Morphological and molecular characterization of Austrodiplostomum compactum metacercariae in the eyes and brains of fishes from the Ivaí River, Brazil / Caracterização morfológica e molecular de metacercárias de Austrodiplostomum compactum em olhos e cérebros de peixes do Rio Ivaí, Brasil

Abstract Austrodiplostomum spp. (Platyhelminthes: Digenea) are endoparasites with a broad geographic distribution in South America. During the larval stage, they parasitize the eyes, brains, muscles, gill, kidneys and swim bladder of a wide variety of fishes. The metacercariae of Austrodiplostomum spp. have several morphological characteristics during development, but are very similar among species, which makes it necessary to use molecular tools to contribute to the elucidation during the larval stage. The objective of this study was to perform morphological and molecular analyses of Austrodiplostomum sp. found in specimens of Hypostomus sourced from the Ivaí River in the state of Paraná, Brazil. Of the 93 analyzed specimens (H. hermanni [n = 50], H. albopunctatus [n = 9], Hypostomus sp. 1 [n = 24], and Hypostomus sp. 2 [n = 10]), 60 were parasitized. A total of 577 Austrodiplostomum sp. metacercariae was collected from the infected hosts; DNA from seven of these samples was extracted, amplified, and sequenced. The morphological data associated with the genetic distance values and the relationships observed in the COI gene tree, indicate that all metacercariae were A. compactum. This is the first record of A. compactum parasitizing H. hermanni, H. albopunctatus, Hypostomus sp. 1, and Hypostomus sp. 2 in the Ivaí River.

Resumo Austrodiplostomum spp. (Platyhelminthes: Digenea) são endoparasitos com uma ampla distribuição geográfica na América do Sul. Durante a fase larval, parasitam os olhos, cérebros, músculos, brânquias, rins e bexiga natatória de uma grande variedade de peixes. As metacercárias de Austrodiplostomum spp. apresentam várias características morfológicas durante o desenvolvimento, as quais são muito semelhantes entre as espécies, o que torna necessário o uso de ferramentas moleculares para contribuir para a elucidação durante a fase larval. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar análises morfológicas e moleculares de Austrodiplostomum sp. encontradas em espécimes de Hypostomus provenientes do rio Ivaí, no Paraná, Brasil. Dos 93 espécimes analisados (H. hermanni [n = 50], H. albopunctatus [n = 9], Hypostomus sp. 1 [n = 24], e Hypostomus sp. 2 [n = 10]), 60 foram parasitados. Um total de 577 metacercárias de Austrodiplostomum foram coletadas dos hospedeiros infectados; o DNA de sete dessas amostras foi extraído, amplificado e sequenciado. Os dados morfológicos, associados aos valores de distância genética e as relações observadas na árvore gênica do COI, indicam que todas as metacercárias são A. compactum. Este é o primeiro registo de A. compactum parasitando H. hermanni, H. albopunctatus, Hypostomus sp. 1, e Hypostomus sp. 2 no rio Ivaí.

Description of Lutziella swatensis sp. n (Trematoda: Dicrocoelidae) from Rattus rattus in Swat, Pakistan / Descrição de Lutziella swatensis sp. n (Trematoda: Dicrocoelidae) de Rattus rattus em Swat, Paquistão

A new species of the genus Lutziella (Rohde, 1966) Yamaguti, 1971 is described here and named Lutziella swatensis sp.nov. from the liver of rat (Rattus rattus L.). The new species is characterized by having body flat, smooth, longer than broad with maximum width at the level of the ovary, oral sucker with weak musculature, pharynx small; eosophagus long; caeca of irregular shape which bifurcate on the anterior border of the ovary in to unequal portions, acetabulum weakly muscular, post-testicular, testes lobed, cirrus pouch somewhat median, small in size containing winding seminal vesicle, prostatic complex and short ejaculatory duct. Genital pore median. Ovary post testicular, submedian; seminal receptacle overlapping ovary, laurer’s canal present. Vitellaria follicular extending on each side from almost the level of testes to anterior portion of posterior half of the body. Uterus filled with eggs occupying most of the body, eggs oval rather small, numerous, brownish in colour, excretory vesicle tubular with terminal pore. Lutziella swatensis n. sp. is the second species of the genus known from Pakistan as well as the second species described from murid rodents in the world.

Uma nova espécie do gênero Lutziella (Rohde, 1966) Yamaguti, 1971 é descrita aqui e denominada Lutziella swatensis sp.nov. do fígado do rato (Rattus rattus L.). A nova espécie é caracterizada por ter corpo liso, liso, mais longo que largo com largura máxima ao nível do ovário, otário oral com musculatura débil, faringe pequena; eosôfago longo; ceco de forma irregular que se bifurca na borda anterior do ovário em porções desiguais, acetábulo fracamente muscular, pós-testicular, testículos lobados, bolsa cirrus um pouco mediana, pequeno em tamanho contendo vesícula seminal sinuosa, complexo prostático e ducto ejaculatório curto. Mediana dos poros genitais. Ovário pós testicular, submediano; ovário sobreposto do receptáculo seminal, canal de laurer presente. Vitellaria folicular que se estende de cada lado de quase o nível dos testículos para a porção anterior da metade posterior do corpo. Útero cheio de ovos que ocupam a maior parte do corpo, oval ovos bastante pequenos, numerosos, de cor acastanhada, vesícula excretor tubular com poro terminal. Lutziella swatensis n. sp. é a segunda espécie do gênero conhecida do Paquistão, bem como a segunda espécie descrita de roedores do mundo.

A new species of Tereancistrum (Monogenea: Dactylogyridae), parasite of Prochilodus lineatus (Characiformes: Prochilodontidae) from southeast Brazil / Uma nova espécie de Tereancistrum (Monogenea: Dactylogyridae), parasito de Prochilodus lineatus (Characiformes: Prochilodontidae) do sudeste do Brasil

Abstract A new species of Tereancistrum Kritsky, Thatcher & Kayton, 1980 collected of Prochilodus lineatus gills from the Batalha River, Tietê-Batalha basin, São Paulo State, Brazil is described. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners mainly by the configuration of the ventral bar, which has an anvil-shaped characteristic with corrugated anterior projection. Tereancistrum takemotoi n. sp. is morphologically similar to T. toksonum Lizama, Takemoto & Pavanelli, 2004 in terms of their dorsal bars (Y-shaped), their dorsal anchors with divergent roots (superficial and deep) wherein their deep root rather elongated, and by the fact that they both have the male copulatory organ counterclockwise. However, only T. takemotoi n. sp. presents the male copulatory organ with 2» rings and shows undulations in the anterior margin of the dorsal bar. These undulations are absent in T. toksonum (which only has 1» rings). This is the fourth Tereancistrum species described for P. lineatus and the first described for the region from the Tietê-Batalha basin.

Resumo É descrita uma nova espécie de Tereancistrum Kritsky, Thatcher & Kayton, 1980, coletada das brânquias de Prochilodus lineatus do rio Batalha, bacia do Tietê-Batalha, estado de São Paulo, Brasil. A nova espécie pode ser diferenciada de seus congêneres, principalmente pela configuração da barra ventral, que tem o formato de bigorna e apresenta uma projeção anterior com ondulações. Tereancistrum takemotoi n. sp. é morfologicamente semelhante a T. toksonum Lizama, Takemoto & Pavanelli, 2004, em termos de suas barras dorsais (em forma de Y), suas âncoras dorsais com raízes divergentes (superficiais e profundas) sendo que a raiz profunda é bastante alongada, e pelo fato de ambos terem o órgão copulatório masculino no sentido anti-horário. No entanto, apenas T. takemotoi n. sp. apresenta o órgão copulatório masculino com 2» anéis e também exibe ondulações na margem anterior da barra dorsal, diferentemente do T. toksonum (que possui apenas 1» anel em seu órgão copulatório masculino). Essa é a quarta espécie de Tereancistrum descrita para P. lineatus e a primeira descrita para a região da bacia do Tietê-Batalha.

Haliotrema aurigae (Yamaguti, 1968) Plaisance, Bouamer & Morand, 2004, in ornamental reef fish imported into Brazil / Haliotrema aurigae (Yamaguti, 1968) Plaisance, Bouamer & Morand, 2004, em peixe ornamental de recife importado para o Brasil

Abstract More than 1.450 marine fish species are commercialized as ornamental fish and approximately 90% of these are wild-caught. Rainford's butterflyfish, Chaetodon rainfordi (McCulloch, 1923), is endemic to the western Pacific. This fish species belongs to one of the main ornamental fish families imported into Brazil. Haliotrema is a genus of the family Dactylogyridae. Species of this genus have very interesting host associations and geographic distributions. The aim of this study was to report on occurrences of exotic Haliotrema aurigae in diseased Rainford butterflyfish that were imported to Brazil. One Rainford's butterflyfish with suspected parasitic disease was euthanized and subjected to skin and gill scraping. The parasite specimens were mounted on semi-permanent slides with Hoyer's solution for morphological analysis of sclerotized structures. The hard-sclerotized structures of these specimens were compared and were identified as those of Haliotrema aurigae (Yamaguti, 1968). These results emphasize the importance of implementation of correct control measures at the country's borders, to avoid the introduction of exotic parasites. In addition, it can be emphasized that the easy adaptation of this parasite to new environments is a concern for ornamental fish farmers.

Resumo Mais de 1.450 espécies de peixes marinhos são comercializados como peixes ornamentais e, aproximadamente, 90% são extraídos na natureza. O peixe borboleta Rainford, Chaetodon rainfordi (McCulloch, 1923), é endêmico no Pacífico Ocidental. Esta espécie de peixe pertence a uma das principais famílias importadas para o Brasil. Haliotrema é um gênero da família Dactylogyridae. Espécies desse gênero têm associação com hospedeiros e distribuição geográfica. O objetivo deste estudo é relatar a ocorrência de Haliotrema aurigae exótico, em peixes-borboleta doentes, que foram importados para o Brasil. Um peixe-borboleta Rainford, suspeito de estar infectado com doença parasitária, foi eutanasiado e submetido à raspagem de pele e brânquias. As amostras foram montadas em lâminas semipermanentes com Hoyer, para análise morfológica de estruturas esclerotizadas. A morfologia e as estruturas esclerotizadas duras das amostras foram comparadas e identificadas como Haliotrema aurigae (Yamaguti, 1968). Esses resultados enfatizam a importância da implementação de medidas de controle pós-fronteira para evitar a introdução de parasitas exóticos no país. Além disso, pode-se enfatizar que a fácil adaptação do parasita a um novo ambiente é uma preocupação para os pscicultores ornamentais.

First report of Diplostomidae metacercariae (Trematoda: Digenea) in African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Siluriformes: Clariidae) in Brazil / Primeiro relato de metacercárias de Diplostomidae (Trematoda: Digenea) em bagre africano Clarias gariepinus (Siluriformes, Clariidae) no Brasil

Abstract Clarias gariepinus is a fish from North of South Africa and was later introduced in several countries, including Brazil. The present study aimed to describe the first report of Diplostomidae metacercariae in C. gariepinus in Brazil. For this, 30 C. gariepinus were captured in a lake in the city of Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil. Fishes were euthanized using freezing and necropsied for collection of parasites. The organs were dissected and analyzed for the presence of parasites that were processed for light and scanning electron microscopy. Trematodes were stained with Semichon's Carmine and Gomori's Trichrome, observed and schematized under a light microscope with image analysis software. A total of 190 trematodes were collected from the gills, suprabranchial organs, heart, stomach, intestinal mesentery, liver and body cavity of the fish. The parasites had a foliaceous body divided by a discrete constriction, without genital primordia, and a holdfast organ present at the posterior region, typical of metacercariae of the family Diplostomidae. It was classified as the 'Diplostomulum' morphotype, based on the morphology of the reserve bladder structure. This is the first report of the metacercariae of Diplostomidae parasitizing C. gariepinus in the Americas. This fish acts as an intermediate or paratenic host of this digenean in Brazil.

Resumo Clarias gariepinus é um peixe do Norte da África do Sul e posteriormente introduzido em diversos países, incluindo o Brasil. O presente estudo teve como objetivo descrever o primeiro relato de metacercárias em C. gariepinus no Brasil. Para tanto, 30 C. gariepinus foram capturados em um lago na cidade de Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil. Os peixes foram eutanasiados por congelamento e necropsiados para a coleta de parasitos. Os órgãos foram dissecados e analisados para a presença de parasitos que foram processados para microscopia ótica e electronica de varredura. Os Trematodeos foram corados com carmim de Semichon e tricrômico de Gomori, observados e esquematizados sob microscópio ótico equipado com software de análise de imagens. Um total de 190 trematodeos foram coletados das brânquias, órgãos suprabrânquiais, coração, estômago, mesentério intestinal, fígado e cavidade corporal dos peixes. Os parasitos tinham corpo foliáceo, dividido por uma discrete contrição, sem primórdio genital, e órgão tribocítico presente na região posterior, típico das metacercárias da fámilia Diplostomidae. Foram classificados como do morfotipo 'Diplostomulum', baseado na morfologia da estrutura da bexiga de reserva. Este é o primeiro relato de metacercárias de Diplostomidae parasitando C. gariepinus nas Américas. Este peixe atua como hospedeiro intermediário ou paratênico deste Digenea no Brasil.

Neonchocotyle violantei n. sp. (Monogenea, Hexabothriidae) from Pseudobatos lentiginosus (Rhinopristiformes, Rhinobatidae) of Yucatán, Gulf of Mexico / Neonchocotyle violantei n. sp. (Monogenea, Hexabothriidae) do Pseudobatos lentiginosus (Rhinopristiformes, Rhinobatidae) de Yucatán, Golfo do México

Abstract Neonchocotyle violantei n. sp. (Monogenea: Hexabothriidae) infects the gill of the Atlantic guitarfish, Pseudobatos lentiginosus (Rhinopristiformes, Rhinobatidae) from littoral waters of Celestún, Yucatán, Mexico. It is assigned to Neonchocotyle because it has, among other features, an asymmetrical haptor, a seminal receptacle, a smooth oötype, and an egg with two elongate filaments. It differs from Neonchocotyle pastinacae, the only congener, by having a small body (821 long by 315 wide, length to width = 2.6:1), two pairs of microhooks between the haptoral appendix suckers, extracaecal (submarginal) vaginal pores, and 5-9 testes. This is the first record of a species of Neonchocotyle in the Gulf of Mexico, the first monogenean reported from P. lentiginosus in Mexico and the second species of Hexabothriidae reported from Mexico.

Resumo Neonchocotyle violantei n. sp. (Monogenea: Hexabothriidae) infecta brânquia de Pseudobatos lentiginosus, (Rhinopristiformes, Rhinobatidae) de águas litorâneas ao largo da costa de Celestún, Yucatán, México. É atribuído a Neonchocotyle porque tem, entre outras características, um haptor assimétrico, um receptáculo seminal, um tipo oótipo liso e um ovo com dois filamentos alongados. Difere de Neonchocotyle pastinacae, o único congênere, por ter um corpo pequeno (821 de comprimento por 315 de largura, comprimento a largura = 2,6: 1), dois pares de microganchos entre as ventosas do apêndice haptoral, poros vaginais extracaecais (submarginal) e 5-9 testículos. Este é o primeiro registro de uma espécie de Neonchocotyle no Golfo do México, o primeiro monogenético registrado em P. lentiginosus no México e a segunda espécie de Hexabothriidae relatada no México.

Choledocystus elegans (Digenea: Plagiorchiidae) of Leptodactylus paraensis (Amphibia: Leptodactylidae) from the Brazilian Amazon / Choledocystus elegans (Digenea: Plagiorchiidae) de Leptodactylus paraensis (Amphibia: Leptodactylidae) da Amazônia brasileira

Abstract The trematodes are parasites of the several vertebrates including amphibians, however the knowledge about of the taxonomy these parasites is still confuse. The trematode Choledocystus elegans was found in the small intestine of the Leptodactylus paraensis in eastern Amazon and presents the following characteristics: several pointed tegumentary spines, papillae on the outer and inner edges of the oral and ventral suckers, a round, well-developed cirrus sac, a well-developed cirrus, oblique testicles, a ovary right side, uterine loops extending between the testicles, follicular vitellaria distributed throughout the body, starting at the genital pore region and caeca close the end of the body. For the first time, this study identified C. elegans parasitizing L. paraensis and describes morphological aspects never characterized using light and scanning electron microscopy.

Resumo Os trematodas são parasitas de vários grupos de vertebrados incluindo os anfíbios, contudo o que se conhece sobre a taxonomia destes parasitas ainda é confusa. O trematoda Choledocystus elegans foi encontrado no intestino delgado de Leptodactylus paraensis na Amazônia oriental e apresenta as seguintes características: vários espinhos pontiagudos no tegumento, papilas nas bordas externa e interna das ventosas orais e ventrais, bolsa do cirro bem desenvolvida contendo um cirro desenvolvido, testículos oblíquos, ovário destro, alças uterinas que se estendem entre os testículos, folículos vitelínicos distribuída por toda a lateral do corpo, começando ao nível do poro genital e cecos intestinais chegando até a região posterior do corpo do helminto. Pela primeira vez, este estudo identificou C. elegans parasitando L. paraensis e descreve aspectos morfológicos nunca caracterizados usando microscopia de luz comum e eletrônica de varredura.

First record of Rhipidocotyle santanaensis (Digenea) parasitizing Acestrorhynchus lacustris from Batalha River, Brazil / Primeiro registro de Rhipidocotyle santanaensis (Digenea) parasitando Acestrorhynchus lacustris do rio Batalha, Brasil

Abstract This paper describes the occurrence of digenetic Rhipidocotyle santanaensis Lunaschi, 2004 in Brazil. This parasite was found in the liver, heart, gonads, intestine, pyloric caeca, stomach, swim bladder and cavity of Acestrorhynchus lacustris (Lütken, 1875) from the Batalha River, São Paulo State, with higher incidence in gonads and digestive tract. The parasite specimens found in this study showed morphological characteristics very similar to specimens from Argentina, with differences only in relation to the ejaculatory duct and seminal vesicle. However, Brazilian specimens presented great morphometrical differences between specimens described in Argentina, with much higher measures. This is the first record of this metazoan parasite species in Brazil and in this host fish.

Resumo O presente trabalho descreve a ocorrência do digenético Rhipidocotyle santanaensis Lunaschi, 2004 no Brasil. Estes parasitos foram encontrados no fígado, coração, gônadas, intestino, cecos pilóricos, estômago, bexiga natatória e cavidade do peixe Acestrorhynchus lacustris (Lütken, 1875) provenientes do rio Batalha, Estado de São Paulo, com maior abundância nas gônadas e trato digestório. Os espécimes dos parasitos encontrados neste trabalho apresentaram características morfológicas muito semelhantes aos espécimes provenientes da Argentina, com diferenças apenas em relação ao ducto ejaculatório e vesícula seminal. Porém, os exemplares brasileiros apresentaram grandes diferenças morfométricas entre os espécimes descritos na Argentina, com medidas muito superiores. Este é o primeiro registro desta espécie de parasito no Brasil e neste hospedeiro.

First record of Palombitrema triangulum (Suriano, 1981) Suriano, 1997 (Monogenea: Dactylogyridae) from freshwater fishes in Brazil / Primeiro registro de Palombitrema triangulum (Suriano, 1981) Suriano, 1997 (Monogenea: Dactylogyridae) de peixes dulcícolas do Brasil

This study reports for the first time the monogenean Palombitrema triangulum Suriano (1981) in freshwater fishes from Brazil, highlighting new sites of infection for this helminth and some morphological differences. Monogeneans were collected on the body surface, gills and nasal cavity of two native fish species from Brazil, Cyphocharax modestus (Fernández-Yépez, 1948) and Cyphocharax nagelii (Steindachner, 1881). A brief morphological characterization of this species is presented.

Descreve-se a primeira ocorrência do monogenético Palombitrema triangulum Suriano (1981) em peixes dulcícolas do Brasil, destacando novos locais de infestação para este helminto e algumas diferenças morfológicas. Os monogenéticos foram coletados na superfície do corpo, brânquias e cavidade nasal de duas espécies de peixes nativos do Brasil, Cyphocharax modestus (Fernández-Yépez, 1948) e Cyphocharax nagelii (Steindachner, 1881). Uma breve caracterização morfológica desta espécie é apresentada.

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.

Trematodes Recovered in the Small Intestine of Stray Cats in the Republic of Korea

In 2005, we reported the infection status of 438 stray cats with various species of intestinal helminths, including nematodes (4 species), trematodes (23 species), and cestodes (5 species) in the Republic of Korea. However, morphologic details of each helminth species have not been provided. In the present study, we intended to describe morphologic details of 13 trematode species which were either new fauna of cats (10 species) or new fauna of not only cats but also all animal hosts (3 species). The worms were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin under a cover slip pressure, stained with Semichon's acetocarmine, and then observed using a light microscope equipped with a micrometer. The 13 subjected species included members of the Heterophyidae (Stellantchasmus falcatus, Stictodora fuscata, Stictodora lari, Centrocestus armatus, Procerovum varium, and Cryptocotyle concava), Echinostomatidae (Echinostoma hortense, Echinostoma revolutum, Echinochasmus japonicus, and Stephanoprora sp.), Diplostomidae (Neodiplostomum seoulense), Plagiorchiidae (Plagiorchis muris), and Dicrocoeliidae (Eurytrema pancreaticum). By the present study, Cryptocotyle sp. and Neodiplostomum sp. recored in our previous study were identified as C. concava and N. seoulense, respectively. Three species, P. varium, C. concava, and Stephanoprora sp., are new trematode fauna in Korea.

Morphology and histology of the adult Paramphistomum gracile Fischoeder, 1901

In the present study, we evaluated the histological morphology of the adult Paramphistomum (P.) gracile. Adult flukes with bodies 5~15 mm in length and 2~7 mm in width were subjected to histological analysis. Longitudinal and transversal serial-sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and examined. The body surface and longitudinal section of P. gracile were also assessed using scanning electron microscopy. In this species, the anterior sucker and posterior sucker (acetabulum) were present on an anterior and posterior part of the body, respectively. The major folds were located in the areas of the anterior sucker, genital canal, and posterior sucker. The fluke membrane was spineless at the tegument surface and in the tegument tissue. Histological data showed structural-systematic characteristics of the digestive tract, reproductive tract, excretory tract, copulatory organs, connective tissues, and muscle tissues. We attempted to elucidate the histological characteristics of P. gracile that might increase the knowledge and understanding of rumen fluke morphology.

Discovery of Endocotyle incana and Spelotrema pseudogonotyla (Digenea: Microphallidae) from Scolopacid Migratory Birds in Korea

Migratory birds have been suspected as playing a central role in transmission of various trematodes, but few surveys have been undertaken in the Republic of Korea. In the present study, we describe new fauna of microphallid flukes in Korea. Two species of microphallids were found in the intestines of 2 migratory bird species, namely the red necked stints (Calidris ruficollis) and the terek sandpiper (Xenus cinereus), in a coastal area of Gunsan-si, Jeollabuk-do. The microphallids recovered from the latter were 451 microm in length and 217 microm in width, and the eggs were very small, 13 microm by 8 microm. They had the characteristic extracecal vitellaria intruding into the median posttesticular area, belonging to Endocotyle incana. Another microphallids were discovered from both migratory birds, 417 microm in length and 249 microm in width. The cirrus was projecting into the genital atrium in form of male papilla, and bounded by a muscular flap, termed pseudogonotyl. They were identified as Spelotrema pseudogonotyla in consideration of the distinctive male papilla and pseudogonotyl. Besides these flukes, Maritrema obstipum and Gynaecotyla squatarolae also were recovered. This paper is in fact the first report on the presence of Spelotrema and Endocotyle in Korea.

Echinochasmus aspinuosa as a new record species in Egyptian heron

This paper reported a new Egyptian of Echinochasmus aspinuosa in herons trapped in Giza and Sharkia Governorates. The detailed morphology was given and illustrated. The zoonotic importance of this digenetic trematode was discussed

Discovery of Maritrema obstipum (Digenea: Microphallidae) from Migratory Birds in Korea

Adults of Maritrema obstipum (Digenea: Microphallidae) were found in the intestines of 4 species of migratory birds, including the sanderling (Crocethia alba), Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrines), Mongolian plover (Charadrius mongolus), and red-necked stint (Calidris ruficollis), collected from Yubu Island, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea. The worms of were 451x265 microm in size, and were easily identifiable as Maritrema species by the presence of the cirrus sac, and the ring-like distribution of the vitellaria. More specifically, the ejaculatory duct curved posteromedially, and the 2 parts of vitelline follicles were found to be distinct at the posterior end. The eggs were brown-colored, and 19.8x12.3 microm in size. All these findings implicated M. obstipum as the pertinent species of the worms. Beside these, adult worms of Gynaecotyla squatarolae, Parvatrema duboisi, and Acanthoparyphium sp. were also discovered. This is the first report establishing migratory birds as the natural definitive hosts for M. obstipum.

Discovery of Parvatrema duboisi and Parvatrema homoeotecnum (Digenea: Gymnophallidae) from Migratory Birds in Korea

Adult worms of Parvatrema spp. (Digenea: Gymnophallidae) were found in the intestines of 2 species of migratory birds, i.e., a great knot, Calidris tenuirostris, and 2 Mongolian plovers, Charadrius mongolus, in the coastal area of Gunsan-si, Jeollabuk-do in October 2009. The recovered Parvatrema worms were 79 in total number and composed of 2 species. The worms from a great knot were 289 micrometer in length with the oral and ventral sucker ratio of 2 : 1. They had a single vitellarium, and their intrauterine eggs were 25.0 x 17.5 micrometer in size. These findings were compatible with P. duboisi (Dollfus, 1923) Bartoli, 1974 (syn. P. timondavidi Bartoli, 1963). The worms recovered from the Mongolian plovers were smaller in length than P. duboisi and had 2 vitellaria. The oral and ventral sucker ratio was 2.5 : 1, and the eggs were 17.5 x 8.8 micrometer in size. These worms were assigned to be P. homoeotecnum James, 1964. This is the first report on the natural final hosts of Parvatrema spp. in Korea.

Discovery of Maritrema jebuensis n. sp. (Digenea: Microphallidae) from the Asian Shore Crab, Hemigrapsus sanguineus, in Korea

Maritrema spp. (Digenea: Microphallidae) are parasites of birds, but have not been found in the Republic of Korea. In this study, metacercariae of Maritrema sp. were discovered in the Asian shore crab, Hemigrapsus sanguineus, caught in the mud-flats of Jebu-do, Hwasung-gun, Gyeonggi-do, and the adult flukes were confirmed by experimental infection into mice. Based on the symmetric ribbon-like vitellarium, adult flukes of Maritrema sp. were identified, but did not belong to previously described species in terms of the following morphologic characteristics: ceca reaching to the lateral wall at the anterior border of the ovary; ventral sucker larger than oral sucker; a prominent metraterm; and vitellarium forming a complete ring. Hence, we named this microphallid M. jebuensis n. sp. after the island where the second intermediate hosts were collected. From this study, it has been shown that Maritrema sp. is distributed in Korea and transmitted by the Asian shore crab, H. sanguineus.

Absonifibula estuarina sp. n. (Monogenea: Diclidophoridae) parasite of juvenile Cynoscion guatucupa (Osteichthyes) from southwestern Atlantic Ocean

Absonifibula estuarina sp. n. (Diclidophoridae, Absonifibulinae), is described from the gills of juvenile striped weakfish, Cynoscion guatucupa (Cuvier), from the southwestern Atlantic, Argentinean coast. This marine fish migrates to estuarine areas to spawn where exclusively juveniles are found parasitized; adult fish in marine water were never found to be parasitized by this monogenean. A. estuarina sp. n. is characterized mainly by the pedunculate clamps dissimilar in size, the shape of anterior jaw with sclerite 'a' attached to a sub-trapezoidal lamellate extension and fused to sclerites 'c' and 'd'. It differs from Absonifibula bychowskyi Lawler & Overstreet, 1976, the only known species of the genus, in the shape and arrangement of the genital corona, which is armed with six similar hooks disposed in circle and the sub-trapezoidal shape of lamellate extension ('b'). The restriction to juvenile sciaenids is a shared feature among the Absonifibulinae indicating an estuary-dependent life cycle.

A Human Case of Clinostomum complanatum Infection in Korea

A 33-year-old Korean man visited a medical clinic with complaints of throat discomfort and pain for one week. The symptoms occurred one day after eating raw brackish water fish, perch. Endoscopy revealed a fluke, about 5 mm in length, attaching to and peristaltically moving on the surface of the mucosa at the arytenoid region of the larynx. Microscopically, the testes were triangular, tandem, and separated by the uterus. The ovary and cirrus pouch were placed apart from median line between testes. Numerous blood cells were observed in the ceca. The worm was identified to be Clinostomum complanatum. This is the second human case of clinostomiasis in Korea.