Volume 61, Issue 3

The presence of zoonotic parasites in feral cats have been widely considered all over the world. In Gran Canaria (Macaronesian archipelago, Canary Islands, Spain) the number of feral cats has grown out of control in urban and rural areas. 48 of Felis catus captured in different Gran Canaria areas were studied. Animals were necropsied and several organs were systematically examined in order to collect and identify macroscopic parasites. In addition, coprological tests were done in 28 cats. There were no statistically significant differences in the prevalence rate among sex, age or capture area, showing an overall prevalence of helminths of 77.1%. The most common tapeworms were Dipylidium caninum (64.6%) and Taenia taeniaeformis (31.3%), followed by the nematodes Toxocara cati (20.8%), Ancylostoma tubaeforme (18.8%), Aelurostrongylusabstrusus (10.4%) and Trichuris vulpis (2.08%). We also find several eggs of Alaria alata in the small intestine of one cat (2.08%), being the first description of this trematode in cats in the Canary Islands. Aproximatelly, 40% of the studied cats harboured more than one parasite. High rates of zoonotic species found in these animals suggest the need of controling parasitic infections and preventive measures against them.

Acanthamoeba spp. is an opportunistic protozoan parasite which is the causative agent of granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE) and Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK). GAE usually occurs in immunocompromised patients which in most cases is fatal. The present study was conducted to determine the genotypes of Acanthamoeba isolated from patients with compromised immunological status. For this purpose, 90 samples from the oral cavity of these individuals were collected in different hospitals of Tehran, Iran using sterile cotton swabs. Samples were cultured in 2% Non-Nutrient Agar (NNA) plates in order to check for the presence of amoebae. Identification of isolates was carried out using both morphological and molecular tools. The pathogenic potential of the obtained strains was assessed by performing osmo- and thermotolerance assays as previously described. Genotyping of the isolates was carried out by PCR/sequencing of the DF3 region of the 18S rDNA gene of Acanthamoeba . From the 90 collected samples, 11 (13.4%) were positive for Acanthamoeba genus. Molecular analysis revealed the presence of genotypes T3, T4 and T11, although most of the isolates belonged to genotype T4. Only 3 of the isolates genotyped as T4 were positive for the pathogenic potential assays. To this end if the immunological status is considered as one of the key factors for the development of GAE due to Acanthamoeba in the previous reported cases, individuals suffering from the conditions mentioned in this study should be considered as a high risk group of population in Iran and worldwide.

Toxoplasma gondii converts from tachyzoites to bradyzoites after acute infection and thus survives the attack of the host immune responses. In this study, we observed the conversion of tachyzoites to bradyzoites in cell cultures using a transgenic T. gondii RH strain. The transgenic parasites continuously express yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) but only express red fluorescent protein (RFP) at the bradyzoite stage. Red fluorescent bradyzoite-containing cysts were found in transgenic parasite infected cells cultured with atmospheric CO 2 supply, indicating the successful induction of the stage conversion. In cell culture with alkalic medium (pH 8.1) and atmospheric CO 2 supply, only part of the YFP-expressing parasites in a cyst express RFP marker, suggesting the asynchronous development of T. gondii in vitro . This study provides a possibility for further studies of the gene expression profile during stage conversion and the genes involved.

Parapharyngodon sanjuanensis sp. nov. (Nematoda: Pharyngodonidae) from the large intestines of Phymaturus punae and Phymaturus williamsi (Squamata: Liolaemidae) from province of San Juan, Argentina, is described and illustrated. Parapharyngodon sanjuanensis sp. nov. is the 54 th species assigned to the genus and the 8th from the Neotropical region. It differs from other species in the genus in that males possess 8 caudal papillae, 6 of which are large and pedunculate, 2 are small, almost inconspicuous; anterior lip echinate, posterior lip bilobate; females possess prominent vulva and short stiff tail spike.

Pathogenic strains of Acanthamoeba are causative agents of keratitis and encephalitis that often may end fatal in humans and other animals. In the present study, twenty-seven soil samples were collected in the Bolivar State in Venezuela and checked for the presence of Acanthamoeba . Samples were cultivated onto 2% non-nutrient agar plates seeded with a layer of heat killed E. coli . Amplification by PCR and sequencing of the DF3 region of the 18S rDNA of Acanthamoeba was carried out in order to confirm morphological identification of the amoebae. Furthermore, Acanthamoeba spp. was isolated from 51.8% of soil samples. Sequencing of the DF3 region of the 18S rDNA resulted in the identification of genotype T4 in all samples. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of genotype T4 in soil sources from Venezuela. Further studies should be carried out in this State and in the country in order to determine the current occurrence of Acanthamoeba in Venezuelan environments.

Larval trematodes infecting Biomphalaria tenagophila and B. occidentalis were surveyed in a suburban and semipermanent pond of Corrientes province, Northeastern Argentina. A total of 1,409 snails were examined between spring 2011 to winter 2013, and 8 different larval trematodes were studied morphologically. Three of these species-Echinocercaria sp. IV, Ribeiroia sp. and Echinocercaria sp. XIV-have been previously found in Corrientes province. Six other trematodes belonging to Strigeidae (Furcocercaria sp. III), Clinostomidae (Cercaria Clinostomidae sp.), Spirorchiidae (Cercaria Spirorchiidae sp.) and Echinostomatidae (Echinocercaria sp. 1, Echinocercaria sp. 2, Echinocercaria sp. 3) are new species parasitizing Biomphalaria snails. Cercaria Spirorchiidae sp. is the third larval trematode related to Spirorchiidae recorded in South America and the first one for Argentina. Cercaria Clinostomidae sp. is the first one related to Clinostomidae in northeastern Argentina. The prevalence of larval trematodes infecting B. tenagophila and B. occidentalis in the environment studied was low (<5%) with the echinostome group better represented in terms of prevalence and species richness. Drought periods could affect the dynamics of parasitic transmission due to the absence of trematodes in the autumn and winter of the first seasonal cycle. However, in humid periods parasite transmission can occur throughout the year due to the presence of larvae in all seasons of the second seasonal cycle, although the less-warm seasons showed higher prevalence than the summer period probably related to the subtropical climate of Corrientes province.

The cestode Caryophyllaeus laticeps (Pallas, 1781) is a highly polymorphic species with several morphotypes, and belongs to the most widespread species of monozoic tapeworm (Cestoda: Caryophyllidea) found in the Palaearctic zoogeographic region with a wide range of cyprinid fish hosts. This paper provides the first reliable evidence about the occurrence of C. laticeps in northern China that is based on detailed morphological characteristics and mitochondrial cox1 sequences. C. laticeps was found in freshwater bream Abramis brama (L.), in the River Irtysh, with the prevalence of 40% and mean intensity of infection 8. The tapeworms were rather similar in their morphological characters to the morphotype 1 of C. laticeps which is typified by the possession of a slender body with a flabellate wide scolex, narrow neck, robust, long and clearly visible vas deferens, large, and almost spherical cirrus-sac containing well-developed internal seminal vesicle and the first vitelline follicles and first testes beginning far from anterior margin of the body. Subsequent molecular analysis confirmed the morphological identification of the species. Our results show that the studied specimens were firmly clustered into the C. laticeps clade and formed a monophyletic group with C. laticeps morphotype 1 and 2 from Europe and Russia. In China, C. laticeps is a non-indigenous fish parasite, which has the most probably been introduced into the Irtysh River basin with its typical host inhabiting Russia.

The present study aimed to conduct a serosurvey of toxoplasmosis in domestic rabbits of Northeastern Brazil. Blood samples and tissue fragments (brain, heart and diaphragm) were collected from 150 and 54 rabbits from the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, respectively. The serum samples were subjected to serological analysis (Modified Agglutination Test – MAT) and the tissue samples were assessed by PCR and histopathological analysis. Data collected through questionnaires were subjected to analysis of risk factors. According to the MAT and the PCR results, 6.7% (10/150; CI 3.2%–11.9%) of the rabbits were positive for anti- T . gondii antibodies and 9.25% (5/54) of the tissue fragments were positive for T . gondii DNA, respectively. Lesions associated with T. gondii infection, mainly characterized by granuloma, mononuclear cell infiltrates, degeneration areas and necrosis in brain and heart, were detected in the histopathological analysis. The risk factors associated with T. gondii infection identified in the present study were homemade food (odds ratio = 39.00) and contact between cats and rabbits (odds ratio = 52.00). This is the first report of toxoplasmosis in rabbits of Northeastern Brazil. The management problems identified in the present study must be corrected to reduce the frequency of positive animals in herds of rabbits.

The dactylogyrid monogeneans Anacanthorus penilabiatus (Boeger, Husak and Martins, 1995) and Mymarothecium viatorum (Boeger, Piasecki and Sobecka, 2002), commonly found in large quantities in farmed Piaractus mesopotamicus (Holmberg, 1887) in Brazil, were collected from three fish farms located in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. Morphological and molecular identification, scanning electron microscopy, histopathological and descriptive parameters data were performed. A total of 278 specimens of P. mesopotamicus were gathered from February 2008 and July 2010. Prevalence (P) and mean intensity of infection (MII) data was taken at each location. The data showed prevalence and mean intensity of infection annually, with numbers such as P = 91.2% and MII = 50 worms/fish (Pirassununga), P = 60% and MII = 39.2 worms/fish (Mogi Mirim), and P = 100% and MII = 204.8 worms/fish (Itapira). Histopathological results showed hyperplasia of the secondary lamellae, and hypersecretion of mucus was also observed. A phylogenetic topology was inferred using complete SSU (18S) ribosomal rDNA, positioning Anacanthorus penilabiatus and Mymarothecium viatorum among other monopisthocotyleans available in GenBank.

A new species, Hemipera cribbi sp. nov., is described. This trematode was found in three intertidal fish species: Scartichthys viridis (Valenciennes) (Blenniidae), Gobiesox marmoratus Jenyns (Gobiesocidae) and Myxodes viridis Valenciennes (Clinidae) from the central and southern coast of Chile. Of 233 individuals of S. viridis from the central coast examined, 19 were infected. From the southern coast, nine individuals of S. viridis (one infected), five individuals of G. marmoratus (four infected), and 16 individuals of M. viridis (one fish infected) were examined. Hemipera cribbi sp. nov. is distinguished from the five other congeneric species mainly in the body size, being the smallest and narrowest species in the genus, reaching five times longer than wide. This is the first species of the genus described for the South Pacific Ocean off South America. ITS2 rDNA sequences of Hemipera cribbi sp. nov. from each host and locality were identified.

The importance of Sarcocystis hominis in causing zoonotic infections is well known. Recently, S. hominis like cysts have been reported from water buffalo in China. Previous studies indicate prevalence of Sarcocystis species in bovine populations in India but molecular evidence is required for proper species differentiation. We examined two hundred and ninety six cardiac tissue samples of Indian water buffaloes and cattle from northern and western parts of the country. Tissues were examined for Sarcocystis using intact cyst isolation method, pepsin acid digestion method and Sarcocystis 18S rRNA PCR. The combination of primers was used for 18S rRNA PCR amplification followed by sequencing. Twenty five representative samples were sent for sequencing and 19 readable sequences were obtained for phylogenetic analysis. Overall, the Sarcocystis cysts/zoites were recorded in 44% (95% CI 38–49%), 58% (95% CI 53–64%) and 68% (95% CI 63–73%) from both cattle and buffalo samples using intact cyst isolation, pepsin-HCl digestion method and conventional PCR, respectively. The results indicate that pepsin-HCl digestion method and conventional PCR are more sensitive than intact cyst isolation for detection of Sarcocystis species in tissue samples. The prevalence of Sarcocystis species was high in buffalo as compared to cattle intermediate hosts. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that more than one Sarcocystis species are circulating in cattle and water buffaloes in India. The results further indicate that experimental transmission studies are required to re-confirm the identities and host ranges of the Sarcocystis species in cattle and water buffaloes in India.

The redescription of Proctophantastes gillissi (Overstreet et Pritchard, 1977) (Trematoda: Zoogonidae) was made on specimens collected from Muraenolepis marmorata Günther, 1880 (Gadiformes) caught in the Ross Sea and the Amundsen Sea (Antarctic). The fish is a new host of this parasite. Phylogenetic relations of P. gillissi were inferred by Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian inference analysis of partial sequences from 28S rDNA. The findings from analysis of the molecular data are not consistent with the traditional point of view about the position of the genus Proctophantastes Odhner, 1911 in the subfamily Lepidophyllinae. The taxonomical position of the genus needs further revision.

About 3.6 million Pashtun and over 1.5 million immigrants from Afghanistan live in the federally administered tribal areas (FATA) on the border between Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province and southern Afghanistan. Although malaria cases are common in FATA, no detailed studies have yet been performed to reveal the actual status of malaria in the local population and epidemiological data are insufficient to elucidate the actual incidence. A malariometric survey of 691 patients of all ages and genders in seven agencies (districts) in FATA was carried out in 2013 using whole blood samples. Microscopically confirmed positive species were subjected to nested-PCR for the reconfirmation and detection of four species of Plasmodium causing human malaria. Of the 626 PCR positive cases, 81.1% were P. vivax , 13.8% P. falciparum and 4.9% mixed species containing both P. vivax and P. falciparum. P. malariae and P. ovale and were not found in any analysis. Sixty-five microscopic positive samples were identified as negative by PCR. The incidence of P. vivax ranged from 10.4% in Orakzai Agency to 22.8% in North Waziristan Agency. The prevalence of P. falciparum ranged from 1.3% in Orakzai Agency to 4.7% in North Waziristan, and Khyber Agency had the highest prevalence of 1.7% of mixed species. In FATA, P. vivax and P. falciparum are the main causative agents of malaria, while mixed species infections are also prevalent with varying transmission intensities. In addition, Estimates of malaria incidence shows that variation in the incidence, frequency and species composition of malarial parasites is high.

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for the occurrence of endoparasitosis in dogs and cats in Espírito Santo, Brazil. For the study, 345 dogs and 160 cats were examined. Faecal samples from the animals were collected, and owners were interviewed about their handling of their animals. For the diagnosis of the infections, the Willis-Molley, simple centrifugal flotation and formalin-ether sedimentation techniques were performed. The data found in the tests were tabulated and analysed with a chi-square test (p <0.05), and calculation of odds ratios (OR) with confidence intervals of 95% were then performed to determine the association between the variables and the outcome of stool examinations. The prevalence of parasites was 59% for dogs and 54% for cats. The genus Ancylostoma was the most prevalent (45%). Supplying filtered water, not feeding raw foods, standardisation of a defecation site and cleaning up the faeces reduced the chances of developing intestinal parasites. An increased frequency of deworming was also shown to be a protective factor; specifically animals which received anthelmintic more than once a year had a lower predisposition for intestinal parasites.

A new species of ergasilid copepod, Ergasilus xinguensis n. sp., is described from females found on the gills of two cichlid fishes, Geophagus argyrostictus (Kullander, 1991) (type host) and G. altifrons (Heckel, 1840), from the Brazilian Amazon. The new species can be distinguished from congeners by the unique combination of the following characteristics: the cephalothorax is not inflated and is slightly constricted, the first antennulary segment bears 3 setae, maxillule with 3 unequal outer setae without minute process medially, maxilla has a large syncoxa with one seta near its basis, first and fourth legs are with a 3-segmented endopod, base of the exopod in leg 2 with a conspicuous bluntly-pointed projection and caudal ramus with two rows of curved conical spinules on ventral surface. The new species is the second member of Ergasilus von Nordmann, 1832 found on cichlids of the genus Geophagus (Heckel).

Hookworms, a group to which Ancylostoma ceylanicum belongs, are gastrointestinal nematodes that infect more than 700 million people around the world. They are a leading cause of anemia in developing countries. In order to effectively prevent hookworm infections research is conducted to develop an effective vaccine using recombinant antigens of the parasite. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of the hosts’ on protection against ancylostomiasis and the shaping of the humoral immune response among Syrian hamsters after immunization with a cocktail of five A. ceylanicum recombinant antigens. Ace-ASP-3, Ace-ASP-4, Ace-APR-1, Ace-MEP-6 and Ace-MEP-7 were obtained in the pET expression system. Immunization with a vaccine cocktail resulted in a 33.5% worm burden reduction. The immunogenicity of the recombinant proteins were determined using ELISA. Statistical analysis showed that vaccinated hamsters developed stronger humoral responses to four of five recombinant antigens (the exception being Ace-ASP-3) compared to hamsters from the control group.

A new species of quill mites (Syringophilidae) Syringophiloidus plocei sp. nov. parasitizing Ploceus cucullatus (St. Muller) (type host), P. aurantius (Vieillot) and P. nigerrimus (Vieillot) (Ploceidae: Passeriformes) in Gabon is described using external morphology and DNA barcode data (the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I sequences (COI) and D1–D3 region of the nuclear 28S rRNA gene). Females of S. plocei sp. nov. differ from S. pseudonigritae Glowska, Dragun-Damian and Dabert, 2012 by the length of setae ag3 190–230 (vs 145–160). The genetic distances (K2P) between COI haplotypes of S. plocei sp. nov. individuals (from P. cucullatus , P. nigerrimus and P. aurantius ) and S. pseudonigritae ranges from 13.1–13.7%.

Oswaldocruzia chambrieri Ben Slimane et Durette-Desset, 1993 is redescribed from specimens collected from the small intestine of the South American common toad, Rhinella margaritifera , from Caxiuanã National Forest in Pará, Brazil, using light and scanning microscopy and molecular analysis of Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) - coding regions of DNA. The discovered nematodes are characterized by a type III caudal bursa with two papillae, rays 4 with a median groove, and spicules divided into a blade, a shoe and a fork. Cervical alae are absent, the cephalic vesicle is divided into two portions, and the synlophe has low ridges without chitinous supports. The present study establishes the Caxiuanã National Forest as a new location for O. chambrieri , which had previously been reported as a parasite of R. margaritifera in Ecuador, uses light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to identify new morphological characters of the species and represents the second molecular sequence deposited for the Oswaldocruzia genus.

One hundred-thirty six Mediterranean geckos, Hemidactylus turcicus , were collected between December 1986 and March 2016 in Hardin ( n = 7), Harris ( n = 57), and Tom Green ( n = 72) counties, Texas, USA., and examined for helminth parasites. Fifty-two H. turcicus (38%) were infected with at least one helminth species. Found were a trematode, Mesocoelium meggitti , three cestodes, Mesocestoides sp. (tetrathyridia), Oochoristica ameivae and Oochoristica scelopori , and four nematodes, Cosmocercoides variabilis, Oswaldocruzia pipiens, Parapharyngodon cubensis , and larvae of Physaloptera sp. Oochoristica ameivae, O. scelopori, P. cubensis, Physaloptera sp., and Os. pipiens represent new host records for H. turcicus and M. meggitti is reported from Texas for the first time. A summary of the helminth parasites of both native and non-native H. turcicus is presented.

This study brings the data about the occurrence of bacterial and protozoan pathogens in 32 great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis ), representing approximately 20% of the population nesting in the surroundings of water basin Liptovská Mara (northern part of Central Slovakia). A survey revealed the presence of tick-borne bacteria Anaplasma phagocytophilum (6.25%) and parasitic protozoa Toxoplasma gondii (3.1%). These data indicate an infectious status of the great cormorant population nesting in Slovakia; they might suggest a degree of environmental contamination by infectious agents and demonstrate the role of migratory seabirds in the circulation and dispersal of pathogens with zoonotic potential.

Three species of Isorchis Durio and Manter, 1969 are described from Australian waters. Isorchis megas sp. nov. is described from the spotbanded scat, Selenotoca multifasciata (Richardson), off Western Australia (WA) and Northern Territory (NT); Isorchis currani sp. nov. is described from S. multifasciata off NT; and Isorchis anomalus sp. nov. is described from the milkfish, Chanos chanos Forsskål, off WA. Isorchis megas sp. nov. can be differentiated from the other species of Isorchis by possessing a single, large egg that is greater than 20% of the body length; having a shorter body (the largest specimen is less than 500 μm); and utilizing a scatophagid rather than a chanid host. Isorchis currani sp. nov. can be differentiated from species of Isorchis other than I. megas sp. nov. by utilizing a scatophagid rather than a chanid host; it is differentiated from I. megas sp. nov. in having eggs that are 11-15% of the body length. Isorchis anomalus sp. nov. can be differentiated from all other species of Isorchis in possessing an irregular shaped genital pore rather than one that is circular to oblong. A Bayesian inference analysis of partial 28S rDNA sequences of the three new species of Isorchis and 30 other haploporoids revealed 1) the monophyly of the Atractotrematidae Yamaguti, 1939, 2) the two species of Isorchis infecting S. multifasciata were each other’s closest relative, and 3) that Isorchis was most closely related to Pseudomegasolena Machida and Komiya, 1976 rather than Atractotrema Goto and Ozaki, 1929 although sequence data are not yet available for a member of Pseudisorchis Ahmad, 1985.

Diseases caused by parasitic helminths cause considerable production and economic losses in livestock worldwide. Understanding the epidemiology of these parasites has important implications for controlling them. The main purpose of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of key parasitic helminths in goats along the Han River in Zhanggang, Hubei Province (from January to December 2014). We used faecal flotation and sedimentation techniques as well as PCR-based DNA sequencing to detect and identify helminths. Results showed that the prevalence of helminths was high throughout the year, particularly for gastrointestinal nematodes. These first findings provide useful baseline information for goat helminths in Zhanggang, and a starting point for the implementation of control programs. With an increased expansion of the goat industry in China, the findings also emphasise the need to undertake prevalence surveys in other regions of China where extensive farming practices are used.

Acanthocotyle urolophi sp. nov. is described from the skin of the banded stingaree, Urolophus cruciatus (Lacépède, 1804). This is the first acanthocotylid to be described from Australian waters. Acanthocotyle urolophi sp. nov. is distinguished from other species of Acanthocotyle by a combination of the number of vitelline follicles 38 (33–46) and the number of rows 35 (32–37) of sclerites on the pseudohaptor. In addition, Acanthocotyle urolophi sp. nov. has no germarial appendix and no uterine "arm". A uterine receptaculum seminis was not identified in whole mounts. There is no penis papilla and no penis sclerite associated with the male reproductive opening. A brief description of the larva is provided. The diagnosis of the Acanthocotylidae Price, 1936 is amended and we review the Allacanthocotylinae Yamaguti, 1963, Lophocotylinae Yamaguti, 1963 and Pseudacanthocotylinae Yamaguti, 1963. We deem that these subfamilies are invalid and that the family now comprises only the subfamily Acanthocotylinae and the genus Acanthocotyle . The validity of species previously assigned to the Acanthocotylidae ( sensu Yamaguti, 1963) is discussed and a key to what we consider to be the valid species in the family is also provided.

Parasites of the tigerfish (Hydrocynus vittatus ) were investigated in the period October 2014 to July 2015 in the Sanyati Basin, Lake Kariba. The fish were collected using seine netting and also during the annual Kariba International Tiger Fishing Tournament. A total of 80 fish specimens (24 males and 56 females) were collected and were infected with the following seven parasite taxa: Monogenea (Annulotrema sp.1 from the gills and Annulotrema sp.2 from the skin), Nematoda (Contracaecum larvae), Cestoda (bothriocephalid, larval cyclophyllid), Copepoda (Lamproglena hemprichii ), pentastomid, Myxosporea (Myxobolus sp.,) and unicellular ciliate parasites (Trichodina sp., Tetrahymena sp., and unidentified). Annulotrema sp. 1 was observed in all fish and had the highest prevalence, mean intensity and abundance. The fish organs infected were gills, skin, fin, body cavity, stomach, intestines, mesentery, liver, kidney, brain cavity and swim bladder. No parasites were observed in the muscle, eyes and blood. The distribution of the parasites was highest in the gills and lowest in the brain cavity and swimbladder. Bothriocephalids, pentastomes and Trichodina sp. were not observed in male fish. Sex was not related to the intensity of parasites. The results of the study showed that H. vittatus has a richer parasite community than other previous investigated alestids. Pentastomes, Myxobolus sp., Trichodina sp., Tetrahymena sp. and bothriocephalid cestodes are new records for H. vittatus in Zimbabwe.

A new microsporidium is reported from the small spruce bark beetle, Ips amitinus : Microsporidium sp. with uninucleate oval spores measuring 3.5 × 2.5 μm; infecting cells of the midgut epithelium, midgut muscles, the fat body, the Malpighian tubules, and the gonads of adult beetles collected in Austria. Seven other pathogens were found in beetles collected from Austria, the Czech Republic, and Finland. Six of them were already known from I. amitinus. Nosema cf. typographi is recorded for the first time in the overwintering generation of I. amitinus from the Czech Republic.

A new feather mite species, Trouessartia sechellarum sp. n. (Astigmata: Analgoidea: Trouessartiidae), is described from the Seychelles magpie-robin Copsychus sechellarum (Passeriformes: Muscicapidae), an endangered endemic passerine bird inhabiting the Seychelles Islands. The most clear features distinguishing this mite from the related species, T. microfolia Gaud, 1952, are as follows: in both sexes, setae c2 do not exceed 30 μm and are subequal in length to setae c3 and sR III; in males, the hysteronotal shield is completely split into the prohysteronotal and lobar parts by a narrow groove, and the terminal lamellae are attenuate apically; in females, the median part of the hysteronotal shield bears numerous ovate lacunae, the terminal cleft width is approximately equal to the opisthosomal lobe width, and the collar of the spermathecal head is smooth.

Coprological analysis of a sample from one free-living hedgehog was done with the use of a direct flotation method with additional incubation of fecal material. The study revealed three types of eggs and oocysts in the feces. The most commonly diagnosed were oocysts of Isospora rastegaievae (543/3g), while oocysts of Monocystis sp. (267/3g) and eggs of Aonchotheca/Eucoleus spp. (52/3g) were seen less often. This is the first report of coccidia I. rastegaievae (Apicomplexa: Eimeriida) and acephaline gregarine Monocystis sp. (Apicomplexa: Eugregarinida) infection in a hedgehog in Poland.

During an investigation of the diversity of monogenean parasites in Meerut, U.P., India, the exotic freshwater fish Gymnocorymbus ternetzi was found infected with the gill dactylogyrid species of Diaphorocleidus Jogunoori et al . 2004. Using morphological study, the present monogeneans were found similar in morphology of anchors, bars and male copulatory organ with D. armillatus Jogunoori et al . 2004. This is the first genetic characterization of D. armillatus based on the analysis of 18S ribosomal RNA sequence (1800 bp) and associated with morphological redescription. Our study suggests that more molecular investigation is required on Diaphorocleidus species for deducing correct phylogenetic position of D. armillatus .

Adenosine deaminase (ADA) which degrades adenosine to inosine, is known to be pro-inflammatory molecule in many diseases. Adenosine suppresses the functioning of the immune system and thus promotes dissemination of the parasite. In our previous finding, the level of soluble ADA in serum of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) was found to be increased as compared to healthy controls. However, it cannot be fairly interpreted unless their level is demonstrated at the disease site, where the parasite resides. We designed this study to correlate the level of soluble ADA (sADA) with parasitic load at the disease site i.e. bone marrow (BM). We found increased levels of sADA in BM as compared to the unaffected BM. Furthermore, a significant inverse correlation is observed between the parasite load and level of sADA at the disease site.

In this study, twenty water samples were collected in the island of Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain in order to check for the presence of V. vermiformis strains in these samples. Water samples were cultured on 2% Non-Nutrient Agar (NNA) plates covered with a thin layer of heat killed E. coli and checked daily for the presence of Vermamoeba . After a week, V. vermiformis amoebae were observed in 2 of the 20 processed samples (10%) incubated at room temperature and 37°C. Molecular characterization was carried out by amplifying the 18S rDNA gene and DNA sequencing in order to confirm the identity of the isolated amoebic strains. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the presence of FLA in environmental sources in Lanzarote Island and the first report of Vermamoeba vermiformis in water sources in this island. Furthermore, the two strains isolated in this study were collected in recreational areas with close contact with humans and thus awareness should be raised.