Expanding on expansus: a new species of Scaphanocephalus from North America and the Caribbean based on molecular and morphological data.

Members of the genus Scaphanocephalus mature in accipitrids, particularly osprey, Pandion haliaetus, with metacercaria causing Black Spot Syndrome in reef fishes. In most of the world, only the type species, Scaphanocephalus expansus (Creplin, 1842) has been reported. Recent molecular studies in the Western Atlantic, Mediterranean and Persian Gulf reveal multiple species of Scaphanocephalus, but have relied on 28S rDNA, mainly from metacercariae, which limits both morphological identification and resolution of closely related species. Here we combine nuclear rDNA with mitochondrial sequences from adult worms collected in osprey across North America and the Caribbean to describe species and elucidate life cycles in Scaphanocephalus. A new species described herein can be distinguished from S. expansus based on overall body shape and size. Phylogenetic analysis of the whole mitochondrial genome of Scaphanocephalus indicates a close relationship with Cryptocotyle. We conclude that at least 3 species of Scaphanocephalus are present in the Americas and 2 others are in the Old World. Specimens in the Americas have similar or identical 28S to those in the Mediterranean and Persian Gulf, but amphi-Atlantic species are unlikely in light of divergence in cytochrome c oxidase I and the lack of amphi-Atlantic avian and fish hosts. Our results provide insight into the geographic distribution and taxonomy of a little-studied trematode recently linked to an emerging pathology in ecologically important reef fishes.

Checklist of helminth parasites of Chiroptera of North America north of Mexico.

A parasite-host, host-parasite and distribution-based checklist of helminths found in bats (Chiroptera) of North America north of Mexico is presented. The parasite-host checklist includes a total of 93 species (including records without a species identification) of helminth parasites reported in the literature from 30 species of bats. These include 54 trematodes, 11 cestodes, and 28 nematodes. Each helminth species is listed under its most current accepted name, with all known synonyms, distribution by state/province, and references for each geographic location. Lists of helminths reported from individual species of bats as well as states of the United States and provinces/territories of Canada are also provided. The following new combinations are proposed: Paralecithodendrium alaskensis (Neiland, 1962) n. comb. for Prosthodendrium alaskensis Neiland, 1962; Paralecthodendrium longiforme (Bhalerao, 1926) n. comb. for Lecithodendrium longiforme Bhalerao, 1926; and Paralecithodendrium singularium (Byrd & Macy, 1942) n. comb. for Prosthodendrium singularium Byrd & Macy, 1942. The state of knowledge of helminths of bats in North America is briefly discussed.

New host, geographic records, and histopathologic studies of Angiostrongylus spp (Nematoda: Angiostrongylidae) in rodents from Argentina with updated summary of records from rodent hosts and host specificity assessment.

To date, 21 species of the genus Angiostrongylus (Nematoda: Angiostrongylidae) have been reported around the world, 15 of which are parasites of rodents. In this study, new host, geographic records, and histopathologic studies of Angiostrongylus spp in sigmodontine rodents from Argentina, with an updated summary of records from rodent hosts and host specificity assessment, are provided. Records of Angiostrongylus costaricensis from Akodon montensis and Angiostrongylus morerai from six new hosts and geographical localities in Argentina are reported. The gross and histopathologic changes in the lungs of the host species due to angiostrongylosis are described. Published records of the genus Angiostrongylus from rodents and patterns of host specificity are presented. Individual Angiostrongylus species parasitise between one-19 different host species. The most frequent values of the specificity index (STD) were between 1-5.97. The elevated number of host species (n = 7) of A. morerai with a STD = 1.86 is a reflection of multiple systematic studies of parasites from sigmodontine rodents in the area of Cuenca del Plata, Argentina, showing that an increase in sampling effort can result in new findings. The combination of low host specificity and a wide geographic distribution of Angiostrongylus spp indicates a troubling epidemiological scenario although, as yet, no human cases have been reported.

New host, geographic records, and histopathologic studies ofAngiostrongylus spp (Nematoda: Angiostrongylidae) in rodents from Argentina with updated summary of records from rodent hosts and host specificity assessment

To date, 21 species of the genus Angiostrongylus (Nematoda: Angiostrongylidae) have been reported around the world, 15 of which are parasites of rodents. In this study, new host, geographic records, and histopathologic studies of Angiostrongylus spp in sigmodontine rodents from Argentina, with an updated summary of records from rodent hosts and host specificity assessment, are provided. Records of Angiostrongylus costaricensis from Akodon montensis andAngiostrongylus morerai from six new hosts and geographical localities in Argentina are reported. The gross and histopathologic changes in the lungs of the host species due to angiostrongylosis are described. Published records of the genus Angiostrongylus from rodents and patterns of host specificity are presented. Individual Angiostrongylusspecies parasitise between one-19 different host species. The most frequent values of the specificity index (STD) were between 1-5.97. The elevated number of host species (n = 7) of A. morerai with a STD = 1.86 is a reflection of multiple systematic studies of parasites from sigmodontine rodents in the area of Cuenca del Plata, Argentina, showing that an increase in sampling effort can result in new findings. The combination of low host specificity and a wide geographic distribution of Angiostrongylus spp indicates a troubling epidemiological scenario although, as yet, no human cases have been reported.

A new genus and species of Heligmonellidae (Nematoda: Trichostrongylina) parasitic in Delomys dorsalis (Rodentia: Sigmodontinae) from Misiones, Argentina.

Alippistrongylus bicaudatus gen. et sp. n. (Nematoda: Heligmonellidae) is described from the striped Atlantic forest rat, Delomys dorsalis (Hensel) (Rodentia: Sigmodontinae), from the province of Misiones in Argentina. The new genus and species is characterised by a synlophe of 21 unequal ridges in both sexes without a gradient in size, with two ridges weakly sclerotised and oriented perpendicularly in the dorsal left quadrant; males with a highly dissymmetrical bursa with a hypertrophied right lobe, and females with a dorsal conical appendage just posterior to the vulva, conferring a two-tailed appearance to the female worms.

Histopathology associated with angiostrongylosis in Akodon species (Rodentia: Sigmodontinae) from Sierra de la Ventana, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Angiostrongylus is a metastrongylid nematode genus that includes species found in carnivores, rodents, and occasionally primates (including humans). About 100 species of wild sigmodontine rodents occur in Argentina, 16 of which are species of Akodon. The lungs of Akodon azarae and Akodon dolores from Sierra de la Ventana, Buenos Aires, Argentina, were examined, and 2 of 10 A. dolores specimens were positive for angiostrongylosis, showing macroscopic lesions of verminous pneumonia. Adults found were identified as Angiostrongylus morerai. Histopathology of the lungs revealed multiple nodules in the interstitium, alveoli, and vessels, resulting in interstitial fibrosis and the destruction of small capillaries and arterioles. Since extensive pathology in the lung was noted here from only 2 adults, it is probable that heavier infections may cause mortality in their hosts. This is the first record of this nematode species from A. dolores , expanding its geographic distribution to the southwest of Buenos Aires Province, and the first description of the histopathology of larval angiostrongylosis in a wild rodent from South America.

Helminth parasites of spotted sandpipers, Actitis macularius (Charadriiformes), from Belize, Texas, and Montana.

In total, 70 spotted sandpipers, Actitis macularius, were examined for helminth parasites; 47 from Belize, 18 from Texas, and 5 from Montana. The compound communities consisted of 10 species of helminths for Belize, 5 for Texas, and 6 for Montana, for a total of 17 different species. The most prevalent and abundant helminths for Belize were 3 microphallid trematodes, Paramaritremopsis solielangi, Levinseniella carteretensis, and Microphallus kinsellai; for Texas, the cestodes Kowalewskiella cingulifera and Choanotaenia cayennensis; and for Montana, the cestodes Anomotaenia hypoleuci and K. cingulifera. The cestode K. cingulifera was the only species recorded from all 3 localities. The cestode A. hypoleuci was the only specialist. Characteristics for helminth compound communities from the 3 localities were similar in terms of low mean species richness, medium diversity, and in uneven parasite distribution. Infracommunities were species poor for all 3 localities. For the Belize sample, only 6 of the 47 hosts harbored as many as 3 helminth species, and only 1 harbored more, at 5 species. Only 1 host harbored as many as 3 species in the sample from Texas, and a single host harbored a high of 4 species for Montana. There were no significant differences for mean species richness or mean abundance among the 3 localities. There were no significant differences for species richness or mean abundance between the combined freshwater sample from Texas and Montana and the marine sample from Belize. There were no significant positive or negative associations between pairs of helminth species.

First record of entodiniomorph ciliates in a carnivore, the maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), from Brazil.

The entodiniomorph ciliates (Ciliophora: Entodiniomorphida) are endosymbiotes widely found in the intestines of herbivorous mammals. These commensals commonly occur in the Artiodactyla and Perissodactyla and have also been described in the Proboscidea, Primates, Rodentia, and Diprotodontia. This study reports the first finding of a ciliate in a member of order Carnivora, the maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus). Fecal samples from wild and captive maned wolves were screened using ethyl acetate sedimentation. Prevalence in fecal samples collected from free-ranging maned wolves in Brazil was 40% (6 of 15). Fecal samples from two of four captive individuals from the St. Louis Zoo also had the same species of ciliate. The largely frugivorous diet of the maned wolf likely explains the occurrence of these normally herbivore-associated endosymbiotes in a carnivore.

Fatal aortic aneurysm and rupture in a neotropical bush dog (Speothos venaticus) caused by Spirocerca lupi.

This report details the post-mortem discovery of a larva of Spirocerca lupi in the caudal thoracic aorta of a 2-year, male bush dog (Speothos venaticus). This individual presented no clinical symptoms of the parasite's presence prior to its sudden death. The cause of death was determined to be acute bleeding following the rupture of an aneurysm in the caudal thoracic aorta as a result of the parasite located there. This is the first report of S. lupi in a bush dog.

A new cyclocoelid (Digenea) genus from the grey-winged trumpeter, Psophia crepitans (Aves: Gruiformes: Psophiidae), from Guyana.

Six specimens representing a new genus of cyclocoelid, Psophiatrema greineri n. gen., n. sp. (Digenea: Cyclocoelidae: Cyclocoelinae), were collected from the air sacs of a common or grey-winged trumpeter, Psophia crepitans (Gruiformes: Psophiidae), from Guyana on 19 January 2001. The bird was being maintained in an aviary at Emerald Forest Bird Gardens, Fallbrook, California. The new genus has an intertesticular ovary forming a triangle with the testes, placing it in Cyclocoelinae. There are currently 2 genera recognized in Cyclocoelinae: Cyclocoelum and Selfcoelum. The new genus is most similar to Selfcoelum by having a postpharyngeal genital pore, but differs from both Cyclocoelum and Selfcoelum by having the vitelline fields confluent posteriorly. A revised key to the Cyclocoelinae is provided to include the new genus, and the subfamily diagnosis is emended to reflect that the vitelline fields can be either confluent or not posteriorly.

Parásitos gastrointestinales en pingüino de Humboldt (Spheniscus humboldti) y pingüino de Magallanes (Spheniscus magellanicus) en las costas del centro y centro sur de Chile / Gastrointestinal parasites in humboldt’s penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) and Magellanian penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) in coasts from central and south-central Chile

A través de necropsias parasitarias realizadas a 12 pingüinos provenientes del litoral del centro y centro sur de Chile, se aislaron los helmintos Tetrabothrius lutzi, T. eudyptidis, Cardio-cephaloidesphysalis, Contracaecumpelagicum, C. heardi y Ascaridia sp. en pingüino de Magallanes y ejemplares de T. eudyptidis y Contracaecum pelagicum en pingüino de Humboldt. Las especies T. eudyptidis, C. pelagicum y C. heardi representan nuevos registros para Chile. Las especies C. physalis y Ascaridia sp. constituyen nuevas especies parásitas para el pingüino de Magallanes. Los presentes resultados son discutidos.

Twelve parasitic necropsies were performed on penguins from coast of Central and South Central Chile, yielding helminths Tetrabothrius lutzi, T. eudyptidis, Cardiocephaloides physalis, Contracaecum pelagicum, C. heardi andAscaridia sp. in magellanian penguin, and T. eudyptidis, C. physalis and Contracaecum pelagicum in humboldt 's penguin. New records were found of T. eudyptidis, C. pelagicum and C. heardi in Chile. C. physalis andAscaridia sp. represent new parasitic species in the magellanic penguin.

A new angiostrongylid (Nematoda) species from the pulmonary arteries of Akodon azarae (Rodentia: Cricetidae) in Argentina.

Angiostrongylus morerai n. sp. (Nematoda: Angiostrongylidae) is described from the pulmonary arteries of Azara's grass mouse Akodon azarae (Rodentia: Cricetidae) in Argentina. It is distinguished from its congeners principally by the morphology of the dorsal ray, which is as long, or longer, than the externodorsals and has 2 long branches; the spicule lengths are also greater (400-465 microm). This is the first record of a metastrongyloid from sigmodontine rodents in Argentina.

Redescription, synonymy, and new records of Vexillata noviberiae (Dikmans, 1935) (Nematoda: Trichostrongylina), a parasite of rabbits Sylvilagus spp. (Leporidae) in the United States.

Vexillata noviberiae (Dikmans, 1935) (Trichostrongylina: Heligmosomoidea), originally described as a parasite of Sylvilagus floridanus from Louisiana, is redescribed from material collected from Sylvilagus palustris in Florida and from S. floridanus in Kansas. New morphometric and morphological data are provided. Stunkardionema halla Arnold, 1941, described from S. floridanus from Kansas and New York, is proposed as a junior synonym of V. noviberiae. These findings confirm the occurrence of V. noviberiae as a parasite of rabbits and its wide distribution range in North America.

A new genus and species of acuarioid nematode (Acuariidae: Seuratiinae) in petrels Pterodroma externa and P. neglecta from the Juan Fernández Islands, Chile.

A new genus and species of Seuratiinae is described based on adults recovered from the Juan Fernández and Kermedec Petrels (Pterodroma externa and P. neglecta) from the Juan Fernández Islands of Chile (south Pacific). Navonia pterodromae n. gen., n. sp. is distinguished from the other genera and species in Seuratiinae by the combination of the following characters: (1) cordons arising from commissures of buccal lips originating a finely denticulate collarette divided into 2 lateral lobes, and detached from underlying cuticle; (2) inconspicuous simple to bicuspid deirids; (3) presence of area rugosa; and (4) presence of a large left spicule in the male. It is also distinguished from some genera and species in this subfamily by the presence of a lateral furrow. Seuratia shipleyi was also recorded from P. externa. These are the first records of helminths in these 2 hosts and the first records of Seuratiinae from Chile.

Helminth parasites in six species of shorebirds (Charadrii) from the Coast of Belize

Thirteen species of helminth parasites were recovered from six species of charadriid shorebirds (Aves: Charadriiformes) from Belize: the ruddy turnstone, Arenaria interpres, the snowy plover, Charadrius alexandrinus, the semipalmated plover, C. semipalmatus, the killdeer, C. vociferus, the white-rumped sandpiper, Calidris fuscicollis, and the black-bellied plover, Pluvialis squatarola. Cestode species were predominant (N = 8), followed by trematode species (N = 3) and acanthocephala (N = 2). The trematode, Paramaritremopsis solielangi infected four of the six species of hosts. The cestodes, Nadejdolepis litoralis and N. paranitidulans infected three and two host species respectively. Helminth parasite species were contagious (clumped) and not evenly distributed among hosts. Twelve of the 13 species were generalists. The one specialist Microphallus kinsellae was recovered from one C. fuscicollis. Three of the four types of feeding guilds were present and in approximately the same number. All but M. kinsellae have been reported from other species of hosts, mostly from Eurasia and North America