Published by De Gruyter

Volume 63 Issue 3

Issue of Acta Parasitologica

Contents
Journal Overview

July 4, 2018

Human case of Fasciola gigantica-like infection, review of human fascioliasis reports in Nepal, and epidemiological analysis within the South Central Asia

Ranjit Sah, Shusila Khadka, Paleswan Joshi Lakhey, Sumita Pradhan, Niranjan Parsad Shah, Yogendra Prasad Singh, Santiago Mas-Coma

Page range: 435-443

Abstract

The diagnosis of a 22 year-old male patient from Kerabari, Morang District, Nepal led to the review of human fascioliasis cases and analysis of the epidemiological situation in that country not included in the WHO fascioliasis map. Symptom onset one month before egg detection and normal levels of ALT and AST did not agree with the 3–4-month migratory period of fascioliasis. A shorter acute phase may happen when the main biliary duct is reached by the migratory juveniles directly from the intestinal lumen. The causal agent was ascribed to F . gigantica -like worms after considering adult fluke morphology, altitude of the patient’s infection area, fasciolid characteristics in the neighbouring Bangladesh, and lymnaeid snail vector species known in Nepal and in the patient’s infection area. Previous reports of human infection by Fasciola in Nepal are reviewed. The patient in question proved to be the twelfth case and the first in whom a F . gigantica -like infection is reported. In Nepal, the wide geographical distribution of livestock fascioliasis, with high prevalences in buffaloes, cattle and goats, and the reports of Fasciola -infected schoolchildren close to the capital Kathmandu, give rise to concern on the situation in remote rural areas in a country where most of the population lives in rural areas. Moreover, the climate change impact in Nepal remembers Pakistan, where human fascioliasis emergence has been related to climate change and man-made irrigation. All in all, the present analysis suggests that human infection by Fasciola may be underestimated in Nepal.

July 4, 2018

First molecular identification of an agent of diplostomiasis, Diplostomum pseudospathaceum (Niewiadomska 1984) in the United Kingdom and its genetic relationship with populations in Europe

Egie Elisha Enabulele, Agnes Ogheneruemu Awharitoma, Scott P. Lawton, Ruth S. Kirk

Page range: 444-453

Abstract

Trematode genus Diplostomum comprises of parasitic species which cause diplostomiasis, the ‘white eye’ disease in fish and heavy infection can result in mortality. The increasing availability of DNA sequences of accurately identified Diplostomum species on public data base presently enables the rapid identification of species from novel sequences. We report the first molecular evidence of the occurrence of D . pseudospathaceum in the United Kingdom. Two gene regions, nuclear internal transcribed spacer cluster (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 ( cox 1) of cercariae from infected aquatic snails, Lymnaea stagnalis collected in several locations in Southern England were sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis based on both sequenced genes revealed that the novel sequences were D . pseudospathaceum . Molecular diversity analysis of published D . pseudospathaceum cox 1 sequences from seven countries in Europe and the novel sequences from the present study revealed high diversity, but low nucleotide divergence and a lack of gene differentiation between the populations. Haplotype network analysis depicted a star-like pattern and revealed a lack of geographic structure in the population. Fixation indices confirmed gene flow between populations and we suspect high levels of dispersal facilitated by highly mobile second intermediate (fish) and definitive (piscivorous birds) host may be driving gene flow between populations. Neutrality tests and mismatch distribution indicated recent population growth/expansion for D . pseudospathaceum in Europe.

July 4, 2018

The discovery of Lepeophtheirus acutusHeegaard, 1943 (Copepoda: Caligidae) from two new elasmobranch hosts in the Mediterranean Sea, and a comparative redescription of Lepeophtheirus rhinobati Luque, Chaves et Cezar, 1998

Argun Akif Özak, Alper Yanar, Yetkin Sakarya, Geoffrey Allan Boxshall

Page range: 454-473

Abstract

In this study, supplementary information on the morphology of the siphonostomatoid copepod Lepeophtheirus acutus Heller, 1865 is given based on new material collected from the ventral body surface and mouth cavity of common guitarfish, Rhinobatos rhinobatos (Linnaeus) and from the branchial cavity of bull ray, Aetomylaeus bovinus (Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire) caught in Iskenderun Bay, Turkey. This is the first report of L. acutus from Mediterranean waters. Key diagnostic characters of both sexes are reported, supported by light and scanning electron microscopy observations. In addition, Lepeophtheirus rhinobati Luque, Chaves et Cezar, 1998, which is closely related to L. acutus and has been reported from the same host genus, Rhinobatos , is reexamined based on paratypes stored in the collections of the United States National Museum of Natural History. Some of the key diagnostic characters which were incompletely known or lacking in the original description of both sexes of L. rhinobati are redescribed and/or presented for the first time.

July 4, 2018

Endoparasites in Limnonectes magnus (Anura, Dicroglossidae) from Samar Island, Philippines with description of a new species of Aplectana (Nematoda, Cosmocercidae)

Charles R. Bursey, Stephen R. Goldberg, Cameron D. Siler, Rafe M. Brown

Page range: 474-478

Abstract

Aplectana samarensis sp. nov. (Ascaridida, Cosmocercidae) from the intestines of Limnonectes magnus (Anura, Dicroglossidae) is described and illustrated. Aplectana samarensis sp. nov. represents the 53 rd species assigned to the genus and the 6 th species reported from the Oriental region. It is easily separated from the 5 species previously reported from the region by the presence of a gubernaculum and the distribution pattern of male caudal papillae: A. macintoshii has an irregular pattern, no precloacal papillae in rows; both A. akhrami and A. dubrajpuri lack a gubernaculum; A. duttaphryni has 3 pairs of precloacal papillae forming 2 rows; A. ranae has 7 pairs of precloacal papillae forming 2 rows; A. samarensis sp. nov. has 4 pairs of precloacal papillae in 2 rows. In addition to the new species, individuals of Falcaustra dubia and Pseudoacanthocephalus bufonis as well as cestode plerocercoids were also found.

July 4, 2018

Morphological and molecular study of Neorhadinorhynchus nudus (Harada, 1938) (Acanthocephala: Cavisomidae) from Auxis thazard Lacepede (Perciformes: Scombridae) in the South China Sea

Liang Li, Hui-Xia Chen, Yue Yang

Page range: 479-485

Abstract

In the present study, Neorhadinorhynchus nudus (Harada, 1938) is reported from the frigate tuna Auxis thazard (Lacepéde) (Perciformes: Scombridae), in the South China Sea for the first time. The detailed morphology of N . nudus was studied using light and scanning electron microscopy based on the newly collected material. The results showed some morphometric variability between our specimens and previous studies, including the number of hooks per longitudinal row and the size of copulatory bursa and eggs. Our SEM observations also revealed all proboscis hooks emerged from elevated round rims on proboscis surface. In addition, N . nudus was firstly characterised using molecular methods by sequencing and analysing the ribosomal ITS and mitochondrial cox 1 regions. There is no nucleotide divergence found in the ITS sequences, but a low level of nucleotide variability detected in the cox 1 regions (the level of intraspecific nucleotide variability being 0.75% to 2.54%). The DNA sequence data obtained herein will indeed be a useful reference for rapid and accurate species identification of Neorhadinorhynchus .

July 4, 2018

Alveolar echinococcosis in a dog; analysis of clinical and histological findings and molecular identification of Echinococcus multilocularis

Daniela Antolová, Bronislava Víchová, Júlia Jarošová, Viliam Gál, Branislav Bajužík

Page range: 486-494

Abstract

Echinococcus multilocularis is a zoonotic tapeworm of medical and veterinary importance that occasionally infects accidental intermediate hosts causing severe disease or even death. In dogs, alveolar echinococcosis has been reported mainly in central Europe and Canada. The paper presents clinical, biochemical and histological signs of alveolar echinococcosis in a dog from Slovakia and the results of mitochondrial nad1 gene analysis. In 2016, 11-years old Siberian husky female suffering from inappetence was presented to the Veterinary Clinic in Žilina. Biochemical blood examination and blood count showed only minor changes, but abdominal ultrasonography showed the hepatomegaly and the presence of nonhomogeneous hypodense lobulated formation in the left liver lobe. Histological and molecular examinations of excided tissue confirmed the diagnosis of alveolar echinococcosis of the liver. BLAST analysis of E . multilocularis nad1 gene revealed that the nucleotide sequence did not exactly match the previously identified M1 (AJ237639) and/or M2 genotype (AJ237640). In total, two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) occurred within overlapping region of nad1 gene. In the discussion, clinical and laboratory findings of the infection in other dog patients are compared and the possibilities of diagnosis and therapy of the disease are discussed.

July 4, 2018

Morphological and phylogenetic characterization of a novel Unicauda species, infecting the kidney of Astyanax altiparanae (Teleostei: Characidae) in Brazil

Letícia P. Vidal, Douglas McIntosh, José L. Luque

Page range: 495-503

Abstract

During a parasitological survey of Astyanax altiparanae captured in the Mogi Guaçú river, Pirassununga, state of São Paulo, Brazil, a new species of myxozoa was observed infecting the kidney of 30 of 42 specimens. Plasmodia of the new myxozoa, referred to herein as Unicauda whippsi n. sp. were spherical and varied from 450 to 1000 μm in length. The mature spore was elongated and measured 11 ± 1.2 (10–12) μm long by 5.4 ± 0.6 (4.7–7.2) μm wide. Polar capsules of unequal length with the filament coiled 7–9 times and a unique caudal process characteristic of the genus Unicauda , were recorded. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that U. whippsi n. sp. clustered with members of the genus Unicauda and Myxobolus , confirming it’s placement within the family Myxobolidae. This is the first record of a species of Unicauda infecting characiform fish, as well as the first registered occurrence of species of this genus in South America.

July 4, 2018

Systemic oxidative stress in Suffolk and Santa Ines sheep experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus

Lillian Baptistiolli, Luis Gustavo Narciso, Breno Fernando Martins de Almeida, Anelise Maria Bosco, Jucilene Conceição de Souza, Rafaela Beatriz Pintor Torrecilha, Priscila Préve Pereira, Renata Nogueira Figueiredo, José Fernando Garcia, Carlos Noriyuki Kaneto, Paulo César Ciarlini

Page range: 504-514

Abstract

The mechanisms responsible for the imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants in sheep infected with Haemonchus contortus are not well established. This study aimed to prove the hypothesis that oxidative stress occurring during infection by H . contortus varies according to breed, and that the parasite burden correlates with hypoalbuminaemia and anaemia. Thus, after deworming and confirming the absence of infection, two different sheep breeds, Suffolk (n = 15) and Santa Ines (n = 22), were orally inoculated with a single dose of 5,000 L3 of H . contortus . The egg counts per gram of faeces (EPG), packed cell volume (PCV) and concentrations of several plasma markers of oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation, albumin, uric acid, total bilirubin, total antioxidant capacity [TAC], total oxidant concentration [TOC] and the oxidative stress index [OSI]) were quantified before (control group) and during the experimental infection (28, 34 and 42 days post-inoculation). In both breeds, TOC increased at 28 days and TAC increased at 42 days. In Suffolk sheep, there was a positive correlation of EPG with oxidant components (28 days) and a negative correlation of EPG with PCV (42 days). In Santa Ines sheep, there was a positive correlation of EPG with bilirubin (r = 0.492; p = 0.020). H . contortus infection caused oxidative stress, which varied according to the breed. Parasite burden was not associated with hypoalbuminaemia, whereas there was a negative correlation with PCV. This research provides the first evidence that the antioxidant status contributes more to the resilience to H . contortus in Santa Ines sheep compared to Suffolk sheep.

July 4, 2018

Molecular characterization of Theileria spp. in livestock and the first report on the occurrence of Theileria sp. OT3 in Iran

Seyyed Javad Seyyed Tabaei, Adel Spotin, Ramin Pouriran, Abbas Shahbazi, Amirreza Javadi Mamaghani

Page range: 515-521

Abstract

Theileria lestoquardi , T. ovis , and T. annulata are recognized as major causative agents for ovine and cattle theileriosis in Iran, respectively. Recently, there have been reports on the presence of Theileria spp. ( Theileria sp. OT1, Theileria sp. OT3, and Theileria sp.). In this study, 37 blood samples were collected from sheep and cattle with clinically suspected Theileria infection in the Northwest of Iran. The samples were analyzed using a light microscope. DNA samples were amplified via nested-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of 18S rRNA gene. The amplicons were digested with Hpa II, following restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and sequenced to reconfirm Theileria species. The microscopic examination indicated that 4 out of 37 (10.8%) blood samples were infected with Theileria spp. Based on the nested PCR-RFLP and sequencing data, 5.4%, 13.5%, and 27% of blood samples were infected with Theileria sp. OT3, T. ovis , and T. annulata , respectively. The pairwise distance matrix of Theileria sp. OT3 showed 99.8–100% identity and 0–0.2% divergence in comparison with the registered sequences. The present study is the first report of Theileria sp. OT3 in Iran. To the evaluate evolution of Theileria spp. and providing resultant genetic data, further research with a larger sample is necessary in the region.

July 4, 2018

Molecular phylogenetic position of Haplometroides intercaecalis (Digenea, Plagiorchiidae)

Maria Isabel Müller, Drausio Honorio Morais, Reinaldo José da Silva

Page range: 522-526

Abstract

Three valid species of Haplometroides Odhner, 1910 parasitise snakes and amphisbaenians from South America. This study provides additional data on morphometric and molecular phylogenetic position inferred from the nuclear ribosomal gene 28S (partial). DNA sequences were isolated from Haplometroides intercaecalis Silva, Ferreira and Strüssmann, 2007 found in one specimen of Phalotris matogrossensis Lema, D’Agostini and Cappellari, 2005. Five digenean specimens were recovered from the esophagus of this snake, and four specimens were used for morphometrical studies and one specimen for molecular analysis. Phylogenetic analysis using maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods was conducted with sequences available for the order Plagiorchiida and its phylogenetic position places H. intercaecalis among the brachycoeliids Brachycoelium (Dujardin, 1845) Stiles and Hassall, 1898 and Parabrachycoelium Pérez-Ponce de León, Mendoza-Garfias, Razo-Mendivil and Parra-Olea, 2011, and the mesocoeliid Mesocoelium Odhner, 1910, not closely related to plagiorchids as expected. Due to morphological differences among these families, it may be necessary to create a new family to accommodate Haplometroides spp. However, more genera/taxa as well as other molecular markers should be added in future studies to confirm our results and resolve this matter. This is the first phylogenetic positioning of digeneans of the genus Haplometroides , contributing to the systematic analysis of the helminthological biodiversity of Neotropical snakes.

July 4, 2018

Ten new species of BrueeliaKéler, 1936 (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera: Philopteridae) from nuthatches (Aves: Passeriformes: Sittidae), tits and chickadees (Paridae), and goldcrests (Regulidae)

Daniel R. Gustafsson, Xingzhi Chu, Sarah E. Bush, Fasheng Zou

Page range: 527-557

Abstract

Ten new species of chewing lice in the genus Brueelia Kéler, 1936, are described from hosts in the families Paridae, Regulidae, and Sittidae. They are: Brueelia johnsoni n. sp. from Poecile sclateri eidos (Peters, 1927); Brueelia juniperi n. sp. from Baeolophus ridgwayi ridgwayi (Richmond, 1902); Brueelia kabulica n. sp. from Sitta tephronota tephronota Sharpe, 1872; Brueelia mpumalangensis n. sp. from Melaniparus niger niger (Vieillot, 1818); Brueelia nazae n. sp. from Parus cinereus caschmirensis Hartert, 1905; Brueelia oxyrhyncha n. sp. from Sitta nagaensis nagaensis Godwin-Austen, 1874; Brueelia picea . sp. from Parus major excelsus Buvry, 1857; Brueelia ragusica n. sp. from Sitta neumayer neumayer Michahelles, 1830; Brueelia regulicida n. sp. from Regulus calendula grinnelli Palmer, 1897; Brueelia sittacola n. sp. from Sitta carolinensis carolinensis Latham, 1790. Brueelia regulicida is the first Brueelia -complex louse to be described from the host family Regulidae. Collectively, the Brueelia of parid, regulid, and sittid hosts show two peculiar patterns. Firstly, lice on closely related hosts appear to be distantly related. Secondly, lice on most hosts in these families appear to be more closely related to lice on other host families than to each other. This contradicts the traditional view that Brueelia -complex lice on closely related hosts are themselves closely related. Potentially, the tendency of the hosts to participate in mixed-species feeding flocks may explain some of these patterns.

July 4, 2018

A new coccidian parasite (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae: Eimeria) from the southern black racer, Coluber constrictor priapus (Reptilia: Ophidia: Colubridae) from Arkansas, USA

Chris T. McAllister, John A. Hnida, Henry W. Robison

Page range: 558-562

Abstract

Between April 2012 and October 2017, 18 southern black racers, Coluber constrictor priapus , were collected from nine counties of Arkansas ( n = 13) and McCurtain County, Oklahoma ( n = 5) and their faeces examined for coccidian parasites. One of 18 (6%) C. c. priapus harboured an eimerian that we describe here as new. Oocysts of Eimeria dunni sp. nov. were subspheroidal with a lightly pitted bi-layered wall measuring L × W 24.0 × 21.1 and L/W ratio of 1.2. A micropyle was absent but an oocyst residuum and polar granule were present. Sporocysts were ovoidal and measured 11.9 × 8.1 with L/W of 1.5. A Stieda body was present but substieda and parastieda bodies were absent. The sporocyst residuum was composed of medium-sized granules aligned along perimeter of sporocyst or in a dispersed mass. This represents the first valid eimerian reported from the southern black racer.

July 4, 2018

Assessment of oxidative/nitrosative stress biomarkers and DNA damage in Haemonchus contortus, following exposure to zinc oxide nanoparticles

Bijan Esmaeilnejad, Awat Samiei, Yousef Mirzaei, Farhad Farhang-Pajuh

Page range: 563-571

Abstract

Drug resistance in helminth parasites has incurred several difficulties to livestock industry and ranked among the top public health concerns. Therefore, seeking for new agents to control parasites is an urgent strategy. In the recent years, metallic nanoparticles have been considerably evaluated for anthelmintic effects. The current research was conducted to assess possible anthelmintic impacts of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) on a prevalent gastrointestinal nematode, H. contortus . Moreover, several biomarkers of oxidative/nitrosative stress and DNA damage were measured. Various concentrations of the nanoparticle were prepared and incubated with the worms for 24 hours. The parasite mobility, mortality rate, antioxidant enzymes activities (SOD, Catalase and GSH-Px), lipid peroxidation, total antioxidant status as well as nitric oxide (NO) contents and DNA damage were determined. ZnO-NPs exerted significant wormicidal effects via induction of oxidative/nitrosative stress and DNA damage. Conclusively, ZnO-NPs can be utilized as a novel and potential agent to control and treatment of helminth parasitic infections.

July 4, 2018

Descriptions of Acanthocephalus parallelcementglandatus (Echinorhynchidae) and Neoechinorhynchus (N.) pennahia (Neoechinorhynchidae) (Acanthocephala) from amphibians and fish in Central and Pacific coast of Vietnam, with notes on N. (N.) longnucleatus

Omar M. Amin, Richard A. Heckmann, Nguyen Van Ha

Page range: 572-585

Abstract

Three species of acanthocephalans are described from fishes caught in the Pacific coast off eastern Vietnam and from amphibians in the midlands in 2016: (1) Acanthocephalus parallelcementglandatus Amin, Heckmann, Ha, 2014 (Echinorhynchidae), described from 1 male specimen is now fully described from males and females collected from 2 species of amphibians, the similar frog Hylarana attigua Inger, Orlov, Darevsky and the odorous frog Odorrana sp. Fei, Ye, Huang (Ranidae) in Huong Thuy, Hue City and Chu Yang Sin Park, central Vietnam, respectively, as well as from the needlefish Tylosurus sp. Cocco (Belonidae) in Binh Thuân in the Pacific South. The allotype female is designated. Neoechinorhynchus ( N .) pennahia Amin, Ha, Ha, 2011 described from 1 female specimen is now fully described from males and females collected from the Toli shad (Chinese herring), Tenualosa toli (Valenciennes) (Clupeidae) in the Pacific north coast off Haiphong. The allotype male is designated. One specimen of Neoechinorhynchus ( Neoechinorhynchus ) longnucleatus Amin, Ha, Ha, 2011 is also reported from the common ponyfish, Leiognathus equulus (Forssskål) (Leiognathidae) in the Pacific south coast of Nha Trang and its ecology briefly discussed.

July 4, 2018

Morphological and molecular characterization of Paramphistomum epiclitum of small ruminants

Mehul M. Jadav, Niranjan Kumar, Bhupamani Das, Jaesh B. Solanki

Page range: 586-594

Abstract

Morphological and molecular identification can pave the way to design the most effective control measures against the Paramphistomum epiclitum in small ruminants. Morphology of the flukes had described the features of Paramphistomum genus. Body was conical with concave ventral and convex dorsal surface, tegumental spines all around the body in the immature stage, terminal funnel shape oral sucker, sub-terminal acetabulum, blind caeca with a serpentine course touching the anterior level of the acetabulum. Vitelline glands were at the lateral margins of the body extended from the pharynx to the posterior sucker. Testes were lobed and tandem, wavy post-testicular uterus and genital pore behind intestinal bifurcation. Sequence analyses of internal transcribed spacer (ITS)-2+ (PCR products of approximately 500 bp) of 10 flukes yielded 2 genotypes, Navsari isolate 1 and 2. In BLAST analysis, ITS-2+ genotypes were 97.3–99% similar with published sequences (KF564870, JF834888, KF642983 and JX678254) of P . epiclitum of Paramphistomatidae. Two genotypes depicted 4 single nucleotide polymorphisms (NPs) in the form of transitions (C-T at 10 and 18; G-A at 255; A-G at 367 locus), 1 triple NPs (CGT-GAA between 21–23 loci) and missing A base at codon 40 in the genotype 1. Average AT and GC content was 49.61% and 50.38%, respectively. Trees topology inferred by Neighbor Joining and Maximum Likelihood methods of ITS2+ of trematodes were similar, with small difference of bootstrap values. Navsari genotypes formed a tight cluster with the P . epiclitum , originated from different location with high bootstrap value and 0.004–0.011 estimated evolutionary divergence.

July 4, 2018

Further study on Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) pintoi (Kohn et Fernandes, 1988) (Nematoda: Camallanidae) in Corydoras paleatus and Corydoras micracanthus (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae) from Salta, Argentina, with a key to congeneric species from Neotropical Realm

Lorena G. Ailán-Choke, Geraldine Ramallo, Dora Davies

Page range: 595-604

Abstract

This study describes the morphology of Procamallanus ( Spirocamallanus ) pintoi (Kohn et Fernandes, 1988), isolated from the intestine of Corydoras micracanthus Regan, 1912 and C. paleatus (Jenyns, 1842) (both Callichthyidae, Siluriformes) from Bermejo and Juramento River basins, respectively, province of Salta, Argentina. This is the first record of P . ( S .) pintoi in C. micracanthus from Northwestern Argentina. The light and scanning electron microscopy observations of P . ( S .) pintoi , revealed a few previously unreported morphological details of the cephalic region, vulva and caudal region of males. In addition, morphometric variability was observed in, mainly body size, glandular oesophagus length and position of the vulva between present specimens and those described in previous studies. A key to the species of Procamallanus ( Spirocamallanus ) from the Neotropical Realm is proposed.

July 4, 2018

Screening of Cercopithifilaria bainae and Hepatozoon canis in ticks collected from dogs of Northeastern Brazil

Marcos Antônio Bezerra Santos, Lucia Oliveira de Macedo, Domenico Otranto, Carlos Alberto do Nascimento Ramos, Ana Gabriela de Oliveira do Rêgo, Alessio Giannelli, Leucio Câmara Alves, Gílcia Aparecida de Carvalho, Rafael Antonio Nascimento Ramos

Page range: 605-608

Abstract

Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.) is one of the most widespread ixodid ticks and is a competent vector of several vector-borne pathogens of veterinary and medical concern. For instance, this tick species transmits nematodes of the genus Cercopithifilaria and protozoa of the genus Hepatozoon to carnivores, including dogs. Here we investigated the occurrence of Cercopithifilaria spp. and Hepatozoon spp. in a population of ticks collected from naturally infested dogs living in rural areas of Northeastern Brazil. From August 2016 to June 2017, 758 tick specimens (mean ticks per month = 68.9 ± 71.4) were sampled from 75 dogs (mean ticks per dog = 10.11 ± 5.2) and dissected under a stereomicroscope in order to visualize Cercopithifilaria spp. larvae and Hepatozoon spp. oocysts and sporocysts. R. sanguineus s.l. was the only species collected, peaking in September (n = 273) and decreasing in February 2017 (n = 39). Different larval stages of Cercopithifilaria bainae were identified in 7 out of 758 (0.93%) ticks. In addition, 4 specimens (0.53%) were positive for oocysts and free sporocysts of Hepatozoon canis . The identity of both species of parasites was molecularly confirmed. These results account for the predominance of R. sanguineus (s.l.) in domestic dogs from rural locations of the study area, as well as for the presence C. bainae and H. canis in these tick populations.

July 4, 2018

Epidemiological and genetic characterization of larval stages of Fasciola gigantica in snail intermediate hosts in Karnataka State, India

Rangappa Rajanna, Pamalapati Mahadevareddy Thimmareddy, Pinaki Prasad Sengupta, Susan Jacob Siju, Gotakanapura Sanjeevamurthy Mamatha

Page range: 609-616

Abstract

Fasciolosis in ruminants in India is caused by the liver fluke Fasciola gigantica . Radix ( Lymnaea ) spp. are known to carry the infective stages of this parasite. Understanding the seasonal prevalence of F . gigantica infection in the intermediate host is of extreme importance in order to elucidate the transmission dynamics of the parasite. So the present study was designed to determine the bioclimatic distribution of larval stages of F . gigantica in Radix spp. snails as well as to explore the genetic diversity of F . gigantica in three geographical regions (Deccan plateau, Western Ghats and coastal region) of Karnataka. The lymnaeid snails were sampled (n = 2077) for a period of one year (June 2015 to May 2016) at 24 sites. The snails were morphologically identified and the infection status was established through cercarial shedding and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based technique targeting second internal transcribed spacers (ITS-2) of nuclear ribosomal DNA. The sensitivity of PCR (8.2%) for detection of F . gigantica infection within snail is significantly higher than cercarial shedding (4.3%) with an overall prevalence of 5.1%. The prevalence of infection was higher in winter than in the rainy and summer seasons (6.2% instead of 4.6% and 4.3% respectively). Deccan plateau (5.8%) showed a higher prevalence of infection compared to Western Ghats (5.2%) and Coastal region (3.6%). The sequencing ITS-2 region permitted the identification of the parasite as F . gigantica which is having high implication in studying the population genetic structure of the parasite in the country. In conclusion, overall results indicated that Radix spp. snails harboured F . gigantica developmental stages throughout the year and nested PCR was found to be sensitive and specific for detection of F . gigantica infection in snails compared to routine parasitological techniques.

July 4, 2018

Does apicortin, a characteristic protein of apicomplexan parasites and placozoa, occur in Eumetazoa?

Ferenc Orosz

Page range: 617-633

Abstract

Apicortin is a characteristic protein of apicomplexan parasites which has recently been identified in their free-living cousins, chromerids as well. The placozoan Trichoplax adhaerens is the only animal possessing this protein and apicortin is one of its most abundant proteins. The recently published transcriptome of the cnidarian Porites astreoides contains an apicortin-like sequence. Other cnidarians do not have it, thus it is its first occurrence not only in this phylum but also in Eumetazoa. However, its translated amino acid sequence is more similar to apicomplexan apicortins than to that of T . adhaerens , the GC ratio is much higher than either the genome-wide GC ratio of P. astreoides or that of the placozoan apicortin gene, and phylogenetic analyses suggest that this apicortin has an apicomplexan origin. Although these data might be indicative for a horizontal gene transfer event, we should be cautious to state it; it is more probable that it is a contamination from a gregarine, a marine Apicomplexa. Thus T. adhaerens remains the only animal where the presence of apicortin is proved.

July 4, 2018

Comparison of sensitivity of two primer sets for the detection of Toxoplasma gondii DNA in wildlife

Aleksandra Kornacka, Aleksandra Cybulska, Bożena Moskwa

Page range: 634-639

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii , a coccidian parasite known to infect almost all warm-blooded animals, is the cause of one of the most common zoonotic parasitic diseases. The aim of the study is to determine whether the 529 bp fragment or the TGR1E gene is more useful target for PCR identification of T. gondii , for common use. The brains of 221 carnivores and omnivores collected between 2013 and 2015 from north-eastern Poland were examined for the presence of this parasite. The DNA was extracted and then amplified using specific primers. Positive results were obtained in 24% of brain samples using the TGR1E target and 19% using the 529 bp sequence. The results demonstrate that both TGR1E and 529 bp repeat element are suitable for detecting T. gondii DNA in wildlife animals, and the combination of two methods is necessary to obtain reliable results.

Research Note

July 4, 2018

Ascaridia galli isolates with ITS1-5.8rRNA-ITS2 fragment homologous to Ascaridia columbae

Joanna Urbanowicz, Andrzej Gaweł, Kamila Bobrek

Page range: 640-644

Abstract

Ascaridia (A.) galli is one of the most commonly occurring nematodes in poultry worldwide, often in hens and broiler chickens. The infection with Ascaridia galli in free-range chickens was even 70%. There is not much information about A . galli genetic features. The present study was conducted to assess the genetic diversity of A . galli isolated from hens in Poland by analyzing the nucleotide sequence of the region ITS1-5.8rRNA-ITS2 and to define its homology within the family Ascaridiidae. Adult A . galli were collected from the intestines of naturally infected hens from two flocks of free-run laying hens from the Wielkopolska region in Poland. From all parasites an identical ITS1-5.8rRNA-ITS2 sequence was obtained, which was homologous in 99% with A . columbae (JQ995321.1) sequence. The high homology sequences of A . galli (KX683286) from Poland and A . columbae (JQ995321.1) isolate from the USA, support the observations of other authors suggesting that A . galli and A . columbae might be closely related. It is the first whole ITS1-5.8rRNA-ITS2 of A . galli in the GenBank database, so there is not enough data for detailed phylogenetic analysis of A . galli . Detailed genetic analysis is necessary to get better insight into the birds’ Ascaridia species.

Research Note

July 4, 2018

Anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in feral cats on the Island of Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

Débora Costa Viegas de Lima, Fernando Jorge Rodrigues Magalhães, Muller Ribeiro Andrade, José Givanildo da Silva, Eduardo Guelfer Ferrer de Morais, Carlos Diógenes Ferreira de Lima Filho, Wagner José Nascimento Porto, Rinaldo Aparecido Mota

Page range: 645-646

Abstract

Neospora caninum is a protozoan responsible for abortions, stillbirths (mainly among cattle) and neuromuscular diseases in dogs. Its importance in wild species and its impact on the environmental preservation of different ecosystems have been little described. This study aimed to investigate the presence of anti- N . caninum antibodies in feral cats on the island of Fernando de Noronha and contribute epidemiological data on this disease in these animals and its impact on the environmental preservation of the island. Serum samples from 257 feral cats on the island were analyzed through the Neospora agglutination test (NAT) to search for anti- Neospora caninum antibodies. Among the 257 serum samples analyzed, 8 (3.11%) were positive in the NAT. The antibody titers were 20 in seven animals (87.5%) and 40 in one animal (12.5%). These results demonstrate that feral cats are exposed to infection by N . caninum on the island of Fernando de Noronha, at a low frequency. Greater knowledge on this infection in this animal species in this insular environment is important for elucidating its impact on the conservation of species and the maintenance of this parasite on the island.

Research Note

July 4, 2018

First molecular evidence of Thelohanellus wallagoiSarkar, 1985 (Myxozoa) from economically important food fish, freshwater shark Wallago attu (Siluridae) in India

Abhishek Gupta, Anshu Chaudhary, Anupma Garg, Chandni Verma, Hridaya S. Singh, Bindu Sharma

Page range: 647-653

Abstract

The freshwater shark Wallago attu (Bl. and Schn.) is a frequent silurid in the River Ganga and one of the most commercially exploit fish in India. In a survey on its infection with myxosporeans, spore type belongs to Thelohanellus species was found in the gills, kidney and intestine respectively. Through morphological and molecular investigations, we identified the spore as Thelohanellus wallagoi Sarkar, 1985. They were pyriform in valvular view and slim in sutural view, and had one pyriform polar capsule with four to five turns. The spores measured 8.0 × 4.0 × 2.3 μm. T . wallagoi developed in small cysts in the gill lamellae, whereas cyst and scattered spores of T . wallagoi were also found in the kidney and intestine respectively. The 18S rDNA sequence of T . wallagoi isolates recovered from gills, kidney and intestine were found similar to each other and differed from any other Thelohanellus species available in GenBank and validated its status after 32 years of original description. Phylogenetic analysis signified that T . wallagoi was placed sister to Myxobolus species in the clade that indicated the polyphyletic nature of the genus Thelohanellus .

Research Note

July 4, 2018

First identification of Echinococcus multilocularis in golden jackals in Croatia

Magda Sindičić, Miljenko Bujanić, Iva Štimac, Franjo Martinković, Nikolina Tuškan, Marina Špehar, Dean Konjević

Page range: 654-656

Abstract

Alveolar echinococcosis, caused by the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis , is one of the world’s most dangerous zoonosis and an emerging disease with growing incidence in humans. The disease has been reported in new areas and host species in the last two decades, and the primary hosts of the parasite – red fox, golden jackal and grey wolf – are expanding their distribution in Europe. Here we report the morphological and molecular identification of Echinococcus multilocularis tapeworms in one of 29 carcasses of adult golden jackals in Croatia, where the only previous report of the parasite was in red foxes in 2016. These results suggest that alveolar echinococcosis should be treated as an emerging disease in Croatia.

Case Report

July 4, 2018

Dirofilaria repens infection as a cause of intensive peripheral microfilariemia in a Polish patient: process description and cases review

Matylda Kłudkowska, Łukasz Pielok, Krystyna Frąckowiak, Aleksander Masny, Elżbieta Gołąb, Małgorzata Paul

Page range: 657-663

Abstract

Dirofilariasis is a parasitic disease of dogs and other carnivores transmitted mainly by the mosquitoes of the genera Culex , Aedes , Anopheles . Full life cycle of the Dirofilaria nematodes in humans is extremely rarely observed, usually lacking species determination at the molecular level. We report fully documented unusual clinical manifestation of subcutaneous dirofilariasis with intensive microfilariemia in peripheral blood revealed by the Knott’s concentration technique. The identification of the Dirofilaria repens nematode was based on typical morphological findings for adult gravid female nematode found in the histopathological preparations. The morphology of microfilariae obtained from patient’s peripheral blood was also typical for D. repens . The final identification was confirmed by the molecular analysis of microfilariae collected from the blood.

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