Caryophyllaeus Laticeps Research Articles

Revisiting caryophyllidean type of spermiogenesis in the Eucestoda based on spermatozoon differentiation and ultrastructure of Caryophyllaeus laticeps (Pallas, 1781)

Spermiogenesis of the monozoic cestode Caryophyllaeus laticeps (Pallas, 1781) (Caryophyllidea: Caryophyllaeidae), a parasite of Abramis brama (Pisces: Cyprinidae), has been investigated by means of transmission electron microscopy and cytochemical staining with periodic acid-thiosemicarbazide-silver proteinate for glycogen. The process of spermatozoon formation corresponds in the basic pattern to that of Khawia armeniaca as described by Bruňanská and Poddubnaya (Parasitol Res 99:449-454, 2006). The dense material at the early stages of spermiogenesis, an intercentriolar body, the formation of a free flagellum and flagellar bud, the penetration of the nucleus into the spermatid body when the fusion of the free flagellum with the median cytoplasmic process has started, and a complete proximodistal fusion have been determined. In contrast to previous data on the caryophyllidean type spermiogenesis, the latter more recent observations show the presence and the rotation of a free flagellum and a flagellar bud. This pattern indicates clearly a derived stage of spermiogenesis in the Caryophyllidea, when the second shorter flagellum is greatly reduced comparing with that in the Spathebothriidea, Diphyllobothriidea, or Bothriocephalidea, thus forming a flagellar bud. The flagellar bud occurs in all stages of spermiogenesis and represents an evolved character in the Caryophyllidea. The mature spermatozoon of C. laticeps consists of one axoneme of the 9 + "1" trepaxonematan structure, parallel cortical microtubules, and a nucleus. Cell components are situated in a moderately electrondense cytoplasm, containing glycogen in the principal regions (II, III, and IV) of the spermatozoon. A crested body is absent. Similarities and differences between spermatozoa of caryophyllideans as well as other Eucestoda are discussed.

Effect of Caryophyllaeus laticeps (Cestoda, Caryophyllidea) upon activity of digestive enzymes in bream

The activities of the main digestive hydrolases were comparatively studied in bream infected and noninfected with cestodes Caryophyllaeus laticeps (Pallas, 1781). It was shown that enzyme activities are distributed in the fish intestine in an irregular manner; the gradient of protease and lipase activities along the gut is presented. Following the infection of bream by cestodes, the activities of the studied enzymes decreased and the percentages of activities of various proteinase subclasses changed. No relation between the distribution of worms along the intestine and the levels of activities of digestive hydrolases was revealed.

The parasite community of the nase Chondrostoma nasus (L. 1758) from Austrian rivers

Between April 2003 and November 2006 a total of 191 individuals of the predominantly herbivorous fish species nase Chondrostoma nasus (L. 1758) were examined for parasites from six river sites in Austria. The following parasite taxa were recovered--Ciliata: Trichodina sp., Chilodonella piscicola, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis; Myxozoa: Myxobolus muelleri (cysts) and Myxobolus sp. (cysts); Monogenea: Dactylogyrus vistulae, D. chondrostomi and Dactylogyrus spp., Gyrodactylus sp., Diplozoon paradoxum; Digenea: Diplostomum spathaceum (larv.) and Tylodelphis clavata (larv.); Cestoda: Caryophyllaeus laticeps; Acanthocephala: Pomphorhynchus laevis; Bivalvia: Unio sp. (Glochidia); Crustacea: Lamproglena pulchella; Hirudinea: Piscicola geometra. The only taxa occurring at all sample sites were Dactylogyrus spp., which was also the dominant taxon at most sites, and Myxobolus muelleri, both from the gills of the fish. This is the first record of the parasite community of the nase in Austria.

Telomere analysis of platyhelminths and acanthocephalans by FISH and Southern hybridization

We examined the composition of telomeres in chromosomes of parasitic worms, representatives of the flatworm groups Monogenea and Cestoda (Platyhelminthes), and thorny-headed worms (Syndermata: Acanthocephala) by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with different telomeric repeat probes. Our results show that the (TTAGGG)n sequence, supposed to be the ancestral telomeric repeat motif of Metazoa, is conserved in Monogenea (Paradiplozoon homoion) and Cestoda (Caryophyllaeus laticeps, Caryophyllaeides fennica, and Nippotaenia mogurndae) but not in Acanthocephala (Pomphorhynchus laevis and Pomphorhynchus tereticollis). In the Pomphorhynchus species, no hybridization signals were obtained with the "nematode" (TTAGGC)n, "arthropod" (TTAGG)n, and bdelloid (TGTGGG)n telomeric probes using FISH with their chromosomes and Southern hybridization with P. laevis DNA. Therefore, we suggest that parasitic Acanthocephala have evolved yet unknown telomeric repeat motifs or different mechanisms of telomere maintenance.

An immunocytochemical, histochemical and ultrastructural study of the nervous system of the tapeworm Cyathocephalus truncatus (Cestoda, Spathebothriidea)

This study is the first detailed study of the organisation of the neuromuscular system of Cyathocephalus truncatus (Cestoda, Spathebothriidea). Five techniques have been used: (1) immunocytochemistry, (2) staining with TRITC-conjugated phalloidin, (3) NADPHdiaphorase histochemistry, (4) confocal scanning laser microscopy and (5) transmission electron microscopy. The patterns of nerves immunoreactive (IR) to antibodies towards serotonin (5-HT) and the invertebrate neuropeptide FMRFamide are described in relation to the musculature. The patterns of NADPHdiaphorase positive nerves and 5-HT-IR nerves are compared. The fine structure of the nervous system (NS) is described. The organisation of NS in the non-segmented, polyzoic C. truncatus differs clearly from that in the non-segmented, monozoic Caryophyllaeus laticeps and shows distinct similarities with the NS in pseudophyllidean cestodes. This supports the hypothesis that taxon Caryophyllidea and Spatheobothriidea form independent lineages within Eucestoda.

Heavy Metals in the Nase, Chondrostoma nasus (L. 1758), and Its Intestinal Parasite Caryophyllaeus laticeps (Pallas 1781) from Austrian Rivers: Bioindicative Aspects

Tissue samples from 121 adult specimens of the predominantly herbivorous fish species nase, Chondrostoma nasus (L. 1758), from five river sites in Austria were analyzed for their metal content. Sediments and water samples of the sites show different levels of metal load, with only one site considered being polluted with metals. The concentrations of cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc in the tissue of the gills, muscle, intestine, and liver of the fish were determined by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). As in one of the unpolluted and the polluted river site, a well-established population of the tapeworm Caryophyllaeus laticeps (Pallas, 1781) occurred in the intestine of the fish; pooled samples of this worm were analysed as well. Both the nase and C. laticeps show bioindicative ability for metal pollution in rivers. The results allow a more differentiated characterization of the rivers than the sediment analyses. Cadmium is found mainly in the liver, with maximum concentrations of 1.57 microg/g dry weight from unpolluted sites and 5.58 microg/g from the polluted site. The highest concentrations of copper are also found in the liver, with values between 25 and 333 microg/g. A significantly elevated concentration of Cu in the intestine from an "unpolluted" site (mean: 24.06 microg/g) indicates an acute pollution in this area at the time of sampling. Lead was found mainly in the intestine and liver in concentrations between 0.09 and 4.05 microg/g and 0.26 and 1.94 microg/g, respectively. In the samples from the polluted site, it also could be detected in the gills (mean: 1.38 microg/g). The parasite C. laticeps shows different capacities for metal accumulation: Although the concentrations of Cu were significantly lower compared to the values of the fish liver, cadmium was detected in concentrations up to 5.1 times higher. Lead and zinc concentrations were found to be up to 9.7 and 3.0 times higher in the tapeworm compared to the fish liver, respectively.

Parasites of carp bream, Abramis brama, from Lake Jamno, Poland

Abstract A total of 40 carp bream, Abramis brama (L.) from Lake Jamno were examined for their parasites in May 2002. Lake Jamno is a brackish-water coastal lagoon, strongly eutrophied and polluted by communal and industrial sewage from the city of Koszalin. The survey yielded 15 parasite species, representing different systematic groups, including 7 monogeneans Dactylogyrus auriculatus, D. falcatus, D. wunderi, D. zandti, Gyrodactylus elegans, Gyrodactylus sp., Diplozoon paradoxum; 4 digeneans (at the stage of metacercaria) Diplostomum sp., Tylodelphys clavata, Ichthyocotylurus platycephalus, I. variegatus; 1 cestode Caryophyllaeus laticeps; 2 crustaceans Ergasilus sieboldi, Argulus foliaceus; and 1 hirudinean Caspiobdella fadejewi. Monogeneans constituted the most abundant parasite group, accounting for 61.5 % of all parasite individuals collected. They were followed by the cestodes (20.7 %), digenean flukes (16 %), crustaceans (0.7 %), and leeches (0.2 %).

Enzymatic Activity of the Microflora Associated with the Digestive-Transport Surfaces of the Bream and Parasitizing its Intestine Caryophyllaeus laticeps (Cestoda, Caryophyllidea)

Enzymatic Activity of the Microflora Associated with the Digestive-Transport Surfaces of the Bream and Parasitizing its Intestine Caryophyllaeus laticeps (Cestoda, Caryophyllidea)

Hydrolytic activity of enzymes produced by symbiotic microflora and its role in digestion processes of bream and its intestinal parasite Caryophyllaeus laticeps (Cestoda, Caryophyllidea)

Bacteria capable to secrete enzymes hydrolyzing proteins and carbohydrates proved to be associated with the digestive-transport surfaces of the bream intestine and tegument of cestode Caryophyllaeus laticeps. Apparently, the contribution of symbiotic digestion to the hydrolysis of polymers increases during active feeding of fishes, while at low feeding rate, bacteria can compete with the host and its parasite for the available monomers. Secretion of bacterial enzymes hydrolyzing both complex carbohydrates and disaccharides reduces the metabolic expenditures of the macroorganisms for the synthesis of their own hydrolases. Glucose resulting from hydrolytic activity of bacterial enzymes can be used by all members of the established community. While bacteria colonizing the digestive-transport surfaces of the host and parasite were generally similar, some specific features were also observed probably due to the structural peculiarities of the intestinal mucosa and cestode tegument.

The occurrence of helminth parasites in barbel (Barbus plebejus escherichi Stendachner, 1897) of the Doganci (Bursa) Dam Lake, Turkey

The occurrence of helminth parasites of barbel in the Doganci Dam Lake was investigated monthly from December 1998 to November 1999. During this study a total of 47 barbell were caught and examined for helminth parasites. A total of 5 species of helminth parasites was found as follows. Dactylogyrus carpathicus (Monogenea) was observed on gills of the fish and Bothriocephalus acheilognathi, Caryophyllaeus laticeps (Cestoda) Allocreadium isoporum (Digenea) and Contracaecum sp (Nematoda) were present in the intestines and the abdominal cavity of fishes. D. carpathicus was the dominant parasite species found in barbel. A total of 117 parasites were recorded on 27 of the 47 fish examined. The overall prevalence of D. carpathicus was 57%. A. isoporum was the second most dominant parasite in this study. A total of 35 parasites were found in 9 of 47 fish examined and the total prevalence of A. isoporum was 19.1%. However B. acheliognathi were present only in very small numbers. Only seven B. acheliognathi were found in 4 of the 47 fish examined. Four fish were infected by C. laticeps and a total of 13 parasites was found. A single species of Nematoda, Contracaecum sp was observed in 5 of the 47 fish examined. A total of 25 parasites was recorded. The overall prevalence of Contracaecum sp was 27.2%. D. carpathicus and.A. isoporum were new records for the helminth fauna of Turkey.

Parasite fauna of the tench, Tinca tinca (L.) from selected lakes of the north-western regions of Poland

In the tench collected from three lakes of the north-western region of Poland, namely: lake Ińsko, lake Mielno, and lake Woświn, a total of 20 parasite species was recorded. Representatives of the following species were commonly found: Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Dactylogyrus triappendixis, Asymphylodora tincae and Ergasilus sieboldi (the prevalence ranged from 34.37 to 65.62%). Trypanosoma sp., Myxobolus ellipsoides, Trichodina sp., Trichodinella epizootica, metacercariae of Tylodelphys clavata and Skrjabillanus tincae were recorded relatively often (18.75-28.12%). The presence of Thelohanellus pyriformis, Caryophyllaeus laticeps, egss of Sanguinicola sp., metacercariae of Diplostomum sp., and larvae of Raphidascaris acus (9.37% of infection) were recorded less frequently. The remaining parasites, namely: Philomerta ovata, Piscicola geometra, Acanthocephalus anguillae, A. lucii, and Argulus foliaceus occurred as single specimens (3.12% of infection). Protozoans T. epizootica and nematodes P. ovata were recorded for the first time in the tench in Poland, whereas 18 species of parasites have not been noted yet in the north-western region of the country.

Immunological responses of fish to parasitic organisms

The piscine immune system is well developed and is normally quite efficient in protecting healthy free ranging fish from parasitic diseases. However, when fish are cultured in high numbers and are stressed by adverse environmental factors (e.g. heavy metal pollution, low dissolved oxygen, nutritional deficiencies, and/or overcrowding), parasites may have the advantage and the risk of disease outbreak increases in the fish population. We know very little about innate immunity against parasites. Hence it has not been considered a viable strategy to protect fish from diseases. The alternative pathway of complement activation is the protective mechanism in certain fish species against hemoflagellates (Cryptobia salmositica and Cryptobia catostomi). This mechanism also operates in some resistant individuals (in a susceptible fish species) against C. salmositica. Complement is also involved in innate parasiticidal activities against adult intestinal tapeworms (Acanthobothrium quadripartitum) and encysting larval stages of digeneans (Diplostomum spathaceum and Cryptocotyle lingua). It is suggested here that more studies be conducted to elucidate the mechanism(s) of innate immunity in nonsusceptible host species, and also to follow the heredity of parasite resistant factor(s) in individuals that belong to an otherwise susceptible host fish species.The innate nonspecific cytotoxicity of leukocytes of flounders, infected with the copepod, Phrixocephalus cincinnatus, was significantly depressed compared to those from uninfected flounders. The target cells for the leukocytes were murine cells; future studies should include parasites as target cells to determine the importance of the depression on disease resistance in copepod-infected fish.Fish that survive Amyloodinium ocellatum, C. salmositica, Cryptobia bullocki, Trypanosoma danilewskyi, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Myxidium lieberkuehni, a myxosporean parasite (PKX), and D. spathaceum infections are generally protected from disease when they are later exposed to the same parasite. Complement fixing antibodies and/or cell-mediated immunity are important in acquired immunity against C. salmositica, C. bullocki, T. danilewskyi, I. multifiliis, Diplostomum spathaceum, Cryptocotyle lingua, and Posthodiplostomum minimum. A live C. salmositica-vaccine has been developed. The vaccine has fewer polypeptide bands and a few of the remaining polypeptides are antigenically different from those in the virulent strain. It does not cause disease in fish but has remained protective. Fish are assumed to, or are known to, respond immunologically to numerous other parasitic infections. These include: Cryptocaryon irritans, Myxosoma cerebralis, Gyrodactylus bullatarudis, Dactylogyrus vastator, Neobenedenia melleni, Telogaster opisthorchis, Ligula intestinalis, Diphyllobothrium, Caryophyllaeus laticeps, Pomphorhynchus laevis, Anguillicola crassus, and Larnaea cyprinacea. However, the precise role of the immune system in these infections has yet to be determined.In general, there are little antibody and cell-mediated responses during early myxosporean infections because the parasite antigenically mimics host tissues. The proliferative type of inflammation is the principal defense when spores are formed, resulting in parasite encapsulation. Melanomacrophages ingest spores in tissue and transport them to kidneys, spleen, or liver where they are encapsulated and destroyed. Also, cestodes are thought to adsorb host antigens on their body surface to evade the host immune system. The extent and the mechanism of host tissue mimicry by parasites, presumably to avoid or reduce the host immune response, are both fascinating and in need of more careful study in the future.Not much is known about immunodepression due to parasitic diseases in fish. This is an important phenomenon because it generally increases the susceptibility and mortality of infected fish when they are exposed to another pathogen. Also, it will adversely affect vaccination programs carried out against other pathogens. Immunodepression has been found in C. salmositica, Glugea stephani, and PKX infections. It is suggested here that other parasitic infections should be closely examined for their effects on the piscine immune system. It is also beneficial to more closely evaluate the interactions of multiple infections (microbial and parasitic) and their effects on the fish.

Observations on the microtriches and stages in their development and emergence in Caryophyllaeus laticeps (Caryophyllidea: Cestoda)

Richards K.S. and Arme C. 1981. Observations on the microtriches and stages in their development and emergence in Caryophyllaeus laticeps (Caryophyllidea: Cestoda). International Journal for Parasitology 11: 369–375. Fully developed microtriches of the posterior two-thirds of the body consist of three regions. The long, proximal shaft is ovoid in transverse section and has a peripheral electron-dense support and a central lucent core. The tapering, recurved, electron-dense spine lacks substructure and is ovoid at its base. The membrane-bound distal extension is in continuity with the proximal regions and its cytoplasm is coarsely granular. It is frequently observed in a reflexed position lying parallel to the shaft. In developing microtriches the ovoid spine lies parallel to the worm surface whereas the shaft support and core are perpendicular to the syncytial surface; the distal extension is not present. During microthrix emergence the spine comes to lie in an erect position above the apical membrane, then the shaft support and core begin to emerge and the distal extension develops.

The apparent inability of cyprinid fish to produce skin‐sensitizing antibody

Both egg albumin and horse serum failed to induce systemic anaphylactic shock in cyprinid fish. The production of skin‐sensitizing antibody by these fish to either horse serum, egg albumin or antigenic extracts of the cestode, Caryophyllaeus laticeps or the acantho‐cephalan, Pomphorhynchus laevis, could not be demonstrated by homologous passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) or by heterologous PCA reaction in guinea‐pigs. It was considered therefore, that fish are unable to produce such antibody, at least in response to these antigens, and that it is unlikely that skin‐sensitizing antibody is involved in the rejection of C. laticeps by dace Leuciscus lueciscus (L.). The phylogenetic origins of skin‐sensitizing antibody are discussed.

The effect of the cestodeCaryophyllaeus laticepsupon production and respiration of its intermediate host

A quantitative assessment of the effect of larvalCaryophyllaeus laticepsupon its intermediate host,Psammoryctes barbatus, was obtained by comparing the energy budgets of infected and uninfected tubificids from the same natural populationm throughout the course of a year. Measurements of the energy transformations during growth, reproduction and respiration of tubificids indicated some of the effects of the parasite.Infection had no influence upon the life-span of the host, but progressively decreased its growth and prevented reproduction. By contrast no significant differences were detected between the respiration rates of infected and uninfected animals. Decrease in the production of infected host tissue became apparent as soon as the parasite was detectable. Over the first 6 months loss in production due to the parasite was 50%, and over the whole life-span 59·9%. The production: respiration ratio of infected tubificids was also lower, but differences in assimilation were probably only small. The overall effects of the parasite upon its host population are slight, and the loss in tubificid nutriment available for fish food due to the parasite is less than 5% and of little economic importance. The way in which the parasite actually influences its host's physiology is discussed, and the effect ofC. laticepsupon its host's energy budget compared with that of a plerocercoid larva on its fish host.I should like to thank Dr M. Palmer for the loan of her Warburg flasks, Mr J. Harris for taking samples for me when I was unable to do so,'and Mr G. G. Vickers for many helpful comments and discussions on ecological energetics. I am also grateful to Mr G. Baileyfor combusting the samples for me.

Relationship of pathology to scolex morphology among caryophyllid cestodes.

The comparative pathology as related to modes of attachment and scolex morphology of the following 15 species of caryophyllid cestodes was studied: Caryophyllaeus laticeps, Monobothrium ingens, M. hunteri, M. ulmeri, Glaridacris catostomi, G. confusus, Biacetabulum infrequens, B. biloculoides, B. carpiodi, Hunterella nodulosa, Isoglaridacris folius, Khawia iowensis, Atractolytocestus huronensis, Capingens singularis and Spartoides wardi. Species with specialized holdfasts having loculi, bothria, or acetabula elicit little or no pathology; on the other hand, those with a terminal introvert, weakly developed loculi, or lacking specialized structures elicit pronounced host reactions in the form of nodules or shallow ulcers. Species with similar types of scolexes appear to attach in similar ways. An interface layer, apparently mucoid in nature as shown by histochemical tests, is often present between host and parasite of some species. Distribution in the intestine, multiple infections, and niche width as related to scolex morphology are discussed. Photomicrographs of species in situ, of pathology, and drawings of scolex types supplement the observations.

Seasonal incidence and development of the cestodeCaryophyllaeus laticeps(Pallas) in the River Avon

An account is given of the seasonal occurrence, maturation and population changes ofCaryophyllaeus laticepsin its intermediate hostPsammoryctes barbatusand in its definitive hostLeuciscus leuciscusin the River Avon. Infective larvae were found in the tubificid in all months except August, but occurrence and maturation ofC. laticepsin fish showed a clear seasonal periodicity. Infections were acquired between December and March, the parasite matured in April and May and disappeared by July. Maturation ofC. laticepsappeared to be governed by changes in fish hormone levels. Changes in the parasite population in fish bore no relationship to the availability of infective larvae nor probably to the feeding behaviour of fish but were closely correlated with water temperature changes. The most important factor controlling the dynamics of theC. laticeps–dacesystem appears to be a temperature dependent rejection response to the parasites by dace, and it is suggested that a similar mechanism may operate to control the dynamics of other freshwater fish–tapeworm systems.I should like to thank the Avon and Dorset River Authority, and in particular Mr A. S. Grater, for their help in capturing the fish and for their ready co-operation.

Evidence for an Immune Response by Dace, Leuciscus leuciscus, to Infections by the Cestode Caryophyllaeus laticeps

Evidence for an Immune Response by Dace, Leuciscus leuciscus, to Infections by the Cestode Caryophyllaeus laticeps

Vitellogenesis and eggshell formation in Caryophyllaeus laticeps (Pallas) and Caryophyllaeides fennica (Schneider) (Cestoidea: Caryophyllaeidea).

Eggshell formation in Caryophyllaeus laticeps and Caryophyllaeides fennica (Cestoidea: Caryophyllaeidea), as shown by histochemical tests for proteins, phenols, and polyphenol oxidase, is similar to that of D. latum, Ligula sp., and Schistocephalus sp.