventral surface is flat, smooth, without the usual two longitudinal grooves; the dorsal lamellate structures on the gubernaculum are also different in this species. In contrast to data in the original species description, the body length of gravid females of P . margolisi was 132–280 mm. Overall prevalence for male nematodes (76.3%) was much higher than for females (15.4%), and female nematode prevalence was higher in samples collected during host spawing season than out of season (27.1% and 3.3%, respectively).

April 18, 2017

Nematode parasites of the Chilean Flamingo, Phoenicopterus chilensis (Phoenicopteridae) from Central Argentina, with a description of a new species of Tetrameres (Tetrameridae)

Verónica Núñez, Fabiana B. Drago, María Celina Digiani, Lia I. Lunaschi

Page range: 422-431

Abstract

During the summer of 2013, several specimens of Phoenicopterus chilensis (Phoenicopteridae) were found dead from unknown causes, in lakes from the endorheic system "Encadenadas del Oeste", Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. Two species of Nematoda were recovered from the proventriculus, one of them new for science. The tetramerid Tetrameres ( Tetrameres ) salina n. sp. is mainly characterized by having reduced pseudolabia, lips absent, six bifid teeth, males with lateral alae, four rows of somatic spines and length ratio of spicules 1:12–32, and large females with eggs lacking polar filaments. The acuariid, Echinuria skrjabinensis is described and illustrated, this finding represent the second report of this nematode in Argentina and the first record in flamingos. This is the first record of helminths parasitizing wild Chilean Flamingos, but it is not possible to ensure that they accomplish their life cycle in this system of lakes, because the migratory movements of the population of flamingos studied are unknown.

April 18, 2017

Molecular evidence and additional morphological characters to distinguish Ornithodoros brodyi and Ornithodoros yumatensis (Ixodida: Argasidae) in their different developmental stages

Carmen Guzmán-Cornejo, Luis García-Prieto, Andrea Rebollo-Hernández, José M. Venzal, Santiago Nava, Sokani Sánchez-Montes

Page range: 432-448

Abstract

Ornithodoros brodyi and Ornithodoros yumatensis are two species distributed in the Americas and associated with bats and caves. Both species have similar morphology, and the diagnostic traits of adults have not been detailed or illustrated accurately. In this study, the independence of both species is validated on the basis of molecular evidence (using partial sequences of 16S rDNA gene), and the morphological differences between them (dentition of the hypostome and traits of individual mammillae) are confirmed through light and scanning electron microscopy. In addition to the above characteristics, we observed other traits that may serve to differentiate both species: dorsal setae are short and thick in O. yumatensis and are thin and moderate in size in O. brodyi . We also observed a conspicuous hood in O. brodyi , which was absent in O. yumatensis . Another characteristic observed is a line of setae, near the end of Tarsi II-IV, which in O. brodyi is formed by less than five setae and in O. yumatensis by more than five. The main morphological difference between larvae of the 2 species is the number of ventral setae [9 (4 circumanal pairs) in O. brodyi and 8 (3 circumanal pairs) in O. yumatensis ]. The genetic divergence in 16S rDNA sequences between these two species ranges from 9.7 to 10.6%.

April 18, 2017

Morphological description of Cosmocerca sp. (Nematoda: Cosmocerdidae) from the Mascarene grass frog Ptychadena cf. mascareniensis (Amphibia: Ptychadenidae). A light and scanning electron microscopic studies

Rewaida Abdel-Gaber, Fathy Abdel-Ghaffar, Reem Kamel, Sherein Maher, Nashwa El Deeb, Saleh Al Quraishy, Heinz Mehlhorn

Page range: 449-458

Abstract

The Mascarene grass frog Ptychadena cf. mascareniensis is a species of frog with a vast area of distribution in Africa. A total of 300 frog specimens were collected from different localities at El-Giza province, Egypt; then dissected and examined for the presence of parasitic infection. Only eighty six (28.66%) specimens were found to be naturally infected with nematode parasite. Seasonally, the prevalence of infection was reached its maximum value of 74.66% during summer and minimum values of 26.66% (20/75), 13.33% (10/75) during spring and autumn, respectively; while no records were observed during winter season. The morphology of the recovered parasite was studied by using light and scanning electron microscopy. The adult worm characterized by anterior extremity with small mouth opening being surrounded by three lips provided with four sub-median cephalic papillae and one pair of lateral amphids. Body measurements showed that male worms were smaller than females measuring 1.22–2.43 (2.21 ± 0.1) mm in length and 0.21–0.34 (0.29 ± 0.01) mm in width. Females measured 1.9–3.7 (2.8 ± 0.1) mm in length and 0.24–0.42 (0.38 ± 0.01) mm in width. Comparing the present parasite with other species of the same genus described previously, several similarities were observed. However, peculiar new characteristics such as the arrangement of plectanes and somatic papillae, the presence of gubernaculum, the position of nerve ring, excretory pore, and vulval opening make it reasonable belongs to the family Cosmocercidae and identified as Cosmocerca sp. In addition, the present study was the first report for occurrence of cosmocercid species from the Mascarene grass frog in Egypt.

April 18, 2017

Detection of Echinococcus multilocularis DNA in fruit, vegetable, and mushroom samples collected in the non-endemic territory of the Pomerania province and comparison of the results with data from rural areas of the neighbouring highly endemic Warmia-Masuria province, Poland

Anna Lass, Beata Szostakowska, Przemyslaw Myjak, Krzysztof Korzeniewski

Page range: 459-465

Abstract

Echinococcus multilocularis is a tapeworm that may cause alveolar echinococcosis (AE), one of the most dangerous parasitic zoonoses. As in the case of some foodborne diseases, unwashed fruits and vegetables contaminated with eggs of E. multilocularis may serve as an important transmission route for this parasite. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of E. multilocularis DNA in fruit, vegetables, and mushrooms in rural areas of the Pomerania province, Poland (non-endemic territory). In total, 104 environmental fruit, vegetable, and mushroom samples collected in forests, plantations, and kitchen gardens were analysed using nested PCR based on the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene. E. multilocularis DNA was detected in 6.7 % of the samples tested, which indicated that the environment of the Pomerania province is contaminated with this parasite, creating a potential risk for humans. Therefore, fresh fruit, vegetables, and mushrooms should be washed before consumption. Additionally, the results showed that the level of contamination is significantly lower than in the highly endemic Warmia-Masuria province. The differences in the occurrence of E. multilocularis in the environment of these neighbouring provinces appears to be connected with the general epidemiological situation of these two regions, but further study is required for an exact explanation.

April 18, 2017

Toxoplasma gondii in backyard pigs: seroepidemiology and mouse bioassay

Erika Fernanda Torres Samico-Fernandes, Marcela Fernanda Torres Samico-Fernandes, Pedro Paulo Feitosa de Albuquerque, Jonatas Campos de Almeida, André de Souza Santos, André da Rocha Mota, Orestes Luiz de Souza Neto, Rinaldo Aparecido Mota

Page range: 466-470

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii in backyard pigs destined for human consumption in Pernambuco state, Brazil. Blood and tissue samples (liver, heart, brain, lung and diaphragm) were collected from 224 pigs from legal slaughterhouses and tested for T. gondii infection. Antibodies to T. gondii were found in the sera of 37.9% (85/224) by using the immunofluorescence antibody test (cut-off – 1:64). Tissue samples from seropositive pigs were bioassayed in mice. Tissue samples from seropositive pigs and from mice of the bioassay were submitted to histopathology, immunohistochemistry, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing; 14.1% of pig tissue samples and 27.7% of bioassayed mouse samples were positive for T. gondii DNA, but all pig and mouse tissues were negative in histopathology analysis and immunochemistry. By using a risk assessment questionnaire, there was significant difference (p<0.001) in seroprevalence of 21.2% (reproducer) and 3.1% (finishing pig). These data serve as indicative of the sanitary conditions and risk of T. gondii infection for backyard pigs. Preventive measures must be implemented by health services to avoid toxoplasmosis human cases due to ingestion of pig meat.

April 18, 2017

Infection of the lesser spotted dogfish with Proleptus obtusus Dujardin, 1845 (Nematoda: Spirurida) reflects ontogenetic feeding behaviour and seasonal differences in prey availability

Carlota Silva, Ana Veríssimo, Pedro Cardoso, Jo Cable, Raquel Xavier

Page range: 471-476

Abstract

Proleptus obtusus Dujardin, 1845 is the most common parasite infecting the gut of the lesser spotted dogfish ( Scyliorhinus canicula , Linnaeus). This nematode is trophically transmitted from an intermediate crustacean host to the definitive elasmobranch host. Sexual and age-related differences in habitat occupancy and feeding behaviour of the lesser spotted dogfish make this parasite-host dyad ideal for testing which aspects of host biology influence parasite transmission. Here, the relationship between P. obtusus burden and host condition, sex and age were investigated in lesser spotted dogfish captured in the Northeast Atlantic. Prevalence of P. obtusus was of 94.8% with a mean abundance of 23.3 worms per host. Our results indicate that parasite burden is best explained by the interaction between ontogenetic differences in foraging behaviour of the lesser spotted dogfish and seasonal differences in prey availability.

April 18, 2017

A new species of the quill mite genus ChenophilaKethley, 1970 (Acariformes: Syringophilidae) from the Marbled Teal Marmaronetta angustirostris (Menetries) (Anseriformes: Anatidae) in Turkey

Mateusz Zmudzinski, Markus Unsoeld

Page range: 477-481

Abstract

A new species of parasitic mite of the family Syringophilidae (Acariformes: Cheyletoidea), Chenophila marmaronetta sp. nov . is described from the secondary quill feathers of Marmaronetta angustirostris (Menetries) (Anseriformes: Anatidae) from Turkey. This species differs from closely related Ch. platyrhynchos Tymcio et al ., 2013 by the presence of 9 chambers in each medial branch of the peritremes ( vs 5 chambers in Ch. platyrhynchos ), length of the stylophore 220–235 ( vs 255–275), and lengths of setae vi , ve , d1 and d2 40–55, 65–70, 90–105 and 170, respectively ( vs 65–85, 80–100, 130–170 and 85–150).

April 18, 2017

Neuropathological lesions of clinical and sub clinical Coenurosis (Coenurus cerebralis) in organized goat farms in India

Nayakwadi Shivasharanappa, Nitika Sharma, Dinesh Kumar Sharma, Rajveer Singh Pawaiya, Beena Vamadevan, Anil Kumar Mishra, Souvik Paul

Page range: 482-487

Abstract

Clinical and sub clinical cases of Coenurosis due to Coenurus cerebralis in goats were documented based on clinical, post mortem examination, identification of parasitic stages, gross and histopathological lesions in brain of animals died due to abnormal neurological symptoms. The most prominent site of predilection of coenuri cysts in brain was cerebral hemispheres and multiple cysts were found in majority of the cases. Generalized congestion, thinning of brain parenchyma due to pressure atrophy, gliosis, neuronal degeneration, protoscolices in brain parenchyma and inflammatory cell reactions predominantly comprised of lymphocytes and macrophages were prominent neuropathological lesions observed in brain. This study had significant implications in understanding the neuropathological lesions to suggest suitable prevention and control measures in organized goat farms in India.

Case Report

April 18, 2017

Fatal aelurostrongylosis in a kitten in Serbia

Pavle Gavrilović, Milijan Jovanović, Aleksandra Gavrilović, Slađan Nešić

Page range: 488-491

Abstract

This paper describes a case of aelurostrongylosis in a four-month old female domestic cat ( Felis catus ) from South Banat, Serbia. The kitten that had died suddenly without signs of illness was autopsied in the Veterinary Specialised Institute “Pančevo”. The macroscopic finding was typical of granulomatous pneumonia and subsequently, histopathology revealed verminous pneumonia. Based on the parasite morphology, it was confirmed that the lung lesions were caused by Aelurostrongylus abstrusus . The present finding contributes to the knowledge of the prevalence of this underestimated parasite in the Balkan Peninsula.

About this journal

This journal is now published by Springer.