Volume 54, Issue 3

A survey of Babesia, Theileria and Hepatozoon was conducted in wild mammals, including the capybara (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris; n = 14) from Brazil, the jaguar (Panthera onca; n = 2) and crab-eating raccoon (Procyon cancrivorus; n = 4) from Venezuela, and the red deer (Cervus elaphus; n = 70), red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris; n = 5) and Eurasian pine marten (Martes martes; n = 3) from Spain. Diagnostic procedures included both microscopy and molecular methods (PCR and sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene). Microscopic examination of blood smears revealed no hematozoan infections — unlike the molecular analyses. Nine Brazilian capybaras were found to be infected with Hepatozoon canis (prevalence 64%), two of which were coinfected with a previously unknown babesid (prevalence 14%) loosely related to Theileria equi (90% 18S rRNA gene similarity according to BLAS® analysis). One jaguar and one crab-eating raccoon from Venezuela were infected by H. canis. Four of the red deer were infected with theilerids (5.7% prevalence), two with Theileria sp. and two with T. annulata. One red squirrel and three pine martens were infected with Hepatozoon sp. The isolate form the red squirrel was phylogenetically related to Hepatozoon sp. reported in Spanish bank voles, whereas those infecting the pine martens were related to Hepatozoon felis reported in Spanish cats. In conclusion, the molecular findings show that some non-canid mammals are carriers of H. canis in South America, while red deer may carry T. annulata in Europe. Small mammals in Europe appear to be unlikely hosts of H. canis and H. felis.

Toxoplasma gondii infections in free-range (FR) chickens (Gallus domesticus) are potential public health risks. Antibodies for T. gondii were found in 194 out of 303 serum samples (64.03%) from FR chickens in Thailand tested by the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT, 1:16). To verify the validity of serologic data in this survey, sera from chickens experimentally infected with the RH strain of T. gondii were tested by the IFAT. Antibodies against T. gondii were detected as early as 7 days p.i., peaked at 2 weeks, and then declined by 10 weeks p.i.

We studied blood parasites in wild birds within Hitoy Cerere Biological Reserve and Barbilla National Park in Costa Rica during the rainy season of 2004. We examined blood samples from 248 and 114 birds, respectively. Protozoan parasites of the genus Haemoproteus as well as microfilariae were found. Prevalence of Haemoproteus in birds was 0.8% and 4.4% in Hitoy Cerere and Barbilla, respectively, and differences were significant. Prevalence of infection by microfilariae was 8.1% and 3.5%, respectively, however, differences were not significant. Based on morphological characteristics, we divided microfilariae into two groups and nine morphotypes. In Hitoy Cerere, there were microfilariae of all nine morphotypes whereas in Barbilla we only found two morphotypes.

Gills of carangid fishes in Australian waters are dominated by a diversity of polyopisthocotylean monogeneans. This study updates current knowledge of polyopisthocotyleans from carangid hosts in waters along the Queensland coast of Australia and also off New Caledonia. The discovery of Protomicrocotyle celebesensis Yamaguti, 1953 is the first record for the genus in Australian waters and represents a new geographic location for the species, extending its distribution from Sulawesi, Indonesia and Hawaii to Australia. Furthermore, Caranx ignobilis and Carangoides fulvoguttatus are reported as new host records for P. celebesensis. Carangoides gymnostethus is recorded as a new host for Heteromicrocotyla australiensis Rohde, 1977 from a new geographic location, namely Lizard Island, Queensland. Heteromicrocotyloides mirabilis Rohde, 1977 is reported from the gills of C. fulvoguttatus off Lizard Island, Queensland representing a new geographic record. Heteromicrocotyloides megaspinosus sp. nov. is described from the gills of C. fulvoguttatus from Lizard Island, Queensland and New Caledonia. The new species is distinguished from H. mirabilis by the larger number and size of spines in the male genital corona. Gonoplasius carangis was collected from Pseudocaranx dentex at Heron Island, Queensland. Gonoplasius longirostri is synonymised with G. carangis due to overlap in measurements and similar morphology. The number of ‘dorsal pits’ in this taxon may not be a useful character because they can be cryptic and hard to see. Most hosts from which these two Gonoplasius species have been collected previously have been synonymised as Pseudocaranx dentex except Caranx ascensionis which is now considered to be C. lugubris. Our report of G. carangis from P. dentex at Heron Island, Queensland is a new geographic record. Abstract Les branchies des poissons Carangidae des eaux Australiennes sont dominées par une variété de monogènes Polyopisthocotylea. Cette étude met à jour notre connaissance actuelle des Polyopisthocotylea des Carangidae des eaux des côtes du Queensland (Australie) et aussi de Nouvelle-Calédonie. La découverte de Protomicrocotyle celebesensis Yamaguti, 1953 est la première mention du genre dans les eaux Australiennes et représente une nouvelle mention géographique pour l’espèce, étendant sa distribution depuis le Sulawesi, l’Indonésie et Hawaii jusqu’à l’Australie. De plus, Caranx ignobilis et Carangoides fulvoguttatus sont rapportés comme nouveaux hôtes pour P. celebesensis. Carangoides gymnostethus est rapporté comme nouvel hôte pour Heteromicrocotyla australiensis Rohde, 1977, d’une nouvelle localité géographique, Lizard Island, Queensland. Heteromicrocotyloides mirabilis Rohde, 1977 est rapporté des branchies de C. fulvoguttatus de Lizard Island, Queensland, comme nouvelle mention géographique. Heteromicrocotyloides megaspinosus sp. nov. est décrit des branchies de C. fulvoguttatus de Lizard Island, Queensland et de Nouvelle-Calédonie. La nouvelle espèce est distinguée de H. mirabilis par des épines plus nombreuses et plus longues dans la couronne génitale. Gonoplasius carangis a été collecté de Pseudocaranx dentex à Heron Island, Queensland. Gonoplasius longirostri est synonymisé avec G. carangis sur la base de recouvrements des mensurations et d’une morphologie similaire. Le nombre de “puits dorsaux” dans ce taxon n’est probablement pas un caractère utile car ces structures peuvent être cryptiques et difficiles à voir. La plupart des hôtes chez lesquels ces deux espèces de Gonoplasius ont été précédemment collectées ont été synonymisés avec Pseudocaranx dentex, à part Caranx ascensionis qui est maintenant considéré comme étant C. lugubris. Notre mention de G. carangis chez P. dentex à Heron Island, Queensland, est une nouvelle mention géographique.

The opecoelid species Macvicaria jagannathi (Gupta et Singh, 1985) Bijukumar, 1997 (new syn. Plagioporus deeghaensis Gupta et Gupta, 1988) and Neolebouria lineatus Aken’Ova et Cribb, 2001 are redescribed from Nemipterus furcosus, from the waters off New Caledonia. Provisional keys to the genera Macvicaria Gibson et Bray, 1982 and Neolebouria Gibson, 1976 are presented. The following new combinations are made: Macvicaria yamagutii (Gupta et Ahmad, 1977), M. puriensis (Gupta et Govind, 1984) and M. chilkai (Gupta et Govind, 1984).

The ultrastructure of spermatogenesis of Taenia taeniaeformis is described for the first time by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Mature testes contain all stages of spermatogenesis; primary spermatogonia are usually situated at the periphery and mature spermatozoa in the centre of testes. The general process is similar to that described in other cestodes. Six incomplete, synchronic cytokineses occur: four mitotic and two meiotic cell divisions. All these divisions occur simultaneously, resulting in a rosette cluster of four tertiary spermatogonia, then eight quaternary spermatogonia, and subsequently sixteen primary spermatocytes. All of these enter into a growth period and their enlarged nuclei move to the periphery of cells of the rosettes. The first meiotic division forms thirty-two secondary spermatocytes and after the second meiotic division, there are sixty-four spermatids. Spermiogenesis in T. taeniaeformis corresponds to the Ba and Marchand’s Type 3 and begins with the formation of a differentiation zone in the form of a conical projection of cytoplasm delimited by a ring of arching membranes and surrounded by submembranous cortical microtubules. Within this area, there are two centrioles, orthogonally disposed, and vestigial striated rootlets. Only one of the centrioles develops a flagellum that grows externally to the cytoplasmic extension. Posteriorly, a flagellar rotation inferior to 90° occurs and the flagellum becomes parallel to the cytoplasmic extension. Later, the two processes fuse during the so-called proximodistal fusion. The nucleus elongates and moves into the cytoplasmic extension. In the final stage of spermiogenesis, a single crested body appears at the base of the differentiating spermatozoon. Finally, the ring of arching membranes constricts and the young spermatozoon detaches from the residual cytoplasm. Ultrastructural aspects of spermatogenesis are compared with that of other cestodes studied to date, particularly of the family Taeniidae.

The following three gonad-infecting species of Philometra Costa, 1845 (Nematoda, Philometridae) were recorded from offshore perciform fishes in South Carolina, USA: Philometra carolinensis Moravec, de Buron et Roumillat, 2006 from the southern kingfish Menticirrhus americanus (Linnaeus) (Sciaenidae) (new host record), Philometra floridensis Moravec, Fajer-Avila et Bakenhaster, 2009 from the red drum Sciaenops ocellatus (Linnaeus) (Sciaenidae), and Philometra saltatrix Ramachandran, 1973 from the bluefish Pomatomus saltatrix (Linnaeus) (Pomatomidae). Findings of the first two species represent the second records since their original descriptions and P. floridensis was for the first time recorded from South Carolina estuaries. Detailed study of these nematode species, using both light (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), revealed the presence of minute caudal projections in the gravid female of P. carolinensis and four pairs of caudal papillae in the conspecific male; the cephalic and caudal ends of this species were for the first time examined by SEM. The related species P. carolinensis and P. floridensis, both parasitizing sciaenid fishes, can be distinguished from each other mainly by the presence/absence of oesophageal teeth, lengths of spicules and body lengths of gravid females. The morphology of North American specimens of P. saltatrix was found to be identical with that of specimens from Europe, thus confirming their conspecificity.

While investigating the nematode parasites of commercial fish caught off the coast of Madeira Island (Atlantic Ocean, Portugal), we collected five specimens of Oncophora melanocephala (Rudolphi, 1819) (Nematoda, Camallanidae) infecting the chub mackerel Scomber japonicus Houttuyn. This is the first record of O. melanocephala from chub mackerel and a new geographic record. Four additional larval specimens with developing buccal capsules were found in the chub mackerel examined.

Strongyloides myopotami, a parasite of Myocastor coypus (nutria or coypu), was found during an extensive parasitological survey carried out on parasitic helminths of 5 species of subterranean rodents (tuco-tucos) belonging to the genus Ctenomys from Argentina and Uruguay. Strongyloides myopotami became known by causing “marsh itch” (also called “nutria itch” or “swimmer’s itch”), a severe rash caused by larvae that enter the skin in humans, and it is recognised as a zoonosis for people handling nutria fur. In the present study S. myopotami was found in 2 of the 5 examined species of Ctenomys (C. talarum from Argentina and C. pearsoni from Uruguay), both inhabiting the vicinity of water courses. Population descriptors of S. myopotami in C. talarum showed that a population of this parasite is well established in this rodent. The development of infective filariform larvae from eggs in the faeces of C. talarum and the prevalence of gravid parasitic females in this host can be considered as evidence of the establishment of a population of S. myopotami independent of the source population parasitizing M. coypus. Therefore, the presence of S. myopotami in these species of tuco-tucos indicates a change from a semi-aquatic to subterranean life cycle. Evidence that tuco-tucos are reservoirs for these nematodes and therefore may be a risk to human health in the areas studied is provided.

Thirty-four donkeys from Henan Province, China, were examined at necropsy for strongyloid nematodes in the caecum (February 2006 to January 2007). Twenty-two species, including 18 Cyathostominae (small strongyles) and 4 Strongylinae (large strongyles), were identified. The five most prevalent Cyathostominae were Cylicocyclus nassatus (73.5%), Coronocyclus labratus (70.6%), Coronocyclus labiatus (67.6%), Cyathostomum tetracanthum (61.8%) and Coronocyclus coronatus (52.9%), accounting for 70.2% of all species identified; C. labratus (124.2 ± 256.4), Cyathostomum tetracanthum (96.4 ± 210.5) and Cylicocyclus nassatus (80.9 ± 117.1) had the greatest mean abundance, whereas Strongylus vulgaris was the most prevalent (88.2%) of the Strongylinae and had the highest mean abundance (34.9 ± 37.8). The numbers of species per donkey ranged from 1 to 15 (with a median of 7.1). Only a small percentage (5.9%) of donkeys were infected by a single species, whereas the other donkeys had infections with multiple species.

Mites of the genus Listropsoralges permanently parasitizing New World marsupials of the family Didelphidae are revised. An emended diagnosis of this genus, descriptions of the new species L. caluromys sp. nov. and L. faini, and a key to species based on males are provided. Listropsoralges caluromys differs from the morphologically similar L. marmosae by shorter setae se (35–37 μm long in males and 48–55 μm long in females), by female setae h3 not being thickened and being subequal in the length to setae ps2 and ps3 (12–14 and 9–10 μm long, respectively) and by pretarsi III represented by only remnants of the pretarsal stalk in both sexes. L. faini sp. nov. (only males are known) differs from males of the morphologically similar L. monodelphis by having homogeneous ornamentation of the hysteronotal shield and by setae h2 and h3 not being positioned on distinct fleshy projections.

We report the case of a 52-year-old man in whom multiple conglomerated ring-enhanced lesions in the left frontal lobe were revealed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); further, he presented with headache. Subtotal resection of the mass was performed and the histopathological diagnosis of gemistocytic astrocytoma was made. He received postoperative radiotherapy of remnant mass. Six months post-surgery, new multiple lesions were developed on the left cerebellum and the lesion yielded radiological findings that were quite similar to those of the lesion previously observed in the left frontal lobe. Total resection was performed with the aid of neuronavigation and a live yellow 10-cm-long worm with an active scolex was found. A pathologist identified the worm as a sparganum of Spirometra mansoni. This suggests that the live worm may have moved to the ipsilateral cerebellum due to the stimulus from the surgery and radiation on the frontal lobe. Although this case presented characteristic MRI findings of sparganosis, we did not conduct a serological test; therefore, we misdiagnosed sparganosis as gemistocytic astrocytoma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the ipsilateral transtentorial migration of cerebral sparganosis.

Anti-oxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD) protect cells from damage by oxygen radicals produced during respiration. There is also a substantial body of evidence that anti-oxidant enzymes facilitate the survival of parasitic helminths, including gastrointestinal nematodes, within the host. Superoxide dismutase has been shown to be released by a variety of parasitic helminths and may protect them from host mediated oxidative immune responses. As it may play a parasite protective role during infections SOD has been investigated as a vaccine candidate in a range of helminth parasites including Schistosoma mansoni, Acanthocheilonema viteae and Haemonchus contortus. Here, we sought to evaluate the protective potential of SOD against the rat hookworm Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, a commonly utilised laboratory infection, as a vaccination model. A cytosolic SOD from this parasite, with high sequence homology to a putative extracellular form of the enzyme was cloned and then expressed in bacteria. The resultant recombinant protein was assessed for enzyme activity and used to immunise rats prior to a single challenge infection with the parasite. No protection was observed and monitoring systemic and mucosal antibody responses and mast cell protease levels in superoxide dismutase vaccinated rats suggested that this recombinant SOD was only weakly immunogenic.