Ceratocolax tavaresi n. sp. (Copepoda: Bomolochidae) parasitic in the Tomtate Grunt Haemulon aurolineatum Cuvier, 1830 (Actinopterygii: Haemulidae) off Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil.

PURPOSE: A new species of the genus Ceratocolax Vervoort, 1965 is described based on specimens collected from the Tomtate grunt Haemulon aurolineatum Cuvier, caught in the coast of Angra dos Reis, off the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. METHODS: One hundred specimens of H. aurolineatum were purchased from the local fish market and examined for parasitic copepods. Parasites were fixed and preserved in 80% ethanol. Morphological features of the copepods were examined and drawn using an Olympus BX51 equipped with a drawing tube. RESULTS: Ceratocolax tavaresi n. sp. can be distinguished from all congeners by the following combination of characters in the adult female: (1) second endopodal segment of leg 3 with one seta, (2) lack of stout spinules along outer margins on rami of legs 2-4, (3) genital somite without flaplike structures, (4) terminal exopodal segment of leg 4 with seven elements; and in the adult male: (1) legs 1 to 4 with 3-segmented rami (except endopod of leg 4), (2) presence of a pair of blunt processes on dorsal surface of the third pedigerous somite, (3) second endopodal segment of leg 3 with one seta. CONCLUSION: The number of species of Ceratocolax reported in the Atlantic Ocean was increased to three, including the new species. This is the forty-second species of copepod found parasitizing haemulid fish in marine waters from the Americas; however, the diversity of parasitic copepods off this continent is still underestimated.

Two new species of Acusicola Cressey, 1970 (Copepoda:Cyclopoida: Ergasilidae) parasitic on the gills of two estuarine actinopterygians off Brazil.

Two new species of copepods assigned to the genus Acusicola Cressey, 1970 (Cyclopoida: Ergasilidae) are proposed based on post-metamorphic adult females, parasitizing the gills of two actinopterygian fish off Brazil namely, the Tripletail Lobotes surinamensis (Bloch) (Lobotidae), collected in the coastal zone of the State of Pará, near Curuçá Municipallity, and the Swordspine snook Centropomus ensiferus Poey (Centropomidae) collected in Sepetiba Bay, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Acusicola iamarinoi n. sp. parasite of L. surinamensis, differs from its closet congeners based on the first segment of the antennule armed with 10 setae, the presence of a maxillule armed with four elements and a pair of blunt processes dorsally on the fourth pedigerous somite. Acusicola pasternakae n. sp., collected from C. ensiferus, can be distinguished from its closest congeners based on the membranous sheath of the first endopodal segment of antenna with horizontal marks, the first segment of the antennule armed with 11 setae and a spine on the last exopodal segment of leg 2. This is the first report of representatives of Acusicola parasitizing fish of the families Lobotidae and Centropomidae as well as new geographical records of the genus in the coast of State of Pará and in Sepetiba Bay, Brazil.

New host and first description of the male of Colobomatus stelliferi Pombo, Turra, Paschoal & Luque, 2015 (Copepoda: Philichthyidae), parasite of Umbrina canosai Berg, 1895 (Actinopterygii: Sciaenidae) off Brazil: improving the taxonomic knowledge pertaining to Colobomatus spp.

The present study provides new host and first description of the male of Colobomatus stelliferi Pombo, Turra, Paschoal & Luque, 2015 (Copepoda, Philichthyidae), collected from the mandibular canals of the Argentine croaker Umbrina canosai Berg, off the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Four out of nine fish analyzed (prevalence 44.4%) were parasitized by C. stelliferi and showed a mean intensity of 2.5 (range 2-3, standard deviation 1.25). Adult males of C. stelliferi can be differentiated from their closest congeners based on the combination of the following characters: maxilliped with naked basal segment and small apical spine, the presence of two elements on the second endopodal segment of the antenna, and the presence of leg 4. This parasitic copepod is seemingly host-specific to fish of the family Sciaenidae and its occurrence is restricted to the Brazilian coast. The present results contribute to our knowledge of the biology of C. stelliferi and of the parasitic copepod fauna from Brazil.

A new species of Colobomatus Hesse, 1873 (Copepoda: Philichthyidae) parasitic in the interorbital canals of the Caitipa mojarra Diapterus rhombeus (Cuvier, 1829) (Actinopterygii: Gerreidae) from Sepetiba Bay, southeastern Brazil.

A new species of parasitic copepod, Colobomatus deborae n. sp., belonging to the cyclopoid family Philichthyidae Vogt, 1877, is proposed based on adult female specimens collected from the interorbital canals of the Caitipa mojarra Diapterus rhombeus (Cuvier) (Gerreidae) from Sepetiba Bay, off the State of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil. The new species closely resembles six species of Colobomatus Hesse, 1873, but differs from these close congeners based on the combination of the following characters: lateral cephalic processes forked basally with sharp tips, midventral cephalic process representing about one third of the length of the laterals, thoracic processes forked and caudal rami with a pair of unequal processes. Together with the new species described in the present study, the philichthyid fauna of Brazil rises to 10 species reported from 14 Brazilian marine fish species. This is also the third report of Colobomatus in a gerreid fish, but the first species found parasitizing the genus Diapterus.

La vivencia corporal en el desarrollo infantil temprano como recurso inclusivo, en el centro de salud vecinal Bautista Saavedra Ch / The bodily experience in early childhood development as an inclusive resource, at the Bautista Saavedra Ch. neighborhood health center

El proyecto trabaja bajo la estrategia de RBC (Rehabilitación Basada en la Comunidad), tiene el objetivo de asegurar que las personas con discapacidad puedan sacar el máximo provecho de sus capacidades físicas y mentales en beneficio de oportunidades y servicios básicos y alcanzando la inclusión social con la comunidad y la sociedad.

Digenean trematodes infecting the frigate tuna Auxis thazard (Scombriformes, Scombridae) off the Rio de Janeiro coast, Brazil, including molecular data.

Although some parasitological efforts have focused on the frigate tuna Auxis thazard (Lacepède) (Scombriformes, Scombridae) in Brazil, its digenean fauna remains poorly known. Combining morphological and molecular methods, we investigated the diversity of digenean trematodes of A. thazard collected from the coastal waters off the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2021. Six species belonging to four families were recorded: the bucephalid Rhipidocotyle cf. angusticolle Chandler, 1941, the didymozoid Didymocystis sp. 6 sensu Louvard et al. (2022), the fellodistomid Tergestia sp., and three hemiurids, Dinurus euthynni Yamaguti, 1934, Lecithochirium floridense (Manter, 1934), and L. synodi Manter, 1931. The current study brings the total number of digenean trematode species parasitising A. thazard in Brazil up to eight, with hemiuroid trematodes being most diverse. Auxis thazard is a new host record for L. floridense, L. synodi and potentially for R. angusticolle. The geographic distribution of several species found in our study appeared to be wider than previously known. Our study is the first to apply a DNA-based approach to digenean diversity in marine fishes in Brazil and we believe that both morphological descriptions and molecular sequence data provided in our study will aid future research assessing the diversity of digenean trematodes of A. thazard and other marine fishes in Brazil.

Title: Trématodes Digènes infectant l'auxide Auxis thazard (Scombriformes, Scombridae) au large de la côte de Rio de Janeiro, Brésil, avec des données moléculaires. Abstract: Bien que certains efforts parasitologiques aient porté sur l'auxide Auxis thazard (Lacepède) (Scombriformes : Scombridae) au Brésil, la faune de ses digènes reste mal connue. En combinant des méthodes morphologiques et moléculaires, nous avons étudié la diversité des trématodes digènes d'A. thazard collectés dans les eaux côtières au large de l'État de Rio de Janeiro, Brésil en 2021. Six espèces appartenant à quatre familles ont été répertoriées : le Bucephalidae Rhipidocotyle cf. angusticolle Chandler, 1941, le Didymozoidae Didymocystis sp. 6 sensu Louvard et al. (2022), le Fellodistomidae Tergestia sp., et trois Hemiuridae, Dinurus euthynni Yamaguti, 1934, Lecithochirium floridense (Manter, 1934) et L. synodi Manter, 1931. L'étude actuelle porte le nombre total d'espèces de trématodes digènes parasitant A. thazard au Brésil à huit, les Hemiuroidea étant les plus diversifiés. Auxis thazard est un nouveau signalement d'hôte pour L. floridense, L. synodi et potentiellement R. angusticolle. La répartition géographique de plusieurs espèces trouvées dans notre étude semble être plus large que ce que nous savions auparavant. Notre étude est la première à appliquer une approche basée sur l'ADN à la diversité des digènes chez les poissons marins au Brésil et nous pensons que les descriptions morphologiques et les données de séquence moléculaire fournies dans notre étude aideront les recherches futures évaluant la diversité des trématodes digènes d'A. thazard et d'autres poissons marins du Brésil.

A New Species of Hatschekiid Copepod (Crustacea: Hatschekiidae) Parasitic on the Porkfish Anisotremus virginicus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Actinopterygii: Haemulidae), with Notes on Previously Known Species of Hatschekia Poche, 1902 Collected from Actinopterygians off Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Copepods of the genus Hatschekia Poche, 1902 are parasitic on the gills of marine actinopterygians. Currently, about 151 species of this genus have been reported in marine ecosystems and only few occur in South Atlantic Ocean. METHODS: Fifty specimens of A. virginicus from Angra dos Reis, off the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, were parasitized by copepods on the gills. Parasites were fixed and preserved in 70% ethanol. Morphological observations were based on light and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Hatschekia nagasawai n. sp. can be distinguished from all congeners by the combination of the following characters: (1) presence of two pointed processes on the proximal (first) segment of antennule, (2) cephalothorax octagonal to ovoid, (3) absence of processes on the intercoxal sclerite of legs 1 and 2, (4) trunk without lobes at the postero-lateral margins. Other species of Hatschekia and their hosts previously collected off Brazil were analysed and discussed. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of a representative of the family Hatschekiidae Kabata, 1979 parasitizing a species of Anisotremus. The number of species of Hatschekia reported in the South Atlantic Ocean was increased to five, including the new species; however, the diversity of hatschekiid copepods in this oceanographic region is still underestimated, most likely being higher than what is currently known.

Molecular and morphological evidence of a new species of Crassicutis Manter 1936 (Digenea), a parasite of cichlids in South America.

A new species of Crassicutis Manter, 1936 (Digenea: Megaperidae) is described from the intestine of Satanoperca jurupari (Cichlidae) in the Amazon River basin, Brazil. The genus Crassicutis currently contains eight species. Crassicutis manteri n. sp. is morphologically very similar to Crassicutis cichlasomae Manter, 1936, a parasite of cichlids reported from Mexico, the Antilles, and Central and South America. Molecular data revealed that C. cichlasomae represents a species complex in Middle American cichlids. The new species can be readily distinguished from C. cichlasomae sensu lato, and the other congeners, by a combination of morphological traits such as a narrow, elongate mouth opening (versus spherical in other species), the tandem position of testes (symmetrical or oblique in most congeners), narrow body widening towards its posterior end (versus widely oval, leaf-like in other species), and short intestinal caeca ending close to the posterior end of the posterior testis (versus reaching more posteriorly in other species). Six novel sequences of 28S rDNA, ITS1, and cox1 were generated for two isolates of the new species. Sequences of the 28S rRNA gene were used to corroborate that Crassicutis is sister taxa of Homalometron Stafford, 1904. Mitochondrial DNA corroborated the distinction of the new species with previously sequenced congeners in Middle American cichlids; the interspecific divergence between the new species and the genetic lineages of C. cichlasomae was very high, varying between 23.7 and 27.2%. Biogeographical implications of our findings are briefly discussed including questionable validity of records of C. cichlasomae from South America.

Factores predictores de mortalidad en pacientes hospitalizados por insuficiencia cardíaca / Prognostic factors on mortality in patients admitted to hospital with heart failure

FUNDAMENTO: La insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) es la primera causa de hospitalización en países occidentales, con una mortalidad creciente. El objetivo fue describir los posibles factores pronósticos de mortalidad en pacientes hospitalizados por IC. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de una cohorte de 202 pacientes consecutivos hospitalizados por IC, y seguidos durante un período máximo de 5 años. Se analizaron variables basales epidemiológicas y clínicas y su relación con la mortalidad hospitalaria y a largo plazo. RESULTADOS: La mortalidad durante el episodio índice de hospitalización fue del 16%. Las variables predictoras independientes de la mortalidad hospitalaria fueron: edad >75 años (HR = 2,68; IC 95%: 1,65-4,36; p = 0,001), presencia de deterioro cognitivo (HR = 2,77; IC 95%: 1,40-5,48; p = 0,004), índice de Barthel >60 (HR = 0,54; IC 95%: 0,37-0,78; p = 0,009), creatinina >1,16 mg/dL al ingreso (HR = 1,57; IC 95%: 1,12-2,20; p = 0,009) y >10 diagnósticos al alta (HR = 1,64; IC 95%: 1,14-2,36; p = 0,007). La mortalidad global acumulada a los 12, 24, 36 y 48 meses fue del 43%, 51%, 67% y 70%, respectivamente, y sus predictores independientes fueron: edad >75 años (HR = 2,55; IC 95%: 1,56-4,15; p <0,001), deterioro cognitivo al ingreso (HR = 2,45; IC 95%: 1,22-4,90; p = 0,011), creatinina >1,16 mg/dL al ingreso (HR = 1,59; IC 95%: 1,12-2,24; p = 0,009), presión arterial sistólica <140 mm Hg al ingreso (HR = 0,56; IC 95%: 0,40-0,80; p <0,001) y >10 diagnósticos al alta (HR = 1,49; IC 95%: 1,03-2,16; p = 0,033). CONCLUSIONES: Existen variables relacionadas con la mortalidad hospitalaria y a largo plazo que podrían ayudar a un mejor manejo de estos pacientes

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is the leading cause of hospitalization for aging populations in Western countries, and is showing an increasing mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the probable long-term mortality risk factors for patients admitted because of HF. METHODS: Retrospective study of a cohort of 202 patients consecutively hospitalized because of HF and followed up for a maximum period of 5 years. Clinical and epidemiological factors and their relationship to in-hospital and long-term mortality were analyzed. RESULTS: In-hospital mortality was 16%.The independent predictors were: age >75 years (HR = 2.68, 95% IC: 1.65-4.36, p = 0.001); cognitive impairment (HR = 2.77, 95% IC: 1.40-5.48, p = 0.004); Barthel index ≥60 (HR = 0.54, 95% IC: 0.37-0.78, p = 0,009); creatinine levels >1.16 mg/dl at admission (HR = 1.57, 95% IC: 1.12-2.20, p = 0.009); and number of diagnostics >10 on discharge (HR = 1. 64, 95% IC: 1.14-2.36, p = 0.007). Accumulated mortality at 12, 24, 36 and 48 months after hospital discharge were 43%, 51%, 67% and 70%, respectively; the independent predictors for this were: age >75 years (HR = 2.55, 95% IC: 1.56-4.15, p <0.001); cognitive impairment (HR = 2.45, 95% IC: 1.22-4.90, p = 0.011); creatinine levels >1.16 mg/dl on admission (HR = 1.59, 95% IC: 1.12-2.24, p = 0.009); systolic blood pressure >140 mm Hg on admission (HR = 0.56, 95% IC: 0.40-0.80, p <0.001); and number of diagnostics >10 on discharge (HR = 1. 49, 95% IC: 1.03-2.16, p = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and epidemiological factors related to in-hospital and long-term mortality could help to improve the management of patients with HF

First molecular assessment of the interrelationships of cladorchiid digeneans (Digenea: Paramphistomoidea), parasites of Neotropical fishes, including descriptions of three new species and new host and geographical records.

The first molecular assessment of phylogenetic relationships of cladorchiid digeneans (superfamily Paramphistomoidea Fischoeder, 1901) from freshwater fishes based on 28S rDNA, ITS2 and cox1 sequences reveals the subfamilies Dadayiinae Fukui, 1929 and Kalitrematinae Travassos, 1933 as non-monophyletic, whereas Dadaytrema Travassos, 1931 represented by three species is monophyletic. Fourteen species of cladorchiids were found in characiform, perciform and siluriform fishes in the Neotropical Region (Brazil and Peru), with numerous new host and geographical records. The first scanning electron micrographs of seven species are presented. Two new species of dadayiine and one new species of kalitrematine paramphistomes are described. Microrchis macrovarium sp. n. from Pimelodella cristata (Müller et Troschel) (type host), Tetranematichthys quadrifilis (Kner) and Pterodoras granulosus (Valenciennes) in Brazil and Peru differs from all three congeners in that the testes are directly tandem, not oblique, and that the ovary, between the caecal ends, is widely separated from the testes. Pronamphistoma philippei sp. n. from Heros sp. in Brazil is distinguished from the type and only species, Pronamphistoma cichlasomae Thatcher, 1992, by the absence of the anterior collar-like expansion present in the type species, the presence of extramural rather than intramural pharyngeal sacs, and the unusual development of the dorsal and ventral exterior circular muscle fibre series in the acetabulum. Pseudocladorchis romani sp. n. from P. granulosus (type host), Brachyplatystoma vaillantii (Valenciennes), Calophysus macropterus (Lichtenstein), Megalodoras uranoscopus (Eigenmann et Eigenmann) and Oxydoras niger (Valenciennes) in Brazil and Peru, is most similar to Pseudocladorchis nephrodorchis Daday, 1907 but differs in the shape of the testes (irregular, versus reniform in the latter species) and the size of the ovary (as large as, or larger than, the testes in the new species). The generic diagnosis of Pronamphistoma Thatcher, 1992 is amended. Dadaytremoides parauchenipteri Lunaschi, 1989 is transferred to Doradamphistoma Thatcher, 1979 as D. parauchenipteri (Lunaschi, 1989) comb. n. based on morphological and molecular evidence.

Helminth metacommunity structure of wild rodents in a preserved area of the Atlantic Forest, Southeast Brazil / Estrutura da metacomunidade de helmintos de roedores silvestres em uma área preservada da Floresta Atlântica, sudeste do Brasil

Abstract The helminth fauna and metacommunity structure of eight sympatric sigmodontine rodents were investigated at the Serra dos Órgãos National Park, an Atlantic Forest reserve located in the State of Rio de Janeiro, southeast Brazil. Rodents of the species Abrawayaomys ruschii, Akodon montensis, Blarinomys breviceps , Delomys dorsalis, Oligoryzomys flavescens, Oligoryzomys nigripes, Oxymycterus quaestor and Thaptomys nigrita were found infected with helminths. Akodon montensis presented the highest total helminth species richness, with six different species of helminths. The nematode Stilestrongylus lanfrediae was the most abundant and prevalent helminth species observed. The host-parasite network analysis showed little interactions among host species. Akodon montensis seems to act as a keystone-species in the rodent community. This species shared the nematodes Stilestrongylus aculeata with A. ruschii and Protospirura numidica criceticola with T. nigrita, and the cestode Rodentolepis akodontis with D. dorsalis. The congeners host species O. flavescens and O. nigripes shared the nematodes Guerrerostrongylus zetta and S. lanfrediae. The rodents B. breviceps and O. quaestor did not share any helminths with other hosts. The helminth metacommunity showed a random pattern on both infracommunity and component community levels, indicating different responses by each helminth species to the environmental gradient.

Resumo Foram investigadas a helmintofauna e suas estruturas da metacomunidade em oito roedores sigmodontíneos simpátricos ao longo do Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos, uma reserva de Mata Atlântica no estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Roedores das espécies Abrawayaomys ruschii, Akodon montensis, Blarinomys breviceps, Delomys dorsalis, Oligoryzomys flavescens, Oligoryzomys nigripes, Oxymycterus quaestor e Thaptomys nigrita foram infectados por helmintos. Akodon montensis apresentou a maior riqueza total de espécies de helmintos, com seis espécies. O nematoide Stilestrongylus lanfrediae foi a espécie de helminto com maior abundância e prevalência. A análise de rede parasito-hospedeiro mostrou poucas interações entre as espécies hospedeiras e A. montensis atuou como uma espécie-chave na comunidade de roedores. Esta espécie compartilhou os nematoides Stilestrongylus aculeata com A. ruschii e Protospirura numidica criceticola com T. nigrita, e o cestoide Rodentolepis akodontis com D. dorsalis. As espécies congêneres O. flavescens e O. nigripes compartilharam os nematoides Guerrerostrongylus zetta e S. lanfrediae. Os roedores B. breviceps e O. quaestor não compartilharam helmintos com outros hospedeiros. A metacomunidade de helmintos mostrou um padrão aleatório em ambos os níveis, comunidade componente e infracomunidade, indicando diferentes respostas de cada espécie de helminto ao gradiente ambiental.

Helminth metacommunity structure of wild rodents in a preserved area of the Atlantic Forest, Southeast Brazil.

The helminth fauna and metacommunity structure of eight sympatric sigmodontine rodents were investigated at the Serra dos Órgãos National Park, an Atlantic Forest reserve located in the State of Rio de Janeiro, southeast Brazil. Rodents of the species Abrawayaomys ruschii, Akodon montensis, Blarinomys breviceps , Delomys dorsalis, Oligoryzomys flavescens, Oligoryzomys nigripes, Oxymycterus quaestor and Thaptomys nigrita were found infected with helminths. Akodon montensis presented the highest total helminth species richness, with six different species of helminths. The nematode Stilestrongylus lanfrediae was the most abundant and prevalent helminth species observed. The host-parasite network analysis showed little interactions among host species. Akodon montensis seems to act as a keystone-species in the rodent community. This species shared the nematodes Stilestrongylus aculeata with A. ruschii and Protospirura numidica criceticola with T. nigrita, and the cestode Rodentolepis akodontis with D. dorsalis. The congeners host species O. flavescens and O. nigripes shared the nematodes Guerrerostrongylus zetta and S. lanfrediae. The rodents B. breviceps and O. quaestor did not share any helminths with other hosts. The helminth metacommunity showed a random pattern on both infracommunity and component community levels, indicating different responses by each helminth species to the environmental gradient.

New genera and species of paramphistomes (Digenea: Paramphistomoidea: Cladorchiidae) parasitic in fishes from the Amazon basin in Peru.

Two new genera and three new species of paramphistomoid digeneans are described in the family Cladorchiidae Fischoeder, 1901 from doradid, heptapterid, pimelodid and pseudopimelodid fishes in the Amazon River in Peru. Goeldamphistomum amazonum n. g., n. sp. (type-species) from Goeldiella eques (Müller & Troschel) (type-host) and Tenellus trimaculatus (Boulenger), and Goeldamphistomum peruanum n. g., n. sp. from Duopalatinus peruanus Eigenmann & Allen (type-host), Calophysus macropterus (Lichtenstein) and Microglanis sp. are placed in the Dadayiinae Fukui, 1929. Both species have an accessory acetabular sucker, which distinguishes the genus from all taxa previously reported from South American freshwater fishes. They differ from each other primarily in that G. amazonum has a prebifurcal genital pore and oblique, separated testes, the levels of which rarely overlap longitudinally, whereas G. peruanum has a postbifurcal genital pore and testes directly to obliquely tandem. Iquitostrema papillatum n. g., n. sp. (Kalitrematinae Travassos, 1933) from the intestine of Hassar orestis (Steindachner) differs from other members of the subfamily in the combination of a massive acetabulum with a papillate luminal surface and symmetrical testes which overlie the caeca close to the caecal arch. These are the first records of paramphistomes from the five host species studied here.

Integrative approach on Pharyngodonidae (Nematoda: Oxyuroidea) parasitic in reptiles: Relationship among its genera, importance of their diagnostic features, and new data on Parapharyngodon bainae.

The first integrative approach using sequences of two genes (18S and 28S rRNA) plus morphological and life history traits, was explored in Pharyngodonidae nematodes parasitic in reptiles. Additionally, first genetic characterization of Parapharyngodon bainae and new data on its morphology are given. This approach evaluated the phylogenetic relationships among genera within Pharyngodonidae, as well as the importance of their diagnostic morphological features. Specimens of P. bainae were collected from faecal pellets of the lizard Tropidurus torquatus in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Nematodes were fixed for scanning electron microscopy and molecular procedures. Morphological observations revealed the accurate structures of cephalic end, of cloacal region in males, of vulva and eggs. Phylogenetic reconstructions were based upon four datasets: aligned sequences of the 18S, of the 28S, of both concatenated genes and of combined morphological and molecular datasets. Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood were performed to infer the phylogenies of molecular datasets and maximum parsimony to infer that of all-combined data. Pharyngodonid parasites of reptiles seem to configure two general monophyletic lineages, as previously assertions. Results also showed the monophyly of Spauligodon, Skrjabinodon and Parapharyngodon, as well as the clear separation between the latter and Thelandros. Combination of datasets improved nodal supports. Analysis of the all-combined datasets revealed the importance of vulval position and egg morphology as phylogenetic informative traits. However, characters of male caudal morphology appear as are highly homoplastic, and seem to be product of convergent evolution or multiple losses of ancestral traits. The closely-related Thelandros and Parapharyngodon are kept valid and their diagnosis should be based upon the position of the operculum in eggs (terminal or subterminal, respectively). Some inconsistencies in the scarce molecular and morphological databases were noted. Thus, new genetic data is required for further conclusions and current database must be evaluated with attention.

First molecular data for Lernaea cyprinacea (Copepoda: Cyclopoida) infesting Odontesthes bonariensis, a commercially important freshwater fish in Argentina.

Parasitic copepods of the family Lernaeidae are often found infesting freshwater fishes worldwide. They cause lernaeosis, a disease that can lead to serious pathogenic effects on their fish hosts. The most common lernaeid is the Lernaea cyprinacea, which has been widely introduced through importation of tropical fishes, e.g. cyprinids. In South America, it is one of the most common parasites both in wild and in farmed fish in the central region of Argentina. The silverside Odontesthes bonariensis is the most important fish of the sport fisheries of Argentina and one of the fish most affected by lernaeosis. Six specimens of copepods were collected from 30 specimens of O. bonariensis collected in a Pampean shallow lake (33°25'28"S 62°53'56"W) of Córdoba (Argentina). The 28S rRNA gene of L. cyprinacea was amplified by means of PCR to obtain the 28S rDNA sequence. The sequence obtained of this parasite from Argentina showed high genetic similarity with those from various geographical origins. The present study provided molecular characterization of L. cyprinacea in South America for the first time.

First molecular data for Lernaea cyprinacea (Copepoda: Cyclopoida) infesting Odontesthes bonariensis, a commercially important freshwater fish in Argentina / Primeiros dados moleculares para Lernaea cyprinacea (Copepoda: Cyclopoida) infestando Odontesthes bonariensis, um peixe de água doce comercialmente importante na Argentina

Abstract Parasitic copepods of the family Lernaeidae are often found infesting freshwater fishes worldwide. They cause lernaeosis, a disease that can lead to serious pathogenic effects on their fish hosts. The most common lernaeid is the Lernaea cyprinacea, which has been widely introduced through importation of tropical fishes, e.g. cyprinids. In South America, it is one of the most common parasites both in wild and in farmed fish in the central region of Argentina. The silverside Odontesthes bonariensis is the most important fish of the sport fisheries of Argentina and one of the fish most affected by lernaeosis. Six specimens of copepods were collected from 30 specimens of O. bonariensis collected in a Pampean shallow lake (33°25'28"S 62°53'56"W) of Córdoba (Argentina). The 28S rRNA gene of L. cyprinacea was amplified by means of PCR to obtain the 28S rDNA sequence. The sequence obtained of this parasite from Argentina showed high genetic similarity with those from various geographical origins. The present study provided molecular characterization of L. cyprinacea in South America for the first time.

Resumo Os copépodos parasitos da família Lernaeidae são frequentemente encontrados infestando peixes de água doce em todo o mundo, causando a lernaeose, uma doença que pode levar a graves efeitos patogênicos em seus hospedeiros. O lerneídeo mais comum é a Lernaea cyprinacea, que tem sido amplamente introduzida por meio da importação de peixes tropicais, tais como ciprinídeos. Na América do Sul, é um dos parasitos mais comuns em peixes selvagens, bem como em peixes de cultivo na região central argentina. Odontesthes bonariensis é um dos peixes mais importantes para a pesca esportiva na Argentina e um dos mais afetados pela lerneose. Um total de seis espécimes desses copépodes foram coletados de espécimes de 30 O. bonariensis capturados em um lago de pouca profundidade nos Pampas (33°25'28"S 62°53'56"W) em Córdoba (Argentina). O gene 28S rRNA de L. cyprinacea foi amplificado por PCR para obter a sequência do 28S rDNA. A sequência obtida desse parasito da Argentina mostrou alta similaridade genética com aquelas de outras origens geográficas. O presente estudo forneceu, pela primeira vez, uma caracterização molecular de L. cyprinacea na América do Sul.

From mammals back to birds: Host-switch of the acanthocephalan Corynosoma australe from pinnipeds to the Magellanic penguin Spheniscus magellanicus.

Trophically-transmitted parasites are regularly exposed to potential new hosts through food web interactions. Successful colonization, or switching, to novel hosts, occur readily when 'donor' and 'target' hosts are phylogenetically related, whereas switching between distantly related hosts is rare and may result from stochastic factors (i.e. rare favourable mutations). This study investigates a host-switching event between a marine acanthocephalan specific to pinnipeds that is apparently able to reproduce in Magellanic penguins Spheniscus magellanicus from Brazil. Detailed analysis of morphological and morphometrical data from acanthocephalans from penguins indicates that they belong to Corynosoma australe Johnston, 1937. Partial fragments of the 28S rRNA and mitochondrial cox1 genes were amplified from isolates from penguins and two pinniped species (i.e. South American sea lion Otaria flavescens and South American fur seal Arctocephalus australis) to confirm this identification. Infection parameters clearly differ between penguins and the two pinniped species, which were significantly lower in S. magellanicus. The sex ratio of C. australe also differed between penguins and pinnipeds; in S. magellanicus was strongly biased against males, while in pinnipeds it was close to 1:1. Females of C. australe from O. flavescens were smaller than those from S. magellanicus and A. australis. However, fecundity (i.e. the proportion of fully developed eggs) was lower and more variable in females collected from S. magellanicus. At first glance, the occurrence of reproductive individuals of C. australe in Magellanic penguins could be interpreted as an adaptive colonization of a novel avian host through favourable mutations. However, it could also be considered, perhaps more likely, as an example of ecological fitting through the use of a plesimorphic (host) resource, since the ancestors of Corynosoma infected aquatic birds.

First Record of Raillietina celebensis (Cestoda: Cyclophyllidea) in South America: Redescription and Phylogeny.

Raillietina celebensis is a cestode that parasitizes the small intestine of rats and humans. Here, we detail the morphology and morphometry of R. celebensis based on specimens collected from Rattus norvegicus in the municipality of São Gonçalo, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, by light and confocal scanning laser microscopies and also report the results of molecular phylogenetic analyses to determine its relationships within the family Davaineidae. Analysis of the number and size of testes, number and shape of rostellar hooks, cirrus sac length, capsules and eggs per capsule, and morphology of the mature proglottid allowed concluding that the present specimens constitute a new record of R. celebensis in South America. Our genetic and phylogenetic analyses, based on the partial small subunit 18S rRNA gene, revealed R. celebensis to be in the family Davaineidae within the genus Raillietina, in agreement with the morphological taxonomy. Phylogenetic trees obtained by neighbor-joining and maximum likelihood methods demonstrated R. celebensis as a unique taxonomic unit, and also demonstrated some taxonomic inconsistences. The incorporation of Brazilian R. celebensis sequences derived from mammals in the phylogeny of davaineids is consistent with the assertion that neither Raillietina nor Fuhrmannetta can be supported as distinct genera.

New morphological data and molecular diagnostic of Henneguya friderici (Myxozoa: Myxobolidae), a parasite of Leporinus friderici (Osteichthyes: Anostomidae) from southeastern Brazil.

The myxozoan Henneguya friderici is a parasite of the gills, intestine, kidney and liver of Leporinus friderici, a characiform fish belonging to the family Anostomidae. Forty-two specimens of L. friderici that had been caught in the Mogi Guaçú River, state of São Paulo, were studied. Elongated white plasmodia were found in the gill filaments of 10 host specimens (24%). The mature spores had an ellipsoidal body with polar capsules of equal size and caudal length greater than body length. This study also described 18S rDNA sequencing of H. friderici infecting the gill filaments. This produced a sequence of 1050 bp that demonstrated significant genetic differences with previously described species of Henneguya. Similarity analysis using sequences from species that clustered closest to those produced by this study showed that the species with greatest genetic similarity to H. friderici was H. leporinicola, with 94% similarity.

New morphological data and molecular diagnostic of Henneguya friderici (Myxozoa: Myxobolidae), a parasite of Leporinus friderici (Osteichthyes: Anostomidae) from southeastern Brazil / Novos dados morfológicos e diagnóstico molecular de Henneguya friderici (Myxozoa: Myxobolidae), parasito de Leporinus friderici (Osteichthyes: Anostomidae) do sudeste do Brasil

Abstract The myxozoan Henneguya friderici is a parasite of the gills, intestine, kidney and liver of Leporinus friderici, a characiform fish belonging to the family Anostomidae. Forty-two specimens of L. friderici that had been caught in the Mogi Guaçú River, state of São Paulo, were studied. Elongated white plasmodia were found in the gill filaments of 10 host specimens (24%). The mature spores had an ellipsoidal body with polar capsules of equal size and caudal length greater than body length. This study also described 18S rDNA sequencing of H. friderici infecting the gill filaments. This produced a sequence of 1050 bp that demonstrated significant genetic differences with previously described species of Henneguya. Similarity analysis using sequences from species that clustered closest to those produced by this study showed that the species with greatest genetic similarity to H. friderici was H. leporinicola, with 94% similarity.

Resumo O myxozoa Henneguya friderici é um parasito encontrado nas brânquias, fígado, intestino e rins de Leporinus friderici, (Characiformes: Anastomidae). Foram capturados e examinados quarenta e dois espécimes de L. friderici oriundos do Rio Mogi Guaçú, estado de São Paulo. Cistos alongados e brancos foram encontrados nos filamentos branquiais de 10 (24%) hospedeiros. Os esporos maduros apresentaram o corpo alongado com as cápsulas polares em tamanhos iguais e o comprimento caudal maior do que o comprimento corporal. Com isso, o presente trabalho, descreve o sequenciamento de 1050 pb do gene 18S rDNA de H. friderici infectando os filamentos branquiais, o que demonstrou diferenças genéticas significativas em comparação com espécies previamente descritas de Henneguya. A análise de similaridade utilizando as sequencias de espécies que se agruparam mais próximas às produzidas por este estudo mostrou que a espécie com maior semelhança genética com H. friderici foi H. leporinicola, com 94% de similaridade.