Showing papers in "Journal of the Helminthological Society of Washington in 1995"

Helminths of the Opossum, Didelphis virginiana, in Southern Illinois, with a Compilation of All Helminths Reported from This Host in North America

Abstract: Twelve species of helminths were recovered from 46 opossums, Didelphis virginiana, in southern Illinois. These species and prevalence of infection are as follows: Brachylaima virginiana (32.6%), Capillaria didelphis (17.4%), Capillaria longicauda (52.2%), Cruzia americana (78.3%), Didelphodiplostomum variabile (21.7%), Echinostoma trivolvis (4.30%), Longistriata didelphis (63.0%), Mesocestoides latus (15.2%), Oligacan- thorhynchus tortuosa (17.4%), Paragonimus westermani (6.52%), Physaloptera turgida (100%), and Rhopalias macracanthus (15.2%). Of these helminthic infections, the mean intensity was greatest in Didelphodiplostomum variabile (66.9 specimens per infected host) and Cruzia americana (50.0 specimens per infected host). In addition, a report of all the helminths known to infect this host is included.

Detection of Avian malaria infections in wild and captive penguins

Abstract: Sera from wild African black-footed penguins (Spheniscus demersus L., 1758), Adelie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae Houbron, 1841), Gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua Forster, 1781), king penguins (Apten- odytes patagonicus Miller, 1778), and little blue penguins (Eudyptula minor Forster, 1781) and from captive yellow-eyed penguins (Megadyptes antipodes Houbron, 1841) and Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus Forster, 1781) were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for the presence of avian malaria antibodies (Ab). Plasmodiurn falciparum sporozoite (R32tet32) and gametocyte (P.F.R27) antigens were used. Specificity of anti-5". demersus, anti-duck, anti-chicken, and anti-turkey IgG labeled with alkaline phosphatase was deter- mined for homologous and heterologous sera of 8 avian species (including 6 penguin species). The penguin conjugate was the most specific for the various penguin species immunoglobulins. It was possible to detect penguin immunoglobulins at a dilution of 10~4•". The relative binding of anti-S. demersus IgG was equal to relative binding of commercial conjugates. Kinetic profiles and overall magnitudes of malarial Ab detected by the 2 antigens were not significantly different. Antarctic P. adeliae were negative for malarial Ab, all New Zealand M. antipodes were positive, and the positivity prevalence of the remaining penguins ranged from 33 to 92%. Antibody titers and the prevalence of infection of wild S. demersus were significantly lower than those reported for captive North American S. demersus.

Parasite s of Wood Frogs, Rana sylvatica (Ranidae), from Arkansas, with a Description of a New Species of Eimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae)

Abstract: Thirteen wood frogs, Rana sylvatica LeConte, 1825, were collected in February 1994 from Izard County, Arkansas, and examined for parasites. Twelve (92%) were infected with 1 or more parasites, including 8 (62%) with Opalina sp., 3 (23%) with Myxidium serotinum Kudo and Sprague, 1940, 5 (38%) with unidentified trematode metacercariae, 4 (31%) with Brachycoelium salamandrae (Frolich, 1789) Dujardin, 1845, 2 (15%) with Mesocestoides sp. tetrathyridia, 1 (8%) with Abbreviata sp., 1 (8%) with Oswaldocruzia pipiens Walton, 1929, and 1 (8%) with Desserobdella picta (Verrill, 1872). In addition, 11 (85%) were found to harbor a previously unreported eimerian. Oocysts of Eimeria fitchi sp. n. were ovoidal, 21.9 x 14.3 (20.0-24.0 x 13.2-15.2) /mi, with a smooth, thin, single-layered wall; shape index (length/width) 1.5 (1.3-1.7). A micropyle, oocyst residuum, and polar granule were absent. The sporocysts were ovoidal, 10.9 x 7.4 (9.8-11.2 x 7.0-8.0) /urn; shape index 1.5 (1.3-1.6). One end of the sporocyst was thickened slightly to form an indistinct Stieda body, and a substieda body was absent. A sporocyst residuum was present, 3.6 x 1.6, consisting of large, coarse granules often scattered free among sporozoites. Sporozoites were elongate, 11.1 x 1.7(10.4-12.0 x 1.6-1.8) in situ, each with 2 refractile bodies. Three new host records are reported for parasites of R. sylvatica.

Scutogyrus gen. n. (Monogenea: Ancyrocephalidae) for Cichlidogyrus longicornis minus Dossou, 1982, C. l. longicornis, and C. l. gravivaginus Paperna and Thurston, 1969, with description of three new species parasitic on African Cichlids

Abstract: Scutogyrus gen. n. (Monogenae: Ancyrocephalidae) is defined for Cichlidogyrus longicornis minus Dossou, 1982, on Sarotherodon melanotheron (Cichlidae). This new genus is characterized by a dorsal transversal bar enlarged laterally with, in its median portion, 2 very long auricles hollow at their base and by the ventral transversal bar arched, rigid, and supporting 1 large, thin, oval plate. In agreement with Douellou (1993), C. longicornis Papema and Thurston, 1969, on Oreochromis niloticus and C. gravivaginus Paperna and Thurston, 1969, on O. leucostictus are considered valid; the new combinations Scutogyrus longicornis (Papema and Thurs- ton, 1969) and S. gravivaginus (Paperna and Thurston, 1969) are proposed for them. Three newspecies are also described: Scutogyrus bailloni sp. n. on Sarotherodon galilaeus, S. ecoufini sp. n. on S. occidentalis, and S. chikhii sp. n. on O. mossambicus. A key to the species of Scutogyrus is given.

Parasites of the round goby, Neogobius melanostomus, and tubenose goby, Proterorhinus marmoratus (Perciformes: Gobiidae), from the St Clair River and Lake St Clair, Michigan

Abstract: Totals of 144 round gobies, Neogobius melanostomus (Pallas) , and 48 tubenose gobies, Proterorhinus marmoratus (Pallas) , were collected in June through Septembe r 1994 from the St. Clair River and Lake St. Clair, Michigan, and examined for parasites. Seven species (Diplostomum sp., Eustrongylides tubifex, Rhabdochona decaturensis, Spinitectus sp., Spiroxys sp., Leptorhynchoides thecatus, and glochidia) infected round gobies. More parasit e species infected gobies from Lake St. Clair than from the St. Clair River, with Diplostomum sp. being most common at both locations. Four species (Trichodina sp., Contracaecum sp., Spiroxys sp., and Neoechinorhynchus sp.) infrequently infected tubenose gobies. All species infecting gobies have been reported from other fish species in Lake Huron and Lake Erie. Apparently, no parasites from the Black Sea have become establishe d in this system with the original goby colonizers.

Some trematode, nematode, and acanthocephalan parasites of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, introduced into Chile

Abstract: The gastrointestinal tracts of 211 adult Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum, 1792) were examined for trematode, nematode, and acanthocephalan parasites from 8 lakes in southern Chile (between 41 °0 5' and 39°03' south latitude). The parasites Derogenes patagonicus, Acanthostomoides apophalliformis, Camallanus corderoi, Hysterothylacium sp., Acanthocephalus tumescens, and Acanthocephalus sp. were present. Camallanus corderoi and D. patagonicus were present in 8 and 6 lakes, respectively. In 6 lakes, the prevalence was higher for C. corderoi compared to 2 other lakes. In 3 different lakes, the mean intensities were higher for D. patagonicus (Lakes Rupanco, Puyehue, and Maihue) and C. corderoi (Lakes Ranco, Colico, and Caburga) with respect to other species. Acanthocephalans were infrequent in rainbow trout, except for A. tumescens in Lake Villarrica.

Description of two new species of Gyrodactylus von Nordmann, 1832 (Monogenea) from cultured Nile Tilapia, Tilapia nilotica (Cichlidae), in the Philippines

Abstract: Two new species of Gyrodactylus von Nordmann, 1832 (Monogenea ) are described from the body surface of Nile tilapia (Tilapia nilotica) (Cichlidae) from fish farms in the Philippines. One species , G. shariffi sp. n., occurs on fish in brackish water ponds. It resembles species of Gyrodactylus reported from mullets (Mugilidae) in other regions of the Pacific and may represen t a parasit e that T. nilotica has acquired from mullets enzooti c to coastal waters of the Philippines. The other species , G. niloticus sp. n., occurs on fish cultured in freshwater ponds. It resembles species of Gyrodactylus described from freshwater fishes (cichlids, characids , and cyprinodontids) in Africa and is believed to have been introduced into the Philippines along with shipment s of Nil e tilapia from stocks originating on that continent .

A Stable Eimerian Assemblage in Wyoming Ground Squirrels (Spermophilus elegans elegans): Maintaining Viability over Winter

Abstract: A stable assemblage of 3 uncommon (prevalence 45%) species of Eimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimeriina) is known to infect Wyoming ground squirrels (Spermophilus elegans elegans). Several factors may contribute to the prevalence stability including host immune response, parasite- parasite interactions, and oocyst survival under ambient environmental conditions. To determine the effects of various environmental conditions on 3 of these eimerians, oocysts of 1 uncommon (E. larimerensis) and 2 common (E. beecheyi and E. callospermophili) species were placed into 6 treatment groups and sampled monthly over winter. Treatments included ambient temperature (sun, shade, and subsoil) and constant 8°C temperature (moistened with 2% potassium dichromate or water, or allowed to desiccate). After 6 mo, oocysts from each treatment were administered to uninfected squirrels (2 squirrels per treatment group). Although all oocysts examined appeared grossly abnormal when examined microscopically, all 12 squirrels developed patent infections of E. larimerensis and E. callospermophili, and 11 of 12 developed infections of E. beecheyi. All 3 eimerian species maintained viability under conditions of severe desiccation, ultraviolet radiation, and repeated freezing and thawing. It is likely that resistance to harsh environmental conditions plays an important role in the maintenance of this parasite assemblage.

Digenetic trematodes of marine fishes from Suva, Fiji: the family Gyliauchenidae Ozaki, 1933.

Abstract: Three new species of gyliauchenids are described from marine fishes taken at Suva, Fiji Islands: Gyliauchen pomacentri from Pomacentrus philippinus, G. parapapillatus from Siganus virgatus, and G. zancli from Zanclus cornutus. Gyliauchen sp. from Siganus spinus and Apharyngogyliauchen sp. from Scarus ghobban are described from immature specimens and classified to generi c level. Gyliauchen papillatus of Durio and Manter (1969) nee Goto and Matsudair a (1918) and nee Goto (1919) is considered a synonym of G. parapapillatus. Gyliauchen nahaensis Ozaki, 1937, is reported from Siganus punctatus and Zanclus cornutus, both new locality records and the latter a new host record. A key to all 22 adult species of Gyliauchenidae and host-parasit e and parasite-hos t lists are included as well as some observations on the zoogeograph y of the Gyliauchenidae .

Morphological observations on third-stage larvae of Anisakis simplex A (Anisakidae: Nematoda) from Adriatic and Ionian waters

Abstract: Additional morphology on third-stage larval specimens of Anisakis simplex A (Rudolphi, 1809, det. Krabbe, 1878) infecting Merluccius merluccius L. and Sardina pilchardus Walb. from the Adriatic and Ionian seas (Southern Italy) is described and illustrated. Particular attention (light, scanning electron microscope observations, and histological studies) was given to illustrate head structures such as papillae, oral and amphidial openings, excretory pore, boring tooth, excretory system, rectal glands, and tail. Larvae collected in Mediterranean waters were morphologically similar, and morphometrics fit well (with considerable overlap in most measurements) with the previous descriptions of A. simplex A (type I larvae) reported from Australian, Canadian, Japanese, North Sea, northeast Atlantic, and New Zealand waters, confirming its cosmopolitan geographical distribution.

Life Cycle Studies on Arcto-boreal Leeches (Hirudinea)

Abstract: This study provides further information on the life cycles of 6 piscicolid leeches inhabiting the arcto-boreal region of the northwestern Atlantic and northeastern Pacific oceans. Four species including Pla- tybdella olriki, Platybdella anarrhichae, Oceanobdella sexoculata, and Johanssonia arctica inhabit the Atlantic primarily, but Notostomum (Notostomobdelld) = cyclostomum and Beringbdella rectangulata have been recorded only from the Pacific. Some species (P. olriki, J. arctica, N. cyclostomum, and possibly B. rectangulata) deposit their cocoons on decapod crustaceans and a pycnogonid, whereas others (O. sexoculata and P. anarrhichae) utilize the eggs of host fish. Newly hatched leeches can readily locate their hosts that hatch simultaneously. It appears that 3 species, namely, P. olriki, P. anarrhichae, and O. sexoculata, have annual life cycles, whereas others such as /. arctica, N. cyclostomum, and B. rectangulata live more than 1 yr. The life cycle strategies, which include sites of cocoon deposition and host preferences, ensure that their progeny will successfully locate new hosts after emergence.

Nippostrongylus marhaenia sp. n. and other nematodes collected from Rattus cf. morotaiensis in North Halmahera, Molucca Islands, Indonesia

Abstract: Nippostrongylus marhaeniae sp. n., 2 Odilia spp. , Orientostrongylus sp., Strongyloides ratti, and Mastophorus muris were collected from Rattus cf. morotaiensis from Halmaher a Island, North Moluccas, Indonesia. Nippostrongylus marhaeniae resembles N. magnus and N. typicus of Australian rats in the bursal structure but is readily distinguished by having only 12 ridges of synlophe in midbody of both sexes and in that the tips of spicules are not recurved strongly. Species of Odilia were first recorded outside of New Guinea-Australia n region, and 1 of the present species closel y resembles O. mackerrasae from the Australian rat by having intermittent ridges in the ventral side. Presenc e of the trichostrongyloids closel y related to the Australian represen tatives suggest s that these nematode s were introduced by some rats from the New Guinea-Australia n region and have been maintained within the endemi c rat community on Halmaher a Island.

Gastrointestinal Helminths of Three Introduced Anoles: Anolis bimaculatus leachi, Anolis grahami, and Anolis roquet (Polychridae) from Bermuda

Abstract: Anolis bimaculatus leachi (N = 4), Anolis grahami (N = 59), and Anolis roquet (N = 11) from Bermuda were examined for gastrointestinal hel- minths. Anolis bimaculatus leachi harbored Parapha- ryngodon cubensis and larvae ofAbbreviata sp; Anolis grahami harbored Atractis scelopori, Parapharyngodon cubensis, and Protrellus aurifluus (a parasite of cock- roaches); Anolis roquet harbored Atractis scelopori and larvae ofAbbreviata sp. Anolis bimaculatus leachi is a new host record for Abbreviata sp.; Anolis grahami is a new record for Protrellus aurifluus; Anolis roquet is a new host record for Atractis scelopori and Abbreviata sp.

Gastrointestinal nematodes of two Australian skinks, Ctenotus regius and Ctenotus schomburgkii (Sauria: Scincidae)

Abstract: Two species of Australian skinks, Ctenotus regius and Ctenotus schomburgkii, were examined for gastrointestina l helminths. Abbreviata sp. were found in connective tissue cysts on the outer surface of the stomach and smal intestines of both species (73% prevalence in C. regius; 87% prevalence in C. schomburgkii). Maxvachonia chabaudi was found in C. regius; Skrjabinelazia sp. was found in C. schomburgkii. Al l findings represen t new host records.