Showing papers on "Digenea published in 2013"
TL;DR: Comparison of about 1,500–2,200 nucleotides of cox1 and 28S rDNA and ITS1 strongly supports the status of P. inecoli as a new species and Bayesian inference analysis of combined datasets of 28SRDNA and coX1 sequences showed that P.Inecoli n.
Abstract: Phyllodistomum inecoli n. sp. is described from the twospot livebearer, Heterandria bimaculata (Teleostei: Poeciliidae), collected in the Rio La Antigua basin, Veracruz, Mexico. The new species is described and characterised by using a combination of morphology, scanning electron microscopy, and sequences of nuclear and mitochondrial genes. Diagnostic characters of the new species of Phyllodistomum include a genital pore opening at the level of the caecal bifurcation; oval vitellarium, situated just posterior to the ventral sucker and not extended laterally and anterior extracaecal uterine loops variable in extension (reaching the anterior, median or posterior margin of the ventral sucker). P. inecoli n. sp. most closely resembles P. brevicecum, a species described as a parasite of the central mudminnow, Umbra limi, in other parts of North America; however, the genital pore in P. brevicecum is situated between the caecal bifurcation and the ventral sucker, the ovary is larger, the vitellarium is lobed and extended laterally and the anterior portion of the uterus extends to the posterior margin of the ventral sucker. Comparison of about 1,500–2,200 nucleotides of cox1 and 28S rDNA and ITS1 strongly supports the status of P. inecoli as a new species. Bayesian inference analysis of combined datasets of 28S rDNA and cox1 sequences showed that P. inecoli n. sp. and the other species found in freshwater fishes of Mexico, including the species complex of P. lacustri, are not sister species. Phylogenetic analysis based on 28S rDNA sequences of several gorgoderid taxa revealed the close relationship of P. inecoli n. sp. with several species of Phyllodistomum, Gorgodera and Gorgoderina with cystocercous cercariae developing in sphaeriid bivalves. Dot-plot analysis of ITS1 sequences of P. inecoli n. sp. revealed the presence of eight repetitive elements with different length, which together represent almost half the length of ITS1.
24 citations
TL;DR: A new genus and new combination are proposed to accommodate Anserobilharzia brantae, a species of avian schistosome found exclusively in anserini geese from Europe and North America, and Gyraulus snails, justified by morpholog- ical, host use, and molecular characteristics.
Abstract: A new genus, Anserobilharzia, is proposed to accommodate Anserobilharzia brantae n. comb. (syn. Trichobilharzia bran- tae Farr & Blankemeyer, 1956), a species of avian schistosome thus far found exclusively in anserini geese (Anser, Branta, Chen) from Europe and North America, and Gyraulus snails. Recent collections and subsequent molecular analyses showed that A. brantae was distinct from Allobilharzia and Trichobilharzia and grouped basal to Trichobilharzia. Using nuclear 28S, ITS and mitochondrial cox1 as genetic yardsticks, samples of A. brantae from North America and Europe were each other's closest relative and distinct from Allobilharzia and Trichobilharzia. Anserobilharzia brantae was also distinct when compared morphologically with other species of closely related avian schistosomes. The following descrip- tion is based on males, females, eggs, and cercariae. The new genus is characterized by a) ovoid egg (72-145µm x 44- 89 µm) with spine, b) male with > 500 testes and caecal reunion anteriad to seminal vesicle, c) cercariae with 5+1 flame cells, and d) intermediate hosts are planorbid snails. The only confirmed species of snail host is Gyraulus parvus in North America. Based on presented data, we propose a new genus and new combination for A. brantae justified by morpholog- ical, host use, and molecular characteristics.
23 citations
TL;DR: Comparison of the results with previously published data on characterization of DNA of cercariae isolated from freshwater lymnaeid snails showed that larval development of T. mergi is associated with Radix balthica L. (=Radix peregra Müller, 1774;=Radix ovata Draparnaud, 1805).
22 citations
TL;DR: The new species is the only member of Cardicola so-far reported to have tegumental spines that are distally flattened and broad, rather than pointed, as well as having a spheroid anterior sucker with concentric rows of minute spines anterior to the mouth.
Abstract: Cardicola langeli n. sp. (Digenea: Aporocotylidae) infects the heart of sheepshead, Archosargus probatocephalus (Walbaum, 1792) (Perciformes: Sparidae) in the northern Gulf of Mexico off Horn Island (type locality), Mississippi, USA. The new species is described herein using light and scanning electron microscopy of adult specimens and can be most easily distinguished from the other 24 accepted species of Cardicola Short, 1953 by the combination of having (i) an ovovitelline duct that extends anteriad and that (ii) is posterior to the ootype, (iii) a male genital pore that is lateral to the oviducal seminal receptacle and (iv) a female genital pore lateral to the ootype. The new species is the only member of Cardicola so-far reported to have tegumental spines that are distally flattened and broad, rather than pointed. The new species generally resembles the two other species of Cardicola that infect sparids, i.e. Cardicola cardiocolum (Manter, 1947) (type species) from jolthead porgy, Calamus bajonado (Block et Schneider), in the Gulf of Mexico and Cardicola aurata Holzer, Montero, Repulles, Sitja-Bobadilla, Alvarez-Pellitero, Zarza et Raga, 2008, from gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata Linnaeus, in the Mediterranean Sea, by having a spheroid anterior sucker with concentric rows of minute spines anterior to the mouth and by having a similar general arrangement of the vitellarium, gonads and genitalia. However, it differs from them by having the combination of the aforementioned five features plus asymmetrical posterior caeca and a dextral posterior caecum that extends beyond the posterior margin of the ovary. Probable eggs of C. langeli n. sp. that contain a ciliated miracidium infect gill epithelium and are spheroid. An updated list of hosts, infection sites and geographic localities for the 25 accepted species of Cardicola is provided.
20 citations
TL;DR: High intensities of potentially pathogenic parasites that could favour disease outbreaks in culture conditions are revealed in wild and cultured dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus.
Abstract: This study aimed at identifying and quantifying the parasites of wild and cultured dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus. During a year and thereby all four seasons, 20 wild and 20 cultured groupers were examined for the presence of parasites, except in the last season, in which 19 wild and 20 cultured fish were examined, totalling 159 groupers analysed from Ubatuba, southeastern Brazil. Prevalence, mean intensity of infection, mean abundance and mean relative dominance were calculated. Five species of parasites were identified in fish from both origins: Pseudorhabdosynochus beverleyburtonae (Monogenea), Neobenedenia melleni (Monogenea), Pseudempleurosoma sp. (Monogenea), Helicometrina nimia (Digenea) and larvae of Contracaecum sp. (Nematoda). The prevalence of ectoparasites, in most cases, was higher than endoparasites. The most abundant parasite was the monogenea Pseudorhabdosynochus beverleyburtonae in both wild and cultured fish, along all seasons. Neobenedenia melleni was observed in wild and cultured fish in all seasons, with a gradual increase in the number of parasites from the coldest to the hottest seasons, with the highest prevalence and mean intensity in the summer. Helicometrina nimia was found in all seasons in both wild and cultured fish, except for summer, where its presence was detected only in wild fish. Pseudempleurosoma sp. and larvae of Contracaecum sp. showed low prevalence occurring in wild and cultured fish in the autumn and spring, respectively. This study revealed high intensities of potentially pathogenic parasites that could favour disease outbreaks in culture conditions.
19 citations
TL;DR: Based on SSU rDNA, a phylogenetic analysis including Brachycoeliidae and Mesocoeliidae taxa available on GenBank established the close relationship between M. lanfrediae sp.
Abstract: Mesocoelium lanfrediae sp. nov. (Digenea: Mesocoeliidae) inhabits the small intestine of Rhinella marina (Amphibia: Bufonidae) and is described here, with illustrations provided by light, scanning electron microscopy and molecular approachs. M. lanfrediae sp. nov. presents the typical characteristics of the genus, but is morphometrically and morphologically different from the species described previously. The main diagnostic characteristics of M. lanfrediae sp. nov. are (i) seven pairs of regularly-distributed spherical papillae on the oral sucker, (ii) ventral sucker outlined by four pairs of papillae distributed in a uniform pattern and interspersed with numerous spines, which are larger at the posterior margin and (iii) small, rounded tegumentary papillae around the opening of the oral sucker, which are morphologically different from those of the oral sucker itself, some of which are randomly disposed in the ventrolateral tegumentary region of the anterior third of the body. Addionally, based on SSU rDNA, a phylogenetic analysis including Brachycoeliidae and Mesocoeliidae taxa available on GenBank established the close relationship between M. lanfrediae sp. nov. and Mesocoelium sp.
16 citations
TL;DR: The application of molecular techniques on digenetic trematodes seems very promising and may yield great potential in future descriptions of morphologically similar parasitic species.
Abstract: The metacercarial (larval) stages of diplostomid digeneans are known to inhabit freshwater fish, causing tissue damage in the process. Due to their widespread diversity, little is known about their life cycle. The classification of these parasitic stages to the species level using only the morphology is very challenging due to the lack of genitalia; they are regarded to be the most important structures in the identification of these organisms. In this study, additional morphological information through light and scanning electron microscopy is given for two different diplostomids found in the cranial cavity of Clarias gariepinus and the vitreous chambers of Tilapia sparrmanii and Pseudocrenilabrus philander . The diplostomid metacercaria inhabiting the cranial cavity of Clarias gariepinus was morphologically identified as Diplostomulum (Tylodelphys) mashonenseand an unknown metacercaria of the genus Diplostomumwas found in the vitreous chambers of Pseudocrenilabrus philander and Tilapia sparrmanii . Both parasitic species’ 28S recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid genomic regions were successfully amplified using Dig 125/1500R primer pairs. The assay yielded a product of approximately 1300 base pairs as seen on the gel images. There were 14 nucleotide differences over the entire analysed sequences resulting in a 1.1% (14/1273) nucleotide difference. In line with the morphological characteristics of these parasites, there seemed to be a slight difference in their genetic makeup. The application of molecular techniques on digenetic trematodes seems very promising and may yield great potential in future descriptions of morphologically similar parasitic species.
16 citations
TL;DR: The new species is the first fish blood fluke recorded from Vietnam and only the third reported from a walking catfish (Clariidae) and has an ootype that is posterior to the level of the female genital pore.
Abstract: Nomasanguinicola canthoensis gen. et sp. n. infects the branchial vessels of bighead catfish, Clarias macrocephalus Gunther (Siluriformes: Clariidae), in the Mekong River near Can Tho, southern Vietnam. Nomasanguinicola differs from all other genera of fish blood flukes (Digenea: Aporocotylidae) by the combination of lacking body spines and by having an anterior sucker with two flanking columns of large denticles, an intestine comprising several short papilla-like caeca, an inverse U-shaped uterus, and an ootype located near the separate genital pores. The new species has an ootype that is posterior to the level of the female genital pore. That feature most easily differentiates it from the only other putative aporocotylid species having an anterior sucker with two flanking columns of large denticles, Plehniella dentata Paperna, 1964 and Sanguinicola clarias Imam, Marzouk, Hassan et Itman, 1984, which have an ootype that is lateral (P. dentata) or anterior (S. clarias) to the level of the female genital pore. These two species apparently lack extant type materials, infect North African catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell), and herein are considered incertae sedis, but likely comprise species of Nomasanguinicola. An updated list of hosts, sites of infection and geographic localities for the six species and three genera of blood flukes that mature in catfishes is provided. The new species is the first fish blood fluke recorded from Vietnam and only the third reported from a walking catfish (Clariidae).
14 citations
TL;DR: One hundred and ninety-one frogs collected in Papua New Guinea from 10 species of the genus Litoria, namely, L. kumae and L. modica, were examined for helminths and the biogeography of the recoveredHelminths is discussed.
Abstract: One hundred and ninety-one frogs collected in Papua New Guinea from 10 species of the genus Litoria, namely, L. angiana, L. arfakiana, L. caerulea, L. congenita, L. eurynastes, L. gasconi, L. infrafrenata, L. iris, L. kumae and L. modica, were examined for helminths. Eighteen species of helminths were found: one species of Monogenea, Parapolystoma bulliense; three species of Digenea, Diplodiscus amphichrus, Halipegus zweifeli and Mesocoelium monas; 13 species of Nematoda, gravid specimens of Aplectana macintoshii, Cosmocerca novaeguineae, Falcaustra papuensis, Maxvachonia adamsoni, Maxvachonia flindersi, Maxvachonia ingens, Meteterakis crombiei, Moaciria moraveci, Parathelandros mastigurus, Physalopteroides milnensis, Pseudorictularia dipsarilis, Seuratascaris numidica, and larvae (in cysts) of Abbreviata sp. and, one species of Acanthocephala, Pseudoacanthocephalus bufonis. Mean number of helminth species per host species was 3.0 ± 1.4 SD (range 1–5), mean number of helminth species per infected frog was...
11 citations
TL;DR: Podocotyloides brevis, the first report of a member of this genus from the Caribbean Sea and from a host species collected as deep as 200 m, can be separated from the other 13 accepted species in the genus by having a shorter cirrus sac.
Abstract: Podocotyloides brevis n. sp. (Digenea: Opecoelidae) is described from Conger esculentus Poey, 1861, from the Caribbean Sea, off the coast of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. It can be separated from the other 13 accepted species in the genus by having a shorter cirrus sac, both in length and relative length. Podocotyloides brevis, with a cirrus sac length less than 10% of the body length, most closely resembles Podocotyloides dorabus Lokhande, 1990, which has a cirrus sac that is approximately 16% of the body length. It can be further differentiated from P. dorabus by having ovarian and testicular lengths greater than the oral sucker length. This is the first report of a member of this genus from the Caribbean Sea and from a host species collected as deep as 200 m. A key to the recognized members of Podocotyloides Yamaguti, 1934, is also presented.
11 citations
TL;DR: Two morphs of specimens belonging to Lepidapedon Stafford, 1904 are distinguished, one of which is described and distinguished on morphometric grounds, such as the position of the most anterior vitelline follicles, which reach to the anterior margin of the ventral sucker.
Abstract: In a study of the parasites of the deep-sea fish Mora moro (Risso) (Gadiformes: Moridae) off the Mediterranean coasts of Catalonia and the Balearic Islands (Spain), we were able to distinguish two morphs of specimens belonging to Lepidapedon Stafford, 1904 (Digenea: Lepidapedidae). This material is herein described and illustrated. Comparative sequence analyses using partial mitochondrial nad1 sequences revealed that the material assigned to one of these morphs can be considered conspecific with the material identified as Lepidapedon desclersae Bray & Gibson, 1995 from the same host. However, the published nad1 sequence for L. desclersae was generated from a specimen ex M. moro from the North East Atlantic. Examination of the voucher specimens associated with this sequence revealed that both the North East Atlantic and the Mediterranean specimens ex M. moro differ from L. desclersae as described from its type-host, Lepidion eques (Gunther), in the anterior extent of the vitelline fields which is further posterior, reaching only to the posterior margin of the external seminal vesicle in L. desclersae, versus being at the mid-level of this organ and reaching the posterior margin of the ventral sucker. Therefore, we have tentatively assigned the material characterised here, both morphologically and molecularly as Lepidapedon sp. Acquisition of additional sequences for both nad1 mitochondrial and 28S rRNA genes of L. desclersae from material ex Lepidion spp. is required in order to determine whether the observed morphometric variation reflects host-related or inter-specific differences. The second morph of Lepidapedon from M. moro is described and distinguished on morphometric grounds, such as the position of the most anterior vitelline follicles, which reach to the anterior margin of the ventral sucker. Its identity is commented upon, but, in view of the fact that there were few specimens and no molecular data available, it is not named.
TL;DR: Ribosomal DNA sequence data reveals 100% homology in the data between cercariae, metacercariaes and adult digeneans, supporting the morphological data suggesting that all stages of the parasite belong to the same species.
Abstract: This paper reports the adult stage of Prosorhynchoides borealis (Digenea) from Lophius piscatorius in Icelandic waters and infections with the larval stages (sporocysts and cercariae) found for the first time in the bivalve Abra prismatica (Semelidae). The previously known first intermediate host was Abra alba (Semelidae). Ribosomal DNA sequencing studies on all three life stages of the parasite (cercariae, metacercariae, adults) were performed to confirm their identites. Morphometric measurements confirmed that the adult worms belong to the newly described species P. borealis. Prosorhynchoides borealis sporocysts filled with cercariae were found in 16% of A. prismatica bivalves sampled at depths between 34 and 93 m off South Iceland. Prevalence ranged from 0 to 44% between different localities. The parasite was found only in the larger bivalves. Extensive sporocyst infection in the haemocoel of the foot caused mechanical muscle damage with subsequent degeneration and necrosis. Other tissues, including the digestive gland, nephridia, gills and intestine, were less heavily infected. Only focal necrosis was observed in the digestive gland, nephridia and gills, and local atrophy in the intestine. Cercariae were also observed in the lumen of both the stomach and intestine. This is the first report of A. prismatica as an alternative first intermediate host for P. borealis . Ribosomal DNA sequence data reveals 100% homology in the data between cercariae, metacercariae and adult digeneans, supporting the morphological data suggesting that all stages belong to the same species.
TL;DR: One European glass lizard, Pseudopus apodus, and 3 European grass snakes, Natrix natrix, were examined for helminths and it is reported that Iran is a new locality record for T. fuscovenosa.
Abstract: One European glass lizard, Pseudopus apodus, and 3 European grass snakes, Natrix natrix, were examined for helminths. Pseudopus apodus harbored 1 species of Nematoda, Entomelas entomelas; N. natrix harbored 1 species of Digenea, Telorchis assula, 1 species of Cestoda, Ophiotaenia europaea, and 1 species of Nematoda, Rhabdias fuscovenosa. Iran is a new locality record for T. assula, E. entomelas, and R. fuscovenosa. This is the first report of helminths for P. apodus from Iran.
TL;DR: Morphological analysis of the parasite revealed a combination of features that exist in the 3 previously identified species of Postmonorchis, viz.
Abstract: The wedge clam Donax trunculus Linnaeus, 1758 is one of the most common bivalve molluscs inhabiting the sandy shores of the Mediterranean Sea and is considered an important commercial resource. In this study, we report the first molecular, morphological and histopatho- logical descriptions of metacercariae from a trematode belonging to the genus Postmonorchis (Digenea: Monorchiidae) that infects D. trunculus in natural beds of the Italian Tyrrhenian coast (Campania, Lazio and Tuscany). Morphological analysis of the parasite revealed a combination of features that exist in the 3 previously identified species of Postmonorchis, viz. P. donacis, P. vari- abilis and P. orthopristis, with the addition of new, distinctive morphological characteristics. The pathogen exhibited a predilection for the gill; however, it was also present in the labial palp and mantle in addition to the gut, kidney epithelium and foot. The inflammatory response was charac- terised by either a focal or diffuse haemocyte infiltration followed by the formation of multiple, large multi-layered capsules associated with tissue destruction. The prevalence of the pathogen ranged from 75 to 100%, while the infection intensity fluctuated among the study areas. Further studies regarding the life cycle of this parasite and the identification of other larval and adult stages and their respective hosts may confirm the identification of a new species of Postmonorchis that infects wedge clams in Mediterranean waters. The study of the parasite is completed by molecular analysis of the ITS1 and ITS2 rDNA sequences.
TL;DR: The Opecoelidae of GBR goatfishes are consistent with the typical pattern of stenoxenicity seen for trematodes of G BR fishes.
Abstract: The Opecoelidae (Digenea) of eight species of goatfishes (Perciformes: Mullidae) were studied off Lizard Island on the northern Great Barrier Reef (GBR). Host species included Mulloidichthys flavolineatus (Lacepede), M. vanicolensis (Valenciennes), Parupeneus barberinus (Lacepede), P. ciliatus (Lacepede), P. cyclostomus (Lacepede), P. indicus (Shaw), P. multifasciatus (Quoy & Gaimard), P. spilurus (Bleeker) and P. trifasciatus (Lacepede). Seven opecoelid species were found, of which Paropecoelus corneliae n. sp., Pa. leonae n. sp. and Pseudopecoeloides engeleri n. sp. are described as new. Paropecoelus elongatus (Ozaki, 1928), Pa. sogandaresi Pritchard, 1966 and Podocotyloides parupenei (Manter, 1963) are recorded and a description is provided for each. A second species of Pseudopecoeloides remains unnamed for want of sufficient morphological material. The seven species were distinguished on the basis of morphology and molecular analysis of 56 ITS2 rDNA sequences. Sequences differed by nine to 68 base pairs between species combinations recognised by morphology; no intraspecific variation was detected. Each opecoelid species infected between two and five mullid species, but none of the species has been found in non-mullid hosts. Every mullid species was infected with at least one species of opecoelid and Parupeneus ciliatus had all seven species. The Opecoelidae of GBR goatfishes are consistent with the typical pattern of stenoxenicity seen for trematodes of GBR fishes.
TL;DR: A new species of Opegaster ouemoensis sp.
Abstract: Opegaster ouemoensis sp. n. is described from Periophthalmus argentilineatus Valenciennes (Gobiidae). Distinctive features included the weak or undetectable papillae of the ventral sucker and the small, but distinct cirrus-sac. The new species is compared with 25 marine species of Opegaster for which a table of measurements and ratios is presented. The new combination Opegaster queenslandicus (Aken'Ova, 2007) (originally in Opecoelus) is formed. Fifteen mudskippers were intensively examined for parasites; larval anisakid nematodes and acanthocephalans were found, but no monogeneans, cestodes, copepods, isopods, hirudineans or adult nematodes. A brief summary of the helminth parasites of mudskippers is included.
TL;DR: The prevalence of L. tylosuri sp.
Abstract: Lecithostaphylus tylosuri sp. nov. (Digenea, Zoogonidae) specimen were collected from the digestive tract of Tylosurus acus imperialis (Teleostei, Belonidae) caught off the eastern coast of Tunisia. L. tylosuri is very similar to its closest relatives, L. retroflexus and L. nitens. It can be easily distinguished from L. retroflexus (Molin, 1859) in having a more extensive vitellarium, with follicles reaching from the posterior margin of the acetabulum and extending beyond the posterior margin of the testes and a coiled seminal vesicle. L. tylosuri differs from L. nitens as illustrated by Linton 1898, in having a longer cirrus pouch (0.7 mm vs 0.36 mm, respectively) overlapping the anterior edge of the ventral sucker and a submarginal genital pore (submedian in L. nitens). It's also different from L. nitens as described by Manter 1947 in the vitelline disposition and in having the greater sucker ratio (1: 1.3-2.1 vs 1: 1.3-1.6, respectively). L. tylosuri differs from L. nitens as reported by Machida and Kuramochi 2000 by the absence of variations in the vitellarium disposition in all specimens. L. tylosuri is more similar to L. nitens from group A (considered synonym of L. ahaaha Yamaguti, 1970 = L. nitens by Bray 1987) by having vitelline follicles extending beyond the testes. L. tylosuri can be distinguished from L. ahaaha by its pedunculate rather than prominent acetabulum and its larger body size (4.10-7.85 mm long and 0.75-1.2 mm large vs 2.1-6 mm long and 0.45-1.1 mm large, respectively). The prevalence of L. tylosuri sp. nov. was negatively correlated with host length (decreasing with host size increasing). Host sex does not seem to affect infection parameters.
01 Jan 2013
TL;DR: Morphological and molecular studies showed that G. yaritanago and C. problematica are the same species, that the original description by Shimazu et al. (2011) includes some errors of taxonomic importance at the generic level, and that the adult should be removed to another genus.
Abstract: Adults of Genarchopsis yaritanago Shimazu et al., 2011 (Digenea, Derogenidae, Hali- peginae) were found in the intestine of Tanakia lanceolata (Temminck and Schlegel, 1846) (type host), Tanakia limbata (Temminck and Schlegel, 1846) (new host record), Rhodeus ocellatus ocellatus (Kner, 1866) (new host record) and Acheilognathus rhombeus (Temminck and Schlegel, 1846) (new host record) (Cyprinidae, Acheilognathinae) from the Lake Biwa basin in Shiga Prefecture, central Japan. Daughter rediae and cercariae of Cercaria problematica Faust, 1924 were found in Semisulcospira reiniana (Brot, 1874) (Gastropoda, Sorbeoconcha, Pleuroceridae) from the same basin. The cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (COI) of the mitochondrial DNA of the adult and cercaria was partially sequenced. Morphological and molecular studies showed that G. yaritanago and C. problematica are the same species, that the original description by Shimazu et al. (2011) includes some errors of taxonomic importance at the generic level, and that G. yaritanago should be removed to another genus. Allogenarchopsis gen. nov. (Halipeginae) is proposed. The type species is Allogenarchopsis yaritanago (Shimazu et al., 2011) comb. nov. The species name of the taxon is changed from A. yaritanago to Allogenarchopsis problematica (Faust, 1924) comb. nov. (syn. C. problematica, Cercaria manei Ito, 1960, G. yaritanago, A. yaritanago). The adult, daughter redia and cercaria are described and figured.
TL;DR: A new genus of the family Cryptogonimidae is described from a freshwater fish from the north of Brazil that differs from Timoniella by having a deeply lobed ovary, a very large seminal receptacle, and the ovary widely separated from the testes by uterine coils.
Abstract: A new genus of the family Cryptogonimidae is described from a freshwater fish from the north of Brazil. Annakohniella n. gen. is most closely related to Timoniella Rebeq, 1960 mainly by possessing testes contiguous at the posterior extremity and preovarian seminal receptacle. The new genus differs from Timoniella by having a deeply lobed ovary, a very large seminal receptacle, and the ovary widely separated from the testes by uterine coils. Among the genera with an ovary that is slightly to highly lobed, Annakohniella n. gen. is most closely related to Adlardia Miller, Bray, Goiran, Justine & Cribb, 2009, mainly by the space between ovary and testes filled with uterine loops and by the presence of a well-developed seminal receptacle, immediately anterior to ovary. Annakohniella n. gen. differs from Adlardia by having a tegument strongly armed with spines, a long prepharynx, a smaller oral∶ventral sucker width ratio, ovary in mid hindbody, tandem testes contiguous in the posterior extremity of body, presence of a gonotyl, ceca ending blind in posterior extremity of body, and absence of uterine coils posterior to testes.
TL;DR: The morphological and molecular characterization of Lecithochirium grandiporum, a digenetic trematode infecting the European eel Anguilla anguilla (Family (F): Anguillidae), were described for the first time from Burullus Lake, Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, Egypt, indicated that the present species is recorded as L.grandiporum as a parasite with new host and locality records in Egypt.
Abstract: In the present study, the morphological and molecular characterization of Lecithochirium grandiporum, a digenetic trematode infecting the European eel Anguilla anguilla (Family (F): Anguillidae), were described for the first time from Burullus Lake, Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, Egypt. Twenty-five out of 60 specimens (infection rate of 41.66 %) were found to be naturally infected. Infection was recorded as small worms attached to the inner wall of the intestine of host fish. Adult worms measured 1.59 ± 0.20 (1.3–1.85) mm long and 0.3 ± 0.02 (0.29–0.48) mm wide for everted specimens with a smaller oral sucker measuring 0.15 ± 0.02 (0.13–0.18) mm, and a larger ventral sucker which was 0.16 ± 0.02 (0.14–0.25) mm. Our results recorded morphological differences as smaller dimensions of different body parts and the smaller oral/ventral sucker ratio between Lecithochirium fusiforme and L. grandiporum. Also, the phylogenetic position of the worm was determined by molecular characterization of their 18 SSU rDNA. Results were compared with those of previously recorded species on the Gene Bank. It was found that the present species coincide with those belonging to genus Lecithochirium. Comparison of the nucleotide sequences and divergence showed that the SSU rDNA gene of this Lecithochirium species revealed 92 % sequence identity with L. fusiforme (accession no. DQ413192) differing in 26 nucleotides with lower divergence value. According to these results, this study indicated that the present species is recorded as L. grandiporum with accession no. KC166146 as a parasite with new host and locality records in Egypt.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: A new species of cryptogonimid belonging to the genus Parspina Pearse, 1920 is described from the intestine of Pimelodella gracilis (Valenciennes) in the Paraná River basin, Argentina.
Abstract: A new species of cryptogonimid belonging to the genus Parspina Pearse, 1920 is described from the intestine of Pimelodella gracilis (Valenciennes) in the Parana River basin, Argentina. Parspina pimelodellae n. sp. is characterised by having: (i) a body length/width ratio of 1:3.6–5.3 at the level of the ventral sucker; (ii) 21 oral spines; (iii) an oral sucker larger than the ventral sucker, with a sucker width ratio of 1:0.6–0.7; (iv) a postcaecal region of 16–19% of the body-length; (v) a compact, transversely elongate ovary, anterior to and well separated from the testes; (vi) small, branched vitelline follicles, extending from the level of the ventral sucker to the anterior margin of the ovary; and (vii) a large seminal vesicle situated posterodorsal to the ventral sucker. A key to the species of Parspina is presented.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this paper, additional morphological information through light and scanning electron microscopy is given for two different diplostomids found in the cranial cavity of Clarias gariepinus and the vitreous chambers of Tilapia sparrmanii and Pseudocrenilabrus philander.
Abstract: The metacercarial (larval) stages of diplostomid digeneans are known to inhabit freshwater fish, causing tissue damage in the process. Due to their widespread diversity, little is known about their life cycle. The classification of these parasitic stages to the species level using only the morphology is very challenging due to the lack of genitalia; they are regarded to be the most important structures in the identification of these organisms. In this study, additional morphological information through light and scanning electron microscopy is given for two different diplostomids found in the cranial cavity of Clarias gariepinus and the vitreous chambers of Tilapia sparrmanii and Pseudocrenilabrus philander. The diplostomid metacercaria inhabiting the cranial cavity of Clarias gariepinus was morphologically identified as Diplostomulum (Tylodelphys) mashonense and an unknown metacercaria of the genus Diplostomum was found in the vitreous chambers of Pseudocrenilabrus philander and Tilapia sparrmanii. Both parasitic species' 28S recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid genomic regions were successfully amplified using Dig 125/1500R primer pairs. The assay yielded a product of approximately 1300 base pairs as seen on the gel images. There were 14 nucleotide differences over the entire analysed sequences resulting in a 1.1% (14/1273) nucleotide difference. In line with the morphological characteristics of these parasites, there seemed to be a slight difference in their genetic make-up. The application of molecular techniques on digenetic trematodes seems very promising and may yield great potential in future descriptions of morphologically similar parasitic species.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Porangatus ceteyus n.
Abstract: Porangatus ceteyus n. gen., n. sp. is erected to accommodate some specimens of Digenea recovered from the intestine of Hoplosternum littorale. Hosts were collected in lakes located near the junction of the Solimoes and Negro rivers, Amazonas State, Brazil. The new genus differs from the others in the family mainly in the distribution of vitellarium, consisting of 2 lateral groups extending from the level of the anterior margin of the ventral sucker, where they may be confluent, to near the posterior end of body, occupying cecal, extracecal and intercecal areas.
TL;DR: Hirudineatrema cannot be synonymized with Alloglossidium at this point because of several peculiar morphological features of H. oschmarini such as a V-shaped excretory bladder and the apparent presence of a true seminal receptacle in the latter species.
Abstract: Alloglossidium demshini sp. nov. is described based on specimens from leeches Haemopis grandis collected in northwestern Minnesota. The new species is morphologically closest to Alloglossidium schmidti. The two species can be readily differentiated based on several morphological characters. The cirrus sac in A. schmidti is almost entirely situated anterior to the ventral sucker while in A. demshini sp. nov. it is situated dorsal to the ventral sucker and its proximal end almost reaches the posterior end of ventral sucker or extends posterior to it. The new species has a prepharynx that is substantially longer than the esophagus while in A. schmidti the situation is the opposite. The two species also differ in the position of the ovary and the position of the testes and vitelline fields in relation to the ends of the ceca. Hirudineatrema oschmarini described from leeches in Eastern Palaearctic and Alloglossidium richardsoni described in North America demonstrate great morphological similarity. Nevertheless, Hirudineatrema cannot be synonymized with Alloglossidium at this point because of several peculiar morphological features of H. oschmarini such as a V-shaped excretory bladder and the apparent presence of a true seminal receptacle in the latter species. These features need to be re-evaluated before any taxonomic decision can be made.
TL;DR: A new species of Margotrema is described from the intestine of the freshwater fish Xenotaenia resolanae from the Cuzalapa River, Jalisco State, on the Pacific slope of west-central Mexico.
Abstract: A new species of Margotrema is herein described from the intestine of the freshwater fish Xenotaenia resolanae from the Cuzalapa River, Jalisco State, on the Pacific slope of west-central Mexico. The new species was first recognized after a molecular phylogenetic analysis which explored the genetic variation at the intraspecific level of Margotrema spp across central Mexico. Sequences of mitochondrial (COI) and nuclear (ITS1) genes were obtained for 125 individuals, and a general mixed Yule-coalescent analysis (GMYC) for species delimitation of both genes allowed the recognition of an independent evolutionary lineage, representing an undescribed species of Margotrema . Detailed morphological observations allowed the species description. The new species is easily distinguished from the other valid species of the genus, M. bravoae , by having vitelline follicles restricted to the region between the pharynx and the ventral sucker a wider and more prominent ventral sucker, larger eggs, and symmetrical testes.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Rhopalocercous cercariae were found in the gonads of duck mussels collected from the Sluch River and results suggested that the second intermediate hosts in the life cycle of this trematode were absent, establishing a possible relationship between it and P. pseudofolium.
Abstract: Rhopalocercous cercariae were found in the gonads of duck mussels, Anodonta anatina (Linnaeus, 1758) collected from the Sluch River (Zhytomyr oblast, Ukraine). The morphological features observed led to conclusion that this species belonged to the genus Phyllodistomum Braun, 1899. Obtained results suggested that the second intermediate hosts in the life cycle of this trematode were absent. Free-swimming cercariae were observed encysting in water. This species is similar to Phyllodistomum pseudofolium Nybelin, 1926 by overall body proportions and ratio of suckers: lengths of oral to ventral sucker 1 : 1.1; widths of the same organs 1 : 1.2. To confirm the taxonomic position of the species found and establish a possible relationship between it and P. pseudofolium an experimental infection of fish Carassius carassius (Linnaeus, 1758) as potential definitive host was performed. The infection was not successful. Descriptions and figures of all detected larval stages of Phyllodistomum sp. are provided.