Redescription of Cichlidogyrus philander (Monogenea, Ancyrocephalidae) using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and molecular analysis.

Patience C Igeh,Annemariè Avenant-Oldewage,Quinton M Dos Santos

doi:10.1051/parasite/2017046

Patience C Igeh, Annemariè Avenant-Oldewage + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1051/parasite/2017046

Copy DOI

Abstract

The sclerotized structures of monogeneans have traditionally been studied by light microscopy and different staining techniques. Recently, enzymatic digestion followed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has enabled the examination of structural details not visible with light microscopy. In order to obtain better, and more accurate, morphological information on sclerotized structures not affected by mounting medium or cover slip pressure, the sclerites of Cichlidogyrus philander Douëllou, 1993 (Monogenea, Ancyrocephalidae), collected from Pseudocrenilabrus philander (Weber, 1897), were redescribed using SEM. Parasites were collected from Padda Dam, Gauteng, South Africa and soft tissue was digested to release the sclerotized structures. The digested tissue also provided sufficient genetic material for molecular characterization of this species. Cichlidogyrus philander is characterised by a penis with a sharp, curved, lateral termination, an accessory piece with a hook-like extremity that may appear forked terminally, and lack of a visible vagina. The transverse bars have concave and convex surfaces with ribs on the concave surface. The dorsal bar bears fenestrations at the base of the auricles and the ventral and dorsal gripi are dissimilar. Furthermore, the large first pair of uncinuli shows lateral wings on the left side of the base. On top of this wing, a ball-like structure with a small fenestration is visible. Genetic characters derived from the 28S rDNA, the COI mitochondrial DNA and ITS1 rDNA regions distinguish C. philander from all other Cichlidogyrus sequenced species.

Highlights

Cichlidogyrus philander Douëllou, 1993 is a monogenean ectoparasite occurring on the gills of Pseudocrenilabrus philander (Weber, 1897)
Following approval from the Ethics Committee of the University of Johannesburg’s Faculty of Science, and obtaining a permit from Nature Conservation in Gauteng, South Africa, 20 P. philander were captured by electro-narcosis and hand nets from Padda Dam (20°10ʹS; 17°59ʹE), which is located on University of Johannesburg grounds, Gauteng
The male copulatory organ is seen to consist of a penis and accessory piece (Fig. 2A, B)

Summary

Introduction

Cichlidogyrus philander Douëllou, 1993 is a monogenean ectoparasite occurring on the gills of Pseudocrenilabrus philander (Weber, 1897). It was first described by Douëllou from Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe [3]. The species was later found in the Padda Dam, Gauteng, South. Cichlidogyrus Paperna, 1960 includes more than 100 species and has a wide distribution [13]. The members of this genus use a specialized, posteriorly situated organ, the haptor, to attach themselves to the host [24,25]. In Cichlidogyrus, the haptor is composed of hooks and transverse bars [25,27]

Methods

Results

Conclusion