Report of the presence of 'Hapalotrema synorchis' and 'H. postorchis' (Digenea: Spirorchiidae) in marine turtles (Reptilia: Cheloniidae) in Northern Territory waters

Abstract

The spirorchiid digenean 'Hapalotrema synorchis' was recovered from the heart of a juvenile Hawksbill Turtle ('Eretmochelys imbricata') found deceased on a local Darwin beach. The turtle was in poor condition, showing many characteristics associated with spirorchiid infection. A second necropsied turtle showed signs of infection with spirorchiids but adult specimens were not recovered. Examination of specimens held at the Berrimah Veterinary Laboratory found another 'E. imbricata' infected with 'H. synorchis' and a Green Turtle ('Chelonia mydas') infected with the related 'H. postorchis'. Despite previous reports of infected turtles, this is the first confirmed identification of 'H. synorchis' and 'H. postorchis' from Northern Territory waters.