Redescription of Illiosentis cetratus Van Cleave, 1945 (Acanthocephala: Illiosentidae) from Menticirrhus undulatus (Girard) in California, with notes on Illiosentis furcatus from Peru.

Illiosentis Van Cleave et Lincicome, 1939 initially included two species: Illiosentis furcatus Van Cleave et Lincicome, 1939 found in the West Atlantic from Cape Cod in Massachusetts, USA to northern Argentina and Illiosentis cetratus Van Cleave, 1945 with restricted distribution in the Pacific coast of southern California. We are reporting I. furcatus from Peru for the first time and describe a population of I. cetratus from the California corbina, Menticirrhus undulatus (Girard), from southern California. The proboscis hook formula was 14 longitudinal rows for I. furcatus of 18-23 hooks each compared to 16 rows of 19-24 hooks each reported by Van Cleave (1945). We complete the inadequate description of I. cetratus with new information on sexual differentiation in the length of the trunk, dorsal vs. ventral hooks, hook roots, trunk spines, two types of anterior recurved rooted hooks vs. posterior rootless straight hooks, measurements of dorsal and ventral hooks and spines, shape of hook roots, terminal position of the female gonopore, and of position of the cephalic ganglion at the anterior margin of the trunk. We also include new details of the reproductive system in both sexes including Saefftigen's pouch and cement gland ducts. We present new SEM and light microscope images. The Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA) shows a high level of sulfur in anterior, middle and posterior hooks in various hook sites, as well as spectra of hook tips with a higher relative concentration of sulfur compared to other hook sites. For the placement of I. cetratus, phylogenetic analysis of sequences of three molecular markers, 18S, 28S rRNA and mitochondrial cox 1 genes, was performed with other related available sequences. The resulting analysis illustrated that I. cetratus was nested within a separate clade along with species of two genera, Dentitruncus truttae Sinzar, 1955 and Neotegorhynchus cyprini Lisitsyna, Xi, Orosová, Barcák et Oros, 2022 represented our species of Illiosentis separate from species of Tegorhynchus Van Cleave, 1921 (as also according to the morphology) with which the Illiosentis species were previously synonymised.

Review of the concept of Profilicollis Meyer, 1931 with a description of Profilicollis rancoensis n. sp. (Acanthocephala: Polymorphidae) from the freshwater crab, Aegla abtao Schmitt, 1942 (Decapoda: Anomura) in Chile, with a key to congeneric species.

Profilicollis rancoensis n. sp. is the tenth species of Profilicollis Meyer, 1931 which includes 9 other species mostly known from marine decapod crabs and shore birds. Cystacanths of P. rancoensis are described from the dominant freshwater crab Aegla abtao in Ranco Lake, Chile and are morphologically distinguished from cystacanths of the 9 other species based on a combination of 4 characters. These are body size, number of proboscis hook rows, number of hooks per row, and length of the largest anterior 2-4 hooks. Male and female cystacanths of P. rancoensis are 2.10-3.33 mm long having an ovoid proboscis with 14 rows of 6-7 hooks per row, with the largest anterior 2-4 hooks being 105-110 micrometers long; the anterior trunk has many small spines in 70-80 concentric rings, each with 50-60 spines around them; hook roots are simple, directed posteriorly, about as long as the blades anteriorly with unremarkable anterior manubria; the cephalic ganglion are in mid-receptacle just anterior to the level of the anterior trunk; the lemnisci are long and slender; the testes are in the anterior trunk, posterior trunk, or one in each; the primordia of 2 tubular cement glands are evident; strong bundles of fibers link the anterior and posterior trunk; and the posterior trunk has a corrugated surface cuticula. Molecular analysis (COI and 18S) sequences coincided with the morphology and support its taxonomy. The phylogenetic profile revealed that P. rancoensis n. sp. fell into the Profilicollis clade. Both sequences showed low genetic variation, and three different haplotypes were found. The new species was more closely related to P. botulus (Van Cleave, 1916) Witenberg, 1932 than to other Profilicollis species.

Title: Révision du concept de Profilicollis Meyer, 1931 avec la description de Profilicollis rancoensis n. sp. (Acanthocephala, Polymorphidae) du crabe d'eau douce Aegla abtao Schmitt, 1942 (Decapoda, Anomura) au Chili, avec une clé des espèces congénères. Abstract: Profilicollis rancoensis n. sp. est la dixième espèce de Profilicollis Meyer, 1931 qui comprend neuf autres espèces principalement connues de crabes décapodes marins et d'oiseaux de rivage. Les cystacanthes de P. rancoensis sont décrits chez le crabe d'eau douce dominant Aegla abtao dans le lac Ranco, au Chili et se distinguent morphologiquement des cystacanthes des neuf autres espèces sur la base d'une combinaison de quatre caractères. Il s'agit de la taille du corps, du nombre de rangées de crochets du proboscis, du nombre de crochets par rangée et de la longueur des 2 à 4 crochets antérieurs les plus grands. Les cystacanthes mâles et femelles de P. rancoensis mesurent de 2,10 à 3,33 mm de long et ont une trompe ovoïde avec 14 rangées de 6 à 7 crochets par rangée, les 2 à 4 crochets antérieurs les plus grands mesurant 105 à 110 micromètres de long ; le tronc antérieur a de nombreuses petites épines en 70-80 anneaux concentriques chacun avec 50-60 épines ; les racines des crochets sont simples, dirigées vers l'arrière, à peu près aussi longues que les lames vers l'avant avec une manubrie antérieure sans particularité ; les ganglions céphaliques sont au milieu du réceptacle juste en avant du niveau du tronc antérieur ; les lemnisques sont longs et minces ; les testicules sont dans le tronc antérieur, le tronc postérieur ou un dans chacun ; les ébauches des 2 glandes cémentaires tubulaires sont évidentes ; de solides faisceaux de fibres relient le tronc antérieur et postérieur ; le tronc postérieur a une cuticule à surface ondulée. Les séquences d'analyse moléculaire (COI et 18S) coïncidaient avec la morphologie et confirmaient sa taxonomie. Le profil phylogénétique a révélé que P. rancoensis n. sp. appartient au clade Profilicollis. Les deux séquences ont montré une faible variation génétique et trois haplotypes différents ont été trouvés. La nouvelle espèce était plus proche de P. botulus (Van Cleave, 1916) Witenberg, 1932 que des autres espèces de Profilicollis.

A new definitive host for Moniliformis cestodiformis (Acanthocephala: Moniliformidae): first report of a naturally infected European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus).

European hedgehogs, Erinaceus europaeus (Linnaeus, 1758), are small mammals found in western Europe and also in parts of northern Europe. They can be seen in rural, suburban and urban areas, but are usually found in grassland with edge habitats. These animals are omnivorous and serve as definitive or paratenic hosts for several parasites, including acanthocephalans (phylum Acanthocephala). During necropsy of a European hedgehog, a single adult parasite was collected from the intestinal lumen and preserved in 70% ethanol. After morphological evaluation of the specimen, it was identified as Moniliformis cestodiformis (von Linstow, 1904) (Acanthocephala: Moniliformidae). This is the first report of M. cestodiformis in a European hedgehog, as well as in Europe. More epidemiological studies need to be carried out to map the location and prevalence of this parasite in Portugal and the European continent.

A new definitive host for Moniliformis cestodiformis (Acanthocephala: Moniliformidae): first report of a naturally infected European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) / Um novo hospedeiro definitivo para Moniliformis cestodiformis (Acanthocephala: Moniliformidae): primeiro relato de um ouriço (Erinaceus europaeus) naturalmente infectado

European hedgehogs, Erinaceus europaeus (Linnaeus, 1758), are small mammals found in western Europe and also in parts of northern Europe. They can be seen in rural, suburban and urban areas, but are usually found in grassland with edge habitats. These animals are omnivorous and serve as definitive or paratenic hosts for several parasites, including acanthocephalans (phylum Acanthocephala). During necropsy of a European hedgehog, a single adult parasite was collected from the intestinal lumen and preserved in 70% ethanol. After morphological evaluation of the specimen, it was identified as Moniliformis cestodiformis (von Linstow, 1904) (Acanthocephala: Moniliformidae). This is the first report of M. cestodiformis in a European hedgehog, as well as in Europe. More epidemiological studies need to be carried out to map the location and prevalence of this parasite in Portugal and the European continent.(AU)

Os ouriços, Erinaceus europaeus (Linnaeus, 1758), são pequenos mamíferos que se localizam na Europa ocidental e também em regiões do Norte da Europa. Eles podem ser avistados em áreas rurais, suburbanas e urbanas, mas são geralmente encontrados no campo no limite daqueles hábitats. São animais omnívoros e servem de hospedeiros definitivos ou paratênicos de muitos parasitas, incluindo acantocéfalos (filo Acanthocephala). Durante a necropsia de um ouriço, um exemplar adulto acantocéfalo foi recolhido do lúmen intestinal e preservado em etanol a 70%. Depois de uma avaliação morfológica desse exemplar, este foi identificado como Moniliformis cestodiformis (von Linstow, 1904) (Acanthocephala: Moniliformidae). Esta é a primeira referência de M. cestodiformis num ouriço, assim como na Europa. Mais estudos epidemiológicos necessitam ser realizados, para localizar este parasita e calcular a sua prevalência em Portugal e no continente europeu.(AU)

A comparative assessment of the morphology of Profilicollis altmani (Acanthocephala, Polymorphidae) from crustaceans and shore birds in Peru, with special notes on hook elemental analysis (EDXA), SEM imaging, histopathology, and molecular profile.

The morphology of cystacanths and adults of Profilicollis altmani (Perry, 1942) Van Cleave, 1947 (Polymorphidae) were studied from the Pacific mole crab Emerita analoga (Stimpson) (Crustacea, Hippidae) and Belcher's gull Larus belcheri (Vigors) (Aves, Laridae), respectively, in Peru. Comparative morphometrics with accounts of other populations of P. altmani from elsewhere off the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of North and South America revealed marked intraspecific population variations. We report scanning electron micrographs (SEM) of new features, not before noted or captured in line drawings by earlier observers. We further present microscope images that reveal internal details not previously reported or possible to see with SEM. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA) revealed unusual patterns in the chemistry of proboscis hooks especially the high sulfur and diminished phosphorous and calcium in hook tips and low sulfur and high levels of phosphorous and calcium at mid hooks. The size and shape of all hooks of the cystacanths are reported for the first time. Histopathological studies in L. belcheri from Peru are also included. Cystacanths of P. altmani from California were also analyzed for molecular patterns and compared with other sequences reported from other locations. The molecular data and the analysis of our new sequences of cytochrome oxidase I (COI) showed that haplotypes of P. altmani had low genetic variation; the species is not geographically structured, and within its clade no monophyletic group is formed.

TITLE: Évaluation comparative de la morphologie de Profilicollis altmani (Acanthocephala, Polymorphidae) de crustacés et d'oiseaux de rivage au Pérou, en particulier l'analyse élémentaire des crochet (EDXA), l'imagerie SEM, l'histopathologie et le profil moléculaire. ABSTRACT: La morphologie des cystacanthes et des adultes de Profilicollis altmani (Perry, 1942) Van Cleave, 1947 (Polymorphidae) a été étudiée, respectivement, à partir du crustacé Emerita analoga (Stimpson) (Crustacea, Hippidae) et du Goéland Siméon Larus belcheri (Vigors) (Aves, Laridae), au Pérou. La morphométrie comparative avec des données d'autres populations de P. altmani d'autres localités au large des côtes du Pacifique et de l'Atlantique de l'Amérique du Nord et du Sud a révélé des variations intraspécifiques marquées des populations. Nous rapportons des nouvelles observations de microscopie électronique à balayage, non notées auparavant ou non capturées dans des dessins au trait par des observateurs antérieurs. Nous présentons en outre des images au microscope qui révèlent des détails internes qui n'ont pas été signalés auparavant ni possibles à voir avec MET. L'analyse aux rayons X à dispersion d'énergie (EDXA) a révélé des modèles inhabituels dans la chimie des crochets de la trompe, en particulier la teneur élevée en soufre et une diminution du phosphore et du calcium dans les pointes des crochets et des niveaux faibles en soufre et en phosphore et en calcium au milieu des crochets. La taille et la forme de tous les crochets des cystacanthes sont décrites pour la première fois. Des études histopathologiques sur L. belcheri du Pérou sont également incluses. Les cystacanthes de P. altmani de Californie ont également été analysés pour les modèles moléculaires et comparés à d'autres séquences rapportées d'autres endroits. Les données moléculaires et l'analyse de nos nouvelles séquences de cytochrome oxydase I (COI) ont montré que les haplotypes de P. altmani avaient une faible variation génétique. L'espèce n'est pas structurée géographiquement, et au sein de son clade aucun groupe monophylétique n'est formé.

Phylogeny and Life Cycles of the Archiacanthocephala with a Note on the Validity of Mediorhynchus gallinarum.

PURPOSE: The molecular profile of specimens of Mediorhynchus gallinarum (Bhalero, 1937) collected from chickens, Gallus gallus L. in Indonesia was analysed. The aim of this study was to assess the phylogenetic position of species of Mediorhynchus within the order Giganthorhynchida. METHODS: We used one mitochondrial gene (cytochrome oxidase 1) and one nuclear gene (18S ribosomal RNA) to infer phylogenetic relationships of class Archiacanthocephala. RESULTS: The COI and 18S rDNA genes sequences showed that M. gallinarum had low genetic variation and that this species is sister to Mediorhynchus africanus Amin, Evans, Heckmann, El-Naggar, 2013. The phylogenetic relationships of the Class Archiacanthocephala showed that it is not resolved but, however, were mostly congruent using both genes. A review of host-parasite life cycles and geographic distributions of Archiacanthocephala indicates that mainly small mammals and birds are definitive hosts, while termites, cockroaches, and millipedes are intermediate hosts. CONCLUSIONS: While the intermediate hosts have wide geographic distributions, the narrow distribution of the definitive hosts limit the access of archiacanthocephalans to a wider range of prospective hosts. Additional analyses, to increase taxonomic and character sampling will improve the development of a robust phylogeny and provide more stable classification. The results presented here contribute to better understanding of the ecological and evolutionary relationships that allow the host-parasite co-existence within the class Archiacanthocephala.

An Unusual Type of Neoechinorhynchus cylindratus (Acanthocephala: Neoechinorhynchidae) from Gambusia affinis in Peru, with Notes on Introductions.

BACKGROUND: Neoechinorhynchus cylindratus Van Cleave (Zoo Anz 43: 177-1990, 1913) Van Cleave (Ill Natl Hist Surv Bull 13:225-257, 1919) is a North American acanthocephalan originally described from Micropterus salmoides (Lacépède) in Pelican Lake, Minnesota. It is common in Centrarchids but also not infrequent in fishes of other families. PURPOSE: A unique population of N. cylindratus was discovered in Peru. It needed to be described and its introduction into Peru investigated. METHODS: Standard processing of specimens and staining in Borax carmine and fast green for creating whole mounts were employed. Literature sources were available from the OMA personal collection. RESULTS: The descriptive accounts of N. cylindratus have been rather stable over the years since its original description. It has been, however, oddly identified from Gambusia affinis (Baird and Girard) in Peru. Females of the Peruvian specimens were, however, not typical in having a terminal-near terminal gonopore at odds with the sub-ventral position characteristic of the usual populations of N. cylindratus in North America. We describe the Peruvian material and outline the distinct morphological variations from the North American populations in the position of the female gonopore, among other characters. We also explain its introduction into Peru and the translocation of the position of female gonopore to the terminal position. CONCLUSIONS: The translocation to the terminal position of the female gonopore in the Peruvian material is attributed to host related developmental factors. The route of introduction of N. cylindratus into Peru through the introduction of G. affinis from the United States has been accounted for. It may be comparable to the introduction of the same acanthocephalan species into northern Mexico via the documented introduction of its primary host, M. salmoides, also from the United States into Mexico in 1930. The introduction of Acanthocephalus dirus Van Cleave (Ill Natl Hist Surv Bull 13:225-257, 1919) (Van Cleave and Townsend, 1936) into Mexico is also discussed.

A New Species of Pachysentis Meyer, 1931 (Acanthocephala: Oligacanthorhynchidae) in the Brown-Nosed Coati Nasua nasua (Carnivora: Procyonidae) from Brazil, with Notes on the Genus and a Key to Species.

INTRODUCTION: Pachysentis comprises 10 species, which have been reported parasitizing mammals in Africa and the American continent. However, species of Pachysentis have not been described in brow-nosed coatis. Pachysentis lauroi n. sp. (Oligacanthorhynchidae: Acanthocephala) is described from the brown-nosed coati Nasua nasua (Linnaeus, 1766) Storr, 1780 (Procyonidae: Carnivora) in the Brazilian Pantanal wetlands of the Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. METHODS: Specimens were studied using light and scanning electron microscopy. RESULT: The new species is distinguished from other species of Pachysentis by the number of hooks in each longitudinal row (12 rows of 4 hooks, total of 48 hooks), presence of barbs on all hooks, and the organization of the cement glands. Notes on the genus Pachysentis [14] and a key to its species are provided. Critical comments on some species with a dubious diagnosis and questionable or missed key taxonomic characteristics are also reviewed. We also discuss the zoogeography of the members of the genus.

A New Species of the Acanthocephalan Genus Filisoma (Cavisomidae) from Perciform Fishes in Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

BACKGROUND: Twelve species of Filisoma Van Cleave, 1928 are recognized parasitizing tropical and subtropical fish. Four of these species were described from kyphosid fish and it has been suggested that a co-speciation may have occurred among species of Kyphosus Lacepède, 1801 and Filisoma, which could provide valuable information about the evolution history of this host-parasite system. PURPOSE: During a survey of the helminth fauna of Kyphosus sectatrix (Linnaeus, 1758) and Kyphosus incisor (Cuvier, 1831) (Kyphosidae Jordan, 1887) off Rio de Janeiro coast, a new species of Filisoma was found and is described herein based on morphological, genetic, and ultrastructural data. METHODS: Fish were obtained off Rio de Janeiro coast, Brazil. The parasites found in the intestine were measured and drawings were made with a drawing tube. Type specimens were deposited at the Helminthological Collection of Oswaldo Cruz Institute (CHIOC). The ultrastructure was studied using scanning electron microscope. The genetic analysis included the study of the partial sequences of 18S, ITS1, 5.8S and 28S rDNA, and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase 1 gene (cox 1), with phylogenetic reconstructions based on the maximum likelihood analysis. RESULTS: Filisoma caudata n. sp. is characterized by a proboscis with 16‒18 longitudinal rows of 38‒45 hooks each. Hooks are uniform in shape dorsoventrally, gradually decreasing in size towards the base of the proboscis. Anterior hooks are 30‒45 µ long, middle hooks 30‒35 µ long and 5 basal transversal hooks 20‒30 µ long. The new species is differentiated from the closest species Filisoma filiformis Weaver and Smales, 2013 by the size and distribution of hooks, apart from having a subterminal vulva and a curved posterior trunk end (tail) measuring 500‒1,000 long. Phylogenetic analysis based on 18S, 28S rDNA and mtDNA-cox1 markers grouped the new species with Filisoma bucerium Van Cleave, 1940 and Filisoma rizalinum Tubangui and Masiluñgan, 1946 showing a close relationship between these species of Cavisomidae Meyer, 1932 and Echinorhynchidae Cobbold, 1879; the latter represented by species of Acanthocephalus Koelreuther, 1771. The new species can be differentiated from others on morphological and molecular basis. A key to the 13 species of Filisoma Van Cleave, 1928 is provided. CONCLUSION: Filisoma caudata n. sp. is described herein based on morphological, genetic, and ultrastructural data. The topologies of obtained phylogenies suggest that species of Echinorhynchidae should be reevaluated since the family is considered paraphyletic in all analyses conducted.

Neoandracantha peruensis n. gen. n. sp. (Acanthocephala, Polymorphidae) described from cystacanths infecting the ghost crab Ocypode gaudichaudii on the Peruvian coast.

The cystacanths of Neoandracantha peruensis n. gen. n. sp. are described from the ghost crab Ocypode gaudichaudii collected from the Pacific coast of Peru. While it is uncommon to describe acanthocephalan taxa from immature stages, the presence of clear-cut distinguishing features separating the present material from its nearest congeneric taxa, and the absence of adults, justifies the erection N. peruensis. The new genus is distinguished by having three separate fields of trunk spines. Specimens of N. peruensis have a slender trunk with two anterior swellings, 3 separate fields of spines on the foretrunk swelling, and no genital spines on the hindtrunk. The proboscis of the new species is heavily armored with 21-22 longitudinal rows of 22 hooks each. Hook no. 14 is more robust ventrally than dorsally. Cystacanths of N. peruensis also have a long tubular hindtrunk and the males have diagonal testes in the midtrunk swelling. Specimens of the closely related Andracantha Schmidt, 1975 have anteriorly enlarged pear-shaped Corynosoma-like trunks, only two fields of anterior trunk spines with occasional genital spines, and bilateral or tandem testes. Proboscides of species of Andracantha have considerably fewer hooks that gradually decrease in size posteriorly. The taxonomic component of this work is amplified by metal analysis of hooks and spines that shows a marked amount of magnesium (Mg) in hooks but not in spines. The highest level of sulfur (S) was found in the outer layer of hooks and anterior spines. The metal footprint of hooks and spines varies in different species of acanthocephalans and has an interspecific diagnostic value.

Rhadinorhynchus oligospinosus n. sp. (Acanthocephala, Rhadinorhynchidae) from mackerels in the Pacific Ocean off Peru and related rhadinorhynchids in the Pacific, with notes on metal analysis.

Specimens of a new species of Rhadinorhynchus Lühe, 1911 are described from the chub mackerel Scomber japonicus (Scombridae) and the Chilean Jack mackerel Trachurus murphyi (Carangidae) (possibly a subspecies of Trachurus symmetricus) from the Pacific Ocean off the Peruvian coast at the Port of Chicama, La Libertad. Specimens of Rhadinorhynchus oligospinosus n. sp. are somewhat small having 11-14 rows of alternating proboscis hooks with 20-22 hooks each with posteriormost hooks in a continuous ring. Ventral hooks are robust with prominent roots but dorsal hooks are slender and shorter with discoid roots. Trunk spines are in two zones separated by a non-spiny region. Anterior trunk spines are in 2-3 complete circles but posterior spines are only ventral and lateral, and do not extend posterior to the level of the posterior end of the proboscis receptacle in both sexes. The new species is closest to Rhadinorhynchus seriolae (Yamaguti, 1963) Golvan, 1969 found in Japanese and Australian waters, but not as close to 19 other species found in the same Pacific waters off Australia, Japan, and Vietnam. In R. seriolae, posterior trunk spines extend well past the receptacle in females, among other diagnostic differences. Proboscis hooks of the new species were analyzed for chemical elements using X-ray in conjunction with EDAX (energy-dispersive analysis for X-ray) software; sulfur had a higher concentration at the edge than the middle of cut hooks.

Redescription of Rhadinorhynchus ornatus (Acanthocephala: Rhadinorhynchidae) from skipjack tuna, Katsuwonus pelamis, collected in the Pacific Ocean off South America, with special reference to new morphological features.

Adults of Rhadinorhynchus ornatus Van Cleave, 1918 were collected from the small intestine of skipjack tuna, Katsuwonus pelamis (Linnaeus), in the high seas of the Pacific Ocean off the west coast of South America (new parasite locality record) and described using optical microscopy and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Our specimens were somewhat comparable to those described from North America and Japan, but had more trunk spines. Definitive differences between the length and thickness of each of the dorsal and ventral proboscis hooks are noted for the first time, with most ventral middle hooks being relatively shorter and more robust than dorsal middle hooks. The SEM documented, for the first time, the different surface topography of the tegument in the proboscis, the neck, and in 3 trunk regions; the presence of microtrichs in the mid- and posterior trunk regions; the elevated base of trunk spines; the circular arrangement of basal proboscis hooks; the different morphology of all dorsal and ventral proboscis hooks and the striations of their surface; the ribbed surface topography of eggs; the elevated slit-like female gonopore; and the rimmed edge of the bursa. The presence of microtrichs on the tegumental surface is further supported by transmission electron microscopy studies. This is the first report of microtrichs in any species of Acanthocephala and the second report of striations in proboscis hooks. The geographical distribution of R. ornatus appears to correspond, at least in part, to that of its epipelagic primary host, K. pelamis, throughout the world in waters ranging in temperature from 14.7 to 30 C.