Embryogenesis and the first-stage larva of Thelazia lacrymalis.

The female reproductive system of Thelazia lacrymalis (Nematoda: Thelaziidae) was investigated by light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with regard to the developmental stages and the stage deposited by the gravid nematode. Female T. lacrymalis have a didelphic and opisthodelphic type of reproductive system with paired ovaries, oviducts and uteri and a single vagina and vulva. Round and spindle-shaped primary oocytes are documented within the ovaries and oviducts, respectively. The distal part of each uterus provides a fertilization chamber filled with spermatozoa, followed by a sphincter-like part. Further anterior, the uteri broaden gradually containing dividing zygotes, small and large morulae, tadpole-stage embryos and horseshoe-shaped embryos which increase in length and become slimmer forming pretzel-stage embryos and larvae rolled up. The larvae stretch gradually and finally lie straight but still covered with their egg membrane in the vagina. The egg membrane encloses the whole larva and is enlarged at the pointed tail of the larva forming a bulb. At the SEM level, the first-stage larva is shown to have a terminal mouth and three hooks directed posteriorly and a striated cuticle. As morphologically identical larvae were also found in lavages of the conjunctival sac of horses infected with T. lacrymalis, this nematode species can be described as ovoviviparous.

[Cordylobia anthropophaga as a cause of cutaneous myiasis in a dog in Germany]. / Cordylobia anthropophaga als Erreger einer Hautmyiasis bei einem Hund in Deutschland.

This paper reports on a case of cutaneous myiasis due to Cordylobia anthropophaga in a dog imported from Cameroon to Germany. An account is given of the biology and ecology of this skin maggot fly as well as the clinics, diagnosis and treatment of the cutaneous myiasis are reviewed.

[The brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Ixodidae), in Germany: an epidemiologic study and control measures]. / Die Braune Hundezecke, Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Ixodidae), in Deutschland: eine epidemiologische Studie und Bekämpfungsmassnahmen.

Between January and December 1995 infestations with Rhipicephalus sanguineus were established in 22 dogs in Germany. Out of these 22 animals 2 originated from the endemic area of this tick species, Spain and the Dominican Republic and 11 dogs accompanied their owner to the Mediterranean countries, 5 to Italy, 3 to France, 2 to Spain and 1 animal to Greece. Six dogs had never left Germany and with 3 dogs the way of infestation could not be reconstructed. In 16 cases an abundant occurrence of R. sanguineus in homes was reported, whereby in 5 homes also men were infected. An infection with Ehrlichia canis was diagnosed in the dog which originated from Spain and in one animal which had never left Germany.