Morphology and host–parasite interaction of Henneguya azevedoi n. sp., parasite of gills of Leporinus obtusidens from Mogi-Guaçu River, Brazil

Abstract

Henneguya azevedoi n. sp. is described from the piava (Leporinus obtusidens). Between 2005 and 2007, 60 fish were collected from the Mogi-Guaçu River near Cachoeira de Emas Falls located in the municipality of Pirassununga, state of São Paulo, Brazil. A total of 70% had plasmodia of the parasite. The plasmodia were white, spherical, and measured 40-200 μm in diameter. Histopathological analysis revealed that the development of the parasite was intralamellar and caused stretching of the epithelium, with accentuated deformation, as well as compression of the capillary and adjacent tissues. Ultrastructural analysis revealed that the wall of the plasmodium was a single membrane in direct contact with the host cells and contained pinocytic canals that extended into the plasmodium. The development of the parasite was asynchronous, with the earliest stages at the periphery and mature spores in the central region. Mature spores were elongated in the frontal view [mean ± standard deviation (range)]: 45.2 ± 0.6 (45.0-47.0) μm in total length, 10.0 ± 0.07 (9.9-10.2) μm in body length, 35.6 ± 0.9 (34.9-36.5) μm in caudal process length, and 4.4 ± 0.4 (4.0-5.0) μm in body width. The polar capsules were elongated and equal in size: 3.8 ± 0.3 (3.5-4.0) μm in length and 1.0 μm in width. The polar filaments were coiled in six to seven turns and perpendicular to the axis of the capsule. Scanning electron microscopy revealed smooth valves and a conspicuous rim around the spore body. This is the first time that a myxosporean has been reported in L. obtusidens.