Redescription and new data on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Microsomacanthus diorchis</Emphasis> (Fuhrmann, 1913) (Cestoda: Hymenolepididae)

Microsomacanthus diorchis (Fuhrmann, 1913) is redescribed and illustrated on the basis of the type-material and new findings from common eider Somateria mollissima captured in Iceland and specimens from the same host species from the Barents, White and Bering Seas. A lectotype is designated and an amended diagnosis is provided. The main differentiating features of M. diorchis are the size and shape of rostellar hooks and the cirrus, the well-marked delay in the antiporal testis development and the bow-shaped uterus. This parasite is shown to be specific to S. mollissima for both Atlantic and Pacific populations of the host. Hymenolepis (Microsomacanthus) somateriae of Bishop & Threlfall (1974) [nec M. somateriae Ryzhikov, 1965] is recognised as a synonym of M. diorchis (Fuhrmann, 1913). The taxonomic position of the species described as Aploparaksis murmanica Baylis, 1919 from common eider is discussed.     

Cestode of the family Hymenolepididae from ducks of Chukotka: Microsomacanthus parasobolevi sp. n.--a widely distributed parasite of eider ducks

A new species of the genus Microsomacanthus Lopez-Neyra, 1942 is described. The material was collected from eider ducks (Somateria mollissima, S. fischeri, and S. spectabilis) in the Chaunskaya lowland (North-Western Chukotka). Microsomacanthus parasobolevi sp. n. differs from the closest species of this genus (M. polystictae Regel, 1988, M. sobolevi Spassky et Jurpalova, 1964; M. strictophalius Tolkatchieva, 1966) by the structure and size of the copulatory organ. Wide distribution of the new species was detected based on the cestodes collections from eider ducks of the Eastern Chukotka, Lena River mouth (in the museum of the Institute of the Parasitology RAS) and Iceland (Karl Skirnisson's cestode collection of the common eider). Furthermore, this species was reported once of the common eider in Newfoundland and Labrador, but erroneously identified as Hymenglejns (Microsomacanthnis) formosoides Spasskaja et Spassky, 1961 by Bishop and Threlfall (1974).     

Proliferative peritoneal and pleural cestodiasis in a cat caused by metacestodes of Mesocestoides sp. Anatomohistopathological findings and genetic identification

A 10-year-old female cat was brought to Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana for post-mortem examination. The animal used to live, together with 26 other cats, in the big terrace of an apartment at the 8th floor in Rome; and was always fed with industrial pet food. Anamnesis referred balance troubles, vomit and convulsions, during a couple of days, followed by sudden death. At necropsy, the cat presented mucoid rhinitis, purulent tracheitis, small areas of pneumonia, dark spots in the liver, catarrhal-hemorrhagic gastritis, fibrinous enteritis and meningeal hyperemia. Thoracic and abdominal cavities were completely invaded by hundreds of larval stages of cestodes. The same parasites were also included in nodules in pancreatic, lung and kidney parenchyma. Microscopic examination of parasites allowed their identification as larval stages (metacestodes) of cestodes of the genus Mesocestoides. The molecular genotyping of the metacestodes indicates a close relationship with members of the genus Mesocestoides, although a significant variation was found with respect to the available sequences of other species of the genus.     

Molecular detection of Campylobacter spp. in California gull (Larus californicus) excreta

We examined the prevalence, quantity, and diversity of Campylobacter species in the excreta of 159 California gull (Larus californicus) samples using culture-, PCR-, and quantitative PCR (qPCR)-based detection assays. Campylobacter prevalence and abundance were relatively high in the gull excreta examined; however, C. jejuni and C. lari were detected in fewer than 2% of the isolates and DNA extracts from the fecal samples that tested positive. Moreover, molecular and sequencing data indicated that most L. californicus campylobacters were novel (<97% 16S rRNA gene sequence identity to known Campylobacter species) and not closely related to species commonly associated with human illness. Campylobacter estimates were positively related with those of fecal indicators, including a gull fecal marker based on the Catellicoccus marimammalium 16S rRNA gene.     

Helminth community structure of the Mediterranean gull (Ichthyaetus melanocephalus) in Southern Italy

The helminth community of the Mediterranean gull (Ichthyaetus melanocephalus) from the Calabria region in southern Italy was examined. Ten species of helminths, including 2 cestodes (Alcataenia larina and Tetrabothrius cylindraceus), 4 digeneans ( Aporchis massiliensis , Brachylaima fuscatum, Cardiocephaloides longicollis, and Ornithobilharzia canaliculata), and 4 nematodes (Eucoleus contortus, Capillaria sp., Cosmocephalus obvelatus, and Paracuaria adunca), were found. The Mediterranean gull represents new host records for A. larina, A. massiliensis, B. fuscatum, and E. contortus; all species, except C. longicollis and O. canaliculata, constitute new locality records. The gastrointestinal helminth community of I. melanocephalus consisted of 9 species but, at the infracommunity level, species richness, diversity, and total helminth abundance are among the lowest reported from any gull species. Two cestode species accounted for 81% of all helminth specimens found.     

Parasites of the Antarctic rattail <Emphasis Type="Italic">Macrourus whitsoni</Emphasis> (Regan, 1913) (Macrouridae,Gadiformes)

A total of 386 Macrourus whitsoni from Antarctic waters were examined for ecto- and endoparasites. Sixty-five M. whitsoni collected near Halley Bay (Weddell Sea) and 321 specimens from the continental slope off King George Island (South Shetland Islands) were studied for sphyriid copepods directly after being caught. A subsample of 25 specimens from the Weddell Sea and of 9 specimens from King George Island were studied for the presence of other metazoan parasites. Twenty-two species were found, including one myxozoan, six digeneans, one monogenean, three cestodes, seven nematodes, one acanthocephalan and three crustacean species/taxa. While Auerbachia monstrosa and Capillaria sp. are reported for the first time from around the Antarctic, the other parasites have been recorded earlier in the Southern Ocean. Many parasite species found have a wide zoogeographical range and a low host-specificity. The parasite fauna of M. whitsoni revealed several similarities with its congeners M. carinatus and M. holotrachys from Antarctic and sub-Antarctic waters. This can be explained by a wide host range of many macrourid deep-sea parasites, together with an overlap in distribution patterns of their hosts. Other supporting factors are host migration and a close phylogenetic relationship between the hosts, which enable the parasites to infest all three macrourids. Eight new host and 14 new locality records are established.     

Description and proposed life cycle of Maritrema novaezealandensis n. sp. (Microphallidae) parasitic in red-billed gulls, Larus novaehollandiae scopulinus, from Otago Harbor, South Island, New Zealand

Maritrema novaezealandensis n. sp. is described from Otago Harbor, South Island, New Zealand, on the basis of adult specimens collected from the Red-billed gull, Larus novaehollandiae scopulinus, and excysted metacercariae obtained from crabs. It belongs to the "eroliae group" and differs from other related species mainly in the shape, size, and patterns of distributions of the spines on the cirrus, the shape of the metraterm, the presence of an unlobed ovary, and the complete ring of the vitelline follicles. Based on morphometric features of metacercariae and adult specimens, the trophic relationships among invertebrate and vertebrate hosts, experimental infections, and previous reports of species of Maritrema with similar transmission patterns, the life cycle of M. novaezealandensis n. sp. is described. A 3-host life cycle is proposed for this parasite. The first intermediate host is the mud snail, Zeacumantus subcarinatus, in which the cercarial stage is produced in sporocysts located within the gonad of the snail. At least 3 crab species (Hemigrapsus crenulatus, Macrophtalmus hirtipes, and Halicarcinus whitei) and several species of amphipods act as second intermediate hosts, with metacercariae encysted in the body cavity of the crustacean host. Finally, the definitive host, the gull, L. n. scopulinus, harbors the adult worms in its intestine.     

Stealing bivalves from common eiders: kleptoparasitism by glaucous gulls in spring

Here I report on glaucous gulls (Larus hyperboreus), an opportunistic, generalist predator, stealing bivalves from a diving duck, the common eider (Somateria mollissima). The study took place in spring, the pre-breeding period of the common eider, in an Arctic fjord (Adventfjorden) at western Spitsbergen, Svalbard. Eiders were abundant, their presence predictable, and they fed on large prey requiring surface handling—all factors facilitating food theft. Only adult glaucous gulls attended the eider flocks. The glaucous gulls brought stolen prey ashore. Amongst these the bivalve Mya neoovata (Myidae) was common. The probability that an eider flock was attended by glaucous gulls declined as the season progressed and increased with the foraging activity of the eiders. Eider flock size and the degree of aggregation within flocks were poor predictors of gull presence. However, eider flocks attended by a single gull were smaller than flocks attended by more than one gull. Common eiders are capital breeders which build up large energy reserves prior to breeding. Kleptoparasitism, therefore, may have a negative impact on eider energy acquisition in early spring. For the glaucous gull, kleptoparasitism may be important as few other food sources are available this time of the season.     

Helminth parasites found in faecal samples of phocids from the Antarctic Peninsula

Information on helminth parasites in Antarctic phocids is scarce and fragmented. Anisakidae nematodes and Diphyllobothriidae cestodes have been reported in Antarctic and subantarctic phocids, although the prevalence and health significance remain unclear. In the present study, the presence of helminth parasites in faeces of Leptonychotes weddellii, Hydrurga leptonyx and Mirounga leonina has been investigated. Faecal samples were collected from different locations of the Antarctic Peninsula. Macroscopical inspection and standard flotation and migration techniques were used for faecal examination. Eggs, larvae and adult parasites of nematodes and cestodes were found in 76.9 % of samples analysed. Positive samples were recorded from all locations surveyed and species investigated. The prevalence was 71.3 % for M. leonina, 95.4 % for L. weddellii and 100 % for H. leptonyx. Anisakidae (eggs and worms), Metastrongyloidea (larvae) and Diphyllobothriidae (eggs) were identified in M. leonina and L. weddellii. Metastrongyloidea (larvae) and Diphyllobothriidae (eggs) were found in H. leptonyx. Molecular characterisation of some of the adult parasites found was useful for the identification of Anisakis simplex and Pseudoterranova sp. in M. leonina, and Contracaecum sp., Contracaecum osculatum, and Pseudoterranova sp. in L. weddellii.     

Two new species of Macrobothridium (Cestoda: Diphyllidea) from rhinobatid elasmobranchs in the Gulf of Gabès, Tunisia, with notes on the status of the genus.

As a result of an investigation of metazoan parasites of elasmobranch fishes in the Gulf of Gabès, Tunisia, we discovered 2 new species of diphyllidean cestodes. Macrobothridium euterpes n. sp. is described from the spiral intestine of Rhinobatos rhinobatos, and Macrobothridium syrtensis n. sp. from the spiral intestine of Rhinobatos cemiculus. Macrobothridium euterpes is distinguished from the only other species in the genus (Macrobothridium rhynchobati) by the number of rostellar hooks, size, genital pore position, vagina position, and ovary shape. Macrobothridium syrtensis is distinguished from M. rhynchobati by the hook morphology, testis number, and overall size, and from M. euterpes by the number of rostellar hooks, testis number, genital pore position, vagina position, and ovary shape. These are the first 2 species added to the genus since its establishment in 1989. A standardized formula for representing the number and arrangement of rostellar hooks in diphyllidean species is presented.     

A comparative analysis of the helminth fauna of kittiwake Rissa tridactyla (Linnaeus, 1758) and glaucous gull Larus hyperboreus Gunnerus, 1767 from different parts of the Barents Sea

The article is based on the results of helminthological observations made on kittiwake Rissa tridactyla and glaucous gull Larus hyperboreus in 1991-2001 in different areas of the Barents Sea (Eastern Murman coast, Franz Josef Land, Novaya Zemlya, Spitzbergen). 18 helminth species (2 trematodes, 11 cestodes, 4 nematodes, and 2 acanthocephalans) were recorded in the kittiwakes and 19 (3 trematodes, 9 cestodes, 5 nematodes and 2 acanthocephalans) species were recorded in the glaucous gulls. Trematodes were absent in the birds collected at the Franz Josef Land and the northern island of Novaya Zemlya. 3 trematode species, namely Gymnophallus sp. (somateria?), Microphallus sp. 1 (M. pseudopygmaeus), and Cryptocotyle lingua were found in the glaucous gulls of western Spitzbergen. It was supposed that the life cycles of these parasites can be completed there. On the other hand, coastal ecosystems of Arctic archipelagoes turn out to be favourable for the transmission of some cestodes. This is closely connected with the regional traits in the marine bird diet, namely the increase of the amphipod (intermediate hosts of hymenolepidids and some dilepidids) and polar cod (supposed second intermediate host for some tetrabothriids) portion in Arctic. As a result, cestodes are the base of the helminth fauna of kittiwakes and glaucous gulls of the Barents Sea, by their species richness, prevalence and abundance. Nematodes and acanthocephalans were represented by a few species with low infection intensity. The main ecological factors affected the regional difference in the species richness and abundance of the helminths parasitising kittiwakes and glaucous gulls in the Barents Sea are proposed. Those are regional climatic features and regional traits in the behaviour and food priorities of birds, and also the distribution of the helminths intermediate hosts, invertebrates and fishes. The phenomenon of host specificity lowering with respect to the definitive host was recorded in some cestode species (Microsomacanthus diorchis, M. microsoma, and Arctotaenia tetrabothrioides) on the border of their distribution ranges, the coastal ecosystems of Arctic.     

Survey of protozoan, helminth and viral infections in shrimp Litopenaeus setiferus and prawn Macrobrachium acanthurus native to the Jamapa River region, Mexico

We surveyed protozoan and metazoan parasites as well as white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) and infectious hypodermal hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV) in white shrimp Litopenaeus setiferus and the palaemonid prawn Macrobrachium acanthurus native to the lower Jamapa River region of Veracruz, Mexico. The presence of parasites and the infection parameters were evaluated in 113 palaemonid prawns collected during the northwind (n = 45), rainy (n = 38) and dry seasons (n = 30) between October 2007 and July 2008, and in 91 shrimp collected in the rainy season between May and June 2008. In L. setiferus, ciliates of the subclass Apostomatia (Ascophrys sp.) were evident in gills, and third-stage larvae of the nematode Physocephalus sexalatus were evident in the stomach. Cestodes of the genus Prochristianella were evident in the hepatopancreas, while some gregarines of the genus Nematopsis, as well as unidentified larval cestodes, were observed in the intestine. Histology identified Ascophrys sp. in association with gill necrosis and tissue melanization. Slight inflammation was observed in intestinal epithelium near cestode larvae. In M. acanthurus, epibionts of the protozoans Epistylis sp., Acineta sp. and Lagenophrys sp. were observed under uropods, periopods and pleopods. An unidentified ciliate of the Apostomatia was also found in the gills, and Nematopsis was identified in the intestine. No histopathology was observed in association with these parasites. Moreover, neither WSSV nor IHHNV were detected by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in any of the L. setiferus or M. acanthurus analysed.     

Aspects of the biology and parasitology of the speckled pigeon Columba guinea L. from Ahmadu Bello University Campus, Zaria, North Central State, Nigeria

The nesting activity, food, fat content and parasites of the speckled pigeon Columba guinea L. from Ahmadu Bello University at Zaria in Nigeria were studied during 1973. Five parasite species were found; the digenean trematode Echinostomum revolutum (Froelich), the cestodes Aporina delafondi (Raillet) and two species of Raillietina and the hippoboscid fly Pseudolynchia canariensis Macquart. The cestodes were the most important parasites since 92% of all birds examined were infected. Male birds had a heavier cestode load than female birds. The nesting season was essentially from October to April with a peak of activity during December and January. Male birds were heavier and showed greater variation in morphometric characteristics than females. Immature birds were lighter than adults but their wing and bill lengths were similar. These pigeons were mainly grain eating birds and the abundance of ground-nuts, guinea corn, rice and millet as items of food apparently coincided with the planting and harvesting seasons.
Pigeons in the nesting season had fewer fat deposits in the heart and smaller numbers of cestodes which were, however, heavier than those from pigeons in the non-nesting season. Male pigeons were lighter in the nesting season than males in the non-nesting season and had less fat but a greater parasite load in the nesting season than females.     

Seasonal occurrence of metazoan parasites of Puntius binotatus in an irrigation canal, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Two hundred specimens of the cyprinid fish Puntius binotatus were collected over a period of 1 year, February 1976–January 1977, from an irrigation canal in Palau Pinang, Malaysia. Six species of parasites were recovered: Dactylogyrus sp., Rhabdochona penengensis Furtado, 1965; Proteocephalus sp., Bothriocephalus acheilognathi Yamaguti, 1934, Pallisentis gaboes MacCallum, 1918 and Lamproglena minula Capart, 1943. The prevalence and mean density of two ectoparasites ( Dactylogyrus sp. and L. minuta ) and an endoparasite (B. acheilognathi) were examined in relation to season and host size. Fish were found to be free of these parasites in many months of the year. Prevalence and mean density of Dactylogyrus sp. and L. minuta were found to be highest during the early part of wet season, whereas those of B. acheilognathi were found to be highest in the later part of wet season. Prevalence of L. minuta increased with increasing size offish, but mean density was least in the largest fish. Both prevalence and mean density of B. acheilognathi were highest in smaller fish, whereas that of Dactylogyrus sp. showed little variation in the three size–groups.     

The role of the rock cod Notothenia coriiceps Richardson, 1844 in the life-cycle of Antarctic parasites

Fifty specimens of Notothenia coriiceps caught in Potter Cove, King George Island, were examined for ecto- and endoparasites. Of the 22 parasite species found, 18 were helminths, 2 were hirudineans and 2 were crustaceans. The isopod Aega antarctica and an unidentified hirudinean are reported for the first time from this fish host. Dominant parasites were the adults of Aspersentis megarhynchus, the invasive stage of Corynosoma spp. (cystacanth) and the adults of Macvicaria pennelli, with respective prevalences of infestation of 94, 76 and 74%. The preferred sites of infestation were the pylorus and intestine, where five different larval (nematodes and cestodes) and eight adult (digeneans and acanthocephalans) parasite species were found. No adult nematodes and cestodes were found and no parasites could be isolated from the musculature. The results of the present study are related to previous findings on the parasite fauna of N. coriiceps. The comparison implies a high parasite diversity in this benthic Antarctic fish species. Most parasites found appear to have a wide range of distribution within Antarctic waters together with a low host specificity. Besides its role as final host for several species of trematodes and acanthocephalans, N. coriiceps serves as transmitter of parasite larvae to piscivorous birds and seals. It is concluded that the parasite fauna in Antarctic fish species provides important insights into the different habitat use and trophic relationship of their fish hosts. Received: 11 September 1997 / Accepted: 12 January 1998     

Helminth fauna of the yellow-legged gull Larus cachinnans in Galicia, north-west Spain

Thirty-six helminth species were found in 324 gulls examined during June 1994 to February 1996 from different localities of Galicia: 25 trematodes (Brachylaima sp., Brachylecithum microtesticulatum, Cardiocephaloides longicollis, Cryptocotyle lingua, Cryptocotyle concavum, Diplostomum spathaceum, Echinostephilla virgula, Galactosomum phalacrocoracis, Gigantobilharzia acotylea, Gymnophallus deliciosus, Gynaecotyla longiintestinata, Himasthla elongata, Himasthla quissetensis, Knipowitschiatrema nicolai, Levinseniella (Levinseniella) propinqua, Maritrema gratiosum, Maritrema linguilla, Microphallus primas, Microphallus similis, Ornithobilharzia canaliculata, Parorchis acanthus, Phagicola minuta, Psilostomum brevicolle, Renicola sp. and Stephanoprora denticulata), four cestodes (Alcataenia micracantha, Microsomacanthus ductilis, Tetrabothrius (Oriana) erostris and Wardium cirrosa), six nematodes (Anisakis simplex, Contracaecum rudolphii, Cosmocephalus obvelatus), Eucoleus contortus, Paracuaria adunca and Tetrameres (Tetrameres) skrjabini) and one acanthocephalan (Arhythmorhynchus longicollis). Tetrabothrius erostris was the most prevalent species (79.6%), followed by C. obvelatus (47.8%), C. lingua (37.4%), G deliciosus (30.9%), G. longiintestinata (22.8%), P. adunca (21.9%), B. microtesticulatum (17.6%), E. contortus (14.5%) and M. similis (9.3%). Microphallus similis was the dominant species, with a Berger-Parker index (BP) of 0.32, followed by T. erostris (BP=0.10). All species presented an aggregated dispersion except G. acotylea and G. phalacrocoracis, which showed a random dispersion. Species that seem to have the greatest predilection for specific sites along the intestine are: C. longicollis and A. micracantha (first third), Brachylaima sp., M. similis and G. longiintestinata (last third) and A. longicollis (second half). Eight species are known to be pathogenic to commercially important fish or molluscan species and several are pathogenic to humans.     

Parasite fauna of seabass (Lates calcarifer) under mariculture conditions in Lampung Bay, Indonesia

Fish parasites have been repeatedly reported to be a major threat to the developing industry of finfish mariculture in Indonesia, due to severe parasite and disease outbreaks. The aim of this study was to identify the metazoan parasite fauna and trichodinid ciliates that infect Lates calcarifer in a representative mariculture farm in Indonesia. Examined were 105 L. calcarifer (seabass) for the metazoan parasite fauna and trichodinid ciliates. Thirty‐five specimens each from the net cages of the National Sea Farming Development Centre (Balai Budidaya Laut, BBL) in Lampung Bay, South Sumatra, Indonesia were investigated in three consecutive seasons (two dry and one rainy season from 2002 to 2003). Nineteen parasite species were identified; all fish specimens were infected with two to 10 parasite species, demonstrating a species‐rich parasite fauna. Protozoans (1 species), myxozoans (1), digeneans (3), monogeneans (5), cestodes (3), nematodes (5) and acanthocephalans (1) were found, including 11 new host records in cultured L. calcarifer from Indonesia. Larval and adult parasite stages were isolated, demonstrating that this fish species, although kept inside the net cages, still functions as an intermediate and final host for marine fish parasites. During all seasons, the six detected monoxenous (single host life cycle) parasite species showed a higher prevalence than the 13 heteroxenous (multiple hosts) species. Most abundant were the fish pathogenic monogeneans Pseudorhabdosynochus epinepheli, Pseudorhabdosynochus lantauensis, Benedenia epinepheli and Neobenedenia melleni with a high prevalence. Most heteroxenous parasites (Digenea, Cestoda, Nematoda and Acanthocephala) occurred with a low prevalence below 26%, caused by the specific culture conditions. Diversity of the heteroxenous parasites was higher in the dry seasons than in the rainy season. Though some seasonality could be observed for the fish pathogenic monogeneans, severe disease outbreaks of these ectoparasites cannot be excluded in either the dry or rainy season.     

PCR-based methods for identification of species of the Anopheles minimus group: allele-specific amplification and single-strand conformation polymorphism

We report two polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods for distinguishing morphologically similar species based on amplification of a variable region of the 28S gene of ribosomal DNA. The four species we investigated are mosquitoes of the Anopheles minimus group: An. aconitus, An. varuna and An. minimus species A and C. The formally named species are vectors of human malaria parasites in south-east Asia but are difficult to distinguish with certainty on the basis of morphology. Allele-specific amplification was used to differentiate An. minimus A from An. minimus C. This technique has been widely used for the diagnosis of species. Single-strand conformation polymorphisms (SSCPs) were used to separate all four species. This technique, which has seldom been used for species identification, has many advantages: it does not require sequence information beyond that needed for amplification; it is ideally suited for the detection of heterozygotes; it utilizes more of the information in the PCR product than allele-specific amplification; it distinguishes all four species considered here and could easily be extended to other species; previously unknown intraspecific variation and additional species are likely to be detected. Thus, SSCPs provide valuable population genetic information which allele-specific amplification does not.