Could the acute strongyloides venezuelensis infection cause non-reversible host morphological changes? / A infecção aguda por strongyloides venezuelensis pode causar alterações morfológicas irreversíveis no hospedeiro? / ¿Puede la infección aguda por las strongyloides venezuelensis causar cambios morfológicos irreversibles en el hostal?

Although research has investigated the host-parasite relationship in Strongyloides venezuelensis infection in the scope of its immunological implications, the morphological consequences of this response for the host organism are yet to be explored. Our objective was to perform an organ morphometric analysis in Wistar rats infected with the intestinal parasite Strongyloides venezuelensis compared with infected rats treated with ivermectin. Twenty-six animals composed three groups: control (non-infected), infected (infected with 2,000 Strongyloides venezuelensis larvae), and infected treated (infected with 2,000 Strongyloides venezuelensis larvae and treated with ivermectin). All rodents were killed 21 days after infection and morphometric analysis of different organs was performed. The results showed significantly higher body and fecal weight in the infected-treated group. The weight of the small intestine increased considerably in the infected group and decreased in the infected-treated group. Pancreas, right kidney, and heart volume increased in the infected group compared with the control group. Despite treatment, the volumes of the stomach, brain, and left kidney increased in both the infected groups compared with the control group indicating the possibility of non- reversible host morphological adaptations. S. venezuelensis infection can augment both, volume and weight of organs ­ not necessarily related to the Strongyloides expulsion process ­ even if the acute infection had been in remission. A potential explanation for these host adaptations, including the occurrence of organ plasticity, are briefly discussed. The following steps encompass a histological analysis to verify the occurrence of hypertrophy/hyperplasia and observe if such morphological alterations remain after infection.

Embora pesquisas tenham investigado a relação parasita-hospedeiro na infecção por Strongyloides venezuelensis no âmbito de suas implicações imunológicas, as consequências morfológicas dessa resposta para o organismo hospedeiro ainda precisam ser exploradas. Nosso objetivo foi realizar uma análise morfométrica de órgãos em ratos Wistar infectados com o parasito intestinal Strongyloides venezuelensis em comparação com ratos infectados tratados com ivermectina. Vinte e seis animais compuseram três grupos: controle (não infectados), infectados (infectados com 2.000 larvas de Strongyloides venezuelensis) e tratados infectados (infectados com 2.000 larvas de Strongyloides venezuelensis e tratados com ivermectina). Todos os roedores foram sacrificados 21 dias após a infecção e a análise morfométrica de diferentes órgãos foi realizada. Os resultados mostraram peso corporal e fecal significativamente maior no grupo tratado infectado. O peso do intestino delgado aumentou consideravelmente no grupo infectado e diminuiu no grupo infectado tratado. O volume do pâncreas, rim direito e coração aumentou no grupo infectado em comparação com o grupo controle. Apesar do tratamento, os volumes do estômago, cérebro e rim esquerdo aumentaram em ambos os grupos infectados em comparação com o grupo controle, indicando a possibilidade de adaptações morfológicas não reversíveis do hospedeiro. A infecção por S. venezuelensis pode aumentar tanto o volume quanto o peso dos órgãos ­ não necessariamente relacionado ao processo de expulsão de Strongyloides ­ mesmo que a infecção aguda estivesse em remissão. Uma possível explicação para essas adaptações do hospedeiro, incluindo a ocorrência de plasticidade de órgãos, é brevemente discutida. As etapas a seguir compreendem uma análise histológica para verificar a ocorrência de hipertrofia/hiperplasia e observar se tais alterações morfológicas permanecem após a infecção.

Aunque la investigación ha investigado la relación parásito-huésped en la infección con Strongyloides venezuelensis dentro del alcance de sus implicaciones inmunológicas, aún deben explorarse las consecuencias morfológicas de esta respuesta para el organismo huésped. Nuestro objetivo fue realizar un análisis morfométrico de órganos en ratas Wistar infectadas con el parásito intestinal Strongyloides venezuelensis en comparación con ratas infectadas tratadas con ivermectina. Veintiséis animales conformaron tres grupos: control (no infectado), infectados (infectados con 2.000 larvas de Strongyloides venezuelensis) y tratados infectados (infectados con 2.000 larvas de Strongyloides venezuelensis y tratados con ivermectina). Todos los roedores fueron sacrificados 21 días después de la infección y se realizó un análisis morfométrico de diferentes órganos. Los resultados mostraron un peso corporal y fecal significativamente mayor en el grupo tratado infectado. El peso del intestino delgado aumentó considerablemente en el grupo infectado y disminuyó en el grupo tratado. El volumen de páncreas, riñón derecho y corazón aumentó en el grupo infectado en comparación con el grupo control. A pesar del tratamiento, los volúmenes de estómago izquierdo, cerebro y riñón aumentaron en ambos grupos infectados en comparación con el grupo control, lo que indica la posibilidad de adaptaciones morfológicas irreversibles del huésped. La infección con S. venezuelensis puede aumentar tanto el volumen como el peso de los órganos -no necesariamente relacionados con el proceso de expulsión de Strongyloides-, incluso si la infección aguda estaba en remisión. Se discute brevemente una posible explicación de estas adaptaciones del huésped, incluida la aparición de plasticidad de los órganos. Los siguientes pasos incluyen un análisis histológico para comprobar la hipertrofia/hiperplasia y para ver si estos cambios morfológicos permanecen después de la infección.

Evaluation of the reproductive profile of Subulina octona (Gastropoda, Subulinidae) experimentally infected by Paratanaisia bragai (Digenea, Eucotylidae) / Avaliação do perfil reprodutivo de Subulina octona (Gastropoda, Subulinidae) infectada experimentalmente por Paratanaisia bragai (Digenea, Eucotylidae)

Abstract Snails infected by trematodes may increase or decrease their reproductive activity in response to the presence of infection. Our aim was to verify the reproductive alterations in Subulina octona after infection by Paratanaisia bragai. The infected snails were individually exposed for 24 hours to 20 parasite eggs and four groups were formed (10, 20, 30 and 40 d.p.i.- days after infection), along with control groups. Every 10 days, the number of eggs in the reproductive tract, number of eggs hatched, galactogen content and histopathological changes were evaluated. The reproductive in the control and infected snails presented an alternating pattern, where periods of high production of eggs and newly hatched were followed by periods of low production. However, in relation to the amount of galactogen, both control and infected groups followed the same pattern of variation. In the histology, we observed the presence of male and female gametes with marked reduction in the number of oocytes. The results indicate that the intra-snail development of the parasite affects the reproductive biology of the host.

Resumo Moluscos infectados por trematódeos podem aumentar ou diminuir sua atividade reprodutiva em resposta à presença da infecção. Nosso objetivo foi verificar as alterações reprodutivas de Subulina octona após a infecção por Paratanaisia bragai. Os moluscos infectados foram individualmente expostos durante 24 horas a 20 ovos do parasito e quatro grupos foram formados (10, 20, 30 e 40 d.p.i. - dias pós infecção), com respectivos grupos controle. A cada 10 dias, o número de ovos no trato reprodutivo, o número de ovos eclodidos, o conteúdo de galactogênio e alterações histopatológicas eram avaliadas. O padrão reprodutivo nos moluscos controle e infectados evidenciou um comportamento alternante, nos quais períodos de alta produção de ovos e filhotes foram seguidos por períodos de baixa produção. No entanto, em relação ao conteúdo de galactogênio, moluscos controle e infectados seguiram o mesmo padrão de variação. Na histologia, observamos a presença de gametas masculinos e femininos com acentuada redução no número de óocitos. Os resultados indicam que o desenvolvimento intramolusco do parasito afeta a biologia reprodutiva do hospedeiro.

Infracommunities of bat flies (Diptera: Streblidae and Nycteribiidae) of bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) in three conservation units in the State of Amapá, Brazil / Infracomunidades de moscas ectoparasitas (Diptera: Streblidae e Nycteribiidae) de morcegos (Mammalia: Chiroptera) em três unidades de conservação no Estado do Amapá, Brasil

Abstract: Diptera belonging to the families Nycteribiidae and Streblidae are hematophagous ectoparasites, exclusively of bats. The Amapá State is located in the North Region of Brazil. The Amapá represents one of with the lowest rates of deforestation in the country, with approximately 80% of the territory preserved. Within the State, there are conservation units, Floresta Nacional do Amapá (FNA), Parque Nacional Montanhas do Tumucumaque (PNMT) and Reserva de desenvolvimento Sustentável do Rio Iratapurú (RDSI). These areas represent priority areas for the Conservation of Amazonian Biodiversity. Recently in Amapá studied on the diversity and distribution of bats, however, there are no records of associated arthropod ectoparasites. Therefore, the objective was to describe the pattern of association of Nycteribiidae and Streblidae species on bats in three protected areas of Amapá. Bats were collected through mist nets, where each host had its body visually revised and the Diptera collected were identified through a specific bibliography. One thousand and eighty- six individuals of bats flies were identified, distributed in 52 species (Streblidae = 49 and Nycteribiidae = three). Among the three infracommunities, the PNMT infracommunities was the largest found with abundance and richness of bats flies. All species found, represent new occurrences for the Amapá, being these, 18 new records for the North Region and seven new records for Brazil.

Resumo: Dípteros pertencentes as famílias Nycteribiidae e Streblidae são ectoparasitos hematófagos, sendo exclusivamente de morcegos. O estado do Amapá localiza-se na região Norte do Brasil e representa um dos estados com as menores taxas de desmatamento do país, com aproximadamente 80% do território preservado. Dentro do Estado, existem as unidades de conservação, a Floresta Nacional do Amapá (FNA), o Parque Nacional Montanhas do Tumucumaque (PNMT) e a Reserva de Desenvolvimento Sustentável do Rio Iratapurú (RDS) que representam áreas prioritárias para a Conservação da Biodiversidade da Amazônia. Estudos sobre a diversidade e a distribuição de morcegos têm sido estudada recentemente no Amapá, no entanto, não existem registros de artrópodes ectoparasitos associados. Sendo assim, o objetivo foi descrever padrão de associação das espécies de Nycteribiidae e Streblidae sobre morcegos em três unidades de conservação do Amapá. Os morcegos foram coletados por meio de redes de neblina, onde cada hospedeiro teve seu corpo revisado visualmente e os dípteros coletados foram identificados através de bibliografia específica. Foram identificados 1086 indivíduos de moscas ectoparasitas, distribuídos em 52 espécies (Streblidae = 49 e Nycteribiidae = três). Entre as três infracomunidades, a infracomunidade de PNMT foi a maior encontrada tanto com relação a abundancia como em riqueza de dípteros ectoparasitas. Todas as espécies encontradas, representam novas ocorrências para o Estado do Amapá, sendo essas, 18 novos registros para a Região Norte e sete novos registros para o Brasil.

Streblid bat flies (Diptera) and other ectoparasites on bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) from French Guiana / Moscas estréblidas (Diptera) e outros ectoparasitos de morcegos (Mammalia: Chiroptera) na Guiana Francesa

Abstract: Recent field surveys of bats (Chiroptera) in various localities of French Guiana have been accompanied by the collection and preservation of ectoparasites, mainly bat flies (Diptera: Streblidae and Nycteribiidae). Most specimens of ectoparasites was collected haphazardly during the course of bats inventories, but systematic surveys on the whole chiropteran community were realized at five opportunities. Concerning Streblidae, 813 individuals have been examined, which represent 46 species and/or subspecies belonging to 15 genera and 6 taxa for confirmation and/or future description. For Nycteribiidae, 44 individuals of 3 identified species and 2 for confirmation and/or future description. Other ectoparasites have been found (Hemiptera and acarids), which are also listed with details on their bat-host, place and date of collect. For six species of bats in which at least 10 animals were carrying ectoparasites, a brief description of the frequencies of their ectoparasites provides some preliminary characteristics of their infracommunities.

Resumo: Pesquisas de campo recentes de morcegos (Chiroptera) em várias localidades da Guiana Francesa foram acompanhadas pela coleta e preservação de ectoparasitas, principalmente moscas ectoparasitas (Diptera: Streblidae e Nycteribiidae). A maioria dos espécimes de ectoparasitos foi coletada aleatoriamente durante o curso dos inventários de morcegos, mas pesquisas sistemáticas em toda a comunidade de quirópteros foram realizadas em cinco oportunidades. Sobre Streblidae, 813 indivíduos foram examinados, dos quais representam 46 espécies e/ou subespécies pertencentes a 15 gêneros e 6 táxons para posterior confirmação específica e/ou descrição. Para Nycterbiidae, 44 indivíduos de 3 espécies e 2 para posterior confirmação específica e/ou descrição. Outros ectoparasitos foram coletados (hemípteros polictenídeos e ácaros), os quais também foram listados com detalhes sobre seus hospedeiros, localidade e data de coleta. Para seis espécies de morcegos com mais de 10 morcegos infestados a descrição da composição de cada infracomunidade encontrada e sua frequência são apresentados.

Accumulation of oocysts of Cryptosporidium parvum in Biomphalaria glabrata (Pulmonata: Planorbidae) under experimental conditions

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Cryptosporidium oocysts are easily transported to various aquatic environments. The objective of this study was to evaluate B. glabrata mollusks exposed to food containing C. parvum oocysts. METHODS: Six experimental groups were used with B. glabrata either exposed or not to C. parvum oocysts. Microscopic and molecular diagnostics were conducted in water samples and tissues of B. glabrata. RESULTS: By light microscopy, C. parvum oocysts were identified in the water of the exposed groups. C. parvum DNA was not detected in water but was detected in tissue samples. CONCLUSIONS: Further studies should be conducted under natural conditions.

Evaluation of the reproductive profile of Subulina octona (Gastropoda, Subulinidae) experimentally infected by Paratanaisia bragai (Digenea, Eucotylidae)

Abstract Snails infected by trematodes may increase or decrease their reproductive activity in response to the presence of infection. Our aim was to verify the reproductive alterations in Subulina octona after infection by Paratanaisia bragai. The infected snails were individually exposed for 24 hours to 20 parasite eggs and four groups were formed (10, 20, 30 and 40 d.p.i.- days after infection), along with control groups. Every 10 days, the number of eggs in the reproductive tract, number of eggs hatched, galactogen content and histopathological changes were evaluated. The reproductive in the control and infected snails presented an alternating pattern, where periods of high production of eggs and newly hatched were followed by periods of low production. However, in relation to the amount of galactogen, both control and infected groups followed the same pattern of variation. In the histology, we observed the presence of male and female gametes with marked reduction in the number of oocytes. The results indicate that the intra-snail development of the parasite affects the reproductive biology of the host.

Resumo Moluscos infectados por trematódeos podem aumentar ou diminuir sua atividade reprodutiva em resposta à presença da infecção. Nosso objetivo foi verificar as alterações reprodutivas de Subulina octona após a infecção por Paratanaisia bragai. Os moluscos infectados foram individualmente expostos durante 24 horas a 20 ovos do parasito e quatro grupos foram formados (10, 20, 30 e 40 d.p.i. dias pós infecção), com respectivos grupos controle. A cada 10 dias, o número de ovos no trato reprodutivo, o número de ovos eclodidos, o conteúdo de galactogênio e alterações histopatológicas eram avaliadas. O padrão reprodutivo nos moluscos controle e infectados evidenciou um comportamento alternante, nos quais períodos de alta produção de ovos e filhotes foram seguidos por períodos de baixa produção. No entanto, em relação ao conteúdo de galactogênio, moluscos controle e infectados seguiram o mesmo padrão de variação. Na histologia, observamos a presença de gametas masculinos e femininos com acentuada redução no número de óocitos. Os resultados indicam que o desenvolvimento intramolusco do parasito afeta a biologia reprodutiva do hospedeiro.

Phylogenetic analysis reveals cryptic species diversity within minute intestinal fluke, Stellantchasmus falcatus Onji and Nishio, 1916 (Trematoda, Heterophyidae)

Objective To examine the taxonomic boundaries in the Stellantchasmus populations in different hosts and reveal the cryptic speciation of the Stellantchasmus in Thailand based on both morphological and molecular approaches. Methods Stellantchasmus falcatus (S. falcatus) s.l. was collected from different hosts throughout Thailand. The worms were examined and measured. The nuclear ITS2 gene and the mitochondrial COI gene were used to investigate the S. falcatus s.l. from Dermogenus pusillus and Liza subviridis. Results Stellantchasmus was one of food-borne trematode that widely distribute throughout Thailand. The comparison of S. falcatus s.l. from Dermogenus pusillus and Liza subviridis indicated a genetic divergence of nuDNA with 3.6% and mtDNA with 19.3%, respectively. Morphological characteristics were fairly different in the ratio of body size, length of prepharynx, and ratio of organ size. Conclusions Our results provide initial evidence that S. falcatus s.l. from different hosts tend to be a different species based on both molecular and morphological characters. Cryptic species complexes are generally found among parasites that tend to have large populations and/or rapid evolution. The degree of genetic diversity existing would suggest the practice of targeted regimes to design and minimize these lections of anthelmintic resistance in the future.

Phylogenetic analysis reveals cryptic species diversity within minute intestinal fluke, Stellantchasmus falcatus Onji and Nishio, 1916 (Trematoda, Heterophyidae)

OBJECTIVE@#To examine the taxonomic boundaries in the Stellantchasmus populations in different hosts and reveal the cryptic speciation of the Stellantchasmus in Thailand based on both morphological and molecular approaches.@*METHODS@#Stellantchasmus falcatus (S. falcatus) s.l. was collected from different hosts throughout Thailand. The worms were examined and measured. The nuclear ITS2 gene and the mitochondrial COI gene were used to investigate the S. falcatus s.l. from Dermogenus pusillus and Liza subviridis.@*RESULTS@#Stellantchasmus was one of food-borne trematode that widely distribute throughout Thailand. The comparison of S. falcatus s.l. from Dermogenus pusillus and Liza subviridis indicated a genetic divergence of nuDNA with 3.6% and mtDNA with 19.3%, respectively. Morphological characteristics were fairly different in the ratio of body size, length of prepharynx, and ratio of organ size.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Our results provide initial evidence that S. falcatus s.l. from different hosts tend to be a different species based on both molecular and morphological characters. Cryptic species complexes are generally found among parasites that tend to have large populations and/or rapid evolution. The degree of genetic diversity existing would suggest the practice of targeted regimes to design and minimize these lections of anthelmintic resistance in the future.

Evaluation of clinical signs, parasitemia, hematologic and biochemical changes in cattle experimentally infected with Trypanosoma vivax / Avaliação dos sinais clínicos, parasitemia e alterações hematológicas e bioquímicas de bovinos experimentalmente infectados peloTrypanosoma vivax

Abstract Infections by Trypanosoma vivax cause great losses to livestock in Africa and Central and South Americas. Outbreaks due this parasite have been occurred with increasing frequency in Brazil. Knowledge of changes caused byT. vivax during the course of this disease can be of great diagnostic value. Thus, clinical signs, parasitemia, hematologic and biochemical changes of cattle experimentally infected by this hemoparasite were evaluated. Two distinct phases were verified during the infection – an acute phase where circulating parasites were seen and then a chronic phase where fluctuations in parasitemia were detected including aparasitemic periods. A constant reduction in erythrocytes, hemoglobin and packed cell volume (PVC) were observed. White blood cells (WBC) showed pronounced changes such as severe neutropenia and lymphopenia during the acute phase of the illness. Decreases in cholesterol, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and increases in glucose, globulin, protein, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were observed. The “Lins” isolate of T. vivax showed pathogenicity for cattle, and intense parasitemia was detected in the early stages of infection. Circulating parasites were detected for about two months. The most evident laboratory abnormalities were found in WBC parameters, including thrombocytopenia.

Resumo Infecções pelo Trypanosoma vivax causam grandes prejuízos à pecuária na África e Américas Central e do Sul. Surtos devido a este protozoário têm ocorrido com frequência cada vez maior no Brasil. O conhecimento das alterações provocadas pelo T. vivax durante a evolução desta enfermidade podem ser de grande valia para o auxílio no diagnóstico. Para tanto foram estudados os sinais clínicos, parasitemia, alterações hematológicas e bioquímicas em bovinos experimentalmente infectados por este hemoparasito. Foram verificadas duas fases distintas durante a infecção, uma aguda onde parasitos circulantes foram vistos durante todo o período, e posteriormente uma crônica, onde foram detectadas flutuações na parasitemia, com períodos aparasitêmicos. Foi verificada constante diminuição da contagem global de eritrócitos, teor de hemoglobina e volume globular (VG). O leucograma revelou leucopenia por neutropenia e linfopenia durante a fase aguda da enfermidade. Foram observados diminuição do colesterol, albumina, aspartato aminotransferase (AST), lactato desidrogenase (LDH) e aumento da glicose, globulinas, proteínas e fosfatase alcalina (FA). O isolado “Lins” de T. vivax apresentou patogenicidade para bovinos, verificando-se parasitemia intensa nos estágios iniciais da infecção, sendo detectados parasitas circulantes por aproximadamente dois meses. As alterações laboratoriais mais evidentes foram encontradas nos parâmetros do leucograma, ainda destacando-se um quadro de trombocitopenia.

Triatominae (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) in the Pantanal region: association with Trypanosoma cruzi, different habitats and vertebrate hosts

ABSTRACTINTRODUCTION: The transmission cycle of Trypanosoma cruzi in the Brazilian Pantanal region has been studied during the last decade. Although considerable knowledge is available regarding the mammalian hosts infected by T. cruzi in this wetland, no studies have investigated its vectors in this region. This study aimed to investigate the presence of sylvatic triatomine species in different habitats of the Brazilian Pantanal region and to correlate their presence with the occurrences of vertebrate hosts and T. cruzi infection.METHODS: The fieldwork involved passive search by using light traps and Noireau traps and active search by visual inspection. The light traps were placed at five selected points along forested areas for seven nights during each of the nine excursions. At each point where a light trap was set, eight Noireau traps were placed in palm trees and bromeliads.RESULTS: In all, 88 triatomine bugs were collected: two and one individuals from light traps and Noireau traps, respectively; three from peridomestic areas; 23 in coati nests; and 59 in thornbird nests. In this study, active search in microhabitats showed higher efficiency than passive search, since 95% of the triatomine bugs were caught in nests. Further, triatomine bugs were only found to be infected by T. cruzi in coati nests.CONCLUSIONS: Coati nests might act as a point of convergence and dispersion for triatomine bugs and mammal hosts infected by T. cruzi, thereby playing an important role in the sylvatic cycle of T. cruziin the Pantanal region.

Histopathologic aspects in Plagioscion squamosissimus (HECKEL, 1940) induced by Neoechinorhynchus veropesoi, metacestodes and anisakidae juveniles / Aspectos histopatólogicos em Plagioscion squamosissimus induzidos por Neoechinorhynchus veropesoi, metacestódeos e juvenis da Família Anisakidae

Plagioscion squamosissimus (Heckel 1840), a fish endemic to the Amazon Basin and commonly known as the “silver croaker”, plays an important role in the ecology and economy of Pará State, Brazil. Knowledge of host-parasite relationships is important to understanding the role of parasites in the control of natural host populations. This work describes histopathological aspects caused by several common intestinal parasites found during a helminthological survey of fish in northern Brazil. We observed a high prevalence of helminth infection, especially by J3 nematode juveniles of the family Anisakidae and metacestodes of the family Protocephalidae (both with 100% prevalence). An external capsule surrounded each juvenile with numerous juveniles inside sac-like structures formed of connective tissue. Inflammation was observed to be caused by infection of metacestodes, reaching the intestinal muscularis mucosa. Neoechinorhynchus veropesoi (38% prevalence) was found in the small intestine of P. squamosissimus, invading the mucosa, submucosa, and internal muscularis of the intestine causing intense inflammation. Histopathology of host-parasite relationships in fish has been rare, and the pathology of parasites in P. squamosissimus is described herein.

Plagioscion squamosissimus (Heckel, 1840) é uma espécie de peixe endêmico da Bacia Amazônica e comumente conhecido como “pescada branca” e é de extrema importância ambiental e comercial no Estado do Pará. O estudo das relações parasito-hospedeiro são importantes para a compreensão do papel dos parasitas no ambiente. O presente trabalho descreve aspectos histopatológicos causados por helmintos intestinais e cavitários encontrados parasitando P. squamosissimus de Belém, PA. As larvas da família Anisakidade e metacestóides (Proteocephalidae) (ambos prevalência de 100%) encontravam-se recobertas por uma cápsula de tecido conjuntivo do hospedeiro, sendo observada fraca reação inflamatória para larvas de Anisakidae, no entanto observou-se que metacestoides embebidos na muscular interna apresentaram um infiltrado inflamatório. Neoechinorhynchus veropesoi (prevalência de 38%) encontrava-se embebido na camada muscular interna do intestino, induzindo reação inflamatória mais intensa. Estudos evidenciando as reações histopatológicas em peixes são raros, no entanto são de extrema importância para a compreensão das relações parasito-hospedeiro.

The outcome of acute schistosomiasis infection in adult mice with postnatal exposure to maternal malnutrition

Maternal malnutrition during the lactation period in early development may have long-term programming effects on adult offspring. We evaluated the combined effects of parasitological behaviour and histopathological features and malnutrition during lactation. Lactating mice and their pups were divided into a control group (fed a normal diet of 23 percent protein), a protein-restricted group (PR) (fed a diet containing 8 percent protein) and a caloric-restricted group (CR) (fed according to the PR group intake). At the age of 60 days, the offspring were infected with Schistosoma mansoni cercariae and killed at nine weeks post-infection. Food intake, body and liver masses, leptinaemia, corticosteronaemia, collagen morphometry and neogenesis and the cellular composition of liver granulomas were studied. PR offspring showed reduced weight gain and hypophagia, whereas CR offspring became overweight and developed hyperphagia. The pre-patent period was longer (45 days) in both programmed offspring as compared to controls (40 days). The PR-infected group had higher faecal and intestinal egg output and increased liver damage. The CR-infected group showed a lower number of liver granulomas, increased collagen neogenesis and a higher frequency of binucleate hepatocytes, suggesting a better modulation of the inflammatory response and increased liver regeneration. Taken together, our findings suggest that neonatal malnutrition of offspring during lactation affects the outcome of schistosomiasis in mice.

Identification of Parapenaeopsis stylifera, a new host for Epipenaeon ingens.

Epipenaeon ingens (Isopoda: Bopyridae) is reported for the first time from Parapenaeopsis stylifera (Decapoda: Penaeidae) in South India. According to the month the parasitic prevalence ranged from 0.0 to 2.9%. A characteristic bulge of the branchial chamber, growth retardation and degenerated sex organs were observed in the infested shrimp.