Gorgoderina Vitelliloba Research Articles

Overview of Helminths in Land Vertebrates from the Mordovia Nature Reserve, European Russia

In this study, we summarized our own and literature data on the helminth fauna in amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals inhabiting the Mordovia Nature Reserve (European Russia). The history of research on parasitic worms in vertebrates has more than 70 years here. Nowadays, 242 species of helminths have been identified in vertebrates in this protected area: 54 cestodes, 87 trematodes, 98 nematodes, and 3 acanthocephalans. Of these, 169 helminth species have an indirect life cycle, while 73 develop directly. 217 revealed parasite species use vertebrates as definitive hosts and 21 as intermediate and/or parathenic hosts. Three species of trematodes, Gorgoderina vitelliloba, Haplometra cylindracea, and Opisthioglyphe ranae combine the larval and mature lifestyle stages in amphibians. The most diverse helminth fauna is in rodents (41 species), birds (38), artiodactyls (37), and insectivores (35). Less rich in amphibians (32), bats (32), reptiles (26), and carnivores (19). Only six parasite species are found in hares. Most of the helminth species recorded in the vertebrates of the Mordovia Nature Reserve belong to the Palearctic faunistic complex – 107 species. Fifty-eight species are cosmopolitan. The range of 39 species covers the Holarctic. The distribution of 37 species of helminths is limited to Europe. Seventy-three of 242 species found in the nature reserve’s vertebrates have medical and veterinary importance as potential pathogens of dangerous zoonoses.

New Records of Trematode and Acanthocephalan Species in Frogs in Erzurum Province, Turkey.

SummaryA total of 32 frogs of two species (Rana macrocnemis, Pelophylax ridibundus) that were dissected in some lectures in Ataturk University Science Faculty Biology Department were investigated parasitologically even after the lectures between 2008 and 2014. 9 digenean species (Cephalogonimus retusus [Cephalogonimidae]; Diplodiscus subclavatus [Paramphistomotidae]; Gorgodera cygnoides, Gorgoderina vitelliloba [Gorgoderidae]; Haplometra cylindracea, Haematoloechus variegatus, Opisthioglyphe ranae, Skrjabinoeces similis and Skrjabinoeces breviansa [Plagiorchiidae]), 3 acanthocephalan species (Acanthocephalus ranae, Centrorhynchus sp., Pomphorhynchus laevis) were found. All the parasites are the first record for Erzurum province, Cephalogonimus retusus and Skrjabinoeces similis are the first records of the parasite fauna of Turkey.

Helminth parasites of the levantine frog (Pelophylax bedriagae Camerano, 1882) from the western part of Turkey

Summary Fifty-four Pelophylax bedriagae (Levantine Frog) from Turkey (İzmir and Manisa Provinces) were examined for helminth parasites. The frogs were collected between 2012 and 2014 years. Eight species of helminth parasites were recorded: 3 species of Nematoda (Rhabdias bufonis, Cosmocerca ornata, Oswaldocruzia filiformis), 3 species of Digenea (Diplodiscus subclavatus, Haematoloechus bre-viansa, Gorgoderina vitelliloba), 1 species of Acanthocephala (Acanthocephalus ranae) and 1 species of Hirudinea (Hirudo medicinalis). Pelophylax bedriagae is a new host record for these parasite species.

Helminth fauna of the Eurasian marsh frog, Pelophylax ridibundus (Pallas, 1771) (Anura: Ranidae), collected from Denizli Province, Inner-West Anatolia Region, Turkey

Abstract In this research, a total of 298 Eurasian marsh frogs, Pelophylax ridibundus (Pallas, 1771) were collected from different localities in Denizli province (Inner-west Anatolia Region, the eastern part of Aegean Region) Turkey between 2006 and 2009 and examined for helminths. Of 262 (87.91 %) Pelophylax ridibundus samples were infected with one or more helminths. Pelophylax ridibundus harbored eight species of digeneans (Diplodiscus subclavatus, Gorgoderina vitelliloba, Gorgodera cygnoides, Pleurogenoides medians, Prosotocus confusus, Skrjabinoeces breviansa, Encyclometra colubrimurorum and Ophistoglyhe ranae), one species of cestode (Nematotaenia dispar), two species of acanthocephalans (Acanthocephalus ranae and Pomphorhynchus laevis), and six species of nematodes (Rhabdias bufonis, Oswaldocruzia filiformis, Cosmocerca ornata, Oxysomatium brevicaudatum, Eustrongylides sp. and Abbreviata sp.). P. ridibundus represents a host record for Nematotaenia dispar in Turkey.

Metazoan endoparasites of three species of anurans collected from the Middle Black Sea Region of Turkey

Abstract In this report, European common toads; Bufo bufo, European green toads Bufo viridis and marsh frogs Rana ridibunda were collected in Amasya, Çorum, and Tokat Provinces (Middle Black Sea Region of Turkey) 2005 and 2006 and examined for helminths. Two of 2 (100 %) Bufo bufo and 8 of 8 (100 %) Bufo viridis and 57 of 63 (90.5 %) Rana ridibunda were infected with 1 or more helminths. The helminths of B. bufo included Oswaldocruzia filiformis and Oxysomatium brevicaudatum. The helminth fauna of B. viridis comprised 5 species: 1 species of trematode (Pleurogenoides medians), 1 species of cestode (Nematotaenia dispar) and 3 species of nematodes, (Oswaldocruzia filiformis, Cosmocerca ornata, and Oxysomatium brevicaudatum), while the helminth fauna of Rana ridibunda comprised 9 species: 4 species of trematodes (Gorgodera cygnoides, Gorgoderina vitelliloba, Haematoloechus breviansa, and Opisthioglyphe ranae), 3 species of nematodes Oswaldocruzia filiformis, Cosmocerca ornata, and Oxysomatium brevicaudatum), and 2 species of acanthocephalans (Pomphorhynchus laevis and Acanthocephalus ranae). Oswaldocruzia filiformis, Cosmocerca ornata, and Oxysomatium brevicaudatum were collected from all three host species. In addition, Pleurogenoides medians represents a new host record for Bufo viridis in Turkey.

First record of digenetic trematodes of frogsRana ridibunda ridibunda collected from Kirkuk, Iraq.

In this study which has been done between November 2005 and March 2006, 50 frogs (Rana ridibunda ridibunda ) were collected from Kirkuk governorate (Kirkuk city , Dubis , Taza and Kara injeer ) and examined for digenetic trematodes .Three species of digenetic trematodes Haematoloechus medioplexus , Pleurogenoides medians and Gorgoderina vitelliloba were observed. These species were first recorded in Iraq.

Endohelminth fauna of the marsh frog Rana ridibunda from Lake Hazar, Turkey

In this study, 236 marsh frogs Rana ridibunda collected from Lake Hazar (Elazig, Turkey) at 15 d intervals between March 2001 and February 2002 were examined for endohelminths; of these, 148 (62.71%) frogs were found to be infected with helminths. In total, 9 helminth species (3 trematodes, 5 nematodes and 1 acanthocephalan) were identified. We observed Gorgoderina vitelliloba (prevalence 2.97%) in the urinary bladder, Haematoloechus variegatus (4.66%) and Rhabdias bufonis (8.90%) in the lung, Pleurogenoides medians (1.69%), Oswaldocruzia filiformis (3.81 %) and Acanthocephalus ranae (26.27 %) in the small intestine, Neoxysomatium brevicaudatum (16.95%) and Cosmocercoides sp. (3.39%) in the large intestine, and Eustrongylides excisus (14.41%) in the body cavity and on,the stomach. No helminth was found in the spleen, kidney, gall bladder, liver, heart or muscle. Of the 9 helminth species identified, Acanthocephalus ranae (26.27 %) had the highest prevalence and abundance and Oswaldocruzia filiformis (8.33+/-4.09) had the highest mean intensity.

Helminth Parasites of the Banded Frog Rana camerani (Ranidae) from Turkey

One hundred forty-three banded frogs Rana camerani were collected from 2 localities in Turkey between 2000 and 2004 and examined for helminths. One species of Monogenea (Polystoma sp.), 5 species of Digenea (Gorgodera cynoides, Gorgoderina vitelliloba, Haplometra cylindricae, Opisthioglyphe rastellus, Pleurogenoides medians), 1 species of Cestoda (Nematotaenia dispar), 3 species of Nematoda (Cosmocerca ornata, Oswaldocruzia filiformis, Rhabdias bufonis), and 1 species of Acanthocephala (Acanthocephalus ranae) were found. Rana camerani represents a new host record for each of the collected parasite species.

Helminths of the Marsh Frog, Rana ridibunda Pallas, 1771 (Anura: Ranidae), from Antalya Province, Southwestern Turkey

Abstract Marsh frogs (Rana ridibunda) were collected in Antalya province, southwestern Turkey, during 2001 and 2002 and examined for helminths. Of 258 frogs, 235 (91.1%) were infected with 1 or more helminths. The helminth fauna of R. ridibunda comprised 16 species: 10 species of trematodes (Codonocephalus urnigerus [metacercariae], Diplodiscus subclavatus, Gorgodera cygnoides, Gorgoderina vitelliloba, Pleurogenoides medians, Prosotocus confusus, Brachycoelium salamandrae, Haematoloechus breviansa, Encyclometra colubrimurorum [metacercariae], and Opisthioglyphe ranae), 5 species of nematodes (Rhabdias bufonis, Cosmocerca commutata, Neoxysomatium sp., Eustrongylides sp., and Abbreviata sp. [larvae]), and the acanthocephalan Acanthocephalus ranae. Encyclometra colubrimurorum (metacercariae), B. salamandrae, Neoxysomatium sp, Eustrongylides sp., and larval Abbreviata sp. represent new host records for R. ridibunda in Turkey.

An Investigation on Parasitic Helminths of Rana macrocnemis Boulenger, 1885 (Uludağ Frog)

In this study we have examined Rana macrocnemis Boulenger, 1885 (UludaÛ frog) between 28.05.1995 and 05.07.1995. During this investigation we have recorded 6 helminth spp.: Polystoma sp. (Monogenea), Pleurogenes claviger, Gorgoderina vitelliloba, (Digenea), Oswaldocruzia filiformis Cosmocerca sp. (Nematoda), Acanthocephalus ranae (Acanthocephala). All species recorded are new for Turkey.

Cytochemical demonstration of cholinergic, serotoninergic and peptidergic nerve elements in Goroderina vitelliloba (Trematoda:Digenea)

Standard enzyme cytochemical and indirect immunocytochemical techniques have been used in conjunction with light and confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM) to visualize cholinergic, serotoninergic and peptidergic nerve elements in wholemount preparations of the amphibian urinary-bladder fluke, Gorgoderina vitelliloba. Cholinesterase (ChE) activity was localized in paired anterior ganglia, a connecting dorsal commissure and in the origins of the ventral nerve cords. Cholinergic ganglia were also evident in shelled embryos in the uterus. Serotonin-immunoreactivity (IR) was more extensive than ChE activity and was identified in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Serotoninergic nerve fibres were associated with the somatic musculature and female reproductive ducts. Antisera to nine mammalian peptides and one invertebrate (FMRFamide) peptide have been used to investigate the peptidergic nervous system in the parasite. Immunoreactivity was obtained to five peptides, namely pancreatic polypeptide (PP), peptide YY (PYY), neuropeptide Y (NPY), substance P (SP) and FMRFamide. Peptidergic nerve fibres were found to be more abundant than demonstrable cholinergic or serotoninergic nerve fibres. NPY-IR was identified only in the main components of the central nervous system. However, PP- and PYY-IR occurred in the anterior ganglia, dorsal commissure, main nerve cords and in numerous small varicose fibres that ramified throughout the worm. Additionally, PP-immunoreactive nerve fibres were found to innervate the musculature of the female reproductive tracts. Six sites of IR were found in the acetabulum, using antisera directed towards the C-terminal end of PP and PYY, and these matched with the distribution of six non-ciliated rosette-like papillae observed by scanning electron microscopy. SP- and FMRF amide-IR were identified in the CNS, and FMRFamide-immunopositive nerve fibres were also evident in association with the gonopore/cirrus region and with the terminal excretory pore. Results are discussed with respect to possible roles for each of the neurochemical types.

The microtopography and papillar arrangement on adult Gorgoderina vitelliloba (Olsson) (Digenea, Gorgoderidae) from amphibians in relation to fish gorgoderids

Specimens of Gorgoderina vitelliloba recovered from Rana temporaria and R. pipiens purchased in Eire are described using SEM. The microtopography is illustrated with particular emphasis on the type, number and arrangement of papillae. Significant differences in papillar arrangement were observed between the present specimens of G. vitelliloba from amphibians and that described earlier for the type species of Phyllodistomum from pike, Esox lucius, and Phyllodistomum from salmonids. The differences in papillae number and arrangement on the ventral sucker of G. vitelliloba and the Phyllodistomum species are interpreted as confirmation of their generic separation. The papillae types found are illustrated by SEM and discussed.

Gorgoderina vitelliloba: Interaction with frog leucocytes in vivo and in vitro

Ultrastructural observations were made on the response in vivo of adult Rana temporaria to Gorgoderina vitelliloba and the interaction between host cells and the parasite in vitro. In both cases, the cellular attack on the fluke was most intense 21–23 days postinfection. Host leucocytes (believed to be eosinophils) lay flat against the surface of the parasite. Degranulation of their electron-dense, peroxidase-positive granules occurred and vacuoles formed. The outer plasmalemma of the tegument was breached and eosinophils migrated over the basal lamina, stripping the tegument from the surface of the fluke. The cellular response was so vigorous in vitro that the tegument was sometimes completely lost. In vivo, damage was slight, and the majority of the parasites successfully completed their migration to the bladder, where there was no further cellular response, and tegumental repair occurred. The fact that the migration of the fluke from the kidney to the bladder occurred at the same time as the peak of the cellular response may not be coincidental, and it is suggested that the cellular attack may initiate migration from the kidneys.

Development of the alimentary tract of Gorgoderina vitelliloba during migration in Rana temporaria

The ultrastructure of the alimentary tract of Gorgoderina vitelliloba from the definitive host, Rana temporaria is described. The foregut is covered with normal body tegument. Oesophageal glands appear in the parasite 5–14 days after infection. Their secretions pass via cytoplasmic extensions into the oesophageal tegument. The possible function of these glands is discussed. A septate desmosome occurs between the tegument of the foregut and the gastrodermal tissue. The gastrodermis consists of a syncytium and immature, basal, mononucleated cells. The syncytial cytoplasm contains two types of body, primary lysosomes and autophagosomes, and microvilli extend into the lumen. Twenty-one days after infection the syncytium is extensively folded and contains an increased number of bodies. Some basal cells become columnar in shape and may be incorporated into the syncytium.

Gorgoderina vitelliloba: an ultrastructural study on the development of the tegument from the metacercaria to the adult fluke

SUMMARYThe tegument of the metacercaria of Gorgoderina vitelliloba contains S1, S2, S3 and S4 secretory bodies. Between the parenchymal cells 2 types of tegumental cyton occur. Type 1 contains S1 and S3 secretory bodies, whilst S2 and S4 bodies are limited to Type 2. Type 1 cytons and S1 secretory bodies disappear at excystment. Post-metacercariae contain a third type of tegumental cyton in which a new secretory body, S5, occurs. This cyton type disintegrates 1–5 days after infection. The maintenance and development of the outer anucleate layer after this period is the responsibility of Type 2 cytons. Type 2 cytons and S2 and S4 secretory bodies have also been found within the cercarial body. When juvenile flukes migrate from the kidney to the bladder of their frog definitive host 21 days after infection, the outer anucleate layer increases in electron density. Within the bladder, however, the tegument of the adult fluke appears normal. The distribution of mitochondria within the outer anucleate layer changes during the fluke's migration. The mitochondria, which have a random distribution in the metacercaria, are located adjacent to the outer and basal plasmalemmas in the early kidney stages. In late kidney stages and bladder stages mitochondria occur only against the former membrane. The mitochondria increase in size in the adult fluke.

Ultrastructural observations on the penetration glands of Gorgoderina vitelliloba (Digenea: Gorgoderidae)

The ultrastructure of the penetration glands of cercarial, juvenile and adult forms of Gorgoderina vitelliloba is described. The gland cells contain electron-dense secretory globules. Cercarial penetration glands open into the stylet sac, whilst those of flukes from the definitive host, Rana temporaria, open on the surface of the body adjacent to the frontal pit. Although the glands appear to disintegrate at the time the juvenile fluke migrates from the host kidney, they resume functioning when the fluke reaches the bladder. Ultrastructural evidence indicates that the penetration glands and stylet sac, first observed in cercariae, persist in adult flukes.

The effect of host age on Rana temporaria-gorgoderina vitelliloba interactions

Mitchell J. B. 1982. The effect of host age on Rana temporaria-Gorgoderina vitelliloba interactions. International Journal for Parasitology 12: 601–604. Two age groups of tadpoles, and newly metamorphosed and adult male Rana temporaria were fed the metacercarial cysts of Gorgoderina vitelliloba. In the younger tadpoles metacercariae died in their cysts. In the older tadpoles excystment took place and juvenile flukes invaded the kidneys, killing the hosts within 72 h. In newly metamorphosed frogs, an immunological response resulted in some of the juvenile flukes in the kidneys being attacked by eosinophils which adhered to and dissolved the tegument, presumably killing the flukes. In contrast, some young frogs were harmed by flukes in their kidneys. Migration away from the kidneys to the bladder took place on about the twelfth day after infection. Juvenile flukes in the kidneys of adult frogs 7 and 14 days after infection, evoked an inflammatory reaction involving polymorphs and lymphocytes. These cells did not appear to damage the parasites.

Ultrastructural observations on the sensory papillae of juvenile and adult Gorgoderina vitelliloba (Trematoda: Gorgoderidae)

Hoole D. and Mitchell J.B. 1981. Ultrastructural observations on the sensory papillae of juvenile and adult Gorgoderina vitelliloba (Trematoda : Gorgoderidae). International Journal for Parasitology 11: 411–417. Ultrastructural observations have been made on the juvenile and adult stages of Gorgoderina vitelliloba from Rana temporaria. Four types of sensory papillae occur; button, rosette, ciliated and domed. Button papillae, which contain a ciliary-rootlet but lack a cilium, occur on the oral sucker, dorsal preacetabular surface and the lateral margins of the fluke. Scanning electron microscopical observations reveal that the tegumental protuberances of the papilla are transformed from a spiked or conical appearance in juvenile flukes to a rounded form in adult flukes. Rosette papillae, which also contain a rootlet, occur on the lip of the ventral sucker of both juvenile and adult flukes. Ciliated papillae only occur on the oral sucker of juvenile flukes. Domed papillae, which contain a large area of electron-dense material, occur on the internal surface of the ventral sucker of both juvenile and adult flukes. The functions of papillae and their possible role in the migration of the parasite are discussed.

The anterior tail chamber and survival of Gorgoderina vitelliloba

Mitchell J. B., Mason A. R. and Whalley A. J. S. 1980. The anterior tail chamber and survival of Gorgoderina vitelliloba. International Journal for Parasitology 10: 181–182. Survival in pond water of intact cystocercous cercariae of Gorgoderina vitelliloba was significantly better than that of isolated cercarial bodies, although the latter were able to survive in Ringer's Solution. Survival of cercarial bodies in water was improved somewhat when sterility was maintained. It is suggested that the wall of the anterior tail chamber protects the body from the osmotic stress imposed by life in fresh water.

Emergence of the cercariae of Gorgoderina vitelliloba from daughter sporocysts

The daughter sporocyst of Gorgoderina vitelliloba develops attached to the gills of its molluscan host, Pisidium. It has a conical attachment structure at one end of its body through which the birth pore opens. Cercariae emerge through the birth pore, their passage being apparently lubricated by copious secretions from the stylet glands. Only after emergence does the anterior tail chamber envelop the cercarial body to form the typical cystocercous cercaria. When sporocysts were freed from gill tissue and maintained in vitro, cercariae failed to escape from the sporocyst and several encysted, in situ. It is suggested that if this occurred naturally a different host range would be encountered and the long term result might be the evolution of a new species.