Protozoan parasites of birds from the Tremembé formation (Oligocene of the Taubaté Basin), São Paulo, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the presence of protozoan parasites in bird coprolites from the Tremembé Formation (Oligocene of the Taubaté Basin). MATERIALS: Twenty avian coprolites embedded in pyrobituminous shale matrices. METHODS: Samples were rehydrated and subjected to spontaneous sedimentation. RESULTS: Paleoparasitological analyses revealed oocysts compatible with the Eimeriidae family (Apicomplexa) and one single Archamoebae (Amoebozoa) cyst. CONCLUSIONS: The present work increases the amount of information about the spread of infections throughout the Cenozoic Era and reveals that the Brazilian paleoavifauna played an important role in the Apicomplexa and Amoebozoa life cycles. SIGNIFICANCE: This is the first record of protozoans in avian coprolites from the Oligocene of Brazil. These findings can help in the interpretation of phylogenies of coccidian parasites of modern birds, as certain taxonomic characters observed in the Oligocene Protozoa characterize monophyletic groups in current molecular phylogenetic analyses. LIMITATIONS: None of the oocysts were sporulated; therefore, it is not possible to identify the morphotypes to genus or species. SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH: Our results create new perspectives related to biogeographic studies of the parasitic groups described and may improve the understanding of the temporal amplitude of parasitic evolutionary relationships between Protozoans and birds.

Oxysomatium brevispiculum n. sp. (Nematoda: Cosmocercidae) from Amphisbaena alba Linnaeus (Squamata, Amphisbaenidae) in the Cerrado Biome from Brazil.

In the present study, we describe Oxysomatium brevispiculum n. sp. (Ascaridida: Cosmocercidae) parasitizing Amphisbaena alba Linnaeus (Squamata: Amphisbaenidae) in the municipality of Uberlândia, Cerrado Biome, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Oxysomatium brevispiculum n. sp. differs from its congeners by having shorter spicules and by the number and arrangement of caudal papillae. The males of the new species have a precloacal unpaired papilla and can be easily distinguished from O. caucasicum in which this morphological trait is absent. Oxysomatium brevispiculum n. sp. differs from the other three species of the genus by the number and arrangement of caudal papillae, with 13 pairs + 1 unpaired precloacal papilla, arrangement 8+1:2:3, while O. brevicaudatum has 14-16 pairs +1 unpaired papilla, and 7-9+1:1:6 arrangement, O. petrolinensis has 16 pairs +1 unpaired papilla, and 8+1:1:7 arrangement, and O. dollfusi with 15-16 pairs +1 unpaired papilla, and 8-9+1:1:6 arrangement. Oxysomatium brevispiculum n. sp. is the fifth species of this genus, the second species in a Neotropical host, and the first species of this genus described in amphisbaenid hosts. In addition, the present study provides an identification key for the species of this genus.

New reports of parasitism by Synhimantus (Dispharynx) nasuta (Rudolphi, 1819) (Nematoda: Acuariidae) in wild birds in Brazil.

The aim of this study was to register the first occurrence of Synhimantus (Dispharynx) nasuta (Nematoda: Acuariidae) in some species of wild birds in Brazil. In addition, the aim was to deepen the knowledge about the morphology of this species through analysis using scanning electron microscopy. Nematodes were collected in wild birds of the species Turdus leucomelas, T. rufiventris, Mimus saturninus, Pitangus sulphuratus, Megascops choliba, Tyto furcata, and Falco sparverius. The morphological and morphometric data observed in the nematodes prove that these parasites are S. (D.) nasuta. This study also provides morphological data from light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), as well as the morphometry of this nematode in each host species. Therefore, the current study confirms the first record of this nematode in F. sparverius and T. furcata in South America and, at the same time, these findings expand the host range of this parasite species worldwide, through the first records in M. choliba, M. saturninus, T. leucomelas and T. rufiventris.

Vertical Transmission of a Nematode from Female Lizards to the Brains of Their Offspring.

Parasites have evolved a diversity of lifestyles that exploit the biology of their hosts. Some nematodes that parasitize mammals pass via the placenta or milk from one host to another. Similar cases of vertical transmission have never been reported in avian and nonavian reptiles, suggesting that egg laying may constrain the means of parasite transmission. However, here we report the first incidence of transovarial transmission of a previously undescribed nematode in an egg-laying amniote, the common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis). Nematodes enter the developing brain from the female ovary early in embryonic development. Infected lizard embryos develop normally and hatch with nematodes residing in their braincase. We present a morphological and molecular phylogenetic characterization of the nematode and suggest that particular features of lizard biology that are absent from birds and turtles facilitated the evolutionary origin of this novel life history.

Shaking the Tree: Multi-locus Sequence Typing Usurps Current Onchocercid (Filarial Nematode) Phylogeny.

During the past twenty years, a number of molecular analyses have been performed to determine the evolutionary relationships of Onchocercidae, a family of filarial nematodes encompassing several species of medical or veterinary importance. However, opportunities for broad taxonomic sampling have been scarce, and analyses were based mainly on 12S rDNA and coxI gene sequences. While being suitable for species differentiation, these mitochondrial genes cannot be used to infer phylogenetic hypotheses at higher taxonomic levels. In the present study, 48 species, representing seven of eight subfamilies within the Onchocercidae, were sampled and sequences of seven gene loci (nuclear and mitochondrial) analysed, resulting in the hitherto largest molecular phylogenetic investigation into this family. Although our data support the current hypothesis that the Oswaldofilariinae, Waltonellinae and Icosiellinae subfamilies separated early from the remaining onchocercids, Setariinae was recovered as a well separated clade. Dirofilaria, Loxodontofilaria and Onchocerca constituted a strongly supported clade despite belonging to different subfamilies (Onchocercinae and Dirofilariinae). Finally, the separation between Splendidofilariinae, Dirofilariinae and Onchocercinae will have to be reconsidered.

Physaloptera bainae n. sp. (Nematoda: Physalopteridae) parasitic in Salvator merianae (Squamata: Teiidae), with a key to Physaloptera species parasitizing reptiles from Brazil.

Physaloptera bainae n. sp. (Nematoda: Physalopteridae) from stomach of the large "tegú" lizard Salvator merianae (Squamata: Teiidae), collected in an ecological park that is part of the Atlantic Rainforest biome in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil, is described. The new species which has females with didelphic uterus, is the only species of the genus exhibiting external teeth in the form of 4 spines that are organized in a cross-shaped pattern at the anterior apical end, with 2 minute adcloacal papillae on the anterior part of cloacal aperture in males and a large cuticular expansion at the anterior end of females. Moreover, P. bainae n. sp. can be differentiated from the other congeners by the combination of other features, e.g., number (23) and pattern of caudal papillae, spicule size (left 554-600; right 589-617) and vulval position (on the first third of body), and because the specimens are particularly large and robust. Physaloptera monodens is considered a junior synonym of P. obtusissima. In addition, a key to Physaloptera species parasitizing reptiles from Brazil is provided.

A new metastrongyloidean species (Nematoda) parasitizing pulmonary arteries of Puma (Herpailurus) yagouaroundi (É. Geoffroy, 1803) (Carnivora: Felidae) from Brazil.

Angiostrongylus felineus n. sp. (Nematoda, Metastrongyloidea), parasitic in Puma (Herpailurus) yagouaroundi (É. Geoffroy, 1803) (Carnivora, Felidae) from the municipality of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais state, Brazil, is described and illustrated herein. Angiostrongylus felineus n. sp. differs from all congeneric species by having the anterior extremity with accentuated cuticular expansion and by smaller size of spicules. This study describes for the first time a species of Angiostrongylus in a wild Felidae in Brazil.

Crenosoma brasiliense sp. n. (Nematoda: Metastrongyloidea) parasitic in lesser grison, Galictis cuja (Molina, 1782) (Carnivora, Mustelidae) from Brazil, with a key to species of Crenosoma Molin, 1861.

This study describes Crenosoma brasiliense (Nematoda, Metastrongyloidea), a new species parasitic in bronchi and bronchioles of Galictis cuja (Molina) (Carnivora, Mustelidae) from Brazil. This species differs from other 11 species of Crenosoma by having a cuticular projection at the distal end of the spicules, forming a prominent blade at the tip of the spicule, a vulval cuticular appendage with a triangular shape and prominent vulval lips. There are no previous records of species of Metastrongyloidea in G. cuja or species of Crenosoma in South America. Therefore, the new species represents the first host record and first geographical record of species of Crenosoma in South America.

A new type F Wolbachia from Splendidofilariinae (Onchocercidae) supports the recent emergence of this supergroup.

Wolbachia are vertically transmitted endosymbiotic bacteria of arthropods and onchocercid nematodes. It is commonly accepted that they co-evolved with their filarial hosts, and have secondarily been lost in some species. However, most of the data on the Wolbachia/Onchocercidae relationship have been derived from studies on two subfamilies, the Dirofilariinae and the Onchocercinae, which harbour parasites of humans and domestic animals. Within the last few years, analyses of more diverse material have suggested that some groups of Onchocercidae do not have Wolbachia, such as recently studied Splendidofilariinae from birds. This study takes advantage of the analysis of additional Splendidofilariinae, Rumenfilaria andersoni from a Finnish reindeer and Madathamugadia hiepei from a South African gecko, using PCR, immunohistochemical staining and whole-mount fluorescent analysis to detect Wolbachia and describe its strains. A DNA barcoding approach and phylogenetic analyses were used to investigate the symbiosis between Wolbachia and the Onchocercidae. A new supergroup F Wolbachia was demonstrated in M. hiepei, representing the first filarial nematode harbouring Wolbachia described in a non-mammalian host. In the adult, Wolbachia infects the female germline but not the hypodermis, and intestinal cells are also infected. The phylogenetic analyses confirmed a recent emergence of supergroup F. They also suggested several events of horizontal transmission between nematodes and arthropods in this supergroup, and the existence of different metabolic interactions between the filarial nematodes and their symbionts.

A new Physaloptera (Nematoda: Physalopteridae) parasite of Tupinambis merianae (Squamata: Teiidae) from southeastern Brazil.

Physaloptera tupinambae n. sp. (Nematoda: Physalopteridae) collected from the stomach of 1 Tupinambis merianae (Squamata: Teiidae) male lizard is described. Physaloptera tupinambae, which belongs to the didelphys group, is the only species in the genus that exhibits a bipartite internal tooth and in which the excretory pore is anterior to the deirids. The new species can be differentiated from the other congeners mainly based on the number and pattern of caudal papillae and the length and shape of spicules. Physaloptera murisbrasiliensis and Physaloptera clausa orientalis are the only physalopterids with the same number of caudal papillae as for P. tupinambae, but they differ from the new species mainly in length and shape of spicules. Based on morphological analysis, the speciation process among Physaloptera probably occurred via host capture, and P. tupinambae occupies an intermediate phylogenetic position in the genus. Most likely, the new parasite was acquired by the lizard through ingestion of an intermediate host. Finally, Physaloptera calotisi, Physaloptera funambuli, Physaloptera guptae, Physaloptera indica, Physaloptera johnsoni, Physaloptera kherai, and Physaloptera thaparus are moved to Abbreviata.

New insights into the evolution of Wolbachia infections in filarial nematodes inferred from a large range of screened species.

BACKGROUND: Wolbachia are intriguing symbiotic endobacteria with a peculiar host range that includes arthropods and a single nematode family, the Onchocercidae encompassing agents of filariases. This raises the question of the origin of infection in filariae. Wolbachia infect the female germline and the hypodermis. Some evidences lead to the theory that Wolbachia act as mutualist and coevolved with filariae from one infection event: their removal sterilizes female filariae; all the specimens of a positive species are infected; Wolbachia are vertically inherited; a few species lost the symbiont. However, most data on Wolbachia and filaria relationships derive from studies on few species of Onchocercinae and Dirofilariinae, from mammals. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We investigated the Wolbachia distribution testing 35 filarial species, including 28 species and 7 genera and/or subgenera newly screened, using PCR, immunohistochemical staining, whole mount fluorescent analysis, and cocladogenesis analysis. (i) Among the newly screened Onchocercinae from mammals eight species harbour Wolbachia but for some of them, bacteria are absent in the hypodermis, or in variable density. (ii) Wolbachia are not detected in the pathological model Monanema martini and in 8, upon 9, species of Cercopithifilaria. (iii) Supergroup F Wolbachia is identified in two newly screened Mansonella species and in Cercopithifilaria japonica. (iv) Type F Wolbachia infect the intestinal cells and somatic female genital tract. (v) Among Oswaldofilariinae, Waltonellinae and Splendidofilariinae, from saurian, anuran and bird respectively, Wolbachia are not detected. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The absence of Wolbachia in 63% of onchocercids, notably in the ancestral Oswaldofilariinae estimated 140 mya old, the diverse tissues or specimens distribution, and a recent lateral transfer in supergroup F Wolbachia, modify the current view on the role and evolution of the endosymbiont and their hosts. Further genomic analyses on some of the newly sampled species are welcomed to decipher the open questions.

[Relationship between biomass and parasite density of Mediorhynchus emberizae (Acanthocephala: Gigantorhynchidae) parasites of Paroaria dominicana (Passeriformes: Emberizidae) of the State of Bahia, Brazil]. / Relação entra biomassa e densidade parasitária de Mediorhynchus emberizae (Acanthocephala: Gigantorhynchidae) parasito de Paroaria dominicana (Passeriformes: Emberizidae) do Estado de Bahia, Brasil.

During the study of the metazoan parasites of Paroaria dominicana (Linnaeus, 1758), eight infrapopulations of Mediorhynchus emberizae (Rudolphi, 1819), were collected in the medium third of the small intestine, with parasite intensities ranging from one to ten specimens. Differences among the average values of the biomass, volume of the eggs, volume of the testicles and the parasite density of the infrapopulations were statistically tested in order to detect variations of these parameters in function of parasite density. Was observed that the acanthocephalans biomass increased with the volume of the intestine and also that the parasite density increased with the parasite intensity in the infrapopulations. It was verified that the increase of the parasite intensity was accompanied by the decrease of the mean biomass of the parasites. Decrease of the volume of the eggs was verified with the increase of the density and of the parasite intensity. The results of the present work could suggested the occurrence of density-dependent factors and the decrease of testicles volume and the biomass of the males with the increase of the parasite density in the infrapopulations of M. emberizae in the intestine of P. dominicana.

Relação entre biomassa e densidade parasitária de Mediorhynchus emberizae (acanthocephala: gigantorhynchidae) parasito de paroaria dominicana (passeriformes: emberizidae) do estado da Bahia, Brasil / Relationship between biomass and parasite density of Mediorhynchus emberizae (Acanthocephala: Gigantorhynchidae) parasites of Paroaria dominicana (Passeriformes: Emberizidae) of the State of Bahia, Brazil

Durante o estudo dos metazoários parasitos de Paroaria dominicana (Linnaeus, 1758), oito infrapopulações de Mediorhynchus emberizae (Rudolphi, 1819), foram coletadas no terço médio do intestino delgado, com intensidades parasitárias variando de um a dez espécimes. Diferenças entre os valores médios da biomassa, volume dos ovos, volume dos testículos e da densidade parasitária das diferentes infrapopulações foram estatisticamente testadas com o objetivo de detectar variações desses parâmetros em função da densidade parasitária. Foi observado que a biomassa de acantocéfalos aumentou com o volume do intestino e também que a densidade dos parasitos aumentou com a intensidade parasitária nas infrapopulações. Verificou-se que o aumento da intensidade parasitária foi acompanhada pela diminuição da biomassa média dos parasitos. Constatou-se diminuição do volume dos ovos com o aumento da densidade e da intensidade parasitária. Os resultados do presente trabalho parecem dar indícios da ocorrência de fatores dependentes da densidade e da diminuição do volume testicular e a biomassa dos machos com o aumento da densidade parasitária nas infrapopulações de M. emberizae no intestino de P. dominicana.

During the study of the metazoan parasites of Paroaria dominicana (Linnaeus, 1758), eight infrapopulations of Mediorhynchus emberizae (Rudolphi, 1819), were collected in the medium third of the small intestine, with parasite intensities ranging from one to ten specimens. Differences among the average values of the biomass, volume of the eggs, volume of the testicles and the parasite density of the infrapopulations were statistically tested in order to detect variations of these parameters in function of parasite density. Was observed that the acanthocephalans biomass increased with the volume of the intestine and also that the parasite density increased with the parasite intensity in the infrapopulations. It was verified that the increase of the parasite intensity was accompanied by the decrease of the mean biomass of the parasites. Decrease of the volume of the eggs was verified with the increase of the density and of the parasite intensity. The results of the present work could suggested the occurrence of density-dependent factors and the decrease of testicles volume and the biomass of the males with the increase of the parasite density in the infrapopulations of M. emberizae in the intestine of P dominicana.

Relação entre biomassa e densidade parasitária de Mediorhynchus emberizae (acanthocephala: gigantorhynchidae) parasito de Paroaria dominicana (passeriformes: emberizidae) do estado da Bahia, Brasil

During the study of the metazoan parasites of Paroaria dominicana (Linnaeus, 1758), eight infrapopulations of Mediorhynchus emberizae (Rudolphi, 1819), were collected in the medium third of the small intestine, with parasite intensities ranging from one to ten specimens. Differences among the average values of the biomass, volume of the eggs, volume of the testicles and the parasite density of the infrapopulations were statistically tested in order to detect variations of these parameters in function of parasite density. Was observed that the acanthocephalans biomass increased with the volume of the intestine and also that the parasite density increased with the parasite intensity in the infrapopulations. It was verified that the increase of the parasite intensity was accompanied by the decrease of the mean biomass of the parasites. Decrease of the volume of the eggs was verified with the increase of the density and of the parasite intensity. The results of the present work could suggested the occurrence of density-dependent factors and the decrease of testicles volume and the biomass of the males with the increase of the parasite density in the infrapopulations of M. emberizae in the intestine of P dominicana.

Durante o estudo dos metazoários parasitos de Paroaria dominicana (Linnaeus, 1758), oito infrapopulações de Mediorhynchus emberizae (Rudolphi, 1819), foram coletadas no terço médio do intestino delgado, com intensidades parasitárias variando de um a dez espécimes. Diferenças entre os valores médios da biomassa, volume dos ovos, volume dos testículos e da densidade parasitária das diferentes infrapopulações foram estatisticamente testadas com o objetivo de detectar variações desses parâmetros em função da densidade parasitária. Foi observado que a biomassa de acantocéfalos aumentou com o volume do intestino e também que a densidade dos parasitos aumentou com a intensidade parasitária nas infrapopulações. Verificou-se que o aumento da intensidade parasitária foi acompanhada pela diminuição da biomassa média dos parasitos. Constatou-se diminuição do volume dos ovos com o aumento da densidade e da intensidade parasitária. Os resultados do presente trabalho parecem dar indícios da ocorrência de fatores dependentes da densidade e da diminuição do volume testicular e a biomassa dos machos com o aumento da densidade parasitária nas infrapopulações de M. emberizae no intestino de P. dominicana.

Aspectos quantitativos e morfométricos das infrapopulações de platynosomum illiciens (trematoda: dicrocoeliidae) em paroaria dominicana (passeriformes: emberizidae) do estado da Bahia, Brasil / Quantitative and morfometrical aspects in infrapopulations of platynosomum illiciens (trematoda: dicrocoeliidae) in paroaria dominicana (passeriformes: emberizidae) from the state of Bahia, Brazil

Durante o estudo dos metazoários parasitos de Paroaria dominicana Linnaeus, 1758 (Passeriformes), quatro infrapopulações de Platynosomum illiciens (Brown, 1901) (Trematoda) foram coletadas nos ductos hepáticos, com intensidades parasitárias de 10, 11, 18 e 36 espécimes respectivamente. Diferenças entre os valores morfométricos médios e o número total de ovos das infrapopulações foram estatisticamente testadas. O peso do fígado não se correlacionou ao peso das aves, ao comprimento do corpo das aves e à abundância parasitária. Foram detectadas correlações positivas entre o tamanho das infrapopulações e o número de ovos produzidos e entre o tamanho do corpo dos parasitos e o tamanho dos ovos. Correlações negativas foram observadas entre a intensidade parasitária e o peso do fígado; entre o tamanho das infrapopulações e o tamanho dos indivíduos dessas infrapopulações; entre o número e o tamanho dos ovos e entre o tamanho do corpo dos parasitos e o número de ovos. Os resultados indicaram que as infrapopulações maiores se estabeleceram em aves com fígados menores e que quanto maiores as infrapopulações foram observados menor tamanho corporal e menor tamanho dos ovos, os que se apresentaram em maior quantidade.

During the study of the metazoan parasites of Paroaria dominicana Linnaeus, 1758 (Passeriformes), four infrapopulations of Platynosomum illiciens (Brown, 1901) (Trematoda), parasitic in the liver ducts were collected, with intensity of infection 10, 11, 18 and 36 specimens respectively. Differences between the means of morphometrical values and the total number of eggs were statistically tested. The liver weigh were not significantly correlated with avian total weigh and length, and with the total parasitic abundance. Positive correlations were observed between the size of infrapopulations and the total number of eggs, and between parasite body size and the eggs. size. Negative correlations were observed between parasitic intensity and liver weigh; between the size of infrapopulations and the parasite body size; between total number and the size of eggs and between parasite body size and total number of eggs. These results suggests that host with smaller liver had greater infrapopulations. These greater infrapopulations showed smaller parasite body size and higher size and number of eggs.

[Quantitative and morfometrical aspects in infrapopulations of Platynosomum illiciens (Trematoda: Dicrocoeliidae) in Paroaria dominicana (Passeriformes: Emberizidae) from the state of Bahia, Brazil]. / Aspectos quantitativos e morfométricos das infrapopulações de Platynosomum illiciens (Trematoda: Dicrocoeliidae) em Paroaria dominicana (Passeriformes: Emberizidae) do estado da bahia, Brasil.

During the study of the metazoan parasites of Paroaria dominicana Linnaeus, 1758 (Passeriformes), four infrapopulations of Platynosomum illiciens (Brown, 1901) (Trematoda), parasitic in the liver ducts were collected, with intensity of infection 10, 11, 18 and 36 specimens respectively. Differences between the means of morphometrical values and the total number of eggs were statistically tested. The liver weigh were not significantly correlated with avian total weigh and length, and with the total parasitic abundance. Positive correlations were observed between the size of infrapopulations and the total number of eggs, and between parasite body size and the eggs. size. Negative correlations were observed between parasitic intensity and liver weigh; between the size of infrapopulations and the parasite body size; between total number and the size of eggs and between parasite body size and total number of eggs. These results suggests that host with smaller liver had greater infrapopulations. These greater infrapopulations showed smaller parasite body size and higher size and number of eggs.