Larvoscopic study on Dictyocaulus sp. in the faeces of beef cattle in northeastern Brazil / Estudo larvoscópico de Dictyocaulus sp. em fezes de bovinos de corte do nordeste do Brasil

Abstract The lungworm Dictyocaulus viviparus has an important role in cattle health and productivity worldwide, since infections can lead to substantial economic losses. Despite its importance, few studies investigating the epidemiological aspects of infection by this parasite have been conducted. The aim of this study was to report the occurrence of lungworm infection in beef cattle herds reared in an area of livestock production in the northeastern region of Brazil. From September 2020 to August 2021, monthly fecal samples (n = 493) were collected from 46 beef cattle. Among all the animals assessed, lungworm larvae were detected in 8.7% (4/46). None of them presented any clinical sign suggestive of infection by lungworm parasites. Twenty larvae were retrieved, with the minimum number (n = 1) detected in October and December, and the maximum number (n = 13) in November. These presented a mean length of 363 μm (± 28.65 μm) and mean width of 19 μm (± 1.03 μm), and were morphologically similar to Dictyocaulus sp.. This study reports the occurrence of this parasite in this livestock production area. Lastly, local veterinarians need to be aware of inclusion of this parasite in the differential diagnosis of other respiratory infections in beef cattle.

Resumo O parasito pulmonar Dictyocaulus viviparus tem um papel importante na saúde e produtividade bovina em todo o mundo, uma vez que infecções podem levar a perdas econômicas. Além de sua importância, poucos estudos que investigam aspectos epidemiológicos das infecções por esse parasito têm sido realizados. Objetivou-se, nesta pesquisa, relatar a ocorrência de infecção por nematódeos pulmonares em rebanhos bovinos de corte, criados em uma importante área de produção pecuária, na região Nordeste do Brasil. De setembro de 2020 a agosto de 2021, foram coletadas, mensalmente, amostras fecais (n = 493) de 46 bovinos de corte. De todos os animais avaliados, larvas de nematódeos pulmonares foram detectadas em 8,7% (4/46). Os animais não apresentaram nenhum sinal clínico sugestivo de infecção por parasitos pulmonares. Vinte larvas foram recuperadas, com o número mínimo (n = 1) detectado em outubro e dezembro, e o número máximo (n = 13) em novembro. Apresentavam comprimento médio de 363 μm (± 28,65 μm), largura média de 19 μm (±1,03 μm) e eram morfologicamente semelhantes a Dictyocaulus sp.. Este estudo relata a ocorrência desse parasito nesta área. Logo, os veterinários locais devem estar atentos à inclusão desse parasito no diagnóstico diferencial de outras infecções respiratórias em bovinos de corte.

New approaches to studying morphological details of intramolluscan stages of Angiostrongylus vasorum / Novas abordagens para estudo morfológico dos estágios intramoluscos de Angiostrongylus vasorum

Abstract Angiostrongylus vasorum is a pulmonary artery parasite of domestic and wild canid. On molluscs, intermediate host, first stage larvae (L1) are found after the first day of infection, in the 8th L2 and in the 30 th L3. It was evaluated L1, L2 and L3 recovered by Baermann technique from Achatina fulica infected with 1000 L1. Fifty larvae/stage were incubated with antibodies anti-β-tubulin, anti-α-tubulin, anti- α-actin, anti-β-actin and anti-collagen, and then with Alexa 633. Fifty larvae/stage were observed with picrosirius red and Oil Red O. It was also observed in the anterior region of L1 the beginning of the chitinous stems development, in the initial portion of the intestine and genital primordium. In L2 anterior region, the papillae, chitinous canes juxtaposed to the mouth and intestines bigger than L1. The L3 musculature is well defined, next to the chitinous stems, there are two round distally arranged from each other. It was observed the whole extension of the intestine genital primordium and intense cellularity in the L3 distal portion. With the picrosirius red the L1, L2 and L3 musculature could be observed, as the nerve ganglia on L3. Oil Red O revealed that L1, L2 and L3 store energy on lipid droplets.

Resumo Angiostrongylus vasorum é um parasito de artérias pulmonares dos canídeos domésticos e silvestres. Nos moluscos, hospedeiros intermediários, encontram-se no primeiro dia após a infecção, larvas de primeiro estágio (L1), ao 8° L2 e ao 30° L3. Avaliou-se L1, L2 e L3 recuperadas pela técnica de Baermann de Achatina fulica infectada com 1.000 L1. Incubou-se 50 larvas/estádio com anticorpos anti-β-tubulina, anti-α-tubulina, anti-β-actina e anti-colágeno e, em seguida, com anticorpo Alexa 633. Observaram-se também 50 larvas/estádio com picrosirius red e Oil Red O, na região anterior da L1, o início do desenvolvimento de hastes quitinosas, a porção inicial do intestino e o primórdio genital. Na região anterior de L2, papilas, bastões quitinosos justapostos à boca e ao intestino maior que em L1. A musculatura de L3 é bem desenvolvida, próximo às hastes quitinosas, há duas estruturas redondas dispostas distalmente uma da outra. Observaram-se também toda a extensão do intestino, o primórdio genital e a intensa celularidade na porção distal da L3. Com o picrosirius red observou-se a musculatura de L1, L2 e L3, assim como, gânglios nervosos na L3. Oil Red O revelou que L1, L2 e L3 armazenam energia em gotículas lipídicas.

Developmental stages and viability of Toxocara canis eggs outside the host / Desarrollo y viabilidad de huevos de Toxocara canis

ABSTRACT Introduction: Toxocariasis is a soil-transmitted zoonotic disease caused mainly by ingestion of larvated eggs of Toxocara canis. Objectives: To study the morphology of the intraovular developmental stages of Toxocara canis in culture, characterize non-viable eggs and the sequences of larval molting and compare the viability of eggs at the early stages of division and at reaching full maturation. Material and methods: Observation of developing embryos and characterization of non-viable eggs were done using light microscope. The proportions of viable eggs during embryonation were compared to the proportions of viable mature eggs. Results: Cell division commenced after 24 hours of cultivation. Early stages were found to be present over a period of 3-5 days. The developmental stages identified were eggs with: One cell, two cells, three cells, four cells, early morula, late morula, blastula, gastrula, tadpole, pre-larva, first, second and third stage larva. Two larval molts occurred. Non-viable eggs had degenerated cytoplasm, thin or collapsed shell and the larvae did not move after exposure to light. No significant differences were found between the proportions of viable eggs from day five to day 21 as compared to viability of fully mature eggs (30 days). Conclusion: Developing embryos in the environment may be considered as a potential threat to the public health. The precise identification of developmental stages and the clear differentiation of viable and non-viable eggs can help in determining an accurate baseline rate of development that could be used in studies of ovicidal compounds.

RESUMEN Introducción. La toxocariasis es una enfermedad zoonótica transmitida por contacto con el suelo contaminado y causada principalmente por la ingestión de huevos larvados de Toxocara canis. Objetivos. Estudiar la morfología de los estadios intraovulares en desarrollo de T. canis en cultivo, caracterizar los huevos no viables y las secuencias de las mudas larvarias, y comparar la viabilidad de los huevos en las etapas tempranas de división y al alcanzar la maduración completa. Materiales y métodos. Se observó el desarrollo de los embriones y se caracterizaron los huevos no viables, mediante microscopía de luz. Se comparó la proporción de huevos viables con embrión con la de huevos maduros viables. Resultados. La división celular comenzó 24 horas después de iniciado el cultivo. Los estadios tempranos estuvieron presentes por un periodo de tres a cinco días. Los estadios de desarrollo identificados fueron: huevos con una célula, con dos células, con tres células y con cuatro células;mórula temprana, mórula tardía, blástula, gástrula, renacuajo, prelarva, primer, segundo y tercer estado larvario. Se presentaron dos mudas larvarias. Los huevos no viables tenían el citoplasma degradado, cubierta exterior delgada o colapsada, y su larva no se movía al exponerla a la luz. No se encontraron diferencias significativas entre la proporción de huevos viables del día 5 al día 21, al compararla con la viabilidad de los huevos completamente maduros (30 días). Conclusión. Los embriones en desarrollo en el medio ambiente pueden considerarse como un riesgo potencial para la salud pública. La identificación precisa de los estadios de desarrollo y la clara diferenciación de huevos viables y no viables, pueden ayudar a determinar con exactitud una tasa basal de desarrollo, la cual sería útil en el estudio de compuestos ovicidas.

First case of Furuncular Myiasis due to Cordylobia anthropophaga in a Latin American resident returning from Central African Republic

ABSTRACT Myiasis is a temporary infection of the skin or other organs with fly larvae.1 The larvae develop into boil-like lesions. Creeping sensations and pain are usually described by patients. Following the maturation of the larvae, spontaneous exiting and healing is experienced. Herein we present a case of a traveler returning from Central African Republic. She does not recall insect bites. She never took off her clothing for recreational bathing, nor did she visit any rural areas. The lesions appeared on unexposed skin. The specific diagnosis was performed by morphologic characterization of the larvae, resulting in Cordylobia anthropophaga, the dominant form of myiasis in Africa. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of C. anthropophaga in Latin America.

Lopesia davillae (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae), a new species of gall midge from Brazil associated with Davilla rugosa (Dilleniaceae) / Lopesia davillae (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae), uma nova espécie de cecidomiídeo do Brazil associada à Davilla rugosa (Dilleniaceae)

Abstract Lopesia davillae, a new species of gall midge associated with the reproductive structures of Davilla rugosa (Dilleniaceae), is described and illustrated (larva, pupa, male, female, and damage) based on material collected in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This new species is compared with its congeneric species. This is the first record of Lopesia on Dilleniaceae.

Resumo Lopesia davillae, uma nova espécie de Cecidomyiidae associada a estruturas reprodutivas de Davilla rugosa (Dilleniaceae), é descrita e ilustrada (larva, pupa, macho, fêmea e dano) com base em material coletado no estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. A nova espécie é comparada com as outras espécies conhecidas do mesmo gênero. Este é o primeiro registro de Lopesia em Dilleniaceae.

Description of fourth instar larva and pupa of Atrichopogon delpontei Cavalieri and Chiossone (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) from Brazilian Amazonia

ABSTRACT The fourth instar larva and pupa of Atrichopogon delpontei Cavalieri and Chiossone are described for the first time. The immatures were collected from stream margins in the northern Brazilian states Rondônia and Piauí, and subsequently reared to adults. Larvae and pupae are illustrated and photomicrographed. Details on the rearing process and feeding behavior in laboratory, bionomics and notes on habitats are also provided.

Early larvae ontogeny of the Neotropical fishes: Prochilodus costatus and P. argenteus (Characiformes: Prochilodontidae) / Ontogenia temprana de larvas de peces neotropicales: Prochilodus costatus y P. argenteus (Characiformes: Prochilodontidae)

AbstractEarly development of fish larvae is a highly dynamic process and its study may provide important information about ontogenetic development, bioenergetic growth, behaviour, taxonomic characteristics for identification in natural environments, identification of spawning areas, and population monitoring. With the aim to provide knowledge about their growth and behaviour, to support larval rearing, and also taxonomic purposes, we studied the life history of the Prochilodus argenteus and P. costatus from hatching until the complete absorption of the yolk. Larvae were obtained through artificial reproduction at the Hydrobiology and Aquaculture Station of Três Marias, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Immediately after hatching, 100 larvae of each species were put in two plastic incubators for conditioning. On a daily basis, larvae behavior was recorded and 14 larvae of each species were collected to analyse body morphology. On the first day after hatching, larvae of P. costatus and P. argenteus showed an elongated and transparent body; the yolk sac was filled with individualized yolk globules. In both species, the embryonic fin rounded the caudal region of the body, the retina was non-pigmented and the gut was obliterated. At the second day post-hatching, larvae of both species dendritic chromatophores had emerged, the mouth was obliterated and the pectoral fin was observed. The larvae showed 38-43 myomeres in P. costatus and 42-43 in P. argenteus. For both species, the gas bladder was inflated and the lumen of the gut was already open. On the third day post-hatching, the mouth of P. costatus and P. argenteus was already open in a sub-terminal position; the retina was pigmented; the gill arches had lamellar protrusions and were partially covered by the operculum. On the fourth day post-hatching, the pigmentation pattern was maintained with greater intensity; the mouth occupied a terminal position, the yolk sac was almost completely reabsorbed, and the pectoral and caudal fins showed mesenchymal rays in both species. The gut showed a broad lumen with folded mucosa and epithelium with striated border. The larvae of both species showed similar swimming behaviour. Our study provided understanding about the morphophysiological aspects, species identification, larval development and growth, and the ontogenic characteristics of two Neotropical fishes with importance for commercial and sports fishing. Rev. Biol. Trop. 64 (2): 537-546. Epub 2016 June 01.

ResumenEl desarrollo temprano de las larvas de peces es un proceso altamente dinámico y estudiarlo proporciona información importante sobre su desarrollo ontogénico, su crecimiento bioenergético, su comportamiento, las características taxonómicas para la identificación en entornos naturales, la identificación de las zonas de desove y la vigilancia de la población. Los primeros años de vida de Prochilodus argenteus y Prochilodus costatus fueron estudiados desde la eclosión hasta la completa absorción de la yema, con el fin de proporcionar conocimiento sobre los caracteres taxonómicos y el crecimiento y comportamiento, lo cual puede ser aplicado al desarrollo de la cría de larvas. Las larvas fueron obtenidas junto a la Estación de Hidrobiología y Acuicultura de Três Marias, Minas Gerais, donde fueron reproducidas artificialmente. Inmediatamente después de la eclosión, aproximadamente 100 larvas de cada especie fueron acondicionadas en dos incubadoras de plástico. El comportamiento de las larvas fue registrado diariamente y fueron recolectadas 14 larvas de cada especie para análisis morfológico del cuerpo. En el primer día después de la eclosión las larvas de P. costatus y P. argenteus presentaban cuerpos alargados y transparentes. El saco vitelino se llenó de glóbulos de vitelo individualizados. En las dos especies, la aleta embrionaria circundaba la región caudal del cuerpo, la retina no presentaba pigmentos y el intestino estaba obliterado. En el segundo día, en las larvas de ambas especies habían surgido cromatóforos dendríticos, la boca estaba obliterada y fue registrada una aleta pectoral. Las larvas presentaban 38-43 miómeros en P. costatus y 42-43 en P. argenteus. En las dos ecpecies la vejiga de gas estaba inflada y el lumen del intestino ya estaba abierto. En el tercer día, la boca tanto del P. costatus como del P. argenteus ya estaba abierta en una posición subterminal. La retina estaba pigmentada, los arcos branquiales tenían protuberancias laminares y estaban parcialmente cubiertos por el opérculo. En el cuarto día, el patrón de pigmentación se presentó con mayor intensidad; la boca ocupó una posición terminal, el saco vitelino fue casi completamente reabsorbido y las aletas pectorales y caudales presentaban rayos mesenquimales en ambas especies. El intestino mostró un amplio lumen, con la mucosa plegada y el epitelio con borde estriado. Las larvas de ambas especies mostraron un comportamiento similar de natación durante el periodo de prueba. Nuestro estudio provee conocimiento sobre aspectos morfofisiológicos, identificación de especies, desarrollo y crecimiento larval y características ontogénicas de dos peces subtropicales de importancia para la pesca comercial y deportiva.

Morphological characterization of Eustrongylides sp. larvae (Nematoda, Dioctophymatoidea) parasite of Rhinella marina (Amphibia: Bufonidae) from Eastern Amazonia / Caracterização morfológica de larva de Eustrongylides sp. (Nematoda, Dioctophymatoidea) parasita de Rhinella marina (Amphibia: Bufonidae) da Amazônia Oriental Brasileira

Absctract Eustrongylides spp. nematodes have birds as final hosts and uses other vertebrates as intermediate/paratenic host (fish, amphibians and reptiles) and have zoonotic potential. In amphibians, the larvae may be located in the subcutaneous tissues, liver and mesentery, between the muscle fibres, especially in the lower limbs. Rhinella marina, which is widely observed in Brazil, has exhibited complex diversity in its helminth fauna, reflecting the unique habitat of the Amazon biome. For the first time, this study describes the morphological aspects of third-stage larvae of Eustrongylides sp. in Rhinella marina from Santa Cruz do Ararí, Marajó Archipelago, Eastern Amazonia, using light and scanning electron microscopy.

Resumo Os nematoides do gênero Eustrongylides tem as aves como seus hospedeiros definitivos e utilizam outros vertebrados como hospedeiros intermediários/paratênicos (peixes, anfíbios, répteis), além de apresentar potencial zoonótico. Em anfíbios, as larvas podem estar localizadas em tecidos subcutâneos, fígado, mesentério e entre fibras musculares de membros inferiores. Rhinella marina, anfíbio o qual é distribuído amplamente no Brasil, apresenta uma complexa diversidade em sua helmintofauna, refletindo o seu hábitat no bioma amazônico. O presente estudo descreve, pela primeira vez, os aspectos morfológicos das larvas de terceiro estágio de Eustrongylides sp. em R. marina de Santa Cruz do Arari, Arquipélago do Marajó, Amazônia Oriental Brasileira, utilizando-se microscopia de luz e microscopia eletrônica de varredura.

Acanthocephala Larvae parasitizing Ameiva ameiva ameiva (Linnaeus, 1758) (Squamata: Teiidae) / Larvas de Acanthocephala parasitando Ameiva ameiva ameiva (Linnaeus, 1758) (Squamata: Teiidae)

Abstract Knowledge concerning the taxonomy and biology of species of Acanthocephala, helminth parasites of the helminth species of the phylum Acanthocephala, parasites of lizards in Brazilian Amazonia, is still insufficient, but reports of Acanthocephala in reptiles are becoming increasingly common in the literature. Cystacanth-stage Acanthocephalan larvae have been found in the visceral peritoneum during necropsy of Ameiva ameiva ameivalizards from the “Osvaldo Rodrigues da Cunha” Herpetology Collection of the Emílio Goeldi Museum, Belém, Pará, Brazil. The aim of this study was to present the morphological study of the Acanthocephala larvae found in A. ameiva ameiva lizard.

Resumo O conhecimento a respeito da taxonomia e da biologia das espécies de Acanthocephala, helmintos parasitos das espécies de lagartos da Amazônia Brasileira ainda é insuficiente, mas o registro do encontro de acantocéfalos em répteis é cada vez mais comum na literatura. Foram encontradas larvas de acantocéfalos em fase cistacanto durante a necropsia, no peritônio visceral, de lagartos Ameiva ameiva ameiva provenientes da Coleção Herpetológica “Osvaldo Rodrigues da Cunha” do Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi, Belém, Pará. O objetivo é apresentar um estudo morfológico de larvas de Acanthocephala encontradas em A. ameiva ameiva.

First record of larvae of Hysterothylacium (Nematoda: Anisakidae) with zoonotic potential in the pirarucu Arapaima gigas (Osteichthyes: Arapaimidae) from South America / Primeiro registro de larvas de Hysterothylacium sp.(Nematoda: Anisakidae) com potencial zoonótico em pirarucu Arapaima gigas (Osteichthyes: Arapaimidae) na América do Sul

Abstract Third-stage larvae (L3) of Hysterothylacium sp. were collected by the first time in juveniles of pirarucu Arapaima gigas farmed in the Rio Preto da Eva, Amazonas state. Ninety-eight (98) out of 100 examined fish showed to be parasitized. Five hundred and ninety larvae of Hysterothylacium sp. were collected from the intestines, stomach and pyloric caeca. The mean intensity of parasite indexes was 6.02 (±5.75) ranging from 1 to 40 larvae per host and the mean abundance was 5.9 (±5.76). The A. gigas is the new host record for larvae of Hysterothylacium sp. in Brazil, and this is the first record of larvae of Hysterothylacium (Nematoda: Anisakidae) with zoonotic potential in the pirarucu from South America.

Resumo Larvas de terceiro estágio (L3) de Hysterothylacium sp. foram coletadas pela primeira vez em juvenis de pirarucu Arapaima gigas cultivados no Rio Preto da Eva, Estado do Amazonas. Noventa e oito (98) dos 100 peixes examinados estavam parasitados. Quinhentos e noventa larvas de Hysterothylaciumsp.foram coletados no intestino, estômago e cecos pilóricos. O índice parasitário de intensidade média foi de 6,02 (±5,75) variando de 1 a 40 larvas por hospedeiro e o de abundância média foi de 5,9 (±5,76). A. Gigas é um novo registro de hospedeiro para larvas de Hysterothylacium sp. no Brasil, também sendo, o primeiro registro de larvas de Hysterothylacium sp. com potencial zoonótico em pirarucu da América do Sul.

Larval structure of Passalus gravelyiand sexual dimorphism in Passalid larvae / Estructura larval de Passalus gravelyi y dimorfismo sexual en larvas de Passalidae

The adults and larvae of Passalidae are subsocial insects commonly found in tropical forests, living in decaying wood gallery systems constructed by adults. Currently, few repots on the larvae of Neotropical Passalidae have been published and information is scarce. In this study, the Passalus (Pertinax) gravelyiMoreira, 1922 larvae is described for the first time, based on ten larval specimens 1 (1° instar), 4 (2° instar), and 5 (3° instar) associated with three adults collected from a single colony at the Parque Nacional do Itatiaia (Itatiaia, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). The description was carried out based on electronic and digital photographs of diagnostic structures, with some details on the systematic of the species. The larvae of Passalus gravelyihas the general setal 'Pertinax' pattern and differed from others by 16 to 18 setae on the anal ring, the other larvae data from Brazilian species show the anal ring with 10 to 12 setae. A discussion on the presence of sexual dimorphism in 62 species of two and three instars of Passalidae larvae is provided for the first time. Besides, a description of the terminal ampullapresent as a cuticular structure found in the medial-ventral area of the 9th abdominal sternite in males is also given. The terminal ampullawas only observed in the Passalidae male larvae and was not visible in female larvae. The terminal ampullaare acknowledged now in males of 64 passalid species, that are taxonomically distributed in world tropical forests, at the Oriental and Australian subfamily Aulacocyclinae (Aulacocyclini & Ceracupini) and the cosmotropical subfamily Passalinae (Solenocyclini, Macrolinini, Passalini, & Proculini).

Passalidae son insectos subsociales, los adultos y larvas son comunes en bosques tropicales, viven dentro de troncos podridos en un sistema de galerías construido por los adultos. A la fecha, pocos estudios han sido publicados sobre larvas de Passalidae neotropicales. En el presente trabajo, se describe por primera vez la larva de Passalus (Pertinax) gravelyiMoreira, 1922, con base en 10 especímenes: uno de primer estadio, cuatro de segundo estadio y cinco de tercer estadio, asociados con tres adultos de un grupo familiar recolectado en el Parque Nacional de Itatiaia (Río de Janeiro, Brasil). La descripción esta fundamentada en microfotografías electrónicas y digitales de los caracteres diagnósticos que muestran detalles sobre la sistemática de la especie. La larva de Passalus gravelyimuestra el patrón setal general de 'Pertinax' y difiere de otras larvas del sub&género Pertinaxpor tener el anillo anal con 16 a 18 setas, las seis especies de larvas descritas del Brasil tienen en el anillo anal con 10 a 12 setas. Por primera vez se discute la presencia de dimorfismo sexual en larvas de 62 especies de Passalidae, describiendo el ampulla terminalpresente en el macho y localizada en el área cuticular media ventral del noveno esternito abdominal. El ampulla terminales visible ventralmente solo en la larva macho y no es visible en la larva hembra; esta estructura cuticular es común en el macho sobre el noveno esternito abdominal del segundo y tercer estadio larval y no está presente en la larva de primer estadio. El ampulla terminales conocida en 62 especies agrupadas taxonómicamente en la subfamilia oriental y australiana Aulacocyclinae (Aulacocyclini e Ceracupini) y en la subfamilia cosmotropical Passalinae (Solenocyclini, Macrolinini, Passalini, e Proculini).

Infections of Larval Stages of Dicrocoelium dendriticum and Brachylaima sp. in Brown Garden Snail, Helix aspersa, in Turkey

The aim of this study was to determine the presence and prevalence of larval stages of Dicrocoelium dendriticum and Brachylaima sp. in the first intermediate host, a species of land snail, Helix aspersa, in Turkey. A total of 211 snails were collected in April-May 2014 from pastures in Mersin District. Larval stages of D. dendriticum were identified under a light microscope. Hepatopancreas from naturally infected H. aspersa snails were examined histologically. The prevalence of larval stages of D. dendriticum and Brachylaima sp. in H. aspersa snails was found to be 2.4% and 1.9%, respectively, in Mersin, Turkey. Cercariae were not matured in sporocysts at the beginning of April; however, it was observed that cercariae matured and started to leave sporocysts by early-May. Thus, it was concluded that H. aspersa acts as an intermediate host to D. dendriticumin and Brachylaima sp. in Mersin, Turkey. A digenean trematode Brachylaima sp. was seen for the first time in Turkey.

Experimental Life History and Biological Characteristics of Fasciola gigantica (Digenea: Fasciolidae)

This study was conducted to investigate the life history, morphology, and maturation of larval stages and adult worms of Fasciola gigantica in experimental mice. Lymnaea auricularia rubiginosa was used as the intermediate host, and Oryza sativa was used for encystment of the metacercariae, while Mus musculus was used as the definitive host for maturation study. Fresh eggs from the gall bladder of water buffaloes fully developed into embryonated ones and hatched out at days 11-12 after incubation at about 29masculineC. Free-swimming miracidia rapidly penetrated into the snail host, and gradually developed into the next larval stages; sporocyst, redia, and daughter redia with cercariae. Fully-developed cercariae were separated from the redia and shed from the snails on day 39 post-infection (PI). Free-swimming cercariae were immediately allowed to adhere to rice plants, and capsules were constructed to protect metacercariae on rice plants. Juvenile worms were detected in intestines of mice at days 3 and 6 PI, but they were found in the bile duct from day 9 PI. Juvenile and adult flukes were recovered from 16 mice experimentally infected with metacercariae, with the average recovery rate of 35.8%. Sexually mature adult flukes were recovered from day 42 PI. It could be confirmed that experimentally encysted metacercariae could infect and develop to maturity in the experimental host. The present study reports for the first time the complete life history of F. gigantica by an experimental study in Thailand. The obtained information can be used as a guide for prevention, elimination, and treatment of F. gigantica at environment and in other hosts.

Experimental Life History and Biological Characteristics of Fasciola gigantica (Digenea: Fasciolidae)

This study was conducted to investigate the life history, morphology, and maturation of larval stages and adult worms of Fasciola gigantica in experimental mice. Lymnaea auricularia rubiginosa was used as the intermediate host, and Oryza sativa was used for encystment of the metacercariae, while Mus musculus was used as the definitive host for maturation study. Fresh eggs from the gall bladder of water buffaloes fully developed into embryonated ones and hatched out at days 11-12 after incubation at about 29masculineC. Free-swimming miracidia rapidly penetrated into the snail host, and gradually developed into the next larval stages; sporocyst, redia, and daughter redia with cercariae. Fully-developed cercariae were separated from the redia and shed from the snails on day 39 post-infection (PI). Free-swimming cercariae were immediately allowed to adhere to rice plants, and capsules were constructed to protect metacercariae on rice plants. Juvenile worms were detected in intestines of mice at days 3 and 6 PI, but they were found in the bile duct from day 9 PI. Juvenile and adult flukes were recovered from 16 mice experimentally infected with metacercariae, with the average recovery rate of 35.8%. Sexually mature adult flukes were recovered from day 42 PI. It could be confirmed that experimentally encysted metacercariae could infect and develop to maturity in the experimental host. The present study reports for the first time the complete life history of F. gigantica by an experimental study in Thailand. The obtained information can be used as a guide for prevention, elimination, and treatment of F. gigantica at environment and in other hosts.

She’s a femme fatale: low-density larval development produces good disease vectors

Two hypotheses for how conditions for larval mosquitoes affect vectorial capacity make opposite predictions about the relationship of adult size and frequency of infection with vector-borne pathogens. Competition among larvae produces small adult females. The competition-susceptibility hypothesis postulates that small females are more susceptible to infection and predicts frequency of infection should decrease with size. The competition-longevity hypothesis postulates that small females have lower longevity and lower probability of becoming competent to transmit the pathogen and thus predicts frequency of infection should increase with size. We tested these hypotheses for Aedes aegypti in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during a dengue outbreak. In the laboratory, longevity increases with size, then decreases at the largest sizes. For field-collected females, generalised linear mixed model comparisons showed that a model with a linear increase of frequency of dengue with size produced the best Akaike’s information criterion with a correction for small sample sizes (AICc). Consensus prediction of three competing models indicated that frequency of infection increases monotonically with female size, consistent with the competition-longevity hypothesis. Site frequency of infection was not significantly related to site mean size of females. Thus, our data indicate that uncrowded, low competition conditions for larvae produce the females that are most likely to be important vectors of dengue. More generally, ecological conditions, particularly crowding and intraspecific competition among larvae, are likely to affect vector-borne pathogen transmission in nature, in this case via effects on longevity of resulting adults. Heterogeneity among individual vectors in likelihood of infection is a generally important outcome of ecological conditions impacting vectors as larvae.

Comparative morphology of the species of Libyostrongylus and Codiostomum, parasites from ostriches, Struthio camelus, with a identification key to the species / Morfologia Comparativa das espécies de Libyostrongylus e Codiostomum, parasitas de avestruzes, Struthio camelus, com uma chave para identificação das espécies

One of the most common problems in breeding of ostriches in captivity is the control of parasitic diseases. This work presents keys for the identification of adult nematodes and infective larvae by morphologic and morphometric characteristics. These keys will allow the scientific community to identify the species that infect the ostriches either based on the characteristics of the posterior end of the infective larvae found through a simple fecal exam or by observing the morphology and morphometry of adult worms recovered during necropsies. These keys will facilitate ecological and systematic studies, as well as increase the understanding of the epidemiology of these parasitosis in ostriches.

Um dos problemas mais comuns na criação de avestruzes em cativeiro é o controle das doenças parasitárias. Este trabalho apresenta chaves para a identificação de Nematoda adultos e larvas infectantes através de caracteres morfológicos e morfométricos. Essas chaves de identificação permitirão à comunidade científica o diagnóstico das espécies que infectam as avestruzes com base nas características da extremidade posterior das larvas infectantes encontradas por meio de simples exames fecais ou pela observação da morfologia e morfometria dos espécimes adultos recuperados durante necropsia. Dessa forma, as chaves de identificação facilitarão os estudos ecológicos e sistemáticos, bem como a melhor compreensão da epidemiologia dessas infecções em avestruzes.

Morphology of the larvae, male genitalia and DNA sequences of Anopheles (Kerteszia) pholidotus (Diptera: Culicidae) from Colombia

Since 1984, Anopheles (Kerteszia) lepidotus has been considered a mosquito species that is involved in the transmission of malaria in Colombia, after having been incriminated as such with epidemiological evidence from a malaria outbreak in Cunday-Villarrica, Tolima. Subsequent morphological analyses of females captured in the same place and at the time of the outbreak showed that the species responsible for the transmission was not An. lepidotus, but rather Anopheles pholidotus. However, the associated morphological stages and DNA sequences of An. pholidotus from the foci of Cunday-Villarrica had not been analysed. Using samples that were caught recently from the outbreak region, the purpose of this study was to provide updated and additional information by analysing the morphology of female mosquitoes, the genitalia of male mosquitoes and fourth instar larvae of An. pholidotus, which was confirmed with DNA sequences of cytochrome oxidase I and rDNA internal transcribed spacer. A total of 1,596 adult females were collected in addition to 37 larval collections in bromeliads. Furthermore, 141 adult females, which were captured from the same area in the years 1981-1982, were analysed morphologically. Ninety-five DNA sequences were analysed for this study. Morphological and molecular analyses showed that the species present in this region corresponds to An. pholidotus. Given the absence of An. lepidotus, even in recent years, we consider that the species of mosquitoes that was previously incriminated as the malaria vector during the outbreak was indeed An. pholidotus, thus ending the controversy.

Ultrastructural study of the lateral line neuro-masts in tadpoles of saudi bufo dhufarensis and rana Ridibunda

Neuromast [hair cells] structure in Bufo dhufarensis and Rana ridibunda larvae was observed by Scanning Electron Microscopy [SEM]. Neuromasts were found arranged in one well-defined line in the head, body, and tail regions forming the lateral line and also found haphazardly scattered in most of the body parts. Their number was significantly high in the head region, and then it gradually decreased along the posterior end of the body. The structure of neuromasts in these three regions was basically similar for each species. In Rana, neuromasts were found few in number, either spherical or oval in shape lacking hair-like structure except in the tail region where hair cells were found. While in Bufo, neuromasts were numerous. Long kinocilia and many stereocilia were found in the neuromasts. Kinocilia were either solitary or in clusters. In addition to the main functions of the neuromasts we discovered a new function which was not found in previous researches, neuromasts were also used to remove any attached object on the tadpole's skin, by directing the kinocilium to the object thing and rolling onto it then detaching it outwards

A Case of Oral Myiasis Caused by Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in Korea

We report here a case of oral myiasis in the Republic of Korea. The patient was a 37-year-old man with a 30-year history of Becker's muscular dystrophy. He was intubated due to dyspnea 8 days prior to admission to an intensive care unit (ICU). A few hours after the ICU admission, 43 fly larvae were found during suction of the oral cavity. All maggots were identified as the third instars of Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) by morphology. We discussed on the characteristics of myiasis acquired in Korea, including the infection risk and predisposing factors.