Subcutaneous occurrence of encysted Acanthocephala in an anuran amphibian from Brazil.

Acanthocephalans, in their adult stage, are obligatory parasites of many types of vertebrates, including anuran amphibians. Their complex life cycle always involves an arthropod intermediate host but may include non-obligatory strategies that could improve transmission success, such as paratenic infections. In paratenic hosts, these parasites are normally found loose in the body cavity or encysted in internal organs. Here, we present the first report of acanthocephalans found encysted under the skin of an amphibian (i.e., external to its body cavity). The specimen, a clay robber frog [Haddadus binotatus (Spix, 1824)], had been collected in an Atlantic Forest area in southeastern Brazil. Upon examination of the frog, we recovered two specimens of acanthocephalan (Order Echinorhynchida) encysted under the skin of its venter. Considering the host's relatively small size and its thin ventral musculature, we believe that the acanthocephalans may have accidentally trespassed the muscular tissue while attempting to encyst in the frog's internal body wall.

Patterns in parasite diversity and interactions with anurans from the Atlantic Forest.

Knowledge of parasite-host interactions is essential for understanding factors associated with the ecology and evolution of both groups. Some aspects, such as host size and phylogeny, as well as parasite specificity, are significant predictors that help unveil the parasite-host relationship. Thus, the goals of this study were: (1) to describe parasite diversity in regions of the Atlantic Forest; (2) to analyze which host characteristics can influence parasite richness of anuran's parasite component community; and (3) to investigate if the prevalence of parasite infection is related to specificity metrics (ecological and phylogenetic), number of infected hosts and parasite's abundance. We identified 49 parasite taxa, classified into three phyla: Nematoda, Acanthocephala, and Platyhelminthes. Supporting the existing literature, our findings corroborate the positive relationship between host size and parasite richness, further emphasizing the significance of this predictor. Parasite prevalence in the host community is related to the number of infected host species and parasite abundance, but not to phylogenetic and ecological specificity indices. This shows that parasite prevalence is strongly associated with infection opportunity, host sampling effort, and high parasite abundance.

Centrorhynchus spp. (Acanthocephala) in South America: new anuran record and checklist of vertebrate hosts.

The aim of this study was to record Centrorhynchus sp. associated with the exotic species Aquarana catesbeiana (bullfrog) in southern Brazil and to present a checklist of vertebrate hosts in South America. Twenty-nine adults and juveniles of A. catesbeiana were collected in Capão do Leão, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, between October 2019 and December 2020. We found 275 specimens of Centrorhynchus sp. cystacanths in the stomach musculature and coelomic cavity of 55.1% of hosts (16). There was no significant differences in the prevalence and mean intensity of infection with cystacanths when compared males and females of A. catesbeiana. The prevalence was significantly higher in adults than in juveniles. The checklist presents 106 species of vertebrate hosts and 14 taxa of Centrorhynchus recorded in nine South American countries. Avian were the main definitive hosts of Centrorhynchus spp. and snakes Dipsadidae, anurans Hylidae and Leptodactylidae the main paratenic hosts in South America. This is the first record of Centrorhynchus cystacanths in A. catesbeiana in the South America. The study provides tools to help understand the parasitic relationships between species of Centrorhynchus and A. catesbeiana and other hosts in areas where bullfrog have been introduced.

Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus em uma porca da Província de El Oro - Equador / Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus in a sow in El Oro Province - Ecuador

Background: Macracantorhincosis is a zoonotic disease resulting from inadequate sanitary conditions, which occurs in pigs infected by acanthocephalic helminths called Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus. The eggs of these parasites are resistant to cold, high temperatures and can survive up to 3 years in the soil. They are consumed by dung beetles of the Scarabeidae family causing the parasite to evolve into its infective form, the cystacanth. The pig becomes infected after ingestion of either larvae or adult forms of these coleoptera. This work describes a case report of macracantorhincosis found in a pig from the canton of Zaruma located in the province of El Oro, Ecuador. Case: One sow, approximately 24-month-old, weighing 30 kg, presented cachexia, muscle weakness, pale oral and ocular mucosa and a body temperature above 39.4°C. The animal had a bulge on the ventral side of the neck, which evolved causing progressive discomfort to the point that the animal stopped eating. The sow was dewormed for 3 consecutive days. Fifteen days later, the animal had convulsions and muscle tremors, and died some hours after the symptoms started. During necropsy procedure, pale digestive tract membranes and nodules with fibrin were observed in the small intestine (jejunum), which was incised and the presence of parasites adhered to the granulomas detected. Two granulomas for morphological and histological studies and stool samples for coproparasitic test were collected. The collected parasites were fixed in a 10% buffered formalin solution, cross-sections were made and routinely processed for histological studies. The 5 µm thick sections were stained using the hematoxylin and eosin (HE) technique. The parasite's action involves perforation of the intestinal wall though its proboscis causing peritonitis and enteritis. Other conditions in intestinal dissection such as necrotic areas, inflammation of the submucosa and adult parasites adhered to the intestinal mucosa were also observed. The coproparasitic examination was performed using the flotation and sedimentation techniques. The coproparasitic test detected dark colored feces, semi-solid consistency and the presence of Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceu eggs. In the histological evaluation of the cross section of the parasite, the presence of circular and longitudinal muscle fibers and lemniscus with their constrictor muscles was observed. Cuticle, hypodermis with tapered fibers and a large number of developing mature eggs were also reported. Discussion: There is no pathognomonic symptomatology about this parasitosis and peritonitis can be generated by intestinal perforations. The findings at necropsy were ulcerations, inflammation in the small intestine and the presence of numerous nodules in the serous layer, where there was penetration of the parasite's proboscis. When fixed to the mucosa, these parasites cause ulcerations, inflammation and necrosis in the wall of the small intestine. The hypodermic layer is thicker than the muscular layer and the presence of leminis with their constricting muscles are typical features of acanthocephalus. It is considered appropriate to carry out epidemiological studies on the prevalence of the parasite Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus at pig farming system in the region, in order to determine the main risk factors. In Ecuador, cases of this disease in humans have not yet been reported, but have already been described in other countries, so the presence of this parasite in family swine farming may be considered a zoonotic-type risk factor.

Helminth and ectoparasitic faunas of the Harris's hawk, Parabuteo unicinctus (Accipitriformes: Accipitridae), in Chile: new data on host-parasite associations for Neotropical raptors / Helmintos e ectoparasitas do gavião-asa-de-telha (Accipitriformes: Parabuteo unicinctus) no Chile: novas associações parasita-hospedeiro para os rapinantes neotropicais

Abstract Birds of prey harbor a wide spectrum of various parasites, mostly with a heteroxenous life cycle. However, most reports on their parasites come from Europe. Although the Harris's hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus) is a widespread species in America, parasitological surveys on this hawk are mostly focused on coprological findings and ectoparasites, with poor attention paid to helminths. The aim of this study was to gather new and additional data on host-parasite associations for the Harris's hawk. Twenty-nine birds from central and southern Chile were necropsied. Further, nine birds from a rehabilitation center and 22 museum specimens were inspected for ectoparasites. Sixty-eight percent of birds hosted at least one parasite species. Four lice species, one mite species and eight helminth species (five nematodes, two platyhelminthes and one acanthocephalan) were recorded. Parasitic lice Colpocephalum nanum and Nosopon chanabense, and a nematode Cyathostoma (Hovorkonema) americana were recorded for the first time in raptors from the Neotropics. A feather mite, Pseudalloptinus sp., nematodes, Physaloptera alata and Microtetrameres sp., and a trematode Neodiplostomim travassosi, were recorded for the first time in Chile. The presence of diverse heteroxenous helminths reported here in the Harris's hawk could be explained by the generalist diet of this raptor.

Resumo As aves de rapina representam uma fonte importante de parasitas heteroxenos. Porém, a maioria dos relatos são da Europa. O gavião-asa-de-telha (Parabuteo unicinctus) é uma espécie amplamente distribuída no continente Americano, porém estudos parasitológicos nessas aves têm documentado achados coprológicos e ectoparasitas, com poucos relatos sobre endoparasitas como helmintos. Por essa razão, o objetivo deste estudo foi descrever novas associações parasita-hospedeiro para o gavião-asa-de-telha e rapinantes neotropicais. Vinte nove aves provenientes do centro e sul do Chile foram submetidas à necropsia. Por outro lado, nove aves de um centro de reabilitação e 22 espécimes de museu foram inspecionados em busca de ectoparasitas. Do total de aves, 68,3% foram identificadas como portadoras de pelo menos uma espécie de parasita. Quatro espécies de piolhos, um ácaro e oito helmintos (cinco nematoides, dois platelmintos e um acantocéfalo) foram registrados. Os piolhos Colpocephalum nanum, Nosopon chanabense e o nematóide Cyathostoma (Hovorkonema) americana são reportados pela primeira vez em rapinantes neotropicais. Colpocephalum nanum, N. chanabense, Pseudalloptinus sp., Physaloptera alata, Microtetrameres sp., C. (H.) americana e Neodiplostomim travassosi, são reportados pela primeira vez no Chile. A diversidade de helmintos heteróxenos, identificados neste trabalho, poderia ser explicada devido à dieta geralista do gavião-asa-de-telha.

Helminth diversity in Pimelodus blochii Valenciennes, 1840 (Osteichthyes: Pimelodidae) in two Amazon Rivers.

Structure of the helminth community and analyses of helminth population parameters of Pimelodus blochii collected in the Xapuri River in comparison with those in the Acre River were evaluated. Eight adult helminth species were found parasitizing P. blochii in the Acre River: the nematodes Orientatractis moraveci, Rondonia rondoni, Philometroides acreanensis, Cucullanus (Cucculanus) pinai pinai, Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) pimelodus, Rhadochona acuminata, and Brasilnema sp., and the trematode Dadaytrema oxycephala. For Xapuri's fishes, nine helminth species were found: the nematodes O. moraveci, R. rondoni, C. (C.) pinai pinai, Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) rarus, P. (S.) pimelodus, R. acuminata, Brasilnema sp., and Cystidicolidae gen. sp., and the trematode D. oxycephala. Nematode and Acanthocephala larvae were also reported. Helminth abundance, prevalence, and diversity were influenced by seasonality and locality (river). The helminth parasites from Acre's fishes formed a subset of the helminth community of the Xapuri's. The results indicate an influence of the environmental characteristics of the rivers on the helminth community structure and diversity. This is the first study of the parasite community of P. blochii in the Xapuri River. The paretheses of (Spirocamallanus) and (S.) should not be in italics all along the text and tables.

Profilicollis chasmagnathi (Acanthocephala) parasitizing freshwater fishes: paratenicity and an exception to the phylogenetic conservatism of the genus?

Polymorphid acanthocephalans are parasites of marine mammals, waterfowl and ichthyophagous birds. Among these, the genus Profilicollis is known to use exclusively decapods as intermediate hosts. Here, we report the first record of living cystacanths of Profilicollis parasitizing the body cavity of a fish host, Oligosarcus jenynsii, inhabiting the freshwater section of an estuarial system, Mar Chiquita coastal lagoon, in south-east Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. In this environment, cystacanths of Profilicollis chasmagnathi have been previously recorded infecting decapod crabs and as transient accidental infections in the gut of some carcinophagous fishes. In the present study, larvae from the crab Neohelice granulata, from the intestine of the estuarine fish Odontesthes argentinensis and from the body cavity of O. jenynsii were morphologically and genetically compared, confirming their identity as P. chasmagnathi, a species characteristic of estuaries and marine coasts along Argentina, Uruguay and Chile. These findings can be interpreted as a possible case of incipient paratenicity for Profilicollis, and a colonization event of freshwater habitats, probably promoted by the highly variable conditions, typical of ecotonal environments. In addition, cystacanths of the genus Polymorphus were also found in O. jenynsii, representing the first record of this genus in Oligosarcus from Argentina.

Parasites in micromammal fecal pellets throughout the Late Holocene ("Cueva Peligro" paleontological site, Patagonia, Argentina).

Parasite remains in micromammal fecal pellets collected from the paleontological site "Cueva Peligro" (CP 43°40'18"S, 66°24'52"W), Chubut Province, Argentina, were examined. The samples were obtained from two grids, dated between 1220 ± 7014C yr B.P. to modern dates. Fecal pellets were whole processed, rehydrated, homogenized, and examined via light microscopy. Eggs of parasites found were measured and photographed. Fecal pellets belong to one or more insectivore to omnivore unidentified micromammal species, possibly sigmodontine rodents. A high number of helminthes species was recorded (11 species), eight nematodes, two anoplocephalid cestodes and one acanthocephalan species. The sigmodontine-parasite relationship varied throughout the studied period and between studied grids. This is the first time that Gongylonema sp. and Syphacia sp. are reported from ancient times from Patagonia. The obtained results contribute to the knowledge of parasite assemblages associated to native South American sigmodontine rodents and the zoonoses present in the area throughout the lasts 1200 years.

Interannual variation in the metazoan parasite communities of bigeye trevally Caranx sexfasciatus (Pisces, Carangidae).

Parasite communities in Caranx sexfasciatus were characterized and analyzed to determine any interannual variations in structure and/or species composition. In total, 422 C. sexfasciatus were collected from Acapulco Bay, Mexico, between May 2016 and March 2019. Thirty-two taxa of metazoan parasites were identified: five Monogenea, thirteen Digenea, one Acanthocephala, one Cestoda, three Nematoda, seven Copepoda, and two Isopoda. Monogeneans were the most frequent and abundant parasite species in all sampling years. Parasite species richness at the component community level varied significantly from 8 (May 2016) to 25 (March 2019) and was similar to previous reports for other species of Carangidae. The component communities and infracommunities in C. sexfasciatus were characterized by low parasite species numbers, low diversity, and dominance of a single species (the monogenean Neomicrocotyle pacifica). Parasite community structure and species composition varied between sampling years and climatic seasons. Seasonal or local fluctuations in some biotic and abiotic environmental factors probably explain these variations.

TITLE: Variation interannuelle des communautés de parasites métazoaires de la carangue à gros yeux Caranx sexfasciatus (Pisces, Carangidae). ABSTRACT: Les communautés de parasites de Caranx sexfasciatus ont été caractérisées et analysées afin de déterminer si elles connaissent des variations interannuelles dans la structure et/ou la composition des espèces. Au total, 422 C. sexfasciatus ont été collectés dans la baie d'Acapulco, au Mexique, entre mai 2016 et mars 2019. Trente-deux taxons de parasites métazoaires ont été identifiés : cinq Monogenea, treize Digenea, un Acanthocephala, un Cestoda, trois Nematoda, sept Copepoda et deux Isopoda. Les monogènes étaient les espèces de parasites les plus fréquentes et les plus abondantes au cours de toutes les années d'échantillonnage. La richesse en espèces de parasites au niveau de la communauté des composants variait considérablement de 8 (mai 2016) à 25 (mars 2019) et était similaire aux rapports précédents pour d'autres espèces de Carangidae. Les communautés et infracommunautés de C. sexfasciatus étaient caractérisées par un faible nombre d'espèces de parasites, une faible diversité et la dominance d'une seule espèce (le monogène Neomicrocotyle pacifica). La structure des communautés de parasites et la composition des espèces variaient entre les années d'échantillonnage et les saisons climatiques. Les fluctuations saisonnières ou locales de certains facteurs environnementaux biotiques et abiotiques expliquent probablement ces variations.

Using lizards to evaluate the influence of average abundance on the variance of endoparasites in semiarid areas: dispersion and assemblage structure.

The distribution of parasites within host populations and communities, and the mechanisms responsible for these patterns, are poorly understood aspects of wildlife parasitology. Here, we evaluate the influence of the average abundance of endoparasite variance, using endoparasites of lizards from the Caatinga domain (semiarid region), north-eastern Brazil. We hypothesized that, due to the high number of generalist endoparasite species, they may occur randomly throughout host populations in an aggregate pattern. In addition, we evaluated the degree to which sample variance is influenced by the average abundance of endoparasite species, patterns of co-occurrence and dominance among endoparasite species and similarities between abundance and the richness of endoparasite infracommunities in several host species. Between September 2015 and February 2016, 2141 lizards (1233 infected) from 16 species were collected from six Caatinga areas. In total, 25,687 endoparasites were collected, which belonged to 13 species including nematodes, pentastomids, cestodes, trematodes and acanthocephalans. Parasite-host associations documented here included 39 newly identified interactions. Endoparasites occurred in a typical aggregate pattern of distribution within their hosts; there was no measurable preference related to the acquisition of hosts by endoparasites. Despite the new records, endoparasites found were commonly associated with lizards in Caatinga environments, which may reflect fauna composed of generalist endoparasite species.

Long-term temporal variation in the parasite community structure of metazoans of Pimelodus blochii (Pimelodidae), a catfish from the Brazilian Amazon.

The Amazon represents one of the most complex biomes in the world; however, the temporal variations in parasite community structure of fishes inhabiting this region remain poorly understood. Therefore, processes generating such variations are still unknown. The present study evaluated the long-term temporal variation of community structure of metazoan parasites of Pimelodus blochii collected in Iaco River, State of Acre (Southwestern Brazilian Amazon). A total of 196 parasites were collected over a 6-year period (2012-2017). Twenty-four different taxa of parasites were found, of which 5 Monogenea, 11 Nematoda, 3 Digenea, 1 Acanthocephala, 1 Cestoda, and 3 Crustacea. The overall species richness ranged from 4 in 2012 to 17 in 2016, in which nematodes (larvae and adults) showed higher numerical dominance, diversity, and species richness. However, the annual species richness was similar between the study years, except in 2016, where it showed a distinctly higher value. The overall parasite diversity was also different in 2012 and 2016, whereas the overall abundance differed in 2013 and 2017. The prevalence and abundance of some infracommunities of parasites varied over time. The temporal changes in the parasite community structure of P. blochii are probably related to variations in host-related features, i.e., body size and shift in diet composition as well as to the occurrence of parasites with distinct life history and biology (mainly monogeneans, digeneans, and nematodes). This is the first evaluation of a long-term temporal variation in the structure of the parasite community in fish from the Amazon.

Distribution patterns of two species of Corynosoma (Acanthocephala: Polymorphidae) in fishes from Southwestern Atlantic.

Corynosoma australe and C. cetaceum are the most frequently reported acanthocephalans in fish from the Argentine Sea, particularly in central and northern areas. Their definitive hosts are otariids and odontocete cetaceans, respectively. The low specificity of these larvae, in combination with high infective capability and long survival periods in fish, make them potentially good biological markers for stocks and other biological features of their fish hosts. In order to determine the distribution patterns of these species and their determining factors, a large dataset composed by newly collected fish samples, published and unpublished data from previous studies by the authors in the region were analysed in relation to host and environmental variables. The complete dataset comprised a total of 5084 fish, belonging to 29 species distributed in 21 families and 9 orders. Host size and trophic habits arose as the main determinants of abundance for both species of Corynosoma, showing higher abundances on larger fish and on higher trophic levels, as it is usual for trophically transmitted parasites. Biogeographic province and depth (indirectly representing the temperature of water) were the main drivers of the spatial distribution, displaying a latitudinal pattern associated to the temperature clines created by the interaction of Malvinas and Brazil currents, determining a decrease in abundance southwards and towards the deeper areas. No patterns were found regarding the distribution of definitive hosts. The knowledge of these distribution patterns of Corynosoma spp. in fish at regional scale, as well as of their causes, provides useful information to design management and conservation policies thus contributing to maintain the full and sustainable productivity of fisheries.

Gastrointestinal and external parasites of the Variable hawk Geranoaetus polyosoma (Accipitriformes: Accipitridae) in Chile.

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.

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.

Morphological and molecular data on a new species of Plagiorhynchus Lühe, 1911 (Acanthocephala: Plagiorhynchidae) from the long-billed curlew (Numenius americanus) from northern Mexico.

A new species of the genus Plagiorhynchus Lühe, 1911 from the intestine of the long-billed curlew (Numenius americanus) from northern Mexico is described. Plagiorhynchus (Plagiorhynchus) aznari n. sp. is morphologically distinguished from other congeneric species from the Americas by having a trunk expanded anteriorly and a cylindrical proboscis, armed with 19 longitudinal rows of hooks, with 14-15 hooks each row. Nearly complete sequences of the small subunit and large subunit of the nuclear ribosomal DNA of the new species were determined and compared with available sequences from GenBank. Phylogenetic analyses inferred from the two molecular markers consistently showed that P. (Plagiorhynchus) aznari n. sp. is closely related to P. (Plagiorhynchus) allisonae, and this clade is sister to a clade formed by P. (Prosthorhynchus) transversus and P. (Prosthorhynchus) cylindraceus from Plagiorhynchidae. The new species represents the second record of the genus in Mexico and the fourth species in the Americas. The phylogenetic relationships among the members of the order Polymorphida in this study provide significant insights into the evolution of ecological associations between parasites and their definitive hosts. Our analyses suggest that the colonization of marine mammals, fish-eating birds and waterfowl in Polymorphidae might have occurred independently, from a common ancestor of Centrorhynchidae and Plagiorhynchidae that colonized terrestrial birds and mammals.

Acanthocephalan parasites of the flounder species Paralichthys isosceles, Paralichthys patagonicus and Xystreurys rasile from Brazil / Acantocéfalos parasitos de espécies de linguados Paralichthys isosceles, Paralichthys patagonicus e Xystreurys rasile no Brasil

Abstract Flounders are commercially and economically important fish. A total of 120 specimens of flounders (60 Paralichthys isosceles, 30 Paralichthys patagonicus and 30 Xystreurys rasile) were collected off the coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The fish were measured, necropsied and filleted, and then had their organs investigated for acanthocephalans. Taxonomic identification of the parasites was based on morphological, morphometric and genetic characters. Paralichthys isosceles and P. patagonicus were parasitized by juveniles of Serrasentis sagittifer, Bolbosoma turbinella, Corynosoma australe and C. cetaceum; Xystreurys rasile was parasitized by C. australe. Genetic characterization confirmed the identification of specimens of Bolbosoma turbinella and Corynosoma australe, as demonstrated by phylogenetic analyses using both ITS and cox1 molecular targets. Parasite indices of prevalence, intensity, mean intensity, abundance, mean abundance, and range of infection, as well as infection site, were evaluated for each parasite species. This is the first report of S. sagittifer parasitizing P. isosceles and P. patagonicus, and B. turbinella parasitizing P. patagonicus.

Resumo Os linguados são peixes comercial e economicamente importantes. Um total de 120 espécimes de linguados (60 Paralichthys isosceles, 30 P. patagonicus e 30 Xystreurys rasile) foram coletados no litoral do estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Os peixes foram medidos, necropsiados, filetados e tiveram seus órgãos investigados para a presença de acantocéfalos. A identificação taxonômica foi baseada em caracteres morfológicos, morfométricos e genéticos. Paralichthys isosceles e P. patagonicus estavam parasitados por acantocéfalos juvenis de Serrasentis sagittifer, Bolbosoma turbinella, Corynosoma australe e C. cetaceum; Xystreurys rasile estava parasitado com C. australe. A caracterização genética confirmou a identificação dos espécimes de Bolbosoma turbinella e Corynosoma australe, como demonstrado por análises filogenéticas usando ambos marcadores moleculares ITS e cox1. Foram analisados os índices parasitários: prevalência, intensidade, intensidade média, abundância, abundância média, amplitude de variação da infecção e sítio de infecção de cada espécie de parasito. Este é o primeiro registro de S. sagittifer parasitando P. isosceles e P. patagonicus, e de B. turbinella parasitando P. patagonicus.

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.

Extraintestinal Acanthocephalan Oncicola venezuelensis (Oligacanthorhynchidae) in Small Indian Mongooses (Herpestes auropunctatus) and African Green Monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus).

We identified multiple extraintestinal cystacanths during routine postmortem examination of 3 small Indian mongooses and 2 African green monkeys from the Caribbean island of St. Kitts. In mongooses, cystacanths were encysted or free in the subcutaneous tissue, skeletal muscle, or peritoneal or pericardial cavities, whereas in the monkeys, they were in the cavity and parietal layer of the, tunica vaginalis, skeletal muscle, and peritoneal cavity. Morphological, histological, and molecular characterization identified these cystacanths as Oncicola venezuelensis (Acanthocephala: Oligacanthorhynchidae). There was minimal to mild lymphoplasmacytic inflammation associated with the parasite in the mongooses and moderate inflammation, mineralization, hemorrhage, and fibrosis in the connective tissue between the testis and epididymis in 1 monkey. We identified a mature male O. venezuelensis attached in the aboral jejunum of a feral cat, confirming it as the definitive host. Termites serve as intermediate hosts and lizards as paratenic hosts. This report emphasizes the role of the small Indian mongoose and African green monkey as paratenic hosts for O. venezuelensis.

Acanthocephalan parasites of the flounder species Paralichthys isosceles, Paralichthys patagonicus and Xystreurys rasile from Brazil.

Flounders are commercially and economically important fish. A total of 120 specimens of flounders (60 Paralichthys isosceles, 30 Paralichthys patagonicus and 30 Xystreurys rasile) were collected off the coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The fish were measured, necropsied and filleted, and then had their organs investigated for acanthocephalans. Taxonomic identification of the parasites was based on morphological, morphometric and genetic characters. Paralichthys isosceles and P. patagonicus were parasitized by juveniles of Serrasentis sagittifer, Bolbosoma turbinella, Corynosoma australe and C. cetaceum; Xystreurys rasile was parasitized by C. australe. Genetic characterization confirmed the identification of specimens of Bolbosoma turbinella and Corynosoma australe, as demonstrated by phylogenetic analyses using both ITS and cox1 molecular targets. Parasite indices of prevalence, intensity, mean intensity, abundance, mean abundance, and range of infection, as well as infection site, were evaluated for each parasite species. This is the first report of S. sagittifer parasitizing P. isosceles and P. patagonicus, and B. turbinella parasitizing P. patagonicus.

First record of Acanthocephala parasites eggs in coprolites preliminary assigned to Crocodyliformes from the Adamantina Formation (Bauru Group, Upper Cretaceous), São Paulo, Brazil.

This study presents the oldest record of Acanthocephala parasite eggs in coprolites preliminary assigned to Crocodyliformes, recovered in the region of Santo Anastácio Municipality, Southwestern São Paulo State. For this, a paleoparasitological investigation was carried out on 53 mineralized coprolites (complete or fragmented), with round shape or cylindrical shape of rounded or pointed ends, 0.2 - 3.9 cm in length x 0.1 - 2.4 cm in diameter, 3.7 grams in weight, and absence of food remains. Individual samples of the surface and internal portions of each coprolite were extracted by electric drill, dissociated with Cloridic Acid 10% solution, washed with Distilled Water, and filtered in granulometric screen Mesh / Tyler 325. After laboratory processing, the sediments retained on the granulometric screen was studied with Glycerin under optical microscopy, and the presence of four Acanthocephala eggs could be observed in sample of only one of these ichnofossils. All specimens were well preserved and showed 72.5 - 85 µm in length x 27.5 - 50 µm in width, elliptical shape, three concentric and thick shells, and embryos in their interior. This study inaugurates investigations and knowledge about Paleoparasitology in Crocodyliformes coprolites from the Bauru Group, Upper Cretaceous from the Paraná Basin.