Presence of Stenoponia tripectinata (Tiraboschi, 1902) (Siphonaptera, Ctenophtalmidae) in murine (Rodentia) from the Canary Islands

This article reports the geographical and host distribution of the flea Stenoponia tripectinata on the Canary Islands. S. tripectinata is widely distributed throughout the Mediterranean and North Africa as a parasite of Muridae rodents. To date, Gran Canaria is the only island of the archipelago where S. tripectinata had been found. In this report, S. tripectinata has appeared parasitizing 116 specimens of Mus musculus out of a total of 660, and only 2 Rattus rattus of 215 captured. All the trapped Muridae hosts found to be parasitized by S. tripectinata came from humid biotopes. The results showed that S. tripectinata is present on all the western Canary Islands and on one of the eastern islands, Gran Canaria, the only island already reported. The detection of S. tripectinata on El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera and Tenerife represents the first records of this flea species on those Canary Islands.     

Rediscovery of Culex (Neoculex) martinii Medschid, 1930 (Diptera,Culicidae) in Germany

Parasitology Research - The culicid Culex martinii is an extremely rare species in Germany, with only one reference in the scientific literature, according to which larvae were found once in 1935...     

Larval development of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (Nematoda, Angiostrongylidae) in experimentally infected Cernuella (Cernuella) virgata (Mollusca, Helicidae)

The larval development of the cat lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus was studied for the first time in the helicid mollusc Cernuella (Cernuella) virgata, in order to know its performance as intermediate host (I.H.). This snail is very common in the north-west of Spain. First-stage larvae (L1) of A. abstrusus were obtained by the Baermann–Wetzel method from the faeces of a naturally infected cat. Then, 120 specimens of C. (C.) virgata were infected with 500 L1/snail and maintained under laboratory conditions (20±2 °C). Every 2 days, from day 8 to day 76 post-infection (p.i.), three snails were killed in order to study the larval development of the parasite. Morphological features of the different larval stages were also recorded. The apparent rate of penetration of L1 into the snail foot was 65.5%, but only 4.78% completed their development to the infective stage (L3). The total number of larvae was 49.8±28.8 larvae/snail and the average number of L3 was 23.9±18.4 L3/snail. The first L2 and L3 were observed on day 12 and day 18 p.i., respectively. From day 52 p.i. onwards, all larvae were at the infective stage in the snail. Considering those results, it was concluded that C. (C.) virgata is a suitable I.H. for A. abstrusus.     

First record of Aspiculuris tetraptera (Nitzsch, 1821) (Nematoda : Oxyuroidea) and Dollfusentis chandleri (Golvan, 1969) (Acanthocephala : Illiosentidae) in Haemulon sciurus (Shaw 1803) (Pisces : Pomadasyidae)

Forty specimens of Haemulon sciurus were examined for endoparasites and this paper refers to the recovered Nematodes and Acanthocephalans. Aspiculuris tetraptera is for the first time referred in fish and Dollfusentis chandleri is recorded in Brazil and in a new host.     

Ultrastructural study of spermiogenesis and the spermatozoon of Acanthocephaloides incrassatus (Molin, 1858) (Acanthocephala, Paleacanthocephala, Arhythmacanthidae) from Anguilla anguilla (Pisces, Teleostei) in Urbino ponds (Corsica Island)

This study deals with first ultrastructure features of Acanthocephaloides incrassatus (Paleacanthocephala, Arhythmacanthidae), a parasite of the fish Anguilla anguilla, reported for the first time in a Mediterranean pond. The spermiogenesis of A. incrassatus shows original specificities which have never been pointed out to this day in ultrastructural studies on spermiogenesis: the centriolar derivative is divided into two parts of different densities: an electron-dense, and the other, electron-lucent; a ring form has been observed on each side of the axoneme; a centriole with one central element. After the elaboration of a flagellum of 9+2 pattern, the centriole migrates in a nuclear groove. Rapidly, the centriole disappears. Then, the flagellum migration occurs by a series of processes and gives rise to a spermatozoon. The spermatozoon of A. incrassatus presents its own specificities: it exhibits an evolution of the centriolar derivative characterized by only nine peripheral elements deprived of a central element in the anterior part, then nine peripheral and one central element, and finally, nine peripheral elements with two central elements. An assumption is emitted on a probable correspondence of the evolution of the derivative centriolar during the spermiogenesis and the evolution that occurs in the spermatozoon. Protein granules also show different sizes and forms, full or emptied of their contents compared with data on other Acanthocephala.     

The prevalence of aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme genes (aac (6')-I, aac (6')-II, ant (2")-I, aph (3')-VI) in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

INTRODUCTION:

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is one of the primary opportunistic pathogens responsible for nosocomial infections. Aminoglycosides are an important component of antipseudomonal chemotherapy. The inactivation of drugs by modifying enzymes is the most common mechanism of aminoglycoside resistance.

OBJECTIVES:

The inactivation of aminoglycosides by modifying enzymes is the primary resistance mechanism employed by P. aeruginosa. The aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence of aminoglycoside resistance and the prevalence of four important modifying enzyme genes (aac (6′)-I, aac (6′)-II, ant (2″)-I, aph (3′)-VI) in P. aeruginosa in Iran.

METHODS:

A total of 250 clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa were collected from several hospitals in seven cities in Iran. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests (using the disk diffusion method and E-tests) were performed for all 250 isolates. In addition, all isolates were screened for the presence of modifying enzyme genes by polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS:

The resistance rates, as determined by the disk diffusion method, were as follows: gentamicin 43%, tobramycin 38%, and amikacin 24%. Of the genes examined, aac (6′)-II (36%) was the most frequently identified gene in phenotypic resistant isolates, followed by ant (2″)-I, aph (3′)-VI, and aac (6′)-I.

CONCLUSIONS:

Aminoglycoside resistance in P. aeruginosa remains a significant problem in Iran. Therefore, there is considerable local surveillance of aminoglycoside resistance.     

Diplostomum phoxini (Faust, 1918) (Trematoda)

Zusammenfassung Metacercarien von Diplostomum phoxini (Faust, 1918) wurden in Elritzen (Phoxinus phoxinus) eines süddeutschen Mittelgebirgsflusses gefunden. Als erster Zwischenwirt in diesem Biotop wurde Lymnaea peregra ovata ermittelt. Mit Metacercarien aus experimentell infestierten Elritzen gelang die Infestation von Jungenten (Anas platyrhynchos). Das Miracidium wird dargestellt. Ein bisher unbekanntes transitorisches pathologisches Verhalten experimentell infestierter Elritzen wird beschrieben.

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Diplostomum phoxini (Faust, 1918) (Trematoda)Morphological features of the miracidium and observations on other stages in the life cyle

Summary Metacercariae of Diplostomum phoxini (Faust, 1918) were found in minnows (Phoxinus phoxinus) living in a river of the South German highlands. Lymnaea peregra ovata proved to be the first intermediate host, and ducklings (Anas platyrhynchos) were successfully infected with metacercariae from minnows with experimentally induced infestations. The morphology of the miracidium is described. The transitory pathologic behaviour of minnows with experimental infestations has been observed for the first time.

     

Genital myiasis by Wohlfahrtia magnifica (Diptera, Sarcophagidae) in Sicily (Italy)

Wohlfahrtia magnifica (Schiner, 1862; Diptera: Sarcophagidae), known also as flesh fly or screwworm, is a fly distributed especially in south Europe, Middle East, North Africa and China. Maggots of W. magnifica are responsible for traumatic myiasis in warm-blooded vertebrate animals and humans. In Italy data on wohlfahrtiosis in animals and humans are scant. This paper reports three cases of genital myiasis by W. magnifica in Sicily that occurred in a goat, a ram and a dog, respectively. Maggots were found in the vulva of a goat, in a wound localised in the scrotum of a ram and in the prepuce of a dog. Although the disease was not recorded before in the region, data collected from a questionnaire specifically designed for the study suggest that the disease is endemic in the area for more than 20 years. Larger epidemiological studies in the region are needed to get more data on disease prevalence and pattern of infestation as well as more information and education is needed for both farmers and veterinarians on wohlfahrtiosis and its strategies of control and treatment.     

Henneguya shackletoni sp. nov. (Myxosporea, Bivalvulida, Myxobolidae) from the Falklands mullet, Eleginops maclovinus (Cuvier) (Teleostei, Eleginopidae) in the Falkland Islands

During a survey of the parasite fauna of the euryhaline notothenioid fish Eleginops maclovinus (Cuvier) caught in brackish water creeks in the Falkland Islands, small white cysts were observed in the mesenteries and on the surfaces of the visceral organs and heart. On dissection these proved to be plasmodia of a species of the myxosporean genus Henneguya. This is the first record of a member of this genus from a marine or euryhaline fish in the south-west Atlantic. A comparison of the spore of our species with other species in the genus convinced us that our species is new. This paper describes it as Henneguya shackletoni sp. nov. after the Shackleton Fund which funded the study.     

Ascaridia numidae (Leiper, 1908; Travassos, 1913) in Rock Partridge (Alectoris chukar) in Turkey

This report present first case of Ascaridia numidae isolated from three dead rock partridges (Alectoris chukar) with stressing morphological characteristics and its responsiveness to the medical treatment. A. numidae was confirmed by presence of one papilla on the posterior region of the preanal sucker and a total of 10 pairs of the caudal papillae. In necropsy, a total of 680 (282 male and 3,988 female) A. numidae and 289 (147 male and 142 female) Heterakis dispar were isolated from all partridges. Females were 11.20 mm longer and 0.22 mm wider than males. There was no difference in length of oesophagus (2.27 mm). Lengths of the spikules were equals and ranged from 2.08 to 2.93 according to the body size. Vulva was located in medial line and the mean egg size was 0.10 × 0.06 mm. Faecal samples from live birds from the same farm contained Ascaridia spp. and Heterakis spp. eggs. No eggs were encountered 1 week after oral administration of a single dose of levamisole (30 mg/kg), but 3 months post-medication. In conclusion, this is the first case reporting A. numidae in exotic birds in Turkey. A. numidae has unique papillae that are distinguishable from the other ascarids and is responsive to medical treatment as long as hygienic conditions are maintained.     

Nervous system and chaetotaxy in the cercaria ofHaplometra cylindracea (Zeder, 1800) (Digenea,Plagiorchiidae)

The nervous system and chaetotaxy of a plagiorchiid cercaria,Haplometra cylindracea (Zeder), have been studied in order to recognize the relationships between the arrangement of sensillae on the body surface and the nerve trunks and commissures. The nervous system was revealed according to the methods of Koelle (1951) and Holt and Withers (1952) for localization of cholinesterase and nonspecific esterases. The silver impregnation method was used to visualize the sensillae. It has been found that the nervous system ofH. cylindracea cercaria differs from a hypothetical model given by Richard (1968, 1971) in the following characters: only two cephalic commissures occur instead of three, the median one is lacking, and the tail has only one longitudinal nerve trunk branching off from the last ventral commissure. The subtegumental nerve plexus has also been recognized. The chaetotaxy is described and the connections of particular groups of sensillae with corresponding nerve tracts are discussed.     

A case with 46, XX, del (11) (q21)

The cytogenetic analysis of a child with unspecific dysplastic signs revealed the karyotype: 46, XX, del(11) (q21). Two hypotheses could explain the mild phenotypical expression of this deletion:
1) The material of the deficient part of chromosome 11 is genetically inert or redundant (which seems unlikely);
2) "Gene-dosis-compensation" occurs for the loss of genes on the deficient part of chromosome 11.     

A new species of Thelandros (Nematoda, Oxyuroidea, Pharyngodonidae) in Leiolepis reevesi (Sauria, Agamidae) from Vietnam

Thelandros vietnamensis sp. nov. (Oxyuroidea, Pharyngodonidae) from the intestines of an agamid lizard, Leiolepis reevesi, collected in Vietnam is described and illustrated. Thelandros vietnamensis represents the 3rd Oriental species to be described and is distinguished from all other species by length of spicule (485–536 μm) of the male; all other species have spicules less than 200 μm.     

Capillaria (Nematoda, Trichuridae) of wild swine (Sus scrofa) in Austria

Capillaria (Nematoda, Trichuridae) of wild boar in Austria. In a research on Capillaria species with wild boar in Austria 2 species could be found, C. spec. in the stomach and C. garfiai in the tongue. The morphological characteristics of both species were described and represented C. spec. could only be detected in one of 105 stomachs and intestines. C. garfiai, however, could be proved in 77 (= 69%) of 112 examined tongues. C. garfiai which parasitizes in the tongue epithelium causes pathological changes only to a slight degree, so that it is of almost no pathogenic significance. The frequency of infestation with eggs of Capillaria (with a high probability of C. garfiai) was 14.4% of 319 examined samples of faeces. The validity of C. spec. is discussed. Both species were detected at wild boar in Austria for the first time.     

Cercarial chaetotaxy of Echinostoma revolutum (Froelich, 1802) and E. echinatum (Zeder, 1803) (Trematoda, Echinostomatidae)

The life-cycles of Echinostoma revolutum and E. echinatum were carried out by using cercariae emitted by naturally infected Molluscs. E. revolutum strain was issued from Lymnaea auricularia, E. echinatum from Lymnaea truncatula and Planorbis planorbis, Planorbarius corneus produced an Echinostome which may possibly be E. echinatum or another species E. sp. Metacercarial stages and adults were obtained from laboratory experimental hosts. None of these adult Echinostomes displayed well-defined morphological differences: nevertheless their respective larval stages exhibited discrepancies used for species diagnosis. Cercarial chaetotaxy is given for every batch and compared with that of other species described as E. audyi, E. lindoense and E. caproni; discriminating features are discussed.     

The helminth community of Talpa romana (Thomas, 1902) (Insectivora,Talpidae) in southern Italy

The helminth parasite community of Talpa romana in Calabria (southern Italy ) was studied. The helminth fauna comprised six species: Ityogonimus ocreatus (Goeze 1782), Staphylocistis bacillaris (Goeze 1782), Capillaria talpae (Siebold 1850), Parastrongyloides winchesi (Morgan 1928), Spirura talpae (Gmelin 1790), and Tricholinstowia linstowi (Travassos 1918). All species except S. bacillaris were dominant in this community. The helminths are all stenoxenous species of Paleartic Talpaspp. This paper is the first quantitative approach to the helminth community of T. romana and reveals typical characteristics of an isolationist community. This can be explained by genetic and paleogeographic events.     

Three new species of Digenea (Batrachotrematidae) in Nanorana minica (Anura, Dicroglossidae) from Uttarakhand, India

Three new species of batrachotrematid trematodes from the small paa frog, Nanorana minica, collected in Uttarakhand, India are described and illustrated: Batrachotrema korbaensis sp. nov., Opisthioparorchis dehradunensis sp. nov. and Opisthioparorchis nanoranae sp. nov. The new species are assigned to genera based on presence or absence of cuticular spines; absent in Batrachotrema, present in Opisthioparorchis. Five species are assigned to Batrachotrema, which are separated by position of genital pore, location of testes and host; B. korbaensis differs from previously described species in that it is the only species from an anuran host with testes in the 4th quarter of the body. Ten species are assigned to Opisthioparorchis, which are separated by testes position, extent of vitellaria, and oral sucker-acetabulum ratio. O. nanoranae sp. nov. is the only species possessing tandem testes. Two species, O. dehradunensis sp. nov. and O. yaanensis, possess oblique testes, the remaining 7 species have symmetrical testes. Opisthioparorchis dehradunensis sp. nov. is distinguished from O. nanoranae sp. nov. by testes orientation; oblique in O. dehradunensis sp. nov., tandem in O. nanoranae sp. nov.     

The intermediate hosts of Wardium cirrosa (Krabbe, 1869) Spassky, 1961 (Cestoda,Cyclophyllidea, Aploparaksidae) in Ukraine

The metacestodes of aploparaksid cestode Wardium cirrosa Krabbe, 1869 parasitic in gulls were found in polychaetes of the family Nereidae collected off the Black Sea coast, Ukraine. Two species of polychaetes, Hediste diversicolor (prevalence 5.3%; intensity 1–3 specimens) and Neanthes succinea (prevalence 9.9%; intensity 1–39 specimens), were infected with cysticercoids that were observed either individually or in accumulations. The preliminary identification of the material based on morphological characteristics was later confirmed by experimental infection of the definitive host, Larus cachinnans (Charadriiformes: Laridae) with metacestodes, and by the identity of the partial 28S rDNA sequences of cysticercoids and experimentally obtained adults. Although previous studies suggested freshwater leeches as the intermediate host for W. cirrosa, our study provides the evidence for marine polychaetes to serve as intermediate hosts. This study is the first to present the morphological characteristics of metacestodes of W. cirrosa in addition to molecular data for this species, as well as reporting the possibility of several cysticercoids developing from a single oncosphere. Morphology of the adult specimens obtained in the experiment was compared with adults of W. cirrosa previously collected from L. cachinnans in Ukraine. The results of our study suggest that further research focused on the elucidation of the life cycles of cestodes within the genus Wardium should consider marine invertebrates as potential intermediate hosts.