Interactions between the intestinal cestode Polyonchobothrium clarias (Pseudophyllidea: Ptychobothriidae) from the African sharptooth catfish Clarias gariepinus and heavy metal pollutants in an aquatic environment in Egypt.

In an aquatic environment, there is a profound and inverse relationship between environmental quality and disease status of fish. Parasites are one of the most serious limiting factors in aquaculture. Therefore, the present investigation was carried out during the period of February-December 2014 to determine the parasitic infections in the African sharptooth catfish Clarias gariepinus, relative to the capability of internal parasites to accumulate heavy metals. Up to 100 catfish were examined for gastrointestinal helminths and 38% of fish were found to be infected with the cestode Polyonchobothrium clarias. The morphology of this parasite species, based on light and scanning electron microscopy, revealed that the adult worm was characterized by a rectangular scolex measuring 0.43-0.58 (0.49 ± 0.1) mm long and 0.15-0.21 (0.19 ± 0.1) mm wide, with a flat to slightly raised rostellum armed with a crown with two semicircles each bearing 13-15 hooks, followed by immature, mature and gravid proglottids which were about 29-55 (45), 16-30 (24) and 15-39 (28) in number, respectively. The mature proglottid contained a single set of genitalia in which medullary testes measured 0.09-0.13 (0.11 ± 0.01) mm long and 0.05-0.08 (0.06 ± 0.01) mm wide; a bi-lobed ovary was situated near the posterior margin of the proglottid, extending laterally up to the longitudinal excretory canals; the tubular uterus arose from the ootype up to the anterior margin of the proglottid; and vitelline follicles were cortical. The greater portion of the gravid proglottid was occupied by a uterus filled with unoperculate and embryonated eggs. Chemical analysis confirmed that the concentrations of heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Mn, Cd, Ni and Pb) accumulated in P. clarias were higher than in fish tissues and values recommended by FAO/WHO, with the exception of Zn, which was found to be higher in fish kidneys than in the cestode. This supports the hypothesis that cestodes of fish can be regarded as useful bioindicators when evaluating the environmental pollution of aquatic ecosystems by heavy metals.

Gastrointestinal parasites of free-living Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in the Northern Red Sea, Egypt.

The present study represents the first report on the gastrointestinal parasite fauna infecting the free-living and alive Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) inhabiting waters of the Red Sea at Hurghada, Egypt. A total of 94 individual faecal samples of the examined bottlenose dolphins were collected during several diving expeditions within their natural habitats. Using classical parasitological techniques, such as sodium acetate acetic acid formalin method, carbol fuchsin-stained faecal smears, coproantigen ELISA, PCR and macroscopical analyses, the study revealed infections with 21 different parasite species belonging to protozoans and metazoans with some of them bearing zoonotic and/or pathogenic potential. Four identified parasite species are potential zoonotic species (Giardia spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Diphyllobothrium spp., Ascaridida indet.); three of them are known to have high pathogenic potential for the examined dolphin species (Nasitrema attenuata, Zalophotrema spp. and Pholeter gastrophilus) and some appear to be directly associated with stranding events. In detail, the study indicates stages of ten protozoan species (Giardia spp., Sarcocystis spp., Isospora (like) spp., Cystoisospora (like) spp., Ciliata indet. I and II, Holotricha indet., Dinoflagellata indet., Hexamita (like) spp., Cryptosporidium spp.), seven trematode species (N. attenuata, Nasitrema spp. I and II, Zalophotrema curilensis, Zalophotrema spp., Pholeter gastrophilus, Trematoda indet.), one cestode species (Diphyllobothrium spp.), two nematode species (Ascaridida indet, Capillaria spp.) and one crustacean parasite (Cymothoidae indet.). Additionally, we molecularly identified adult worms of Anisakis typica in individual dolphin vomitus samples by molecular analyses. A. typica is a common parasite of various dolphin species of warmer temperate and tropical waters and has not been attributed as food-borne parasitic zoonoses so far. Overall, these parasitological findings include ten new host records for T. aduncus (i.e. in case of Giardia spp., Sarcocystis spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Nasitrema spp., Zalophotrema spp., Pholeter gastrophilus, A. typica, Capillaria spp., Diphyllobothrium spp. and Cymothoidae indet.). The present results may be used as a baseline for future monitoring studies targeting the impact of climate or other environmental changes on dolphin's health conditions and therefore contribute to the protection of these fascinating marine mammals.

Infection with Plasmodium chabaudi diminishes plasma immune complexes and ameliorates the histopathological alterations in different organs of female BWF1 lupus mice.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of Plasmodium chabaudi infection on the plasma level of circulating immune complexes (CICs), haemoglobin (Hb) content, urine profile, and histological features of female BWF1 mice, the murine model of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 female BWF1 lupus mice were randomly divided into three groups as follows: group (I) control group (P. chabaudi uninfected); group (II) lupus mice infected with live P. chabaudi; group (III) lupus mice infected with irradiated P. chabaudi. Urine samples were daily collected from the second week-post infection. Mice from the three groups were killed at day 14 post-infection and heparinized blood was collected for further haemoglobin contents and plasma analysis. Paraffin-embedded kidney, liver, lung, heart, brain, ovary and skin tissues were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and examined under light microscope. RESULTS: Our results reveal that infection of lupus mice with live P. chabaudi was associated with an increase in urinary Hb and a decrease in plasma Hb and CIC levels. Interestingly, infection of lupus mice with live P. chabaudi ameliorates the histopathological alterations mediated by lupus disease in kidney tissues. Although no parasite sequestration was observed in any of the investigated organs, P. chabaudi pigment deposition was observed in the liver of both live and irradiated P. chabaudi infected groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study in lupus prone BWF1 mice indicated that gamma-irradiated P. chabaudi infection has the desired lupus ameliorating effect without negative effects of malaria which assist the understanding of different responses to plasmodium sp. infection in human lupus patients.

Enzymes of delta 1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate metabolism in the camel tick Hyalomma dromedarii during embryogenesis. Purification and characterization of delta 1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate dehydrogenases.

The activity of P5C metabolizing enzymes: OAT, P5CR, PO, and P5CD, in the camel tick Hyalomma dromedarii has been followed throughout embryogenesis. The profiles of enzymatic activity showed clear differences in the four enzymes as the embryos grew older. During purification of P5CD to homogeneity the ion exchange chromatography steps lead to two separate forms (termed A and B) with different molecular weights (60,000-59,000 and 50,000-52,000 for the native and denatured enzymes, respectively), amino acid composition, Km for P5C and coenzymes, varying dehydrogenase activities with different substrate specificity when supplied with various aldehyde substrates. Both P5CD A and B exhibited sharp optima at pH 7.5. The effect of different divalent cations and competitive and noncompetitive inhibitors was examined. The changes in P5C metabolizing enzymes during embryogenesis suggest that H. dromedarii has the metabolic potential to convert ornithine into proline and glutamate.

Five new myxosporean species (Myxozoa: Myxosporea) infecting the Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus in Bahr Shebin, Nile Tributary, Nile Delta, Egypt.

Five new myxosporean species belonging to three different genera were described from the Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus in Bahr Shebin, Nile Tributary, Nile Delta, Egypt. These species are: Zschokkella nilei sp. n., Ortholinea africanus sp. n., Triangula egyptica sp. n., Myxobolus fomenai sp. n., and Myxobolus branchiophilus sp. n. Morphometry, light microscopy, and hand drawing of mature spores and plasmodia were presented for each species.

Four new species of Ceratomyxa Thelohan 1892 (Myxozoa: Myxosporea: Ceratomyxidae) infecting the gallbladder of some Red Sea fishes.

Four new Ceratomyxa species were described from the gallbladder of four Red Sea fishes at Suez and Hurghada, Egypt. These species are Ceratomyxa bassoni sp. n. from Plectorhinchus gaterinus (Forsskal 1775) at Suez and Hurghada, Ceratomyxa entzerothi sp. n. from Valamugil seheli (Forsskal 1775) at Suez and Hurghada, Ceratomyxa swaisi sp. n. from Saurida undosquamis (Richardson 1848) at Suez only and Ceratomyxa hurghadensis sp. n. from Fistularia commersonii Ruppell 1838 at Hurghada only. Their taxonomic affinities to other species are discussed.

Zschokkella helmii n. sp. (Myxozoa: Myxosporea), a new parasite of marbled spinefoot Siganus rivulatus (Forsskal 1775), Red Sea, Egypt: light and transmission electron microscopy.

Zschokkella helmii n. sp., a new parasite of Siganus rivulatus from the Red Sea, Egypt, was described using light and transmission electron microscopy. However, the infection was severe; single "histozoic" plasmodium was encountered in the gallbladder wall. Spores are ellipsoid with 9-11 valvar striations. Spore mean length is 10.8 microm (10.0-11.0), while the spore mean width is 7.5 microm (7.0-8.0). Polar capsules are nearly round with a diameter of 2.2 microm (2.0-3.0) and have five filaments. Ultrastructure of the plasmodial wall and sporogenesis of the present species followed the usual pattern valid for most studied myxosporean species.

Light and electron microscopic studies on Kudoa pagrusi sp. n. (Myxosporea: Multivalvulida) infecting the heart of sea bream Pagrus pagrus (L.) from the Red Sea.

A new multivalvulid species, Kudoa pagrusi sp. n., was described from the sea bream Pagrus pagrus. The cysts were oval to ellipsoidal and restricted to the cardiac muscles. The mean spore measurements were 7.0 microm in length and 6.4 microm in width as well as in thickness, while the mean polar capsule measurements were 3.7 microm in length and 1.5 microm in width. The ultrastructural features of the present species proved that the spore have four polar capsules with four shell valves that are the main criteria for genus Kudoa.

Myxobolus lubati n. sp. (Myxosporea: Myxobolidae), a new parasite of haffara seabream Rhabdosargus haffara (Forsskal, 1775), Red Sea, Egypt: a light and transmission electron microscopy.

A new myxosporean parasite, Myxobolus lubati n. sp., was described from the wall of the intestine of haffara seabream Rhabdosargus haffara (Forsskal 1775), Red Sea, Egypt. Macroscopic plasmodia of about 300 mum diameter were located in the circular muscle layer of the intestine. The spores were ovoid and sometimes ellipsoid and measured 9.8 x 7.2 mum. The shell wall of the spore was thickened at the posterior end and marked with 5-7 sutural markings. Polar capsules were equal and pyriform with three polar filament turns situated in the posterior half of the polar capsule. Polar capsules measured 4.2 x 1.6 mum. Histological evaluation of the infection revealed a slight distention of the intestinal layer of muscularis. Ultrastructure of the plasmodial wall and sporogenesis of the present species followed the usual pattern valid for most studied myxosporean species.

A light and electron microscope study of Sarcocystis mitrani (sp. nov.) infecting the skink Scincus mitranus in the central region of Saudi Arabia.

The prevalence of Sarcocystis infection among skinks, Scincus mitranus, was studied for the first time. Grossly macroscopic sarcocysts were found to infect the skeletal muscles of the skink (infection rate: 4.16%). Fecal examination for the presence of sporocysts was negative in this study. Sarcocysts were studied using light and transmission electron microscopes. Mature sarcocysts measuring 0.05-0.3 x 0.5-1.8 mm (mean 0.1 5x 1.2 mm) were observed. The characteristic primary cyst wall, with long, finger-like, non-branched and non-stalked protrusions, is described. The ground substance gives rise to numerous thick septa dividing the interior of the cyst into chamber-like compartments. Zoites, including metrocytes and merozoites, were found to have the main architecture of Apicomplexa. Peculiarities of these elements and the importance of the primary cyst-wall ultrastructure for identification and specification of Sarcocystis are discussed. Secondary cyst wall was completely absent. Alterations in the infected host cell were observed.

Ultastructural studies of Sarcocystis sp. from the camel (Camelus dromedarius) in Egypt.

By means of electron microscopy a study has been made on Sarcocystis from 29 camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Egypt. In oesophagus and diaphragm muscles sarcocysts have been observed. The micromorphology of metrocytes, merozoites as well as of the cyst wall has been described.

Endogenous stages of Eimeria arvicanthi infecting the field rat Arvicanthis niloticus niloticus from Egypt.

The endogenous stages of Eimeria arvicanthi were studied after experimental infection with pure strain in the rat Arvicanthis n. niloticus. The prepatent period was 5 days, while the patent period extended to the 11th day p.i. Two asexual generations were determined in the epithelial cells of the upper part of the colon, while the sexual one was found in the crypts of Lieberkühn. Schizonts of the 1st generation were found 60 hrs p.i., measuring 9 X 4 microns and contained 4-8 merozoites, however those of the 2nd generation were found at 96 hrs p.i., measured 14 X 10 microns and contained 8-12 merozoites. Gamonts were firstly recorded at 108 hrs p.i., after growth they differentiated and gave rise to gametes. Macrogametes were 19 X 17 microns with large nuclei and wall-forming bodies in their cytoplasm. Microgamonts (14 X 11 microns) were irregular in shape and after many nuclear divisions produce many microgametes. Eimeria arvicanthi was pathogenic and about 60% of the experimentally infected rats with 3-5 X 10(5) sporulated oocysts were died till the 9th day p.i.

Effects of infection with Eimeria labbeana on some serum constituents and liver glycogen in the palm dove (Streptopelia senegalensis aegyptiaca).

The concentrations of total serum proteins, total lipids, glucose, and liver glycogen were determined in normal as well as Eimeria-infected palm doves. A highly significant increase in total serum protein concentration was observed in infected birds as compared with that seen in noninfected doves. There was an increase in total serum lipids subsequent to infection, but this was only significant in females. No significant increase in serum glucose concentration was observed in infected male or female birds. However, an insignificant decrease in the liver glycogen level of both male and female infected doves was observed.

Electron microscopic study on macrogametogenesis of Eimeria labbeana infecting the Egyptian wild doves and host-parasite relationship.

The development of macrogametes of Eimeria labbeana was studied by electron microscopy in the epithelial cells of the villi at 96 hrs. post-infection. Appearance of young macrogamonts was characterized by the loss of the architecture of the apicomplexa (polar ring, rhoptries, micronemes, conoid, subpellicular microtubules), while the pellicle became only one unit membrane. This was associated by the formation of wall forming bodies II then I. Moreover, the mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi were increased in the cytoplasm. Amylopectin granules as well as lipid globules were greatly increased in mature macrogametes. Host cell reaction due to infection included enlargement and deformation of infected cells, hypertrophy of their nuclei, swollen and degeneration of mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum and vacuolation of ground cytoplasm. These changes occur in both cells with and without parasite.

Endodyogony and cyst formation of Sarcocystis gongyli (Trinci 1911) from the skink Chalcides ocellatus.

The heteroxenous life cycle of S. gongyli comprising both the skink Chalcides ocellatus (intermediate host) and the snake Spalerosophis diadema, herewith the process of cyst formation was followed by means of light and electron microscopy after experimental infection. Following migration of the merozoites to muscle fibres, they changed into globular metrocytes, meanwhile a parasitophorous vacuole enclosing them. As development proceeded the wall of the parasitophorous vacuole is thickened in the form of striated protrusions as well as the metrocytes underwent endodyogony producing large numbers of banana-shaped merozoites in the centre of the cyst. Mature microscopic sarcocyst appeared at 120 days p.i, and these were characterized by presence of stalky leaf-like protrusions in their primary cyst wall. Asexual multiplication of metrocytes occurred through endodyogony in which always the mother metrocyte produced two opposite merozoites.

Life cycle of Hepatozoon mehlhorni sp. nov. in the viper Echis carinatus and the mosquito Culex pipiens.

Hepatozoon mehlhori sp. nov. and its developmental stages from the tissues of the Egyptian viper Echis carinatus and the mosquito Culex pipiens are described. The erythrocytic parasites were differentiated into the small form (trophozoite) measuring 14.5 +/- 0.6 x 4 +/- 0.12 micron and the mature form (gametocyte) measuring 17.2 +/- 1.6 x 5.4 +/- 0.5 micron. Merogony took place in the pulmonary endothelial cells and in the parenchyma cells of the liver and spleen of the infected vipers. Two types of meront were found. The large meronts (macromeronts) were 30.2 +/- 1.73 x 22.6 +/- 1.2 microns in size and yielded 16-40 (average, 28) micromerozoites measuring 17.2 +/- 0.7 x 5 +/- 0.15 microns. The small meronts (micromeronts) measured 18.2 +/- 0.6 x 13.5 +/- 0.5 microns and yielded 2-14 (average, 8) macromerozoites that were 15.1 +/- 0.12 x 6.2 +/- 0.8 microns in size. After syzygy in the haemocoel of the mosquito, the microgamont produced four uniflagellate microgametes (6.4 +/- 0.3 x 4.5 +/- 0.5 microns in size, with a short flagellum measuring 3.2 +/- 0.1 microns); on the 3rd day post-infection (p.i.)., one of these fertilized the macrogamete, giving rise to the zygote. The oocyst developed from the zygote on the 5th day p.i. and measured 135 +/- 2.6 x 120 +/- 1.8 microns. About 11-60 (average, 35) sporoblasts were formed by centripetal invaginations from each oocyst on the 8th day p.i. and developed into sporocysts on the 14th day p.i. Inside each sporocyst, 5-12 (average, 8) sporozoites, each measuring 12.6 +/- 1.2 x 4.1 +/- 0.3 microns, developed on the 16th day p.i. According to the above-mentioned characteristics the parasite was recorded as being a new species and was named Hepatozoon mehlhorni. Experimental transmission was accomplished by i.p. inoculation of the infectious stages (sporozoites) into uninfected vipers and led to the appearance of blood stages at 4-6 weeks p.i.