Morphology, genetic characterization and phylogeny of Moniliformis tupaia n. sp. (Acanthocephala: Moniliformidae) from the northern tree shrew Tupaia belangeri chinensis Anderson (Mammalia: Scandentia).

A new species of Moniliformis, M. tupaia n. sp. is described using integrated morphological methods (light and scanning electron microscopy) and molecular techniques (sequencing and analysing the nuclear 18S, ITS, 28S regions and mitochondrial cox1 and cox2 genes), based on specimens collected from the intestine of the northern tree shrew Tupaia belangeri chinensis Anderson (Scandentia: Tupaiidae) in China. Phylogenetic analyses show that M. tupaia n. sp. is a sister to M. moniliformis in the genus Moniliformis, and also challenge the systematic status of Nephridiacanthus major. Moniliformis tupaia n. sp. represents the third Moniliformis species reported from China.

Contrasting alterations in brain chemistry in a crustacean intermediate host of two acanthocephalan parasites.

The dynamic properties of neural systems throughout life can be hijacked by so-called manipulative parasites. This study investigated changes in the brain chemistry of the amphipod Gammarus fossarum in response to infection with two trophically-transmitted helminth parasites known to induce distinct behavioral alterations: the bird acanthocephalan Polymorphus minutus and the fish acanthocephalan Pomphorhynchus tereticollis. We quantified brain antioxidant capacity as a common marker of homeostasis and neuroprotection, and brain total protein, on 72 pools of six brains. We analyzed the concentration of serotonin (5HT), dopamine (DA) and tyramine in 52 pools of six brains, by using ultrafast high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (UHPLC-ECD). Brain total protein concentration scaled hypo-allometrically to dry body weight, and was increased in infected gammarids compared to uninfected ones. The brain of gammarids infected with P. minutus had significantly lower total antioxidant capacity relative to total proteins. Infection with P. tereticollis impacted DA level compared to uninfected ones, and in opposite direction between spring and summer. Brain 5HT level was higher in summer compared to spring independently of infection status, and was decreased by infection after correcting for brain total protein concentration estimated from dry whole-body weight. The potential implication of 5HT/DA balance in parasite manipulation, as a major modulator of the reward-punishment axis, is discussed. Taken together, these findings highlight the need to consider both brain homeostatic and/or structural changes (antioxidant and total protein content) together with neurotransmission balance and flexibility, in studies investigating the impact of parasites on brain and behavior.

Does the body size, sex, and reproductive modes of leaf litter anurans affect the diversity of parasites?

We describe the composition of endoparasites associated with leaf litter anurans from an Atlantic Forest area, in southeastern Brazil. We tested if body size, sex, and reproductive modes of anuran hosts influence endoparasite abundance and richness. We sampled 583 individuals from 11 anuran species and recorded 1,600 helminths from 14 taxa. The helminths that infected the greatest number of anuran host species were the nematodes Cosmocerca parva (8 spp.), Physaloptera sp. (8 spp.), and Cosmocerca brasiliense (7 spp.), and the most abundant helminth species were Physaloptera sp. (14.6%), Cosmocerca brasiliense (13.7%) and Cosmocerca parva (12.6%). Both helminth abundance and richness were positively affected by anuran body size and dependence on water for reproduction. Larger hosts can contain a higher abundance of parasites because they may provide more physical space than smaller ones, or it can simply be a function of age. Besides, parasite species richness can be highly correlated with the amount of time a host spends in association with aquatic habitats, a conservative aspect of both parasite and host natural history. Within host species, there was a positive and significant influence of body size on helminth abundance. Haddadus binotatus females had greater helminth abundance than males, probably due to sex-related differences in behavior and/or in physiology. Our data suggest that reproductive modes could also influence helminth infection parameters in other anuran communities and should be considered in detail in future analyses.

The white grunt, Haemulon plumierii (Lacepède, 1801) as paratenic and definitive host of two acanthocephalan species, with the description of a new species of Dollfusentis (Palaeacanthocephala: Leptohynchoididae) from the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico.

Acanthocephalans are a group of obligate endoparasites that alternate between vertebrates and invertebrates to complete their life cycles. Occasionally, the same individual host acts as a definitive or paratenic host for different acanthocephalan species. In this study, acanthocephalans were sampled in marine fish in three localities of the Yucatán Peninsula; adults and cystacanths were recovered from the intestine and body cavity, respectively, of Haemulon plumierii from off the coast of Sisal, Yucatán. Ribosomal DNA sequences (small and large subunits) were used to test the phylogenetic position of the species of the genus Dollfusentis, whereas the mtDNA gene cox 1 was used for assessing species delimitation. The cox 1 analysis revealed an independent genetic lineage, which is recognized herein as a new species, Dollfusentis mayae n. sp. The new species is morphologically distinguished from the other six congeners by having a cylindrical proboscis armed with 22-25 longitudinal rows bearing 12 hooks each. The cystacanths were morphologically identified as Gorgorhynchus medius by having a cylindrical trunk covered with tiny irregular spines on the anterior region, and a cylindrical proboscis armed with 17-18 longitudinal rows of 21 hooks each; small and large subunit phylogenetic analyses yielded G. medius within the family Isthomosacanthidae, suggesting that Gorgorhynchus should be transferred to this family from Rhadinorhynchidae where it is currently allocated.

Diversity of Acanthocephala parasites in Neotropical amphibians.

Acanthocephalans constitute a small taxonomic group related to rotifers and specialized in a parasitic lifestyle. Anurans act as paratenic and definitive hosts and infections always occur trophically. Our objective is to describe and summarize the richness of acanthocephalans in Neotropical anurans. We conducted a literature review in the main research databases, compiling data published until August 2021. We identified 66 articles with records of acanthocephalan-anuran association, 53.03% were carried out in Brazil. We detected 108 species of anurans from 11 families parasitized by acanthocephalans. With the exception of Bufonidae, Hylidae and Leptodactylidae, which are relatively well-studied families, interaction with acanthocephalans remains largely unexplored for most anuran species. We found six families of acanthocephalans: Centrorhynchidae, Echinorhynchidae, Oligacanthorhynchidae, Cavisomidae, Neoechinorhynchidae and Plagiorhynchidae. Centrorhynchidae and Echinorhynchidae presented the largest number of taxa associated with anurans. The largest number of records corresponded to acanthocephalans in the larval stage (cystacanths), for which anurans act as paratenic hosts. We observed a lack of specific taxonomic resolution in the identifications of most reports, because a large part of the records in the larval stage make morphological identification difficult. Brazil, Mexico, Paraguay, Argentina, Ecuador and Peru are the countries with the most records, while Costa Rica, Venezuela, Colombia, Chile and Uruguay exhibited the lowest publication numbers, resulting in gaps in the distribution of acanthocephalans. We expanded the known number of anuran species parasitized by acanthocephalans, compared to the last published review. Overall, we aim to contribute to the understanding of diversity within this intriguing but understudied group.

The discovery of Moniliformis saudi (Acanthocephala: Moniliformidae) in the Algerian hedgehog Atelerix algirus in Malta: morphological, molecular, and metal analyses.

The acanthocephalan Moniliformis saudi Amin, Heckmann, Mohammed, Evans, 2016 was originally described from the desert hedgehog, Paraechinus aethiopicus (Ehrenberg) in central Saudi Arabia. The distribution of P. aethiopicus extends to North Africa and west to Mauritania. Moniliformis saudi was recently found in the Algerian hedgehog Atelerix algirus (Lereboullet) in Malta. The distribution of A. algirus is restricted to the North African and east Iberian Mediterranean coast and associated islands. Both host species cohabit and share the same feeding grounds in northern Algeria where common infections appear to take place. The morphology of specimens from both acanthocephalan populations was similar, with minor variations mostly related to the relatively larger Maltese specimens especially the trunk and the male reproductive system. Taxonomic features like the cone-shaped anterior trunk, size and formula of proboscis and hooks, the receptacle, size and shape of eggs, anatomy of the apical proboscis sensory pores, and the stellate body wall giant nuclei were, however, practically identical. SEM and microscope images of specimens of the Maltese population emphasize their qualitative characteristics such as the degree of the extreme spiral muscle development and the development of the posterior nucleated pouches of the proboscis receptacle. Proboscis hooks of specimens from both the Maltese and the Saudi populations had similarly high levels (percent weights) of calcium, moderate levels of phosphorus, and minimal levels of sulfur, magnesium and sodium marking the diagnostic value of the Energy Dispersive x-ray analysis in species recognition. Newly generated partial sequences of the 18S ribosomal RNA and cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 (Cox1) of the mitochondrial gene were generated from M. saudi from Malta. Moniliformis saudi from Malta, when compared with other available sequences of the same species isolates available in the GenBank database, formed a strongly supported clade with other congeners. The comparison of the molecular profiles of specimens from populations in Malta, Spain, and Saudi Arabia shows no or low genetic variation between them. Ultimately, we provide a morphological and molecular description of a new population of M. saudi from a new host species in a new geographical location, vastly exceeding the originally described ones from Saudi Arabia. A Cox 1 haplotype network inferred with 10 sequences revealed the presence of eight haplotypes, one of which was shared between the populations of Malta and Spain of M. saudi.

Ovarian balls (Floating ovaries) of Rhadinorhynchus niloticus Mohamadain, 1989 from the Nile perch Lates niloticus Linnaeus, 1758; an electron microscope study.

In Acanthocephala, the ovarian balls (floating ovaries) are distinctive structures found suspended in the fluid-filled metasoma of females and are responsible for egg production and maturation. Those structures have not been studied in Rhadinorhynchus niloticus. We aimed to investigate their ultra-structure by means of scanning and transmission electron microscopy. A total of 30 Lates niloticus fish individuals were collected by fishermen from the River Nile, Egypt, and the isolated adult female specimens were processed for electron microscopy studies. The ovarian balls are elongated and lobulated structures freely scattered in the metasoma. They exhibited three distinct primary structural zones, a central oogonial syncytium, a peripheral cellular zone and a surrounding somatic supporting syncytium. The oogonia, within the central syncytium, give rise to developing oocytes that transform into mature oocytes. The latter enclose some inclusions such as large yolk granules and smaller egg-shell granules. We also describe the process of fertilization within the ovarian ball. The structure of the ovarian ball and the steps of fertilization in R. niloticus are described, for the first time, in the present study.

Morpho-molecular characterisation of two new and two previously reported species of Acanthogyrus (Acanthogyrus: Quadrigyridae) from freshwater fishes in India.

Of the total 47 species in the subgenus Acanthosentis, 43 have been reported from the freshwater fishes of Asia. Amin et al. (2017) provided a key to the 23 species of the genus Acanthogyrus reported from the Indian subcontinent. The present study reports two new species: Acanthogyrus bispinosa n. sp. and A. garciai n. sp. from Cirrhinus mrigala Hamilton and Labeo calbasu Hamilton, respectively, and two previously described species: A. golvani Gupta and Jain, 1980 and A. hereterospinus Khan and Bilqees, 1990 from L. rohita Hamilton and L. catla Hamilton, respectively. A. bispinosa n. sp. comprises 3 circles of 6 proboscis hooks each. Trunk spines in A. bispinosa n. sp are divided into two groups: anterior and posterior separated by unarmed region, which has not been previously reported in the subgenus. Anterior spines are present in 7-8 and 7-10 circles in females and males, respectively, whereas posterior spines are in 23-28 and 31-38 circles in males and females, respectively. A. garciai n. sp. comprises 3 circles of 6-8 hooks each and a single set of trunk spines is present in A. garciai n. sp., comprising 35-42 and 25-45 circles in males and females, respectively. All four species were also characterised based on the 18S, 28S, and ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rRNA molecular markers. The Bayesian inference tree generated based on these markers showed distinct identities of all the species, with a significant molecular divergence, ranging from 3.2 to 53.6%.

Acanthocephala Species of Mammals in Türkiye and A New Species Record from Foxes.

Acanthocephaliasis is a zoonotic parasitic infection of vertebrates. The phylum Acanthocephala contains nearly 1500 acanthocephalan species. The Archiacanthocephala class is observed in terrestrial habitats and usually has a large, spineless trunk. Acanthocephalans are parasitic worms that use insects as intermediate hosts in their two-host life cycles. Insects, millipedes, and crustaceans in terrestrial areas serve as intermediate hosts and birds and mammals as definitive hosts. Acanthocephalans collected from the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) found dead on the road to Sarikamis-Kars in 1995 and stored in formaldehyde were kept in Ondokuz Mays University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Parasitology Laboratory Museum until 2023 after our parasitological study found an infected red fox with Pachysentis sp. This study provides the anatomy of the acanthocephalans and the laboratory practice necessary for a good and reliable diagnosis. This study reports a new species, Pachysentis sp., of acanthocephalan (thorny-headed worm) found in red foxes for Türkiye. On the basis of relevant articles, we have created a key to Acanthocephala species occurring in mammals.

The Description of Neoechinorhynchus miniovalis n. sp. (Acanthocephala: Neoechinorhynchidae) from the Mudskipper Boleophthalmus dussumieri Valenciennes (Gobiiformes: Oxudercidae) in Shatt Al-Basrah Canal Southern Iraq.

PURPOSE: The aim of this article is to describe a new and unusual species of Neoechinoprhynchus Stiles & Hassall, 1905 from the Arabian Gulf coast off Iraq. METHODS: Routine methods for examination of fish hosts and recovery of acanthocephalean parasites were followed. Parasites were cleaned, relaxed overnight in refrigerated water then fixed in cold 70% ethanol. Standard procedure for staining, dehydration, clearing in xylene and mounting in Canada balsam was followed. RESULTS: Neoechinorhynchus miniovalis n. sp. is described from five whole-mounted specimens collected from the mudskipper Boleophthalmus dussumieri Valenciennes (Oxudericidae) captured in Shatt Al-Basrah Canal, Iraq in 2008. It is distinguished from other species of Neoechinorhynchus Stiles and Hassall, 1905 by a combination of the following diagnostic characters: very small ellipsoid trunk with tapering posterior end and correspondingly small size organs; body wall with similar thickness dorso-ventrally; proboscis wider than long with long anterior hooks having prominent roots; hooks in second and third circles much smaller and rootless; receptacle 5-6 times as long as proboscis with a triangular cephalic ganglion at its base; no para-receptacle structure; lemnisci relatively long and equal, not reaching anterior testis; all male reproductive structures contiguous in posterior two-thirds of trunk; testes equatorial and much wider than long; anterior testis smaller than posterior testis; large syncytial cement gland with six giant nuclei; cement reservoir adjacent to anterior end of sperm vesicle adjacent to Saefftigen's pouch. No sexual dimorphism except that the trunk is more rounded in females than in males. The female reproductive system is about one-third as long as the trunk with the selective apparatus in two positions and uterine bell angulating ventrad. Female lemnisci are longer than in males. Comparisons with worldwide and North American-related species that have partially similar features are made. CONCLUSIONS: The finding of Neoechinorhynchus miniovalis n. sp. with unusual small body and wide ellipsoid shape acanthocephalan is considered the first acanthocephalan species belonging to Neoechinorhynchus reported from Palearctic region compared to similar seven species reported only from Neotropical (three species), Nearctic regions (two species), far east (one species) and oriental (one species).

Helminths collected from some freshwater fishes and amphibians in Ecuador and Venezuela.

The present paper comprises a systematic survey of helminths (trematodes, an acanthocephalan and nematodes) found in nine species of freshwater fishes in Ecuador collected in March 1999 and those (a trematode and acanthocephalans) collected from an amphibian and two species of freshwater fishes in Venezuela in 1992, 1996 and 2001. The following 17 helminth species were recorded: Trematoda: Prosthenhystera ornamentosa sp. n., P. obesa (Diesing, 1850), Crassicutis intermedius (Szidat, 1954), C. cichlasomae Manter, 1936 and Glypthelmins eleutherodactyli sp. n. Acanthocephala: Quadrigyrus torquatus Van Cleave, 1920, Gracilisentis variabilis (Diesing, 1851) and Neoechinorhynchus (Neoechinorhynchus) ecuadoris sp. n. Nematoda: Cosmoxynema vianai Travassos, 1949, Travnema travnema Pereira, 1938, Touzeta ecuadoris Petter, 1987, Sprentascaris hypostomi Petter et Cassone, 1984, Sprentascaris sp., Contracaecum sp. Type 1 larvae, Contracaecum sp. Type 2 larvae, Procamallanus (Procamallanus) peraccuratus Pinto, Noronha et Rolas, 1976 and Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) sp. juv. Nearly all of these parasites are reported from Ecuador or Venezuela for the first time and many of these findings represent new host records. The new species P. ornamentosa sp. n. was collected from the gall-bladder of an unidentified anostomid (Anostomidae, Characiformes) in Ecuador, G. eleutherodactyli sp. n. from the digestive tract of the frog Eleutherodactylus sp. (Eleutherodactylidae, Anura) in Venezuela and N. (N.) ecuadoris sp. n. from the intestine of Lebiasina sp. (Lebiasinidae, Characiformes) in Ecuador. Most parasites are briefly described and illustrated and problems concerning their morphology, taxonomy, hosts and geographical distribution are discussed.

Acanthocephalans of marine and freshwater fishes from Taiwan with description of a new species.

During an ichthyoparasitological survey in 2017-2019, six species of acanthocephalans were found among Taiwan's freshwater (Cypriniformes: Xenocyprididae, Cyprinidae) and marine fishes (Scombriformes: Scombridae, Trichiuridae; Anabantiformes: Channidae; Carangaria/misc: Latidae): Micracanthorhynchina dakusuiensis (Harada, 1938), Rhadinorhynchus laterospinosus Amin, Heckmann et Ha, 2011, Pallisentis rexus Wongkham et Whitfield, 1999, Longicollum sp., Bolbosoma vasculosum (Rudolphi, 1819), and one new species, Micracanthorynchina brevelemniscus sp. n. All species are morphologically characterised and illustrated using light and scanning electron microscopy. The finding of R. laterospinosus, P. rexus and B. vasculosum is the first record for these species in Taiwan. Micracanthorhynchina brevelemniscus is similar to Micracanthorhynchina motomurai (Harada, 1935) and M. dakusuiensis in proboscis armature but differs from M. motomurai by larger eggs (53-59 × 15-16 µm vs 40 × 16 µm) and by the number of cement glands (6 vs 4) and from M. dakusuiensis by shorter body length (2.2-2.9 mm vs 4.0 mm in males and 2.9-4.1 mm vs 7.6 mm in females), by the location of the organs of the male reproductive system (from level of the posterior third of the proboscis receptacle in M. brevelemniscus vs in the posterior half of the trunk in M. dakusuiensis), and by length of lemnisci (lemnisci shorter than the proboscis receptacle vs lemnisci longer than the proboscis receptacle). Phylogenetic analyses of almost complete 18S rRNA gene revealed paraphyly of the family Rhadinorhynchidae suggested in previous studies. Micracanthorhynchina dakusuiensis and M. brevelemniscus formed a strongly supported cluster, which formed the earliest diverging branch to the rest of the rhadinorhynchids and transvenids.

Helminth community structure of Didelphis marsupialis (Didelphimorphia, Didelphidae) in a transition area between the Brazilian Amazon and the Cerrado / Estrutura da comunidade de helmintos de Didelphis marsupialis (Didelphimorphia, Didelphidae) em uma área de transição entre a Amazônia brasileira e o Cerrado

Embora o gambá comum, Didelphis marsupialis (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae) seja uma espécie amplamente distribuída na América do Sul, o conhecimento sobre seus helmintos parasitos e a estrutura da comunidade de helmintos são escassos. Os objetivos deste estudo foram descrever a composição de espécies e analisar a estrutura da comunidade helmíntica do gambá comum em uma área do Arco Amazônico, no norte de Mato Grosso. Os helmintos foram recuperados, contados e identificados em 32 indivíduos. Ao todo, 10.198 espécimes foram categorizados em 9 táxons de helmintos (sete nematoides, um cestoide e um acantocéfalo). As espécies mais abundantes foram Aspidodera raillieti, Viannaia hamata e Travassostrongylus orloffi. Não foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas na abundância e prevalência de helmintos entre os sexos dos hospedeiros. No entanto, hospedeiros jovens apresentaram maior abundância e prevalência de Didelphonema longispiculata, enquanto Oligacanthorhynchus microcephalus apresentou maior abundância e prevalência em hospedeiros adultos. Este foi o primeiro estudo a analisar a helmintofauna e a estrutura da comunidade helmíntica de D. marsupialis no Arco Amazônico. Este é o primeiro relato da presença de A. raillieti, D. longispiculata, T. orloffi, T. minuta, V. hamata e O. microcephalus no estado de Mato Grosso, Brasil.

Parasitic fauna of the invasive house sparrow (Passer domesticus) from Ñuble region, Chile: an example of co-introduced parasites / Fauna parasítica do pardal invasor (Passer domesticus) da região de Ñuble, Chile: um exemplo de parasitas co-introduzidos

Abstract Invasive species impact native wildlife in several ways, as they compete for resources and may transmit their specific pathogens. However, the potential consequences of co-introduced parasites are not fully understood. While the house sparrow (Passer domesticus) was introduced in Chile about a century ago, no data are available regarding its parasites. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine the parasitic fauna of this avian invader and to determine whether there are co-introduced/co-invasive parasites shared with native birds. One hundred and eight birds were collected from three different localities in the Ñuble region of Chile, and a complete parasitic necropsy was performed in the laboratory. Twenty-three (21.3%) were parasitized by six arthropod species and four (3.7%) were parasitized by two helminth species. Four out of eight taxa are reported for the first time in Chile; among them, three arthropod parasites and the tapeworm, Anonchotaenia globate, are considered as co-introduced parasites. Only A. globata is a potential co-invasive parasite given its low degree specificity in terms of its definitive hosts. Future research should examine whether additional co-introduced/co-invasive parasites have been brought by the house sparrow, and what their potential consequences might be on the health of native birds in Chile.

Resumo As espécies invasoras de vertebrados competem com espécies nativas no uso de recursos e transmitem patógenos. Contudo as consequências da co-introdução de parasitos permanecem pouco estudadas. O pardal (Passer domesticus) foi introduzido há um século no Chile, porém não existem dados sobre seus parasitos. O objetivo do estudo foi investigar a fauna parasitária e avaliar se existem espécies co-introduzidas/co-invasivas compartilhadas com as espécies de aves nativas do Chile. Um total de 108 aves foram coletadas em diferentes localidades da região de Ñuble. Seis espécies de artrópodes parasitos foram coletadas de 23 (21,3%) aves. Quatro aves (3,7%) estavam parasitadas por duas espécies de helmintos. Quatro de um total de oito espécies de parasitos correspondem aos primeiros relatos para o Chile. Três artrópodes parasitos e o helminto Anonchotaenia globata são considerados parasitos co-introduzidos no país. Apenas A. globata possui potencial para ser considerada uma espécie co-invasiva, pois pode parasitar Passeriformes em geral. Pesquisas futuras devem investigar se os demais parasitos identificados neste estudo correspondem a espécies co-introduzidas ou co-invasoras e avaliar as possíveis consequências na saúde das aves nativas do país.

Oncicola venezuelensis () (Acanthocephala: Oligacanthorhynchidae) in Puma concolor in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Oncicola venezuelensis () (Acanthocephala: Oligacanthorhynchidae) em Puma concolor no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Abstract Specimens of Oncicola venezuelensis (Marteau, 1977) were recovered from fragments of intestinal tissue of a female Puma concolar (Linn, 1771) found dead in Petrópolis, Rio de Janeiro in 2017. A total of 140 helminths were recovered. Five males and 5 females of the helminths were analyzed morphologically as well as 50 parasite eggs recovered in intestinal contents. Morphologically, these helminths were compatible with the genus Oncicola, because of the size and shape of the proboscis, the size and disposition of the lemnisci and the morphometry of the eggs, in which the external membrane of the shell was delicate and clear. From histopathology, the helminths were deeply embeded in the mucosa reaching up to the muscle layer. One specimen was also identified molecularly with universal primers that amplified the eukaryote region ITS1-5.8S-ITS2. The helminth showed 99% identity with the gene sequence of O. venezuelensis deposited in GenBank. It is important to emphasize, this parasite has been very little reported in the literature, which reinforces the importance of this report.

Resumo Espécimes de Oncicola venezuelensis (Marteau, 1997) foram recuperados de fragmentos do tecido intestinal de uma fêmea de Puma concolor (Linn, 1771) encontrada morta em Petrópolis, Rio de Janeiro, em 2017. Um total de 140 helmintos foram recuperados. Cinco machos e 5 cinco fêmeas dos helmintos foram analisados morfologicamente, bem como 50 ovos dos parasitos recuperados no conteúdo intestinal. Morfologicamente, esses helmintos eram compatíveis com o gênero Oncicola, devido ao tamanho e formato da probóscide, o tamanho e disposição do leminisco e a morfometria dos ovos, que apresentaram membrana externa da casca delicada e clara. A partir da histopatologia, pode-se verificar que os helmintos estavam profundamente inseridos na mucosa, atingindo até a camada muscular. Um espécime também foi identificado molecularmente com primers universais que amplificam a região ITS-1.5.8S.ITS-2. Após as análises moleculares, foi verificado que os helmintos apresentavam 99% de identidade com sequência gênica de O. venezuelensis que está depositada no Genbank. É importante enfatizar, que esse parasito foi muito pouco relatado na literatura, demonstrando a importância deste relato.

Occurrence, pathogenicity, and control of acanthocephalosis caused by Neoechinorhynchus buttnerae: A review / Ocorrência, patogenicidade, e controle de acantocefalose causada por Neoechinorhynchus buttnerae: uma revisão

Abstract Infections negatively influence the production of tambaqui, and in north Brazil, the wide distribution of this parasitic disease has generated concern among fish farmers. The objective of this study was to review published literature on this pathogen. Six main online research databases were searched using the keywords "Neoechinorhynchus buttnerae", "acantocefalose", and "acanthocephalan fish". Based on a set of predetermined criteria, 39 publications were selected for this review. The mechanism of pathogenic action of N. buttnerae is related to the degree of penetration of the proboscis. Infection results in histopathological and morphological changes in the host. The recurrence of the parasite in the northern region was greater twelve years after their first occurrence. The lack of specific legislation on veterinary products for aquatic animals, combined with the neglect of good management practices, and the absence of a contingency plan for the control of acanthocephalan infections have contributed to the current health situation of Colossoma macropomum northern Brazil. Additional information about the occurrence of the disease, pathogenicity, and control of acanthocephalan infections are imperative for developing a disease contingency plan in the region and research to address these should be encouraged by the sector.

Resumo As infecções influenciam negativamente a produção de tambaqui e, no norte do Brasil, a ampla distribuição dessa doença parasitária tem gerado preocupação entre os piscicultores. O objetivo deste estudo foi revisar a literatura publicada sobre esse patógeno. Seis principais bancos de dados de pesquisa on-line foram investigados usando-se as palavras-chave "Neoechinorhynchus buttnerae", "acantocefalose" e "acantocéfalos de peixe". Com base em um conjunto de critérios predeterminados, 39 publicações foram selecionadas para esta revisão. O mecanismo de ação patogênica de N. buttnerae está relacionado ao grau de penetração da probóscide. A infecção resulta em alterações histopatológicas e morfológicas no hospedeiro. A recorrência do parasito na região Norte foi maior, doze anos após sua primeira ocorrência. A falta de legislação específica sobre produtos veterinários para animais aquáticos, combinada com a negligência de boas práticas de manejo e com a ausência de um plano de contingência para o controle de infecções por acantocéfalos, contribuíram para a atual situação sanitária em Colossoma macropomum na região Norte do Brasil. Informações adicionais sobre a ocorrência da doença, patogenicidade e controle de infecções por acantocéfalos são imprescindíveis para o desenvolvimento de um plano de contingência de doenças na região e pesquisas para resolvê-las devem ser incentivadas pelo setor.

Checklist of parasites in fish from the upper Paraná River floodplain: An update / Lista de parasitos em peixes da planície de inundação do alto rio Paraná: uma atualização

Abstract This study provides an updated list of parasite species and their respective hosts in the upper Paraná River floodplain. The list of parasites is structured by phylum, class, order and family, followed by a record of each host species. A total of 315 taxa of parasites were reported, of which 201 were identified at the species level. These 201 species comprise 3 Flagellata, 3 Myxozoa, 50 Monogenea, 43 Digenea, 40 Cestoda, 41 Nematoda, 8 Acanthocephala, 6 Copepoda, 5 Branchiura and 2 Pentastomida, arranged in 84 host fish species. This work carried out in the floodplain of the upper Paraná River contributes to the listing of parasite species and host interactions of the local ichthyofauna. Little is known about these communities and its riches are underestimated due to the high density of fish found in this region, highlighting the importance of conducting studies on the local fauna.

Resumo Este estudo fornece uma lista atualizada de espécies de parasitos e seus respectivos hospedeiros da planície de inundação do alto rio Paraná. A lista de parasitos está estruturada em filo, classe, ordem e família, seguida do registro de cada espécie de hospedeiro. São relatados 315 táxons de parasitos e, destes, 201 foram identificados por espécie. Essas 201 espécies compreendem: 3 Flagellata, 3 Myxozoa, 50 Monogenea, 43 Digenea, 40 Cestoda, 41 Nematoda, 8 Acanthocephala, 6 Copepoda, 5 Branchiura e 2 Pentastomida, distribuídos em 84 espécies de hospedeiros. Este trabalho, realizado na planície de inundação do alto rio Paraná, contribui para a listagem de espécies de parasitos e interações parasito-hospedeiro da ictiofauna local. Pouco dessas comunidades é conhecida, e suas riquezas são subestimadas devido à alta densidade de peixes encontrados nessa região, destacando-se a importância da realização de estudos sobre a fauna local.

Variation in the prevalence and abundance of acanthocephalans in brown-nosed coatis Nasua nasua and crab-eating foxes Cerdocyon thous in the Brazilian Pantanal

Host infection by parasites is influenced by an array of factors, including host and environmental features. We investigated the relationship between host sex, body size and age, as well as seasonality on infection patterns by acanthocephalan in coatis (Procyonidae: Nasua nasua) and in crab-eating foxes (Canidae: Cerdocyon thous) from the Brazilian Pantanal wetlands. Between 2006 and 2009, we collected faecal samples from these hosts and analyzed for the presence of acanthocephalan eggs. Prevalence, abundance and intensity of eggs of acanthocephalans were calculated. Egg abundance was analyzed using generalized linear models (GLM) with a negative binomial distribution and models were compared by Akaike criteria to verify the effect of biotic and abiotic factors. Prevalence of acanthocephalans was higher in the wet season in both host species but did not differ between host sexes; however, adult crab-eating foxes showed higher prevalence of acanthocephalan eggs than juveniles. In contrast, prevalence of acanthocephalan eggs found in coatis was higher in coati juveniles than in adults. Host age, season and maximum temperature were the top predictors of abundance of acanthocephalan eggs in crab-eating foxes whereas season and host sex were predictors of egg abundance in coatis. The importance of seasonality for abundance of acanthocephalan was clear for both host species. The influence of host-related attributes, however, varied by host species, with host gender and host age being important factors associated with prevalence and parasite loads.

External and intestinal parasites of the Austral thrush Turdus falcklandii (Aves, Turdidae) in central Chile / Parasitas externos e intestinais do tordo-austral Turdus falcklandii (Aves, Podicipedidae) no Chile

Abstract A total of thirty Austral thrushes Turdus falcklandii Quoy & Gaimard, 1824 (Turdidae) carcasses were brought to the Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, to be examined for ecto- and endoparasites. Ectoparasites were found on 20% (6/30) of the thrushes and belonged to species Brueelia magellanica Cichino, 1986 (Phthiraptera), Menacanthus eurysternus Burmeister, 1838 (Phthiraptera) and Tyrannidectes falcklandicus Mironov & González-Acuña, 2011 (Acari). Endoparasites were isolated from 26.6% (8/30) of the birds and identified as Lueheia inscripta Westrumb, 1821 (Acanthocephala), Plagiorhynchus cylindraceus Goeze, 1782 (Acanthocephala), Wardium sp. sensu Mayhew, 1925 (Cestoda), Dilepis undula (Cestoda) Schrank, 1788, and Zonorchis sp. (sensu Travassos, 1944) (Trematoda). To our knowledge, all endoparasites collected in this study are new records in T. falcklandii and expand their distributional range to Chile.

Resumo Um total de trinta carcaças do tordo-austral Turdus falcklandii Quoy & Gaimard, 1824 (Turdidae) foi encaminhado ao Departamento de Ciência Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, para ser examinado quanto a presença de parasitas externos e internos. Parasitas externos foram encontrados em 20% (6/30) dos tordos inspecionados e identificados como Brueelia magellanica Cichino, 1986 (Phthiraptera), Menacanthus eurysternus Burmeister, 1838 (Phthiraptera), e Tyrannidectes falcklandicus Mironov & González-Acuña, 2011 (Acari). Parasitas internos foram identificados em 26,6% (8/30) dos espécimes examinados como Lueheia inscripta Westrumb, 1821 (Acanthocephala), Plagiorhynchus cylindraceus Goeze, 1782 (Acanthocephala), Wardium sp. sensu Mayhew, 1925 (Cestoda), Dilepis undula sensu Schrank, 1788 (Cestoda) e Zonorchis sp. (sensu Travassos, 1944) (Trematoda). Tanto quanto é do nosso conhecimento, todos os parasitas internos coletados neste estudo pertencem a novos registros em T. falcklandii e com expansão de sua distribuição para o Chile.

Gastrointestinal and external parasites of the Variable hawk Geranoaetus polyosoma (Accipitriformes: Accipitridae) in Chile / Parasitas gastrointestinais e externos do Falcão Variável Geranoaetus polyosoma (Accipitriformes: Accipitridae) de Chile

Abstract Information about parasites associated with diurnal raptors from Chile is scarce. Between 2006 and 2017, a total of 15 specimens of the Variable hawk, Geranoaetus polyosoma (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824) were collected, 14 of them from different localities in the Biobío region and one specimen from the Valparaíso region. An external examination of the plumage was made to collect ectoparasites, and necropsies were performed, focusing primarily on the gastrointestinal tract. Chewing lice (Phthiraptera) were found on five (33.3%) of the birds corresponding to three species: 97 specimens of Degeeriella fulva (Giebel, 1874), six specimens of Colpocephalum turbinatum Denny, 1842 and nine belonging to an unidentified species of the genus Craspedorrhynchus Kéler, 1938. Endoparasites found in three (20%) of the birds included round worms (Nematoda) of the genus Procyrnea Chabaud, 1958, and spiny-headed worms (Acanthocephala) of the genus Centrorhynchus Lühe, 1911. The species Colpocephalum turbinatum and the genera: Craspedorrhynchus sp., Procyrnea sp. and Centrorhynchus sp. are new records for the Variable hawk.

Resumo No Chile, informações sobre parasitas associados a aves de rapina diurnas são escassas. Entre os anos 2006 e 2017, um total de 15 espécimes do Falcão Variável Geranoaetus polyosoma (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824) mortos, foram examinados, 14 deles provenientes de diferentes localidades da região do Biobío e um espécime na região de Valparaíso. Um exame externo da plumagem foi feito para coletar os ectoparasitas e necropsias do tracto gastrointestinal para coleta de endoparasitas. Cinco aves (33,3%) foram positivas para três espécies de piolhos (Phthiraptera): 97 espécimes de Degeeriella fulva (Giebel, 1874), seis espécimes de Colpocephalum turbinatum Denny, 1842 e nove espécimes não identificados do gênero Craspedorrhynchus Keler, 1938. Endoparasitas foram encontrados em três aves (20%), incluindo vermes redondos (Nematoda) do gênero Procyrnea Chabaud, 1958, e vermes achatados (Acanthocephala) do gênero Centrorhynchus Lühe, 1911. As espécies Colpocephalum turbinatum e os dos gêneros Craspedorrhynchus, Centrorhynchus e Procyrnea corresponderam a novos registros para o Falcão Variável.