Systematic Parasitology 

About: Systematic Parasitology is an academic journal published by Springer Science+Business Media. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Animal ecology & Genus. It has an ISSN identifier of 0165-5752. Over the lifetime, 2422 publications have been published receiving 34330 citations.

Molecular phylogenetic analysis of the Microphalloidea Ward, 1901 (Trematoda: Digenea).

Abstract: Phylogenetic interrelationships of 32 species belonging to 18 genera and four families of the superfamily Microphalloidea were studied using partial sequences of nuclear lsrDNA analysed by Bayesian inference and maximum parsimony The resulting trees were well resolved at most nodes and demonstrated that the Microphalloidea, as represented by the present data-set, consists of three main clades corresponding to the families Lecithodendriidae, Microphallidae and Pleurogenidae + Prosthogonimidae Interrelationships of taxa within each clade are considered; as a result of analysis of molecular and morphological data, Floridatrema Kinsella & Deblock, 1994 is synonymised with Maritrema Nicoll, 1907, Candidotrema Dollfus, 1951 with Pleurogenes Looss, 1896, and Schistogonimus Luhe, 1909 with Prosthogonimus Luhe, 1899 The taxonomic value of some morphological features, used traditionally for the differentiation of genera within the Lecithodendriidae and Prosthogonimidae, is reconsidered Previous systematic schemes are discussed from the viewpoint of present results, and perspectives of future studies are outlined

Synopsis of the species of Myxobolus Butschli, 1882 (Myxozoa: Myxosporea: Myxobolidae).

Abstract: A synopsis of 744 nominal species of Myxobolus Butschli, 1882 (Myxozoa, Myxosporea, Myxobolidae) is presented. For each species, the relevant morphometric and morphological data are indicated, as well as the host(s), site(s) of infection within the host and type-locality.

Gut wash, body soak, blender and heat-fixation: approaches to the effective collection, fixation and preservation of trematodes of fishes.

Abstract: Advice is offered on some effective methods for collecting and preserving trematodes from fishes for taxonomy and systematics. Emphasis is placed on obtaining high-quality specimens that have reliable data and that are amenable to study by both morphological and molecular approaches. We emphasise the importance of the freshness of the host specimen, the reliability of its provenance and the labelling of the specimens. For the collecting itself, we recommend a 'gut-wash' approach for gastro-intestinal species and specific searches for atypical taxa such as didymozoids, aporocotylids, Saturnius Manter, 1969 and transversotrematids. For metacercariae, we recommend a 'blender' approach to release parasites from host tissues. For fixation, we argue in favour of heat-killing in fluid at close to boiling temperature. We recommend against flattening as a routine procedure for collecting specimens for morphology. Preservation for morphological study is best in formalin or alcohol, and alcohol works well for molecular samples. The importance of reliable labelling and the deposition of specimens in museums is emphasised.

An up-date of Verster's (1969) 'Taxonomic revision of the genus Taenia Linnaeus' (Cestoda) in table format.

Abstract: The paper 'A taxonomic revision of the genus Taenia Linnaeus, 1758 s. str.' (Verster, 1969) gives concise characterisations, together with drawings of rostellar hooks and the terminal genital organs, of the 32 Taenia species and three subspecies which this author found to be valid. Yet, it is hardly possible to quickly identify a questionable species or to readily access information on their hosts, geographical range and synonyms. The present paper compiles these data and additional information on larval characteristics into tables. Measurements and numbers of hooks are shown using a graph. Additional data are included from authors not mentioned by Verster and for seven new species (T. dinniki, T. jaipurensis, T. kotlani, T. madoquae, T. saigoni and T. simbae), two re-validated species (T. krepkogorski, T. retracta) and two subspecies (T. polyacantha arctica and T. saginata asiatica) described since 1969. Reasons for rejecting one new species and one new subspecies are given. A table of definitive hosts and the Taenia species occurring in them is also included, as is one of synonyms from 1850 onwards. A good procedure for the staining and mounting of cestodes is described.

A further contribution to the taxonomy of the Trichodinidae (Ciliophora: Peritrichia) and a review of the taxonomic status of some fish ectoparasitic trichodinids

Abstract: The family Trichodinidae (Ciliophora: Peritrichia) includes nine genera of which the largest genus,Trichodina Ehrenberg, 1830, comprises more than 150 species. In order to provide uniform specific characteristics for taxonomic descriptions of trichodinids, Lom (1958) proposed the use of a set of standard taxonomic characteristics based on silver-impregnated specimens. Although widely in use, this method doesn't provide sufficient guidelines for describing the shape of the denticles, which forms the most important basis for species diagnosis. In this paper we propose a method to describe the shape of the denticles by constructing lines extending from the centre of the adhesive disc to the tip of the denticles, which provide fixed points of reference that can aid in an accurate description of the denticle elements. This method requires an enlargement of the denticles by means of a microscope drawing attachment or photomicrography. Since it employs existing characteristics, it can also be applied to previously published works. This method was used to re-evaluate our previously published data on trichodinid parasites of freshwater fish in order to elucidate the taxonomy of specimens collected in southern Africa and Israel. This applies mainly to a paper published in this journal by Basson, Van As & Paperna (1983). This taxonomic evaluation was also applied to additional data collected from various localities in southern Africa, Israel, Taiwan and Venezuela.