Brugia tupaiae sp. n. (Nematoda: Filarioidea) in Tree Shrews (Tupaia glis) from Malaysia

Abstract

Brugia tupaiae sp. n. from the lymphatic system of a Malaysian tree shrew (Tupaia glis) is described. This is the third species of Brugia reported from Malayan mammals and the first described from tupaioids. As compared with other species of Brugia, B. tupaiae is small and slender and has small copulatory spicules. The tail of the microfilaria lacks the constriction between the subterminal and terminal nuclei. Tree shrews are found in the forest areas of India, southeast Asia, and the Philippines. Although microfilariae, including sheathed forms, have been observed in these primitive primates, species of Brugia have not been reported (Laing et al., 1960; Dunn and Ramachandran, 1962; Ann. Rept. Inst. Med. Res. Fed. Malaya, 1964; Dunn, 1964). Recently 41 tree shrews collected in Malaya and identified as Tupaia glis were examined for blood parasites. In six of the animals sheathed microfilariae morphologically similar to those of Brugia pahangi and B. malayi were found. At necropsy of one with a moderate microfilaremia, six adult worms (three males, three females) of an undescribed species of Brugia were recovered from the lymphatic and associated tissues. The species description which follows is based on these six specimens.