Molecular identification of Mymarothecium viatorum and Anacanthorus penilabiatus in extensive native fish farming systems of the Peruvian Amazon.

Piaractus brachypomus (Pacú) is the main native fish species cultivated in Peru and holds great potential for growth in aquaculture from the Peruvian Amazon. Between October 2021 and January 2022 in two fish producing farms in the Amazon region of San Martín in Peru, P. brachypomus individuals were examined for parasite evaluation. A total of 6366 monogeneans were isolated from the gills of 30 fish, revealing a prevalence of 100%, with an abundance and mean intensity of 212 parasites per fish. Monogeneans were morphologically identified as Mymarothecium viatorum and Anacanthorus penilabiatus. The genetic divergence in the 28S rDNA gene found among A. penilabiatus sequences was 0.1% and among Anacanthorus spp. it ranged from 0.9% to 7.5%. The genetic divergence found among the M. viatorum sequences was 0.3%. These finding represents the first molecular data of M. viatorum and A. penilabiatus in Peru using the 28S rDNA gene of these monogeneans. The new sequences obtained will contribute to future studies on the phylogenetic relationships among dactylogyrids. However, further research with a broader range of host-parasite samples and additional genetic markers is needed to clarify these relationships and provide stronger support for the phylogenetic positions.

Description and pathology of a new genus and species of fish blood fluke (Digenea: Aporocotylidae Odhner, 1912) infecting white mullet, Mugil curema Valenciennes, 1836 (Mugiliformes: Mugilidae) in Mobile Bay (northern Gulf of Mexico) with a phylogenetic analysis.

Three fish blood flukes (Aporocotylidae Odhner, 1912) infect mullets (Mugiliformes: Mugilidae): Cardicola mugilis Yamaguti, 1970 and Plethorchis acanthus Martin, 1975 infect striped mullet, Mugil cephalus Linnaeus, 1758 in the Central Pacific Ocean (Hawaiian Islands) and Brisbane River (Australia), respectively; Cardicola brasiliensis Knoff & Amato, 1992 infects Lebranche mullet, Mugil liza Valenciennes, 1836 from the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean (Brazil). White mullets were cast-netted from the mouth of Deer River, a coastal saltmarsh of Mobile Bay, in the north-central Gulf of Mexico and examined for blood fluke infections. Specimens of Mugilitrema labowskiae Warren & Bullard n. gen., n. sp. were found infecting the endocardial surface and inter-trabecular spaces of the atrium, ventricle, and bulbous arteriosus. The new genus and species differ from all other aporocotylids by having the combination of two post-caecal testes, a uterus with straight ascending and descending portions, and a common genital pore. The 28S analysis recovered the new species and P.acanthus as sister taxa and Aporocotylidae as monophyletic. Carditis associated with intense infections comprised endocardial hyperplasia, resulting in a thickened cardiac endothelium. Probable dead or deteriorating eggs in the myocardium were encapsulated by granulomas composed of epithelioid histiocytes. Live eggs infected the afferent artery of gill filaments and were associated with varied hyperplasia of the overlying epithelium and haemorrhaging from the afferent artery in high-intensity infections. The new species is the first aporocotylid infecting a mullet from the northwestern Atlantic Ocean and only the second description of demonstrable endocarditis attributed to an adult fish blood fluke infection.

Redescription of Dracovermis occidentalis (Digenea: Liolopidae) infecting American alligator, Alligator mississippiensis from the Bon-Secour River (Mobile-Tensaw River Delta, Alabama, USA) and a revised phylogeny for Liolopidae.

We examined several American alligators, Alligator mississippiensis (Daudin, 1802) (Crocodilia: Alligatoridae) from Louisiana, Alabama, and South Carolina in August 2022. The intestine of one alligator from Alabama was infected by Dracovermis occidentalis Brooks and Overstreet, 1978 (Platyhelminthes: Digenea: Liolopidae Odhner, 1912), a seldom collected and incompletely described trematode that lacks a representative nucleotide sequence. Liolopidae comprises 5 genera and 15 species: Liolope spp. infect giant salamanders; Helicotrema spp. infect turtles and lizards; Harmotrema spp. infect snakes; Paraharmotrema spp. infect turtles; and Dracovermis spp. infect crocodilians. Based on our study of the newly collected specimens and the holotype of D. occidentalis, we redescribe D. occidentalis, correct errors in its original description, and provide an updated phylogeny for Liolopidae that, for the first time, includes Dracovermis Brooks and Overstreet, 1978. Our specimens were identified as D. occidentalis by having testes in the posterior 1/3 of the body, a pretesticular cirrus sac, a spined and eversible cirrus, a bipartite seminal vesicle, and a post-acetabular vitellarium. A phylogenetic analysis of the D1-D3 domains of the nuclear large subunit ribosomal DNA (28S) recovered Liolopidae as monophyletic; however, low taxon sampling in the group precludes hypothesis-testing about liolopid-vertebrate cophyly. This is the first collection for morphological study of the type species for Dracovermis since the genus was proposed 46 years ago, the first record of a liolopid from Alabama, and the first phylogenetic analysis that includes Dracovermis.

Alobophora sandrae n. gen. n. sp. (Digenea: Caballerotrematidae) infecting Arapaima gigas sensu lato (Osteoglossiformes: Arapaimidae) with a revision of Caballerotrema, key to Caballerotrematidae, and updated phylogeny.

We propose and describe Alobophora sandrae Cajiao-Mora & Bullard n. gen., n. sp. (Digenea: Caballerotrematidae) for specimens we collected from arapaima, Arapaima gigas sensu lato (Osteoglossiformes: Arapaimidae) in the Amazon River near Leticia, Colombia. Alobophora differs from Caballerotrema Prudhoe, 1960 by lacking head collar projections and by having clustered corner spines and a narrow head collar (4-5× wider than pharynx), whereas Caballerotrema has head collar projections, lacks clustered corner spines, and has a broad head collar (7-8× wider than pharynx). We reassign Caballerotrema annulatum (Diesing, 1850) Ostrowski de Núñez & Sattmann, 2002 to the new genus, as Alobophora annulata (Diesing, 1850) Cajiao-Mora and Bullard n. comb., and provide a supplemental description of Caballerotrema brasiliense Prudhoe, 1960 based on specimens we collected from arapaima. We also examined the holotype and a paratype of Caballerotrema piscicola (Stunkard, 1960) Kostadinova & Gibson, 2001 and concluded that C. piscicola is a junior subjective synonym of C. brasiliense. Our 28S phylogeny recovered A. sandrae sister to A. annulata, with that clade sister to a clade comprising C. brasiliense and an innominate species of Caballerotrema. Caballerotrematidae was recovered sister to Echinostomatidae. We also provide a dichotomous key to caballerotrematids based on head collar projections, corner spine arrangement, proportional pharynx and head collar breadth, testes shape and arrangement, body surface spine shape and distribution, vitellarium distribution, and abundance of prostatic cells.

Title: Alobophora sandrae n. gen. n. sp. (Digenea : Caballerotrematidae) infectant Arapaima gigas sensu lato (Osteoglossiformes : Arapaimidae) avec une révision de Caballerotrema, une clé des Caballerotrematidae et une phylogénie mise à jour. Abstract: Nous proposons et décrivons Alobophora sandrae Cajiao-Mora & Bullard n. gen., n. sp. (Digenea : Caballerotrematidae) pour les spécimens que nous avons collectés chez l'arapaïma, Arapaima gigas sensu lato (Osteoglossiformes : Arapaimidae) dans le fleuve Amazone près de Leticia (Colombie). Alobophora diffère de Caballerotrema Prudhoe, 1960 par l'absence de projections du collier céphalique et par la présence d'épines angulaires groupées et d'un collier céphalique étroit (4 à 5 fois plus large que le pharynx), tandis que Caballerotrema présente des projections du collier céphalique, n'a pas d'épines angulaires groupées et a un collier céphalique large (7 à 8 fois plus large que le pharynx). Nous réaffectons Caballerotrema annulatum (Diesing, 1850) Ostrowski de Núñez & Sattmann, 2002 au nouveau genre, sous le nom d'Alobophora annulata (Diesing, 1850) Cajiao-Mora et Bullard n. comb., et fournissons une description supplémentaire de Caballerotrema brasiliense Prudhoe, 1960 basée sur des spécimens que nous avons collectés sur des arapaïmas. Nous avons également examiné l'holotype et un paratype de Caballerotrema piscicola (Stunkard, 1960) Kostadinova & Gibson, 2001 et avons conclu que C. piscicola est un synonyme subjectif junior de C. brasiliense. Notre phylogénie 28S a trouvé A. sandrae groupe-frère d'A. annulata, avec ce clade frère d'un clade comprenant C. brasiliense et une espèce non nommée de Caballerotrema. Les Caballerotrematidae ont été trouvés comme groupe-frère des Echinostomatidae. Nous fournissons également une clé dichotomique des Caballerotrematidae basée sur les projections du collier de la tête, la disposition des épines d'angle, la largeur proportionnelle du pharynx et du collier de la tête, la forme et la disposition des testicules, la forme et la distribution des épines de la surface du corps, la distribution du vitellarium et l'abondance des cellules prostatiques.

A novel kit for enrichment of fecal helminth eggs.

We developed a new concentration kit, called the ParaEgg (PE), for easy detection trematode eggs from fecal samples in endemic areas of clonorchiasis and metagonimiasis in Korea. To create a standard of detection efficiency, 120 fecal samples were examined using the water-ether concentration method (WECM). The PE kit and Mini ParaSep (PS) kit were used to compare the detection sensitivity of 100 egg-positive and 20 egg-negative samples in WECM. Additionally, stool samples, which were intentionally spiked with 10, 20, and 30 Clonorchis sinensis eggs, were evaluated to assess the sensitivity in lowinfection cases. The PE and PS kits showed detection rates of 100% and 92%, respectively, from 100 egg-positive samples in WECM. Meanwhile, eggs were detected in 3 (PE) and 2 (PS) out of 20 egg-negative samples in WECM. The PE kit detected the highest number of eggs per gram of feces (727 on average), followed by the WECM (524) and PS kit (432). In fecal samples that were intentionally spiked with 10, 20, and 30 C. sinensis eggs, PE only detected eggs 2 out of 5 samples in 10 eggs spiked (40%), and the detection rates were 80% and 100%, respectively. The PE kit enabled a more accurate identification of trematode eggs because of the clearance of small fecal debris in the microscopic field. In conclusion, the PE kit is obviously helpful to detect and identify trematode eggs in stool examinations especially in endemic areas of clonorchiasis and metagonimiasis.

Albendazole is effective in controlling monogeneans in Colossoma macropomum (Serrasalmidae): therapeutic baths and their physiological and histopathological effects.

In aquaculture worldwide, most of the chemotherapeutic agents used for disease control and treatment are unregulated chemical products derived from agriculture. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of therapeutic baths with albendazole against the monogeneans Anacanthorus spathulatus, Notozothecium janauachensis and Mymarothecium boegeri, which infest the gills of Colossoma macropomum, and the hematological and histopathological effects of this anthelmintic agent on these fish. Albendazole at a concentration of 500 mg/L was used in three baths of 24 hours each, with intervals of 24 hours between these baths. Three replications of this treatment were used, and the control group consisted of water from the cultivation tank. Afterwards, hematological, histopathological and parasitological analyses were conducted. We found that the therapeutic baths with albendazole at 500 mg/L presented high efficacy (94.9%) against monogeneans de C. macropomum and caused few physiological or histopathological alterations. Therefore, baths with albendazole at 500 mg/L, as used in this strategy, can be recommended for controlling and treating infections by monogeneans in C. macropomum.

Galactosomum nagasakiense n. sp. (Digenea: Heterophyidae) from the black-tailed gull, Larus crassirostris, with a description of metacercariae from some marine fishes developing trematode whirling disease.

Galactosomum nagasakiense n. sp. (Digenea: Heterophyidae), the causative parasite of trematode whirling disease of marine fish, is described, based on the specimens collected from the black-tailed gull, Larus crassirostris in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. The new species belongs to the cochleariformum group, and is different from the three species in the group: G. cochleare (Diesing, 1850) in the larger oral sucker and phaynx and smaller eggs, G. cochleariformum (Rudolphi, 1819) in the smaller oral sucker and pharynx and smaller eggs, and G. spinetum (Braun, 1901) in the uterus which extends anterior to the ventrogenital sac. Metacercariae collected from the brain of several marine fish developing trematode whirling disease are also described. Considering low host specificity of the second intermediate hosts, the endemic nature of the trematode whirling disease may be attributed to the infection of a particular population of the final host and/or a limited geographical distribution of the first intermediate host.

Introduction of a snake trematode of the genus Ochetosoma in eastern Japan.

In Japan, trematodes of the family Ochetosomatidae are not naturally distributed. However, the introduced ochetosomatid Ochetosoma kansense (Crow, 1913) has been reported from the oral cavity of native snakes in western Japan since 2010s. In this study, trematodes were isolated from the oral cavities of the native Japanese snakes, Elaphe quadrivirgata (Boie, 1826), E. climacophora (Boie, 1826), and Rhabdophis tigrinus (Boie, 1826), in the central Kanto region of eastern Japan. Morphological and molecular analyses of the isolated trematodes revealed that all trematodes were identifiable to a newly introduced ochetosomatid species to Japan, O. elongatum (Pratt, 1903), which originated from North America; Lechriorchis tygarti Talbot, 1933 was synonymized with O. elongatum based on identical molecular data and morphological similarity. To identify first intermediate hosts of O. elongatum, seven freshwater snail species were examined in eastern Japan. Molecular analysis was used to identify O. elongatum sporocysts in the freshwater snail Physella acuta (Draparnaud, 1805), which also originated from North America. The other six species did not host O. elongatum, suggesting that Ph. acuta is the only first intermediate host of O. elongatum in Japan. Although O. elongatum has been detected in Japan, its invasion route and period of introduction are unclear. Frequent imports of freshwater snails and wild snakes from North America, after the 1990s and 2005, respectively, presumably introduced O. elongatum in Japan.

An advance in the understanding the systematics of Echinochasmus Dietz, 1909 and Stephanoprora Odhner, 1902 (Digenea: Echinochasmidae), with the description of a new species of Echinochasmus from the Neotropical region of Mexico.

Echinochasmids are a group of globally distributed digeneans, and the adults are found in the intestines of birds, mammals and reptiles. In the Neotropical region of Mexico, adult specimens were obtained from seven fish-eating bird species in six localities, whereas specimens of Stephanoprora aylacostoma were obtained experimentally in Argentina. Morphologically, the new specimens from the Neotropical region of Mexico were identified as Stephanoprora uruguayense and an undescribed species of Echinochasmus. Sequences for two nuclear (large subunit (28S) and internal transcribed spacer from DNA ribosomal (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2)) molecular markers were generated and analysed together with other sequences downloaded from GenBank. The phylogenies obtained with each molecular marker indicated that Echinochasmus is paraphyletic and agreed with previous phylogenetic studies. The first cluster included the type species (E. coaxatus, which has 24 head-collar spines) plus three congeneric species. The second cluster contained species of Echinochasmus plus Stephanoprora, including the species analysed herein, S. uruguayense, S. aylacostoma (with 22 head-collar spines) and Echinochasmus sp. (with 20 head-collar spines), which formed three independent subclades, allowing us to recognize a lineage that was described morphologically as a new species. Echinochasmus ostrowskiae n. sp. can be distinguished from its congeners by having a head collar with 20 spines in a single row, seven spines on each edge and three angle spines, and a pharynx with an irregular edge and by the body, egg and collar spine sizes. Additionally, new host and locality records for S. uruguayense are presented, expanding its geographical distribution range in the Americas.

The first report of digenean infecting short mackerel (Rastrelliger brachysoma) from Chon Buri Province, the Gulf of Thailand.

Rastrelliger brachysoma (Bleeker, 1851), the short mackerel, is a dietary staple and of significant economic demand in Southeast Asia and Thailand. However, the demand for short mackerel has precipitated an overfishing crisis, leading to a depletion of fish stocks. Overfishing, coupled with parasitism, may result in a decline in the population of R. brachysoma. Digenetic trematode infection is prevalent in marine fish and has a considerable impact on the overall health of the fish. Here, to identify digenetic trematodes infecting R. brachysoma, we aim to determine the identity, prevalence, and intensity of digenean infections in R. brachysoma from the Gulf of Thailand. A total of 194 short mackerel were obtained from Chon Buri Province, where digeneans were isolated and identified. The molecular identity of the digeneans was confirmed using the nuclear 28S rRNA gene. Of the 194 short mackerel, 100% were found to be infected with digeneans, comprising of Lecithocladium, Prodistomum, Opechona, and Aphanurus. Lecithocladium was the most prevalent (98%) and had the highest intensity of infection (37 mean intensity), followed by Prodistomum (75% prevalence and 17 mean intensity). Our study thus presents the first evidence of digeneans infecting the economically important short mackerel from the Gulf of Thailand. The high infection rate of digenetic trematodes may have implications on the health of R. brachysoma, further driving their population decline. These data underscore the importance of safeguarding fisheries resources in the Gulf of Thailand, and downstream conservation efforts are crucial for evidence-based management decisions to safeguard the long-term sustainability of fish resources.

Morphological and Molecular Analyses of Aponurus laguncula Looss, 1907 (Digenea: Lecithasteridae) Parasitic in Atlantic Spadefish Chaetodipterus faber (Broussonet, 1782) (Acanthuriformes: Ephippidae) from Brazilian Coastal Zone.

OBJECTIVES: An integrative taxonomic description of Aponurus laguncula (Lecithasteridae), a digenean parasitic species of Chaetodipterus faber (Acanthuriformes) from Brazilian Southeast, is provided. Morphological techniques, as whole mounted slides, histology and scanning electron microscopy, and molecular analyses supported that integrative description. METHODS: Fifteen digenean specimens were stained in hydrochloric carmine and mounted on permanent slides. Two specimens were stained in hematoxylin and eosin following histological routine processing. Four parasites were dehydrated through a graded ethanol series, critical point dried with carbon dioxide and coated with gold to scanning electron microscopy analysis. Sequence of the large ribosomal subunit (28S rDNA) gene was generated and used to construct a phylogeny based on maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses. RESULTS: Morphological description and morphometric data obtained in present study were in accordance with previous studies of the species. Use of another morphological techniques, as scanning electron microscopy and histology, corroborated the observed features of whole mounted slides. Also, they provided a better observation of previous reported characteristics and new features reporting, such as an elongated hermaphroditic duct, a smooth tegument and cells that compose the prostatic gland. The molecular sequence obtained in the present study formed a robust clade with available sequences of species of Aponurus. CONCLUSIONS: The integrative taxonomic approach successfully combined morphological observations, including both previously reported features and new descriptions from histological and electron microscopy analyses, with molecular data to identify these specimens as A. laguncula. Moreover, the detailed characterization of structures, such as the gonads in A. laguncula, that would be challenging to analyze using a single technique, was possible. Further molecular studies with less conserved genetic markers should be conducted to understand phylogenetic relationships between Aponurus species.

Quadriacanthus (Monogenea, Dactylogyridae) from Catfishes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Description of a New Species from Heterobranchus longifilis (Teleostei, Clariidae).

PURPOSE: Studies on monogeneans parasitizing representatives of Siluriformes in Africa remain scarce and fragmentary. In order to contribute to fill this gap, we screened Heterobranchus longifilis from the Lindi River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. METHODS: Heterobranchus longifilis was purchased from fishermen in DR Congo, province of Tshopo, in Kisangani town, the Lindi River. The monogeneans were individually isolated from the gill and transferred directly onto a slide in a drop of Hoyer's medium. RESULTS: Quadriacanthus lindiensis n. sp. is morphologically similar to Quadriacanthus longifilisi. However, it is distinguished from the latter by its non-sclerotized vagina, its dorsal cunei shape and the size of its bars. CONCLUSION: Only Q. lindiensis n. sp. was found on the gills of the single individual of H. longifilis screened. In the future, a representative sampling should enable us to verify if Q. lindiensis n. sp. co-occurs with other species known to parasitize H. longifilis.

Unlocking the Biological Enigma: Influence of Host Length and Infection Site on Parasite Abundance in Ompok bimaculatus.

PURPOSE: The influence of two key factors, host length and infection site, on the host-parasite interaction in Ompok bimaculatus (Butter catfish) from Mukutmanipur Dam Lake, were investigated. METHODS: Present study involved 192 specimens of Ompok bimaculatus with varying body lengths, subjected to diverse statistical analyses. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed for the parasite numbers for three groups (cestode, nematode and trematode). Subsequently, we conducted one-way permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) followed by pairwise test to assess parasite numbers across three body sites (intestine, mesentery, and bodycavity), employing the Bray-Curtis index. Additionally, Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) for the same dataset was performed using the same index. Linear regression analysis was performed for the fish length-cestode number, fish length-nematode number, fish length-trematode number and fish length-total parasite number. RESULTS: One-way ANOVA revealed no significant differences in parasite numbers among the three endo-helminth groups (cestode, nematode, and trematode). The results of PERMANOVA revealed significant differences in parasite numbers across the three body sites of the host fishes (groups) (F = 9.41, p = 0.0001). Pairwise tests further demonstrated significant differences between the intestine-mesentery, intestine-body-cavity, and mesentery-body-cavity. Additionally, Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) unveiled a significant relationship between infection site and parasite number. However, linear regression analysis examining the relationship between fish length and parasite abundance indicated no significant associations. CONCLUSIONS: Through a detailed exploration of the statistical analyses, we provide insights into the host-parasite interaction, elucidating both established knowledge and novel findings in fish parasitology.

Three New Species of Sciadicleithrum (Monogenoidea, Dactylogyridae) Parasitizing Cichlid Fishes (Cichliformes: Cichlidae) in the Northeastern Peru.

INTRODUCTION: The present study describes three new dactylogyrid species infecting the gill filaments of cichlid fishes (Cichliformes: Cichlidae) from the Amazon basin, Peru: Sciadicleithrum amazoniensis n. sp. on Biotodoma cupido (Heckel, 1840), and Sciadicleithrum feliciajaramae n. sp. and Sciadicleithrum souzatecci n. sp. on Bujurquina peregrinabunda Kullander, 1986. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Some monogeneans were stained with Gomori's trichrome and mounted in Canada Balsam to determine internal soft structures. Others were cleared in Hoyer's medium for the study of sclerotized structures. Drawings were made using a drawing tube and a microprojector. RESULTS: Sciadicleithrum amazoniensis n. sp. is characterized by the presence of a male copulatory organ (MCO) with a coil of approximately 2 counterclockwise rings, an accessory piece articulated to base of the MCO with an expanded proximal end and a bifurcated distal end, and a sinistral vaginal aperture. Sciadicleithrum feliciajaramae n. sp. can be differentiated from all its congeners by its J-shaped MCO with about half a counterclockwise loop and a rod-shaped accessory piece articulated to the base of the MCO, with the distal end bent. Sciadicleithrum souzatecci n. sp. differs from all other members of Sciadicleithrum by having an elongated MCO with about a clockwise loop and a funnel-shaped base. Additionally, Sciadicleithrum souzatecci n. sp. is characterized by its weakly sclerotized, C-shaped accessory piece with a robust middle process. CONCLUSIONS: Present findings are added to the other 26 species previously known in Sciadicleithrum.This is the first data on the parasites of B. peregrinabunda.

Paronatrema davidbowiei n. sp. (Trematoda: Syncoeliidae), a new parasite of the pelagic thresher (Alopias pelagicus) and its phylogenetic relationships within the suborder Hemiurata Skrjabin & Guschanskaja, 1954.

A new species of hemiurid trematode found on the gills and in the aorta of the pelagic thresher Alopias pelagicus from the eastern Pacific, off Costa Rica, is described based on an integrative taxonomic approach that includes the use of light and scanning electron microscopy, and 28S rDNA sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis was also performed to explore, for the first time, the relationships of a member of the subfamily Otiotrematinae within the suborder Hemiurata. Paronatrema davidbowiei n. sp. can be distinguished from the congeners by having tegumental spines on the dorsal surface of the forebody, papillae on the oral sucker, and different morphology or number of testicular follicles. BLAST analysis revealed that sequences of Paronatrema davidbowiei n. sp. had the highest degree of similarity with Hirudinella spp. (Hirudinellidae). Results from Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses, returning trees with the exact same topology and strong branch support, distinguished between the two superfamilies included in the suborder Hemiurata: Azygioidea and Hemiuroidea. Our analysis placed the new species in a clade with Copiatestes filiferus, the only existing sequence of the family Syncoeliidae.

First Azygiid Reported from Africa or a Characiform Fish: Plenivitellinum kifi n. gen., n. sp. (Digenea: Azygiidae) Infecting the Gut of African Tigerfish, Hydrocynus vittatus Castelnau, 1861 (Characiformes: Alestidae) from the Kavango River.

PURPOSE: This paper aims to describe Plenivitellinum kifi n. gen., n. sp. (Digenea: Azygiidae) infecting the gastrointestinal tract of the African tigerfish, Hydrocynus vittatus Castelnau, 1861 (Characiformes: Alestidae) in the Kavango River, Namibia. We revise the diagnosis of Azygiidae Lühe, 1909 to accommodate this new species. METHODS: The worm was heat-killed, fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin, stained in Van Cleave's and Ehrlich's hematoxylins, cleared in clove oil, and mounted on glass slide using Canada balsam. RESULTS: The new azygiid resembles species of Otodistomum Stafford, 1904 by having an elongate body, a ventral sucker that is wider than the oral sucker and that is in the anterior half of the body, a pre-testicular ovary, a uterus that primarily occupies the inter-caecal space between the ovary and the ventral sucker, and a vitellarium that is restricted to the hindbody and that is confluent posteriorly in the post-testicular region. The new genus differs from all species of Azygiidae by having the combination of a ventral sucker that is wider than the oral sucker (vs. narrower), an elongate prostatic sac that extends posteriad to near the posterior margin of the ventral sucker (vs. an ovoid prostatic sac that is wholly anterior to or slightly overlaps the anterior margin of the ventral sucker), a vitellarium that nearly fills the post-testicular space and that extends posteriad beyond the caecal tips (vs. a vitellarium that is separate posteriorly or that is restricted to the anterior half of the post-testicular space and does not extend posteriad beyond the caecal tips), and an I-shaped excretory bladder (vs. Y-shaped). CONCLUSION: This study documents the first record of an azygiid from Africa and the first record of an azygiid infecting a characiform fish.

NEW INSIGHTS BASED ON MORPHOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR DATA REVEAL THE TAXONOMIC STATUS OF HALIOTREMA PTEROISI (MONOGENOIDEA: DACTYLOGYRIDAE) INFECTING DEVIL FIREFISH PTEROIS MILES (PERCIFORMES: SCORPAENOIDEI: SCORPAENIDAE) IN THE RED SEA OFF EGYPT.

HALIOTREMA PTEROISI: Paperna, 1972 (Monogenoidea: Dactylogyridae) was found parasitizing the gill lamellae of devil firefish, Pterois miles (Bennet) (Perciformes: Scorpaenidae), in the Red Sea off Safaga (26°44'N, 33°56'E), Egypt. The parasite species was described based on morphological features of available specimens and transferred to PlatycephalotremaKritsky and Nitta, 2019 (Dactylogyridae) as Platycephalotrema pteroisi (Paperna, 1972) n. comb. The occurrence of Pl. pteroisi off Safaga, Egypt, represented a range extension for the helminth of about 160 km to the southwest of the southern end of the Gulf of Aqaba. The transfer of the species to Platycephalotrema based on an evaluation of morphological features was supported by an analysis of molecular sequences of the 28S rDNA gene of Pl. pteroisi and 49 other dactylogyrid species. Maximum-likelihood, Bayesian inference, and maximum parsimony analyses of this dactylogyrid sequence data revealed H. pteroisi to nest with significant support within the clade of Platycephalotrema spp. During the literature review of dactylogyrid species infecting scorpionfishes, it was determined that Ancyrocephalus sp. of Dyer et al. from luna lion fish Pterois lunulata Temminck and Schlegel collected off Okinawa-jima, Japan represented an undescribed species of Platycephalotrema.

Verminous bronchitis and pneumonia by nasal trematodes in Greater Caribbean manatees from Puerto Rico.

Five adult Greater Caribbean manatees Trichechus manatus manatus were found stranded on various coasts of Puerto Rico; 2 stranded alive and 3 stranded dead. Clinical signs observed in live-stranded manatees included emaciation, weakness, bradypnea, arrhythmia, and nasal mucus discharge. Postmortem examinations revealed serosanguinous, mucohemorrhagic, or suppurative exudate in bronchi associated with luminal adult Pulmonicola cochleotrema (range: 18-182 trematodes), accompanied by pulmonary abscesses in 2 cases. Histologically, we observed eosinophilic bronchopneumonia of varying severity (n = 4) and chronic erosive to eosinophilic tracheobronchitis (n = 4) with squamous metaplasia (n = 3) and intralesional trematodes and eggs. The trematode identity was confirmed and compared through molecular analysis for the amplified 18S rDNA fragment. Comorbidities included enteric chiorchosis (n = 5), gastric heterocheilosis (n = 4), malnutrition (n = 4), trauma related to watercraft collision (n = 3), systemic toxoplasmosis (n = 1), acute bacterial peritonitis (n = 1), and interstitial nephritis (n = 1), suggesting that immunosuppression was a predisposing factor for lower respiratory tract pulmonicolosis. Based on lesion severity, clinical signs, and the presence and absence of other findings to explain death, this condition was considered the primary cause of death in 1 manatee, a contributory cause of death in 3 manatees, and an incidental finding in 1 individual. These clinicopathological descriptions will facilitate the diagnosis and clinical management of pulmonicolosis in T. manatus, a species endangered with extinction.

Four new species of Cichlidogyrus (Platyhelminthes, Monopisthocotyla, Dactylogyridae) from Lake Victoria haplochromine cichlid fishes, with the redescription of C. bifurcatus and C. longipenis.

African cichlids are model systems for evolutionary studies and host-parasite interactions, because of their adaptive radiations and because they harbour many species of monogenean parasites with high host-specificity. Five locations were sampled in southern Lake Victoria: gill-infecting monogeneans were surveyed from 18 cichlid species belonging to this radiation superflock and two others representing two older and distantly related lineages. We found one species of Gyrodactylidae, Gyrodactylus sturmbaueri Vanhove, Snoeks, Volckaert & Huyse, 2011, and seven species of Dactylogyridae. Four are described herein: Cichlidogyrus pseudodossoui n. sp., Cichlidogyrus nyanza n. sp., Cichlidogyrus furu n. sp., and Cichlidogyrus vetusmolendarius n. sp. Another Cichlidogyrus species is reported but not formally described (low number of specimens, morphological similarity with C. furu n. sp.). Two other species are redescribed: C. bifurcatus Paperna, 1960 and C. longipenis Paperna & Thurston, 1969. Our results confirm that the monogenean fauna of Victorian littoral cichlids displays lower species richness and lower host-specificity than that of Lake Tanganyika littoral cichlids. In C. furu n. sp., hooks V are clearly longer than the others, highlighting the need to re-evaluate the current classification system that considers hook pairs III-VII as rather uniform. Some morphological features of C. bifurcatus, C. longipenis, and C. nyanza n. sp. suggest that these are closely related to congeners that infect other haplochromines. Morphological traits indicate that representatives of Cichlidogyrus colonised Lake Victoria haplochromines or their ancestors at least twice, which is in line with the Lake Victoria superflock being colonised by two cichlid tribes (Haplochromini and Oreochromini).

Title: Quatre espèces nouvelles de Cichlidogyrus (Plathelminthes, Monopisthocotyla, Dactylogyridae) parasites d'haplochrominés (Cichlidae) du lac Victoria, avec la redescription de C. bifurcatus et C. longipenis. Abstract: Les cichlidés africains sont des systèmes modèles pour les études évolutives et les interactions hôtes-parasites, en raison de leurs radiations adaptatives et parce qu'ils hébergent de nombreuses espèces de monogènes parasites avec une spécificité d'hôte étroite. Cinq sites ont été échantillonnés dans le sud du lac Victoria, les monogènes infectant les branchies ont été étudiés chez 18 espèces de cichlidés appartenant à ce superflock et de deux autres espèces représentant deux lignées plus anciennes et éloignées. Nous avons trouvé une espèce de Gyrodactylidae, Gyrodactylus sturmbaueri Vanhove, Snoeks, Volckaert & Huyse, 2011, et sept espèces de Dactylogyridae. Quatre sont décrites ici : Cichlidogyrus pseudodossoui n. sp., Cichlidogyrus nyanza n. sp., Cichlidogyrus furu n. sp. et Cichlidogyrus vetusmolendarius n. sp. Une autre espèce de Cichlidogyrus est signalée mais non formellement décrite (faible nombre de spécimens, similarité morphologique avec C. furu n. sp.). Deux autres espèces sont redécrites : C. bifurcatus Paperna, 1960 et C. longipenis Paperna & Thurston, 1969. Nos résultats confirment que la faune des monogènes des cichlidés du littoral du lac Victoria présente une richesse en espèces et une spécificité d'hôte inférieures à celles des cichlidés du littoral du lac Tanganyika. Chez C. furu n. sp., les crochets V sont clairement plus longs que les autres, ce qui souligne la nécessité de réévaluer le système de classification actuel qui considère que les crochets III-VII sont plutôt uniformes. Certaines caractéristiques morphologiques de C. bifurcatus, C. longipenis et C. nyanza n. sp. suggèrent que ceux-ci sont étroitement liés aux congénères qui infectent les autres haplochrominés. Les traits morphologiques indiquent que les représentants de Cichlidogyrus ont colonisé les haplochrominés du lac Victoria ou leurs ancêtres au moins deux fois, ce qui concorde avec le fait que le superflock du lac Victoria a été colonisé par deux tribus de cichlidés (Haplochromini et Oreochromini).

Innovative molecular and immunological approaches of heterophyiasis infecting some Egyptian marketed fishes.

Heterophyiasis is a highly endemic disease in the Nile Delta, Egypt, where people consume raw or undercooked Oreochromis niloticus and Mugil cephalus. Birds and rats play a crucial role in fish-borne zoonotic trematode transmission since they serve as natural and experimental hosts. This study aimed to update the epidemiological information, morphological description, molecular identification and gene expression of two distinct heterophyid metacercariae in Giza, Wadi Al-Rayan, and Lake Manzala, Egypt, whereas various heterophyid infections could be expected. The present Centrocestus formosanus, Heterophyes heterophyes, and Heterophyes nocens with accession numbers OR947651.1, OR947700.1, and OR947719.1, respectively, matched with those recorded in the GenBank. Findings of the current investigation indicated that various cytokines like IL-1ß, MHC-II, and TNF-α rapidly elevated in the infected pigeon's intestines. Additionally, the infection expanded due to the parasite's ejection from the host and the host's clinical affliction, which induced humoral immune responses. Interestingly, investigation of other trematode species is in extreme demand in terms of zoonoses. We suggest controlling snails, managing migratory birds, and examining and frying fishes to the point when the encysted metacercariae is destroyed.