Molecular identification of Sarcocystis lutrae (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) in muscles of five species of the family Mustelidae

Parasitology Research - Carnivores usually act as definitive hosts of Sarcocystis species. However, the number of reports on sarcocyst formation in musculature of predators is on the increase. In...     

Sarcocystis simonyi sp. nov. (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) from the endangered Hierro giant lizardGallotia simonyi (Reptilia: Lacertidae)

Wild-caught specimens of the highly endangered giant lizardGallotia simonyi, which is endemic to the Canary Island of Hierro, were examined for sarcosporidian parasites. One of the animals exhibited sarcocysts measuring 540 (range, 400–720)×170 (range, 130–220) m in the musculature of its tail. Feeding of these sarcocysts to a laboratory-rearedG. simonyi resulted in the excretion of sporulated sporocysts measuring 8.8 (range, 7.8–9.4)×6.9 (range, 6.2–7.8) m. Following experimental transmission, I used light and electron microscopy and identified this parasite asSarcocystis simonyi sp. nov., which displays a dihomoxenous life cycle.This study was supported in part by a PhD grant from the Freie Universität Berlin (NaFöG)     

Sarcocystis schneideri n. sp. (Sarcocystidae) infecting the barber skink Eumeces schneideri schneideri (Scincidae) Daudin, 1802. A light and ultrastructural study

The current study provides the first record of infection with Sarcocystis species in the barber skink Eumeces schneideri schneideri (Scincidae) captured from the north region of Egypt around the cities of El-Hamam and Al-Dabaa, Mersa Matruh Governorate, Egypt. Morphology of the parasite cysts was described using light and transmission electron microscopy. Five out of 80 (6.25 %) of the examined skinks were found to be infected. The infection was recorded firstly by light microscopy as spindle-shaped cysts embedded in the muscle tissue. The cysts were microscopic and measured 250–900 μm in length?×?50–100 μm in width (mean, 575?×?75 μm). The validity of this species was confirmed by means of ultrastructural characteristics of the primary cyst wall (0.28 μm thick) which revealed the presence of irregularly shaped crowded and osmiophilic knob-like projections underlined by a thin layer of ground substance measuring 0.15–0.17 μm (mean, 0.16 μm). This layer consisted mainly of fine, dense homogenous granules enclosing the developing metrocytes and merozoites that usually contain nearly all the structures of the apical complex and fill the interior cavity of the cyst. Several septa derived from the ground substance divided the cyst into compartments. The merozoites were banana-shaped and measured 3–5 μm in length and 1.5–2.5 in width with centrally or posteriorly located nuclei. The morphological and morphometric data obtained during study were compared with those recorded previously from organisms within the Scincidae family. It was observed that this parasite possessed some distinguishing characteristics from the comparable species, which should be considered as a new species of the Sarcocystis genus, and the proposed name was Sarcocystis schneideri n. sp. with new host and locality records in Egypt.     

Primary sarcoma of the heart: a light and electron microscopic study of two cases.

Two cases of primary malignant cardiac neoplasms are presented. The first, an angiosarcoma of the right atrium, developed in a 44-year-old housewife, who survived 23 days from the time of presentation; diagnosis was made at necropsy. The second, an embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the right ventricle, developed in a 17-year-old student; diagnosis was made by angiocardiography. He underwent surgery and cytotoxic and irradiation therapy and died 14 months later.     

Haemonchus longistipes Railliet & Henry, 1909 (Nematoda,Trichostrongylidae) from the Egyptian dromedary,Camelus dromedarius (Artiodactyla: Camelidae), first identification on the basis of light and ultrastructural data

Haemonchus longistipes is a gastrointestinal abomasal nematode which is one of the most prevalent and pathogenic parasites infesting the stomach of ruminants. On the basis of light and ultrastructural data, the objective of the present study was to introduce a first identification of the cameline haemonchosis caused by H. longistipes. Abomasa of 42 Egyptian camels Camelus dromedarius (Artiodactyla: Camelidae) were collected monthly from September 2013 to April 2014 from the main slaughter house of Cairo, Egypt. Adult male and female nematode worms were recovered from 26 (62 %) specimens of the examined abomasa. The parasites were of yellow color; the body was filiform (slender) tapered towards the anterior end in male and towards both ends in female. Buccal capsules absent, the buccal cavity was small with a conspicuous dorsal lancet extended from dorsal wall. The cervical papillae were prominent and spine-like. The body length of the female worm was 16.6–20.5 (18.5?±?0.3) mm. The anterior end to the cervical papillae was 3.19–4.30 (4.12?±?0.5) mm. The vulva of the female had a linguiform process or flap, the tail is without a spine, and the anal pore at the posterior end of the body had a simple dorsal rim. The body of male was 10.4–14.7 (13.9?±?2.0) mm in length. The male bursa had elongated lobes supported by long, slender rays. The small dorsal lobe was asymmetrical with Y-shaped dorsal rays. The spicules were long with a length of 0.52–0.54 (0.53?±?0.05) mm, each provided with a small barb and pore near its extremity. Synlophe was bilaterally and dorsoventrally symmetrical; it extended from cephalic expansion over anterior 50 % of prebursal or prevulvar body and consisted of a maximum of 42 ridges. The described species herein was compared with the three morphologically similar species Haemonchus mitchelli, Haemonchus okapiae, and H. longistipes with their synlophes consist of 42 ridges distributed over the anterior half of the body. These species can be separated by unique structural characteristics of their synlophes, spicules, and copulatory bursa. The most morphologically similar species to the recovered worm was H. longistipes. Also, some of the parameters with regard to morphology and morphometry of this parasite were described for the first time.     

A light and electron microscope study of Sarcocystis mitrani (sp. nov.) infecting the skink Scincus mitranus in the central region of Saudi Arabia

The prevalence of Sarcocystis infection among skinks, Scincus mitranus, was studied for the first time. Grossly macroscopic sarcocysts were found to infect the skeletal muscles of the skink (infection rate: 4.16%). Fecal examination for the presence of sporocysts was negative in this study. Sarcocysts were studied using light and transmission electron microscopes. Mature sarcocysts measuring 0.05-0.3 x 0.5-1.8 mm (mean 0.1 5x 1.2 mm) were observed. The characteristic primary cyst wall, with long, finger-like, non-branched and non-stalked protrusions, is described. The ground substance gives rise to numerous thick septa dividing the interior of the cyst into chamber-like compartments. Zoites, including metrocytes and merozoites, were found to have the main architecture of Apicomplexa. Peculiarities of these elements and the importance of the primary cyst-wall ultrastructure for identification and specification of Sarcocystis are discussed. Secondary cyst wall was completely absent. Alterations in the infected host cell were observed.     

Sarcocystis calchasi sp. nov. of the domestic pigeon (Columba livia f. domestica) and the Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis): light and electron microscopical characteristics

A novel highly pathogenic Sarcocystis species has been shown to cycle between the Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) as definitive host and the domestic pigeon (Columba livia f. domestica) as intermediate host. However, genetically based characteristics are only available from very few bird-infecting Sarcocystis species. We therefore further characterised morphological properties of this protozoan in both hosts. Using light and electron microscopy, oocysts and sporocysts as well as schizonts and sarcocysts were characterised and compared with available morphological features of previously reported Sarcocystis species of Northern goshawks, Columbidae and genetically closely related species of other avian hosts. Sporocysts shed from day?6 on after experimental infection by the Northern goshawk were of ovoid appearance (11.9?×?7.9 μm). Ultrastructurally, schizonts of all developmental stages were found in the liver, spleen and next to or in endothelial cells of various organs of domestic pigeons 7 to 12 days after experimental infection. The cyst wall surface of slender sarcocysts (1 to 2 mm in length and 20 to 50 μm in width) was smooth and lacked protrusions. Cystozoites were lancet-shaped and measured 7.5?×?1.5 μm in Giemsa stain smears. The morphological findings, when combined with data of experimental infection and genetic studies, convergently indicate that the recently discovered Sarcocystis species represents a new species. We therefore propose to name this parasite Sarcocystis calchasi species nova.     

Light and electron microscopic studies on Kudoa pagrusi sp. n. (Myxosporea: Multivalvulida) infecting the heart of sea bream Pagrus pagrus (L.) from the Red Sea

A new multivalvulid species, Kudoa pagrusi sp. n., was described from the sea bream Pagrus pagrus. The cysts were oval to ellipsoidal and restricted to the cardiac muscles. The mean spore measurements were 7.0 μm in length and 6.4 μm in width as well as in thickness, while the mean polar capsule measurements were 3.7 μm in length and 1.5 μm in width. The ultrastructural features of the present species proved that the spore have four polar capsules with four shell valves that are the main criteria for genus Kudoa.     

Life cycle of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sarcocystis camelicanis</Emphasis> infecting the camel (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Camelus dromedarius</Emphasis>) and the dog (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Canis familiaris</Emphasis>), light and electron microscopic study

In the present study, the heteroxeneous life cycle of Sarcocystis sp. infecting camels were studied. A total of 180 slaughtered camels collected from different localities in Egypt were investigated for sarcocysts. Only 116 animals were found to be infected (the infection rate was 64%). Muscle samples of esophagus, diaphragm, tongue, skeletal, and heart muscles were examined. Exclusively, microscopic sarcocysts were detected in all examined organs. The infection rates of the esophagus, diaphragm, tongue, skeletal, and heart muscles were 60%, 50%, 40%, 40%, and 10%, respectively. By means of transmission electron microscopy, details of the ultrastructure of the sarcocysts were studied. The specific architecture and ornaments of the cyst wall, its protrusions, and the cyst interior were recorded. Unique features of protrusions of the primary cyst wall, the knob-like structures, arise around each protrusion. Experimental infection of carnivores by feeding heavily infected camel muscles revealed that the dog, Canis familiaris, is the only final host of the present Sarcocystis species. Gamogony, sporogonic stages, and characteristics of sporulated oocysts were also investigated.     

Postnatal development of the harderian gland in the Syrian golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus): a light and electron microscopic study.

The main objective of the present investigation was to study the morphological and chronological aspects of the development of the Harderian gland in the Syrian golden hamster. Tissues were obtained from male and female hamsters at days 1,3,5,7,10,12,15,17,20,27,37,46, and 90 after birth and processed for light and transmission electron microscopy. The present observations indicate that a well-defined temporal sequence in microscopic and ultrastructural modification is recognizable in the development of the hamster Harderian gland. Four stages of development were proposed. Between days 1-5 (first stage), the gland shows characteristics of an immature structure. The glandular cells contain many free ribosomes, few and small organelles, and large irregular-shape nuclei. Between days 7-17 (second stage), there is a marked increase of organelles involved in synthesis and secretion. The gland begins the secretion of lipids and porphyrins, but no morphological differences between male and female glands are observed. Between days 20-36 (third stage), the morphological differences between the two sexes appear and progressively develop. In 45-day-old hamsters, the Harderian gland possesses the structural characteristics of adult glands, and further developmental changes are essentially quantitative in nature (fourth stage). At all stages of development, the population of secretory cells has a uniform appearance. The morphological results are discussed as well as the possible relationship of this temporal sequence with hormonal changes.     

Experimental transmission of Sarcocystis muriviperae n. sp. to laboratory mice by sporocysts from the Palestinian viper (Vipera palaestinae): A light and electron microscope study

Sporocysts collected from the feces of a Palestinian viper (Vipera palaestinae) were administered orally to species of various rodent genera such as Mus, Microtus, Mastomys, Meriones and Oryctolagus. Infections developed only in laboratory mice (Mus musculus). This investigation established the life cycle of Sarcocystis muriviperae in the laboratory. S. muriviperae is described as a new species, based on light and electron microscopic observations and repeated transmission studies. Naturally and experimentally infected Palestinian vipers both excreted structurally identical sporocysts measuring 9.6 m (8.8–10.5 m) by 12.2 m (11.7–12.9 m). Sporulation inside the snakes' intestine is completed between 14 and 19 days post-inoculation (p.i.).Rosette-like schizogonic stages were found in the liver cells of laboratory mice 9–10 days after infection with sporulated sporocysts. Sarcocysts measured up to 1,000 m in length on day 36 p.i. and were mainly filled with metrocytes. The septated sarcocysts found 136 or 165 days p.i. reached a length of 5–8 mm and a width of 150–400 m. The primary sarcocyst wall formed cauliflower-like branched protrusions about 3.5 m in length.Abbreviations A Amylopectin granules - C conoid - CM cyst merozoites - DB dense bodies - DM developing merozoites - DO developing oocyst wall - GS ground substance - HC host cell - HO hollow in the cyst's interior - L lipid inclusion - MC metrocytes - MN micronemes - MP micropore - N nucleus - NH nucleus of the host cell - OW oocyst wall - P protrusion of PC - PC primary cyst wall - R rhoptries - RB residual body - RH residual host cell cytoplasm - S schizont - SP sporocyst wall - SU suture, opening of SP - TH thin invagination of PC - UL underlying dense material of PC - UM unit membrane of PC The study was supported by grants from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, the Ständige Kommission für Forschung und wissenschaftlichen Nachwuchs der Freien Universität Berlin and of the Egyptian government     

The morphology of the iridocorneal angle in the eye of buffaloes (Bos bubalis): a light and scanning electron microscopic study.

The morphology of the iridocorneal angle in the eye of the buffalo (Bos bubalis) was studied in eighteen eyes using light and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The buffalo iridocorneal angle included the pectinate ligament, the ciliary cleft, the trabecular meshwork (uveal and corneoscleral) and the angular aqueous plexus. The pectinate ligament was prominent anteriorly and appeared as strong, thick compact structure. The strands of the pectinate ligament were short and had narrow spaces between them as observed by SEM. The ciliary cleft appeared quadrilateral and contained large amount of trabecular tissue that could be divided into two parts, the uveal part and the corneoscleral part. The uveal meshwork was the internal part of the trabecular meshwork. It occupied wide area in the anterior region and narrow area in the posterior one. It composed of thick-pigmented trabeculae in the anterior part, which became thin and loose in the posterior part. Their intertrabecular spaces were large and wide anteriorly. The corneoscleral meshwork was the external part of the trabecular meshwork. It was narrow anteriorly and widened posteriorly. Their trabeculae were non-pigmented and closely arranged and the intertrabecular spaces were small. The angular aqueous plexus consisted of four to five veins. They were located between the outer border of the corneoscleral meshwork and the inner border of the sclera. These results of the iridocorneal angle suggest important implications for understanding the glaucoma disease in buffaloes.     

New host and locality records of two nematode parasites Dujardinnascaris mujibii (Heterocheilidae) and Hysterothylacium aduncum (Anisakidae) from the common seabream Pagrus pagrus: a light and scanning electron microscopic study

In the present study, the morphology and morphometric characterization of Dujardinnascaris mujibii (Heterocheilidae) and Hysterothylacium aduncum (Anisakidae), new nematode parasites infecting the sea bream Pagrus pagrus (Osteichthyes, Sparidae), were described for the first time from the Gulf of Suez and Hurghada City of the Red Sea, Egypt. Ninety-eight (70 %) and 62 (44.2 %) out of 140 of the examined fish were naturally infected with these nematodes, respectively. The infection was investigated macroscopically by the occurrence of these parasites in the flesh, stomach, intestines, as well as their body cavities as adult and larval stages. D. mujibii is characterized by an elongated body with a length of 36.4?±?3 (23–38)?mm (female) and 20?±?3.0 (17–24)?mm (males); the head is provided with three prominent lips each with four teeth like structures and the apical lip is embossed with a regular zigzag pattern as revealed by SEM. Interlabia were present, with prominent grooves. Juvenile stage is smaller than adults and provided with a spiny mucron. H. aduncum was small, measured 22.5?±?2.0 (20.0–24.3)?mm in length (female) and 16.3?±?2.0 (14.5–17.4)?mm (male). The head region bears three large lips which were clearly separated from each other, with the apical one having two rounded ends and the space between the two adjacent lips occupied by very prominent interlabia. The present study represents new host and locality records from P. pagrus fish in Egypt.     

Three new species of coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriorina) from the Marble-throated skink, Marmorosphax tricolor Bavay, 1869 (Reptilia: Scincidae), endemic to New Caledonia with a taxonomic revision of Eimeria spp. from scincid hosts

Three new species of coccidia are described from Marble-throated skink Marmorosphax tricolor from New Caledonia, namely, Isospora bocagei sp. n., Acroeimeria rouxi sp. n., and Choleoeimeria sadlieri sp.n. All species differ markedly from other eimerian coccidia described from scincid hosts. Isospora marmorosphaxi develops extra-nuclearly in small intestine. A. rouxi develops epicitoplasmatically in small intestine. C. sadlieri affects the gall bladder mucosa. Generic affiliation of Eimeria-like coccidia from reptiles is discussed and all taxa (with adequate information on endogenous development available) from scincid hosts are revised and placed into genera Acroeimeria and Choleoeimeria.     

Light and electron microscopic studies on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Myxobolus egyptica</Emphasis> sp. nov. (Myxozoa,Myxosporea), infecting the hornlip mullet <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oedalechilus labiosus</Emphasis> from the Red Sea

A new myxosporean, Myxobolus egyptica sp. nov., was described from the gills of the hornlip mullet Oedalechilus labiosus, collected from the Red Sea at Al-Quseir city, Egypt. The prevalence of infection was 12/72 (16.66%). Myxobolus egyptica was identified on the basis of spore morphometry, histology and transmission electron microscopy. It was distinguished from all previously reported Myxobolus spp. by its shape, dimensions of the mature spore 10.0 ± 0.6 (9.5–10.5) μm in length, 8.5 ± 0.4 (8.0–9.0) μm in width and 8.7 ± 0.5 (8.4–9.2) μm in thickness, polar capsules, locality and host. The parasite formed intrafilamental cyst-like plasmodia. These plasmodia caused curling and atrophy of the gill lamellae. The ultrastructural analysis revealed a double-unit plasmodial membrane which was in direct contact with the host cells and had numerous vesicles. Some mitochondria were found below this membrane. The disporic pansporoblast was earliest recognizable stage of sporogenesis. Advanced developmental stages of spores and mature spores were reported.