Modern Strategies for Diagnosis and Treatment of Parasitic Diseases.

Parasites are very widely distributed in the environment and form complex relationships with their hosts, forming host-parasite systems [...].

Anisakidae nematodes in capelin Mallotus villosus (Müller, 1776) (Actinopterygii: Osmeridae) caught for food purposes.

Capelin Mallotus villosus, a representative of the Osmeridae, is a common species found in the North Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic Ocean. Being one of the main components of the diet of various fish species, it plays an important role in the circulation of different parasite species, including the nematodes of the Anisakidae. Capelin is also extensively caught and used for human food, and has become increasingly available to consumers in Poland. Thirty six capelin specimens, smoked fish bought at a store in Gdynia, were examined for the presence of Anisakidae. Ten specimens of nematode (Anisakis simplex, Contracaecum sp.) were found in eight fish. The overall prevalence for the fish was 22.2%, with a mean intensity of 1.3 (range 1-3). Despite its widespread acquisition and use, capelin has been the subject of few parasitological analyses. Our findings indicate that it is a typical host of Anisakidae nematodes, a species of great zoonotic importance. While dead nematode specimens found in smoked fish do not pose a direct threat to humans as parasites per se, they can cause food allergies. It seems, therefore, that fish intended for consumption should be the subject of constant parasitological monitoring, linked to food quality control.

A New Species of Demodex (Acariformes: Prostigmata) Observed in the Mouflon, Ovis aries musimon (Artiodactyla: Bovidae) with Data on the Parasitism and Occurrence of Other Ectoparasites.

A greater understanding of mite biodiversity and ecology can explain their preference for microhabitats within host bodies, i.e., as ecto-, meso-, and endoparasites. Similarly, learning about the patterns formed by mite communities in wild animals can shed light on the mechanisms of parasitosis development in their domesticated counterparts. Hence, the present study examined the acarofauna of the mouflon, introduced to Poland in the early 20th century from a region of endemic occurrence. Forty-one individuals were examined for the presence of ectoparasites between 2010 and 2013; later, skin fragments were analysed for the presence of skin mites. A new species of Demodecidae, Demodex musimonis sp. nov., was discovered in the skin of the pasterns of 14.6% mouflons, as well as the ectoparasitic tick Ixodes ricinus (prevalence 29.3%) and ungulate-typical fly Lipoptena cervi (34.1%). However, no mites typical for ovine Ovis (Psorergatidae, Psoroptidae) were noted, nor any colonisation of microhabitats by species from local ungulates, resulting from the loss of original parasites during the introduction. A comparison of the acarofauna of the mouflon and domestic sheep Ovis aries aries suggests that a mite community with a complex structure and the co-occurrence of different families may be formed. However, it is not known whether the acarofauna of domestic sheep is derived from wild ancestors or the process of domestication. Even so, the peculiar Demodecidae must have been part of the natural parasitofauna of wild sheep, of which only D. musimonis sp. nov. has been recognised so far.

Demodex murilegi and Demodex obliquus, two new specific skin mites from domestic cat Felis catus, with notes on parasitism.

The Demodecidae are skin and tissue parasites of mammals with high host, topical, and topographic specificity. They may cause a demodecosis, typically observed in pets and humans. Numerous mammal species have been found to have several, specific demodecids, which inhabit different microhabitats. Thus far, two species have been known from the domestic cat, namely Demodex cati Megnin, 1877 (Acariformes: Demodecidae) and D. gatoi Desch and Stewart, 1999; however, there have been indications for the presence of other demodecid mites in this host. Presently, two other species are described, D. murilegi sp. nov. associated primarily with the skin from the area of lips and nose, and D. obliquus sp. nov. associated with the skin of the lower part of the limb. They exhibit morphological discreteness in terms of qualitative traits significant for Demodecidae taxonomy. Demodex murilegi sp. nov. is larger than both known species, and D. obliquus sp. nov. is intermediate in length between them. It is likely that infection with different Demodex species may result in variable symptoms and courses of demodecosis; however, a correct identification of the species causing the parasitosis is needed to confirm this. Thus, the present study compares the taxonomic traits of four cat demodecid mites.

Morphological and ontogenetic characteristics of Miridex putorii (Acariformes: Demodecidae), a new genus and species of skin mite specific to the European polecat Mustela putorius.

Among carnivorans, mites of the family Demodecidae are mainly represented by the eight species of the genus Demodex known to cause demodecosis in domestic dog Canis lupus familiaris Linnaeus, 1758 and domestic cat Felis catus Linnaeus, 1758. However, nine other Demodex species from wild carnivorans are also known; in addition they are only known from few records. Previously unknown demodecid mites have been isolated from European polecats, Mustela putorius Linnaeus, 1758, originating from Germany. The specimens are characterized of by an aedeagus with a posterior end located between the opisthosoma and podosoma and an anterior end in the gnathosoma area, with a genital opening in the epistome area; aedeagus length corresponds to 53% (45-59%) of male body length. The mites were isolated from the head skin in 16 of 21 polecats examined (76.2%), mainly in the mystacial vibrissae area (84.8%) and less often in adjacent areas. However, the mite infestation did not appear to cause skin abnormality. Based on the morphological analysis of the adult mites and their morphological ontogenesis, including significant characteristics in demodecid taxonomy, the mite specimens have been classified as representatives of a new species and genus, described as Miridex putorii gen. nov., sp. nov.

The Occurrence of Skin Mites from the Demodecidae and Psorergatidae (Acariformes: Prostigmata) Families in Bats, with a Description of a New Species and New Records.

The bat skin mites from the closely-related Demodecidae and Psorergatidae families occur synhospitally, populating the same host species and perhaps neighboring microhabitats. However, data on their occurrence and parasitism are fragmentary and dispersed. Thus far, 27 Demodecidae and 18 Psorergatidae species have been described, but the coexistence of mites from both families was only demonstrated in six species of bats. This article presents a description of Demodex pusillus sp. nov. from Nyctalus noctula, including a new host record (first observation of demodecid mites in Nyctalus) and a new record concerning the occurrence of Psorergatoides kerivoluae in Plecotus auritus. It also includes an updated global checklist of the occurrence of Demodecidae and Psorergatidae in Chiroptera, including data on their records/distribution and location in their hosts. In both studied families, the mites exhibit preferences, and even topographic specificity, colonizing different microhabitats in the host, including the eye region (e.g., Meibomian glands of the eyes, corneal surface and eyelid vault), wing membranes and hairy skin on the body. Such colonization of separate microhabitats enables different species to co-occur within the same host, while the total number of parasites determines the level of parasite load, with higher levels being associated with the incidence of disease symptoms. It is worth mentioning that Demodex pusillus sp. nov. is the smallest known representative of the Demodecidae family and one of the smallest animals (70-80 micrometers in length).

Description of the Nymphal Stages of Hoplopleura affinis (Anoplura: Hoplopleuridae) from the Striped Field Mouse Apodemus agrarius with a Global Checklist of Hoplopleura Species from the Genus Apodemus.

The genus Hoplopleura is the most speciose genus of sucking lice observed parasitizing rodents and lagomorphs (pikas). Despite the fact that the majority of Anoplura are believed to be monoxenic, many species within Hoplopleura may be oligoxenic. In addition, the occurrence of more than one parasite species per host species on individuals has been confirmed. As such, a precise species identification of the parasite, especially of the nymphs, is of high significance. The study is based on the material of 245 sucking louse specimens taken from 179 individuals of the striped field mouse Apodemus agrarius collected between 2008 and 2017. The study employs scanning microscopy to provide superior quality resolution of the studied traits. The study presents the first record of the characters of the nymphal stages of H. affinis, one of the common Eurasian species of the genus. Additional aspects of the biology and the host-parasite relationship of H. affinis are presented, e.g., female, male and nymphs of lice, showing different preferences in the choice of location (topography) on the host body. In addition, a global checklist has been made of all the species of Hoplopleura found parasitizing rodents of the genus Apodemus. Generally, the ranges of the occurrence of lice of this genus coincide with the geographic distribution of typical hosts, although this has not always been confirmed by local studies.

Demodex bialoviensis sp. nov. (Acariformes, Demodecidae) a new, specific parasite of the European bison Bison bonasus (Artiodactyla, Bovidae).

Sixteen species of parasitic mites of the family Demodecidae have been described in ungulates (Ungulatomorpha), particularly among domestic animals and livestock. Specific synhospital species have been found in seven host species. Demodex bisonianus, occurring in the Meibomian glands of the eyelids, was described in the European bison Bison bonasus. Together with Trypanosoma wrublewskii and Bisonicola sedecimdecembrii, it is one of the three known specific parasite species of European bison. The European bison is not only a rare and endangered mammal, but its biology has been shaped by its recent restitution from extinction from a small pool of individuals kept in breeding facilities. This could have been the reason for the extinction of the majority of specific parasites. The present study reports the finding of a new specific parasite species, Demodex bialoviensis sp. nov., associated with the nasal skin region, in European bison from the Bialowieza Forest (Poland). It is the second species of Demodex reported in this host species, however occurring in a different location.

Anisakid nematodes in dolphins (Cetacea: Delphinidae) from the Baltic Sea area.

Dolphins are rarely observed in the Baltic Sea, making only sporadic appearances as a result of their migrations. The study included six specimens: four white-beaked dolphins Lagenorhynchus albirostris and two striped dolphins Stenella coeruleoalba. Their gastrointestinal tracts were found to contain the nematodes Anisakis simplex (in both species) and Contracaecum sp. (only in the white-beaked dolphins). This is the first record of Anisakidae nematodes in dolphins found in the Baltic Sea.

Demodex crocidurae, a New Demodecid Mite (Acariformes: Prostigmata) Parasitizing the Lesser White-Toothed Shrew and a Redescription of Demodex talpae from European Mole with Data on Parasitism in Soricomorpha.

Only six parasitic species of Demodecidae mite have thus far been described from the Soricomorpha, these being associated with the common shrew Sorex araneus Linnaeus, 1758, and the Mediterranean water shrew Neomys anomalus Cabrera, 1907 (two species from each host), and with the lesser white-toothed shrew Crocidura suaveolens (Pallas, 1811) and the European mole Talpa europaea Linnaeus, 1758 (one from each host species). Presently, Demodex crocidurae, a new species, has been described from the territory of Poland for C. suaveolens; in order to confirm its validity, it was necessary to redescribe D. talpae Hirst, 1921, from T. europaea, a demodecid species first described by Hirst in 1921 from England and then noted only in Poland. Both species colonized the hairy skin of the body in their hosts, where no disease symptoms of infestation were observed. However, D. crocidurae showed higher infection parameters (prevalence 100%, mean intensity 11.7, intensity range 3-26 individuals) than those of D. talpae (30.0%, 4.7, 2.0-8.0), possibly due to different host biology.

A global checklist of the parasites of the harbor porpoise Phocoena phocoena, a critically-endangered species, including new findings from the Baltic Sea.

The common harbor porpoise is a widely-distributed marine mammal with three known subspecies, including P. phocoena phocoena, with a clearly distinct and critically endangered (CR) subpopulation from the Baltic Sea (Baltic Proper). As part of an assessment of the condition and health threats of these mammals, it is important to conduct parasitological monitoring. The aim of the study was therefore to compare the data on porpoise parasitofauna from this subpopulation with those on porpoises from other areas. The study included 37 individuals from 1995 to 2019; eight species of parasites were found (prevalence 83.8%, mean intensity 724.2, range 2-3940), with a predominance of lung nematodes - Stenurus minor (94.7%), Torynurus convolutus (69.4%), Pseudalius inflexus (63.8%), Halocercus invaginatus (22.2%); the highest intensity was recorded for S. minor (989, 53-2928). Two species of Anisakidae (Anisakis simplex - 33.3%, Contracaecum sp. - 20.0%) were found in the digestive tracts, which were a new record for this population. The fluke Campula oblonga was found in the livers of 31.3% of porpoises. The tapeworm Diphylobothrium stemmacephalum was also recorded in the intestine of one individual; this is typical for these hosts, but previously undetected in the Baltic subpopulation. Parasites coexisted in numerous hosts, constituting a heavy burden for them. The obtained data were compared with those from the P. phocoena parasitofauna from other regions, based on a compiled checklist (1809-2021) including all species of porpoise parasites (55 taxa). Compared to the worldwide porpoise parasitofauna checklist, the number of parasites found in the nominative subspecies (Baltic Proper subpopulation) is small: including only 10 taxa (eight in the current study). These species are typical of porpoises and usually the most common; however, the level of infection of Baltic porpoises (intensity and total parasite load) is very high, which can undoubtedly have a negative impact on their condition and overall health.

Morphological anomalies in the body structure of Hoplopleura spp. (Anoplura: Hoplopleuridae).

Morphological anomalies in sucking lice (Phthiraptera: Anoplura) have been discussed sporadically, mainly when the changes were considerable, such as in the structure of the reproductive organs or pleural plates, and have concerned the most commonly-studied species. An analysis of 376 specimens from three species of the genus Hoplopleura (H. acanthopus, H. affinis, H. edentula) identified 13 individuals with changes in the number and size of the setae on the sternal plates of the abdomen and irregularities in the structure of the plate itself (3.5% of the collection). The above anomalies do not invalidate the taxonomic decisions.

The first description of the nymphal stages of Hoplopleura longula (Psocodea: Anoplura: Hoplopleuridae) from the harvest mouse Micromys minutus (Rodentia: Muridae).

BACKGROUND: Despite the widespread belief that an extensive body of knowledge exists for the sucking lice (Anoplura), some of their common, Eurasian or even cosmopolitan species still lack complete taxonomic descriptions, especially those for their nymphal stages. This applies especially to the most common rodent parasites: the lice of the genus Hoplopleura. In Europe, only two of the five most common Hoplopleura species have full taxonomic characteristics with a description of the nymphal stages. This study enriches the current state of knowledge for another species, Hoplopleura longula and presents the first description of its nymphal stages.The study includes five rare louse specimens (two nymphs I, one nymph II, two nymphs III) of H. longula collected from 63 Eurasian harvest mice Micromys minutus. The collected lice were fixed and preserved in 70% ethyl alcohol solution and then placed in polyvinyl-lactophenol to form total preparations. NEW INFORMATION: Only two of the five species found in Eurasia (H. acanthopus, H. affinis, H. captiosa, H. edentula and H. longula) have been given full taxonomic descriptions, including immature stages. This paper presents a description of the nymphal stages of H. longula (described for the first time).

The Vector-Borne Zoonotic Nematode Thelazia callipaeda in the Eastern Part of Europe, with a Clinical Case Report in a Dog in Poland.

Thelazia callipaeda is a zoonotic nematode transmitted by drosophilid flies. It causes ocular thelaziosis, a disease of carnivores, such as dogs, cats, and foxes, and also humans. The parasite has thus far been observed in various areas of Eurasia, including 20 countries within Europe. The present study documents its presence in the south-east region of Poland, near the Ukraine border. An adult nematode was removed from the conjunctival sac of a dog showing ocular inflammation and purulent discharge. The dog's precise origin is unknown. Based on its localization and morphometrical features, the nematode was identified as a Thelazia callipaeda adult male. The present study is the first report of T. callipaeda in a dog in Poland.

The helminthofauna of the garfish Belone belone (Linnaeus, 1760) from the southern Baltic Sea, including new data.

The garfish Belone belone (Linnaeus, 1760) is a marine fish which can be found in the shallow waters of the Baltic Sea in the spring and summer spawning period. In 2010 and in 2016, 73 specimens of garfish collected in the Gulf of Gdansk (southern Baltic Sea) were examined for the presence of helminths. The fish were found to support the nematode Anisakis simplex (Rudolphi, 1809) L3, Hysterothylacium aduncum (Rudolphi, 1802) L4, ad., Contracaecum sp. L3 as well as the acanthocephalan Echinorhynchus gadi Zoega in Müller, 1776. For all garfish caught in 2010 and 2016, the overall prevalence of infection by all parasites was 38.4%, with a mean intensity of 2.9 (range 1-5). The dominant parasites were H. aduncum (20.5%, 1.8) and E. gadi (17.8%, 2.1). This study constitutes the first record of Contracaecum larvae in garfish in the Polish exclusive economic zone of the Baltic Sea.

Checklist of the parasites of European eel Anguilla anguilla (Linnaeus, 1758) (Anguillidae) in Poland.

The present paper lists all parasite species of the European eel Anguilla anguilla (Linnaeus, 1758), recorded in Poland, in both its saltwater and freshwater habitats. The list has been drawn up, based on data acquired since 1844. The majority of included parasite species are presented with fish infection parameters together with data on their developmental stages and occupied microhabitats, localities and dates of collection of the eels themselves. The database includes 62 parasite taxa (including 50 species, nine identified to the genus level and three to higher taxa), representing at least 47 genera and 39 families. The most frequently-noted parasites of the European eel are the cestode Bothriocephalus claviceps, the nematodes Anguillicoloides crassus, Camallanus lacustris and Raphidascaris acus and the acanthocephalan Acanthocephalus lucii. Four alien species have been noted from this host: A. crassus, the monogeneans Pseudodactylogyrus anguillae and Pseudodactylogyrus bini and the acanthocephalan Paratenuisentis ambiguus. The present list includes both new host records and earlier records not included in previous lists of parasites of eels.

Digenetic trematode Ogmogaster antarcticus (Notocotylidae) in a fin whale Balaenoptera physalus (Balaenopteridae) stranded in the Baltic Sea.

On 28 August 2015, a dead fin whale Balaenoptera physalus (Linnaeus, 1758) was collected from the waters of the Gulf of Gdan΄%%KERN_ERR%%sk (Baltic Sea). The individual was a male in a poor nutritional condition with an empty stomach. Over 34000 Ogmogaster antarcticus flukes were found in the colon and rectum. This is the first observation of O. antarcticus in the Baltic Sea.

Demodex foveolator (Acariformes: Demodecidae) from Crocidura suaveolens (Soricomorpha: Soricidae) ­ the second observation worldwide, and a checklist of the demodecid mites of soricomorphs

Thus far, only six species of parasitic mites of the Demodecidae family have been recorded in hosts from the Soricomorpha: two from the common shrew (Sorex araneus), two from the Mediterranean water shrew (Neomys anomalus), one from the lesser white-toothed shrew (Crocidura suaveolens) and one from the European mole (Talpa europaea). The present study describes the identification of Demodex foveolator in C. suaveolens from the area of Poland (the Wielkopolska region). This is only the second record of this species in the world, a new mite species for the Polish fauna and a new host record in Poland, i.e. the first identification of Demodecidae in Crocidura mammals.

Demodex melesinus (Acariformes: Demodecidae) - the forgotten European badger parasite, rediscovered after 100 years.

Among 15 demodecid mite species (Acariformes: Demodecidae) recorded from carnivorans Carnivora, 3 species were described from mustelids Mustelidae. They are known only from single records, for which Demodex erminae has been described from the stoat Mustela erminea from Great Britain and New Zealand, D. melesinus from the European badger Meles meles known solely from Great Britain and D. lutrae discovered in the Eurasian otter Lutra lutra from Poland. The current record confirms the existence of D. melesinus, in badger from Poland, after close to one hundred years from its original description, as well as the first detection of the male for this species.

Demodecid mites (Acariformes, Demodecidae) in brown longeared bat Plecotus auritus (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) ­ second record in the world and systematic status of Demodex chiropteralis Hirst, 1921

As many as 26 species of parasitic mites of the Demodecidae family have thus far been described in the Chiroptera, of which only three have been found in bats from Europe. The first of the latter group was Demodex chiropteralis Hirst, 1921, described on the basis of only two females originating from one bat from Great Britain; an observation which has never been made since. The present study reports the discovery of both male and female D. chiropteralis in Poland, together with other unknown demodecid mites which may well belong to new species. The present study confirms the existence of D. chiropteralis after nearly one hundred years from its original description, as well as the first determination of representatives of the Demodecidae in the Chiroptera of Central Europe.