Phylogenomics corroborates morphology: New discussions on the systematics of Trichostomatia (Ciliophora, Litostomatea).

The subclass Trichostomatia (Ciliophora, Litostomatea) constitutes a well-supported monophyletic group, which includes ciliates exclusively found as symbionts of vertebrates, primarily herbivorous mammals. Recent molecular analyses reinforce the subclass monophyly, though almost all orders, suborders, families, and genera are found to be non-monophyletic. Here, we reconstructed the evolutionary history of the subclass Trichostomatia using a phylogenomic approach and discussed some systematic inconsistencies. We propose a new Ophryoscolecidae genus, Dagostonium, to include Diplodinium polygonale. Monoposthium cynodontum is transferred to the genus Cycloposthium.

Intestinal Ciliates of Plains Zebra (Equus quagga Gmelin, 1788) in Turkey.

An investigation was carried out to identify the intestinal ciliated protozoa of the plains zebra known as Burchell's zebra (Equus quagga burchellii Gray, 1824) living in Sasali National Park (Izmir, Turkey) and Gaziantep Zoo (Gaziantep, Turkey) and of the plains zebra known as Grant's zebra (Equus quagga boehmi Matschie, 1892) living in Darica Faruk Yalçin Zoo (Darica, Turkey). A total of 27 species and 1 morphotype belonging to 17 genera and 6 families were detected. Bundleia elongata was identified in all examined zebras, whereas Bundleia inflata, Blepharoconus benbrooki, Blepharocorys cardionucleata, Circodinium minimum, Cycloposthium bipalmatum, Ditoxum brevinucleatum, D. hamulus, and Arcosoma brevicorniger were identified only in one zebra. The average quantity of intestinal ciliates in the 9 zebras was 11.0 ± 17.0 × 104 cells mL-1. According to this study, the total number of ciliate species in the intestine of zebras increased to 51. This is the first time a report has been made on Paraisotricha colpoidea, Blepharoprosthium polytrichum, Bundleia elongata, B. triangularis, Paraisotrichopsis composita, Arcosoma brevicorniger, and A. dicorniger from zebra intestines. Moreover, A. brevicorniger was observed in binary fission for the first time.

Comparative Study of Rumen Ciliate Fauna of Goat and Sheep in Libya

Objective: This study aims to provide comparative information on the rumen ciliate fauna of goat (Capra aegagrus hircus) and sheep (Ovis aries) living in Zawiya, Libya. Methods: We obtained rumen samples from 16 goats and 17 sheep after the slaughter in Zawiya, Libya between June and August 2016. We immediately fixed the well-mixed samples with an equal volume of 18.5% formalin. We filtered and stained the samples in the laboratory with methyl green formalin saline solution to determine the nuclei and added 2% Lugol's iodine solution to visualize the skeletal plates. Results: We found that the mean number (± standard deviation) of ciliates in the rumen contents from goats and sheep was 70.9±61.6×104 cells mL-1 (minimum-maximum value, 4.0-187.0×104 cells mL-1) and 96.3±49.3×104 cells mL-1 (minimum-maximum value, 19.5-235.0×104 cells mL-1), respectively. Results also showed that the total number of species per goat and sheep was 1-17 (mean, 8.2±4.7) and 1-13 (mean, 7.9±3.8), respectively. We identified 10 genera, 19 species, and 11 morphotypes in goats and 9 genera, 16 species, and 13 morphotypes in sheep. Additionally, we found that Entodinium simulans prevalence in all goats and sheep was 100%. On the other hand, we observed Hsiungia triciliata and Ostracodinium gracile in only one goat (6.3% prevalence) and Polyplastron multivesiculatum in only one sheep (5.9% prevalence). Overall, the ruminal ciliate fauna of goat and sheep in Libya comprised Entodinium species (mean for goats, 85.9%; mean for sheep, 83.5%). Conclusion: This study recorded Hsiungia triciliata as a new endosymbiont in goats. To our knowledge, this study is the first to report all of the species detected in goats from Libya. Similarly, this is the first to detect Diplodinium anisacanthum, Entodinium bursa, E. ellipsoideum, E. longinucleatum, E. simulans, Isotricha prostoma, Ophryoscolex caudatus, Ostracodinium gracile, and Polyplastron multivesiculatum in sheep from Libya.

Endosymbiotic Ciliated Protozoan Biota of Dromedary Camels and Domestic Cattle in Tunisia.

Species concentration and composition of endosymbiotic ciliates were investigated in the forestomach contents of 12 dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) and the ruminal contents of 16 domestic cattle (Bos taurus taurus) living in Ben Gardane, Tunisia. Sixteen species and 8 morphotypes, belonging to 8 genera, were identified from dromedary camels, and 18 species and 13 morphotypes, belonging to 8 genera, were identified from domestic cattle. This is the first report on the endosymbiotic ciliated protozoan biota of dromedary camels and cattle living in Tunisia. The mean density (± SD) of ciliates in the forestomach samples of dromedary camels and the ruminal samples of domestic cattle was 65.4 ± 69.4 × 104 cells mL-1 and 54.2 ± 55.8 × 104 cells mL-1, respectively. Diplodinium cameli and Blepharoconus krugerensis were detected for the first and second time, respectively, from the ruminal contents of cattle. Caloscolex camelinus and B. krugerensis were studied in detail with a scanning electron microscope.

Special Description of Pallisentis (Brevitritospinus) allahabadii Agarwal 1958 (Acanthocephala: Quadrigyridae) from Channa punctata (Bloch, 1793) by Scanning Electron Microscope.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the morphological features of acanthocephalans isolated from Channa punctata (Bloch, 1793). METHODS: Fishes collected alive from fish farms in Nadia District of West Bengal (India) were dissected for collection of acanthocephalans. Parasites isolated from intestine were fixed in formalin-aceto-alcohol and finally preserved in 70% ethanol for light microscopic studies and in 2.5% glutaraldehyde for scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: The morphological characteristics of adult acanthocephalans were found to be similar to the original descriptions describing the basic characters of proboscis hooks, the spines of the collar and trunk region, and cement gland nuclei. New taxonomic characters were identified for the first time by scanning electron microscopy. CONCLUSION: The acanthocephalan Pallisentis (Brevitritospinus) allahabadii Agarwal 1958 was described as an important parasite infecting fishes. The prevalence of the parasite was 23% and its adult stage was observed.

Rumen Ciliate Fauna of Domestic Sheep in Kastamonu, Turkey, and Infraciliature of Diplodinium quinquespinosum, Metadinium affine, and M. tauricum (Entodiniomorphida, Ophryoscolecidae).

Species distribution and composition of the ciliates found in the ruminal contents of 15 domestic sheep (Ovis aries) living in Kastamonu, Turkey, were investigated. Twenty-four species and 8 morphotypes belonging to 10 genera were identified. The density of the rumen ciliates in sheep was 108.2 (± 150.8) × 104 cells ml-1, and the mean number of ciliate species per host was 10.7 ± 4.6. Among the ciliate species identified, Dasytricha ruminantium was the most abundant, with a prevalence of 93.3%, whereas Diplodinium quinquespinosum, Eudiplodinium rostratum, and Metadinium tauricum were detected in only one animal (6.7% prevalence). D. quinquespinosum, Eudiplodinium rostratum, and Entodinium simulans m. dubardi were detected for the first time in sheep from Turkey. This is the first report of the presence of D. quinquespinosum in the rumen of ruminants in Turkey. The infraciliature of D. quinquespinosum, Metadinium affine, and M. tauricum (Entodiniomorphida, Ophryoscolecidae) was investigated. D. quinquespinosum and M. affine had Diplodinium-type infraciliature, whereas M. tauricum possessed Metadinium medium-type infraciliature.

Hindgut Ciliate Composition of Thoroughbred Mares in Kentucky, USA, and Binary Fission in Polymorphella ampulla.

Species composition and distribution of hindgut ciliates were investigated in the feces of 20 thoroughbred mares in Kentucky, USA. Thirty-three species and six morphotypes belonging to 21 genera were identified. The average density of hindgut ciliates in mares was 13.5 ± 13.7 × 104 cells ml-1, whereas mean number of ciliate species per host was 14.4 ± 5.3. Bundleia nana, B. elongata, B. piriformis, Blepharoconus hemiciliatus, Holophryoides ovalis, H. macrotricha, Blepharoprosthium polytrichum, Prorodonopsis coli, Paraisotrichopsis composita, Blepharocorys microcorys, and Ochoterenaia appendiculata were the first identified species in horses inhabited in USA. Scanning electron microscopic images of Holophryoides macrotricha, Paraisotrichopsis composita, Cycloposthium dentiferum m. corrugatum, C. edentatum m. edentatum, C. edentatum m. scutigerum, Tetratoxum parvum m. parvum, T. parvum m. sulcatum, T. excavatum m. excavatum, Allantosoma intestinale, and Arcosoma brevicorniger were studied. Binary fission in Polymorphella ampulla was also studied.

New Entodiniomorphid Ciliates, Buetschlia minuta n. sp., B. cirrata n. sp.,Charonina elephanti n. sp., from Asian Elephants of Turkey.

Three new entodiniomorphid species, Buetschlia minuta n. sp., Buetschlia cirrata n. sp., and Charonina elephanti n. sp., were described from the hindgut of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) from Gaziantep, Turkey. B. minuta n. sp. has an ovoid body shape with a truncated anterior end and a rounded posterior end, an adoral ciliary zone surrounding the cytostome, somatic ciliary rows in the anterior two thirds of the body, an ovoid macronucleus without a constant position, and a concretion vacuole in the anterior one third of the body. B. cirrata n. sp. has an ovoid body shape with the anterior end truncated and the posterior end rounded, an adoral ciliary zone surrounding the cytostome, unevenly distributed somatic cilia, an ovoid macronucleus without a constant position, and a concretion vacuole in the anterior one third of the body. C. elephanti n. sp. has an ovoid body shape with both ends rounded, an ovoid macronucleus without a constant position, two buccal ciliary zones, an adoral ciliary zone, a vestibular ciliary zone, three somatic ciliary zones, a dorsal ciliary zone, two posterior ciliary zones, dorsal and ventral, and a vestibulum with a Y-shaped infraciliature.

Ciliated Protozoan Fauna in the Forestomach of Dromedary Camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Libya.

Species composition and distribution of ciliated protozoa obtained from the forestomach of 20 dromedary camels living in Zawiya, Libya were examined. Nineteen species and 10 morphotypes belonging to eight genera were identified. The mean number of ciliates was 54.2 ± 32.9 × 104 cells ml-1 in the forestomach contents, and the mean number of ciliate species per host was 6.5 ± 2.9. Entodinium and Epidinium were the main genera, as these ciliates were found consistently at higher proportions than those of the other genera. In contrast, Ophryoscolex and Polyplastron were only observed at low frequencies. Diplodinium rangiferi, Entodinium ellipsoideum, E. simulans, and Polyplastron multivesiculatum were new endosymbionts recorded from camels.

Importance of Land Snails in Dicrocoeliosis Epidemiology.

Dicrocoeliosis is a helminthosis caused by the small liver fluke Dicrocoelium spp. (Trematoda, Dicrocoeliidae) parasitizing in the bile ducts and gall bladder of ruminants as well as many other animal species including humans. In the biological life cycle of Dicrocoelium, land snails are first intermediate hosts and ants are second intermediate hosts. Sporocysts and cercaria, which are larval stages, live in the hepatopancreas of land snails and metacercaria, which is also the larval stage, lives in the abdomen and brain of ants. Land snails, which are the first intermediate host of this parasite in Turkey, include Helicopsis derbentina, Helicopsis protea, Helicopsis krynickii, Cernuella virgata, Trochoidea pyramidata, Cochicella acuta, Monacha carthusiana, Helicella candicans, Helix aspersa, Helix lucorum, and Chondrus tournefortianus. Dicrocoeliosis is widespread in ruminants and affects their liver, which can lead to weight loss and reduced milk production. The number of reports on dicrocoeliosis is increasing due to the expansion of dry habitats and parasites becoming resistant to antihelminthic drugs. This study provides information on the epidemiology and control methods of Dicrocoelium.

Rumen ciliates of domestic cattle (Bos taurus taurus) in Kastamonu, Turkey, with the description of a new species.

Species composition and distribution of ciliates were investigated in the rumen contents of 25 domestic cattle (Bos taurus taurus L.) living in Kastamonu, Turkey. Forty-seven species and 37 morphotypes representing 15 genera were identified. Of them, a new species of Ostracodinium was recognized and described as Ostracodinium anatolicum n. sp. This new species has two caudal lobes. The dorsal lobe is small and rounded and the ventral lobe is triangular shaped and bent toward the dorsal side like a thick hook. Furthermore, the anterior end of the macronucleus (1/5 of the length) is bent toward the left like a hook. The density of rumen ciliates in cattle was 96.8±43.3×104cellsmL-1 and the mean number of ciliate species per host was 14.2±4.4. Entodinium longinucleatum, E. nanellum, E. simulans and Isotricha prostoma were the most abundant species, each with a prevalence of 88%. Entodinium chatterjeei, E. bifidum m. monospinosum, Hsiungia triciliata, Oligoisotricha bubali, Ostracodinium dogieli, O. mammosum and O. munham are new host records for cattle from Turkey.

Intestinal ciliate fauna of the Asian elephant from Gaziantep, Turkey and the description of Brevitentaculum antebum n. g., n. sp.

The aims of this investigation were to identify and quantify ciliates inhabiting the large intestine of Asian elephants living in Gaziantep Zoo, Turkey, and to describe a new suctorian genus and species. Species composition and distribution of intestinal ciliates voided in the feces of two Asian elephants were examined. Fifteen species of intestinal ciliates, representing 7 genera, were identified. One new suctorian genus and species, Brevitentaculum antebum n. g., n. sp., was described. This new species has two short truncated terminal projections, with two longitudinally lined bands located between the two projections, near the convex surface of the cell. Short clavate-like tentacles are in two fascicles near each base of terminal projections on the flattened surface of the body. Ciliate densities in the two fecal samples were 4.5×104mL-1 and 10×104mL-1.

Study of Pathophysiological Effects of the Nematode Parasite Eustrongylides sp. on Freshwater Fish Channa punctatus by Hematology, Serum Biochemical, and Histological Studies.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to study the pathophysiological effects on Channa punctatus due to the nematode parasite Eustrongylides sp. METHODS: A total of 250 fish were examined during the period January 2012-2014. Hematological, serum biochemical, histological, and scanning electron microscopic studies were performed on normal and infected hosts to study the effects caused by the nematode. RESULTS: The mean values of red blood corpuscle [RBC] count, hematocrit, and hemoglobin were significantly higher (P<0.01) in noninfected fish, while the values of white blood corpuscle [WBC] count, mean corpuscular volume [MCV], and mean corpuscular hemoglobin [MCH] were significantly higher (P<0.01) in infected fish. In infected fish, the average values of aspartate amminotransferase [AST] (416 UL-1), alanine amminotransferase [ALT] (73.35 UL-1), alkaline phosphatase [ALP] (161.6 mg dl-1), and cholesterol (154.82 mg dl-1) were significantly higher (P<0.01) than those in noninfected fish. Significant differences were also observed in total protein and glucose levels between the infected and noninfected fish. Histological and scanning electron microscopic studies of the host tissues revealed a series of pathological changes and mechanical damage. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that Eustrongylides sp. has a significant impact on its host and thus the parameters outlined in the present paper may be employed as tools in monitoring the health status of fish in culture practices.

Rumen ciliate protozoa of domestic sheep (Ovis aries) and goat (Capra aegagrus hircus) in Kyrgyzstan.

Species composition and concentration of rumen ciliate protozoa were investigated in the rumen contents of 14 domestic sheep and 1 goat living in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. This is the first report on rumen ciliates from ruminants living in Kyrgyzstan. In sheep 12 genera, 28 species and 12 morphotypes were detected, whereas in goat 8 genera, 12 species and 4 morphotypes were detected. The density of ciliates in sheep was (28.1 ± 20.0) × 10(4) cells mL(-1) and in goat was 37.0 × 10(4) cells mL(-1). Dasytricha ruminantium, Isotricha prostoma, Entodinium simulans and Ophryoscolex caudatus were major species (100%) in sheep, and for the first time, Diplodinium rangiferi was detected in a domestic goat.

Fecal Ciliate Composition of Domestic Horses (Equus caballus Linnaeus, 1758) Living in Kyrgyzstan.

Species composition and distribution of intestinal ciliates were investigated in the feces from 15 domestic horses living in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Twenty-three species belonging to 14 genera were identified. This is the first study on intestinal ciliates in domestic horses living in Kyrgyzstan. The mean number of ciliates was 14.1 ± 6.8 x10(4) cells ml(-1) of feces and the mean number of ciliate species per host was 6.0 ± 3.2. No endemic or new species were detected. Blepharocorys was the major genus as these ciliates were detected in high proportions. In contrast Holophryoides, Allantosoma were only observed at low frequencies. Recorded ciliate species in this investigation had almost the same characteristics as those described in previous studies. There was no important geographic variation in the intestinal ciliate fauna of equids.

Description of a New Haemogregarine, Haemogregarina sundarbanensis n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Haemogregarinidae) from Mud Turtle of Sundarban Regions, West Bengal, India.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to provide a description of a new haemogregarine, Haemogregarina sundarbanensis n. sp., from mud turtles collected from Sundarban regions, West Bengal, India. METHODS: The turtles were collected from fish markets near Canning, South 24-Parganas District, West Bengal. Thin blood films were prepared using the blood drawn from the head and feet. The blood films were then air-dried, fixed in absolute methanol, and stained with Giemsa. RESULTS: The erythrocytic stages could be differentiated into small and large forms. The young gamonts measured 7.896×3.469 µm, microgamonts measured 8.876×4.425 µm, and macrogamonts measured 8.919×4.272 µm. The cytoplasm of the macrogamonts was stained deep blue with Giemsa, and many metachromatic granules are found uniformly distributed. The oval or rounded nucleus was central in position and stained deep red with Giemsa stain, whereas in microgamonts, the nucleus was not at all compact but with a few dispersed chromatin granules. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of infection was found to be 33.3% (5/15). The infected erythrocytes reveal shape alteration, marginal and atrophic nucleus, and were larger than non-parasitized erythrocytes. The cytoplasm of the infected erythrocytes stained darker than that of the uninfected erythrocytes.

[The prevalence of Dicrocoeliid (Trematoda: Digenea) larval stages in Helix lucorum Linneus 1758 (Mollusca: Pulmonata) in the vicinity of Kastamonu]. / Kastamonu civarinda dagilis gösteren Helix lucorum Linnaeus, 1758 (Mollusca: Pulmonata)'da Dicrocoeliid (Trematoda: Digenea) larval safhalarinin yayginligi.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Dicrocoeliid larval stages in Helix lucorum Linnaeus, 1758 (Mollusca: Pulmonata) living in the vicinity of Kastamonu. METHODS: Snails were collected in the vicinity of Tasköprü, Kastamonu in March, April, May 2013. They were dissected while alive and their hepatopankreas were removed and placed on clean glass slide with a drop of 0.6% NaCl solution. The hepatopankreas were incised with a mounted needle and a thin film of the hepatopankreas fluid was drown out on a slide for examination of live parasites. After examination, larval stages fixed in %70 alcohol, formaldehyde-ethyl alcohol, 10% formalin and bouin. RESULTS: H. lucorum which is a land snail species has been reported for the first time being an intermediate host in the life cycle of Dicrocoeliid (Trematoda: Digenea) species with the prevalence of 27.6% from our country. Morphological and histological features of larval stages were determined. CONCLUSION: H. lucorum is an intermediate host in the life cycle of Dicrocoeliid species. The prevalence of infection was highest in April. This land snail species is important for the health of animal and human.

Intestinal ciliated protozoa of the Asian elephant Elephas maximus Linnaeus, 1758 with the description of Triplumaria izmirae n. sp.

Species composition and distribution of intestinal ciliates excreted in the feces of three Asian elephants living in Sasali National Park, Izmir, Turkey, were investigated. Seven ciliate genera consisting of 36 species were identified. This is the first report on intestinal ciliates in elephants living in Turkey; one new species, T. izmirae n. sp., was described. This new species has a special macronucleus shape, skeletal rod plates with two wings and posterior contractile vacuole lying beneath the dorsal left base of the tail flap. The buccal infraciliary bands of T. izmirae are similar to those of T. selenica and T. suwako known from elephants. Triplumaria ovina and Raabena bella occurred in highest percentages in two elephants, whereas Latteuria polyfaria was highest in the third one. Ciliate densities in the three fecal samples were 3.5, 1.5 and 5.0 × 10(4)/mL.

[Morphological features of Bundleia spp. (Ciliophora: Entodiniomorphida: Buetschliidae) and ontogenesis in Bundleia Cunha and Muniz 1928]. / Bundleia (Ciliophora: Entodiniomorphida: Buetschliidae) spp. 'nin Morfolojik Özellikleri Ve Bundleia Cunha & Muniz, 1928'da Ontogenez.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the morphological features of 7 endocommensal ciliates, B. (s. str.) postciliata, B. (s. str.) piriformis, B. (s. str.) nana, B. (C.) elongata, B. (C.) triangularis, B. (F.) dolichosoma, and B. (F.) inflata belonging to the genus Bundleia, which exist in the hindgut of 15 Rahvan horses and 15 racing horses living in the vicinity of Izmir and to investigate the ontogenesis in the Bundleia genus. METHODS: Specimens were obtained from 30 horses and were fixed with 10% formalin. The morphological features of the species were investigated with the pyridinated silver carbonate impregnation and silver nitrate impregnation techniques at the level of light microscopy. RESULTS: The morphological features of Bundleia spp. were found to be similar to the original descriptions, and it was detected that ontogenesis in the Bundleia genus exhibited suitability with other ciliate species in the Entodiniomorphida order. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the geographical variation and feeding habits of host animals are important for evaluating the biometric data of species.

On the occurrence of a Haemogregarinae (Apicomplexa) parasite from freshwater turtles of South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate Haemogregarine parasites (Apicomplexa: Haemogregarinidae) of freshwater turtles (Lissemys punctata andersoni, Geoclemys hamiltonii) of India. METHODS: Turtles were collected by net from two ponds of South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India. A small amount of blood was taken from the subcarapacial vein puncture site. The blood smears were prepared and air dried and fixed in absolute methyl alcohol. The slides were stained with Giemsa. RESULTS: Haemogregarine parasites were recorded from the erythrocytes of turtles. Multiple stages of intraerythrocytic gametocytes (microgametocytes, macrogametocytes, early schizonts and mature schizonts) were observed in blood films. CONCLUSION: It was found that only twenty out of the twenty five turtles (80%) were infected with the parasite. The prevalence rate was higher in larger turtles in comparison to smaller ones. It was also found that female turtles had a higher prevalence of infection than males.