Larval Forms Research Articles

Extraocular cysticercosis - atypical involvement of Medial Rectus muscle: A case report

Cysticercosis, caused by the larval form of the pork tapeworm Taenia solium is potentially harmful disease with a variable clinical manifestation. The most commonly involved sites include eye, brain, bladder wall, and heart. Ocular cysticercosis can be extraocular or intraocular and may present with varied clinical symptoms. We report the case of extraocular cysticercosis in a 20 year old female presented with right exotropia, head tilting and painful right eye. CT-scan of right orbit showed bulky medial rectus with multiple ring enhancing lesions within the muscle, suggestive of cysticercosis. It becomes important to report this case because of the relative rarity of the condition, unusual site of the cyst i.e atypical involvement of medial rectus and the young age of the patient.

Ocular myocysticercosis: Atypical presentation with unilateral blepharoptosis

Cysticercosis is a parasitic infection caused by Cysticercus cellulosae, the larval form of cestode, Taenia solium. It is a preventable cause of blindness endemic in many developing countries especially where there is poor hygiene and sanitation. Humans become infected by ingestion of contaminated food and water. The most preferred locations are central nervous system (CNS), eyes, heart, bladder, muscles and subcutaneous tissues. Ocular cysticercosis can be extraocular or intraocular and may show different clinical presentations. We report a case of ocular cysticercosis which presented with unilateral ptosis and mild pain. A young male patient presented with mild swelling and drooping of right upper eyelid for 2 weeks associated with mild pain and redness on first 3 days. Ocular examination revealed ptosis and mild swelling on temporal side of right upper eyelid. The swelling was soft in consistency with no tenderness. Levator function was good with normal Bell’s phenomenon and ocular motility was in full in all cardinal gazes. The computed tomography imaging of the orbit showed bulky right superior rectus muscle with ring enhancing hypodense lesion suggestive of right eye myocysticercosis involving superior rectus muscle. The patient was treated with oral albendazole and oral prednisolone for 4 weeks and a significant improvement of ptosis was seen at 1 month follow up visit. Extraocular muscle cysticercosis should be highly suspicious in young patients with unilateral acquired blepharoptosis. Radiological investigations play a vital role in diagnosis and a complete resolution can be achieved with standard medical therapy alone.

Molecular and Morphological Elucidation of the Life Cycle of the Frog Trematode Langeronia macrocirra (Digenea: Pleurogenidae) in Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, Mexico

The genus LangeroniaCaballero and Bravo-Hollis, 1949, currently contains 6 species of amphibian trematodes distributed in North and Middle America. The type species of the genus, Langeronia macrocirraCaballero and Bravo-Hollis, 1949, occurs in Mexico and is relatively commonly found as a parasite of leopard frogs. However, information regarding its life cycle is lacking. In this paper, we study the life cycle of L. macrocirra in Laguna Escondida, Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz. Definitive hosts (Rana spp.) as well as potential intermediate hosts (gastropods, bivalves, crustaceans, tadpoles, hemipterans, and odonate naiads) were sampled in the locality and studied to search for the presence of adults and larval stages of the trematode. Specimens were morphologically characterized, and some individuals were sequenced for 1 ribosomal gene (28S rRNA) and 1 mitochondrial gene (COI). DNA sequences of the adults obtained from leopard frogs were matched with those of the larval forms in their intermediate hosts (metacercariae, cercariae, and sporocysts) to demonstrate conspecificity. Further, we conducted a detailed study of the tegument of the body surface with scanning electron microscopy to characterize each of the developmental stages of the life cycle of L. macrocirra.

Seasonal variations of plankton in Kodiakkarai and Arukattuthurai on the Vedharanyam coast, South India

Composition and community structure of phyto-, microzoo- and mesozoo-plankton​ off Kodiakkarai and Arukattuthurai on the Vedharanyam coast, South India were investigated over one year (September 2006 to August 2007). One hundred and sixteen phytoplankton species were observed under different classes: Bacillariophyceae (90 species); Dinophyceae (20); Cyanophyceae (5) and Chrysophyceae (1) were recorded. Phytoplankton abundance varied from 9.9 to 78.1 cells mL−1, with peak Shannon–Weaver diversity, H’ of 6.18 during summer (April–June) when there was a stable hydrographical condition. A total of 37 microzooplankton species were recorded (Tintinnids 17, Rotifera 2, Appendicularia 2 and Larval forms 16). Microzooplankton abundance ranged between 3.3 and 27.7 ind. mL−1, with peak diversity of 4.56 during summer. Fifty-five species of mesozooplankton including 42 copepods formed the dominant group. The mesozooplankton abundance ranged between 5.4 and 14.5 and between 11.4 and 52 ind. mL−1 at stations 1 and 2, respectively. Arukattuthurai coastal waters were very rich and mesozooplankton diversity was high (5.22) at station 2 (Arukattutharai), although slightly lower (4.58) at station 1 (Kodiakkarai). The occurrence of most of the phyto-, microzoo- and mesozoo-plankton​ species in Kodiakkarai and Arukattuthurai coastal waters were distinctly seasonal. Therefore, variations of the micro- and mesozoo-plankton species were subjected to seasonal fluctuations in environmental parameters which were strongly influenced seasonally, including by freshwater influence. The highest values of mesozooplankton abundance and species diversity were found during summer and were positively correlated with salinity.

Larvicide potential of genus Croton L. (Euphorbiaceae) in biological control of Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae)

The reemerging diseases caused by Aedes aegypti are one of the main public health problems in the world. The control of mosquitoes using larvicidal compounds from products of plant origin is an excellent alternative. This study aims to evaluate the larvicidal potential of fractions in hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and hydromethanol from the ethanolic leaf extract of two species of the genus Croton L. (Euphorbiaceae) against larval forms of A. aegypti, as an alternative tool to control this vector. Dry leaves of Croton betaceus Baill. and Croton lundianus (Didr.) Müll. Arg. were used for biological tests. The compounds were extracted with ethanol (99.8%). The ethanolic extracts of the leaves were suspended in a methanol / water solution and were successively subjected to the liquid-liquid division process with solvents of different polarities: hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate, giving rise to the four fractions. Larvicidal tests were performed with the ethanol extract and fractions resulting from the partition. In the study, the crude extract and the fractions showed larvicidal potential, being hexane fraction the one with greatest activity. Mortality in C. betaceus fractions was up to 40%. Croton lundianus presented mortality of up to 93.33% of the larvae submitted to the test. Data analysis showed larvicidal activity in the crude extract and fractions. The hexane fraction was more effective, especially in C. lundianus.

Dynamics of protein synthesis in the initial steps of strobilation in the model cestode parasite Mesocestoides corti (syn. vogae)

Mesocestoides corti (syn. vogae) is a useful model for developmental studies of platyhelminth parasites of the Cestoda class, such as Taenia spp. or Echinococcus spp. It has been used in studies to characterize cestode strobilation, i.e. the development of larvae into adult worms. So far, little is known about the initial molecular events involved in cestode strobilation and, therefore, we carried out a study to characterize newly synthesized (NS) proteins upon strobilation induction. An approach based on bioorthogonal noncanonical amino acid tagging and mass spectrometry was used to label, isolate, identify, and quantify NS proteins in the initial steps of M. corti strobilation. Overall, 121 NS proteins were detected exclusively after induction of strobilation, including proteins related to development pathways, such as insulin and notch signaling. Metabolic changes that take place in the transition from the larval stage to adult worm were noted in special NS protein subsets related to developmental processes, such as focal adhesion, cell leading edge, and maintenance of location. The data shed light on mechanisms underlying early steps of cestode strobilation and enabled identification of possible developmental markers. We also consider the use of developmental responsive proteins as potential drug targets for developing novel anthelmintics. Biological significanceLarval cestodiases are life-threatening parasitic diseases that affect both man and domestic animals worldwide. Cestode parasites present complex life cycles, in which they undergo major morphological and physiological changes in the transition from one life-stage to the next. One of these transitions occurs during cestode strobilation, when the mostly undifferentiated and non-segmented larval or pre-adult form develops into a fully segmented and sexually differentiated (strobilated) adult worm. Although the proteomes of bona fide larvae and strobialted adults have been previously characterized for a few cestode species, little is still known about the dynamic of protein synthesis during the early steps of cestode strobilation. Now, the assessment of newly synthesized (NS) proteins within the first 48 h of strobilation the model cestode M. corti allowed to shed light on molecular mechanisms that are triggered by strobilation induction. The functional analyses of this repertoire of over a hundred NS proteins pointed out to changes in metabolism and activation of classical developmental signaling pathways in early strobilation. Many of the identified NS proteins may become valuable cestode developmental markers and their involvement in vital processes make them also good candidate targets for novel anthelmintic drugs.

Plant molluscocide for prevention of animal helminthosis

Soft-bodied are intermediate hosts of helminthiases, in the body of which a number of development stages of larval forms of helminths occur. There is the highest population density of mollusks in the areas of ruminant grazing, which leads to mass infection of animals with trematodes. To destroy the intermediate host of helminths in agricultural production, molluscicidal remedies of synthetic and plant origin are used. The aim of the work was to determine the molluscicidal effectiveness of a plant remedy based on Saponaria officinalis in conditions of natural pastures. The material for work was the green mass of the plant Saponaria officinalis obtained in the warm season from roots, leaves, stems, flowers and seeds. By grinding this plant, a powder with a particle size of 1-3 mm was obtained. Then, the powder was extracted with ethyl alcohol. The obtained product (concentrate) was an amorphous gel-like mass of dark green color with a specific smell and well soluble in water. Field work in natural pastures was carried out on 6 biotopes with an area of 5-23 m2. Three species of gastropods were recorded from freshwater mollusks in the biotopes: Physella acuta, Lymnaea truncatula and Lymnaea palustris. The results of experiments conducted in the conditions of pastures indicate a high molluscocidal activity of the studied plant agent on pond fish, intermediate hosts of trematodosis pathogens. The effectiveness of the developed molluscocide in relation to gastropods when treated with a working solution (10.0 g/l) is from 92.3 to 100%.

Optimization of a Simplified and Effective Analytical Method of Pesticide Residues in Mealworms (Tenebrio molitor Larvae) Combined with GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS.

An effective analytical method was optimized for residues including chlorpyrifos–methyl, deltamethrin, fenoxanil, thiobencarb and fludioxonil in mealworms, the larval form of Tenebrio molitor. They are listed for pest control during wheat cultivation and can be found in wheat-bran feed for growing mealworms in South Korea. Analytes were extracted using acetonitrile and salt packet. Four clean-up methods ((1) MgSO4 + 25 mg PSA + 25 mg C18; (2) MgSO4 + 50 mg PSA + 50 mg C18; (3) EMR-lipidTM tube; and (4) 10 mL n-hexane) were investigated and the method (1) was selected due to its robustness. Low-temperature precipitation of fat and proteins improved the recoveries. Recoveries from the Method (1) were satisfying with 70–120% with <20% relative SD at a spiking level of 0.01 mg/kg. With the simultaneous sample preparation, fenoxanil, thiobencarb and fludioxonil were analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) and chlorpyrifos–methyl and deltamethrin by gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS). Quantification limits for LC–MS/MS and GC–MS/MS were 0.5 and 2.5 μg/L, respectively. No pesticides of interest were detected in 30 real samples collected across the nation. However, the data can be provided for establishing maximum residue limits for the pesticides in mealworms in response to the positive list system.

The first record of Valgothrombium (Acari: Microtrombidiidae) from Iran with description of a new species

A new species Valgothrombium takhtii Saberi-Riseh and Saboori n. sp. (Acari: Microtrombidiidae: Valgothrombiinae) is described and illustrated based on larvae collected from soil, i.e. off their host from Riseh village, Shahre Babak city, Kerman province, Iran. This is the first record of Valgothrombium for Iranian mite fauna and 15th species of the genus based on the larva. In Asia, the genus Valgothrombium is reported from China, Bhutan, Yemen from larval form, and Japan and Malaysia from post-larval forms.

Orbital Myocysticercosis different Presentation and Management in Eastern Nepal

Ocular cysticercosis is a preventable cause of blindness. It is caused by parasitic infestation caused by the larval form of Taenia solium. Poor sanitation and improper management of food and meat products are the major causes for cysticercosis infestation. Two cases of myocysticercosis presented to our hospital differently. A 12 years boy, first case presented with drooping of right eye (RE) upper lid with recurrent swelling, pain, redness with mild headache and intermittent vomiting for 1 and half months. On examination swelling of RE upper lid, mild ptosis, abaxial proptosis with restricted motility in upgaze was noted. Orbital CT (computer tomography) scan and ocular ultrasound reports showed findings suggestive of myocysticercosis of superior rectus muscle of RE. Routine microscopic examination (RME) of stool demonstrated eggs of Taenia. Complete blood count (CBC) showed eosinophilia. As a suspected case of myocysticercosis and since the patient resided at an endemic zone, empirical therapy with albendazole and steroid was started to continue for 4 weeks. After one week the patient presented with features suggestive of RE orbital cellulitis. With proper counseling about medical therapy and cyst excision, the patient recovered well with only mild RE upper lid ptosis of 2mm. The histopathological examination (HPE) of the excised cyst was suggestive of inflammatory cystic lesion. A 55 years male presented as a second case to us with gradually increasing mass in the RE lower lid with a history of pain, difficulty in opening RE and intermittent swelling of RE 2 months back. On examination RE lower lid mass with exotropia of 15 degree, mild hypertropia was noted. CT scan showed presence of cystic mass 3.5x2x1.5cm in the right orbit involving the right inferior rectus muscle, abutting and displacing the globe superolaterally. CBC showed eosinophilia. Post cyst excision patient recovered well with remaining mild restriction in infraduction most probably due to fibrosis. HPE was conclusive of cysticercus cellulosae. Both the patients improved well with no recurrence until last visit 17 months in 12 years boy and 6 months in 55 years male after which he lost to follow. Myocysticercosis can occur at any age. There is equal importance of clinical, radiological, microbiological and histopathological support for proper diagnosis and management of cysticercosis. Medical therapy along with surgical excision of the cyst with it's content may be needed in the management of myocysticersosis.

Distribution of parasites of slimy sculpin Cottus cognatus Richardson, 1836 (Scorpaeniformes: Cottidae) in the Athabasca drainage, Alberta, Canada, and their relation to water quality.

The composition and diversity of parasite communities are useful tools to characterise ecosystem health and integrity. Environmental disturbances may affect parasite infection in fish directly, by their effects on the free-living stages, or indirectly, on the intermediate hosts. Slimy sculpins, Cottus cognatus, a small fish inhabiting cold waters of North America, have been considered as sentinels due to their limited mobility, often occupying relatively small areas throughout their lives and thus reflecting the local environment. Ninety-six specimens of C. cognatus were sampled from four tributaries of the Athabasca River to assess patterns of helminth parasite community structure in this fish and to study the composition and diversity of its parasite communities in relation to water quality. The localities included single samples from High Hills, Horse and Dunkirk rivers, and two from the Steepbank River. Twelve metazoan parasite species were found, most of them being larval forms. Significant differences occurred in the structure and composition of parasite assemblages of sculpins from the tributaries, although similarities were observed in connected and nearby sites. Parasite communities were influenced mainly by a combination of local environmental conditions, distance and connectivity, and were separated based on the distribution and abundance of autogenic and allogenic parasites. Water quality appeared to influence the distribution of trematode species that use gastropods as intermediate hosts, while proximity and connectivity of sites led to sharing allogenic parasite species in slimy sculpin.

Molecular Characterization of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato from Humans in Slovenia.

The larval form of tapeworms of the Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato species cluster cause an important zoonotic infection, cystic echinococcosis (CE). Molecular characterization of the cluster’s isolates from different hosts greatly contributes to a better understanding of its transmission dynamics. To date, no genetic information is available on CE in Slovenia. In this work, we characterized isolates from human CE cases. Parasite samples from 18 patients were collected, together with the patients’ demographic and clinical data. Genomic DNA was analyzed by conventional PCR and sequencing at four mitochondrial loci (cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1, cox1; NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1, nad1; NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5, nad5; and small ribosomal RNA, rrnS). Thirteen isolates were successfully amplified and sequenced. Seven (58.8%) patients were infected with E. granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.) G1, five (38.5%) with E. canadensis G7 and one (7.7%) with E. granulosus s.s. G3. Echinococcus canadensis G7, the pig genotype, was identified exclusively in autochthonous Slovenes, while the patients originating from the Western Balkans were all infected with E. granulosus s.s. Our findings suggest that pigs are important intermediate hosts for human CE in Slovenia.

What's eating you? Megalopyge opercularis.

Caterpillars-the larval form of butterflies and moths-belong to the order Lepidoptera. Some identified caterpillars from this order have developed venomous defense mechanisms such as irritating hairs and spines to protect themselves from predators. Direct contact to allergenic caterpillars' hairs can cause human disease. Cutaneous lesions following caterpillar envenomation can range from mild localized inflammatory signs and pain to a worsening appearance of vesicles, bullae, erosions, petechiae, necrosis, and ulceration. This review addresses the varied general manifestations caused by venomous lepidopteran exposure with special focus on the adverse cutaneous manifestations and therapeutic options of Megalopyge opercularis, the caterpillar of the flannel moth.

Isolated primary splenic hydatidosis: Series of four cases radiological and pathological evaluation

Primary extrahepatic hydatid cysts are rare, and primary splenic hydatid cysts are even more rare, constituting 2% to 4% of all hydatid cysts [1, 2]. Liver is the commonest site of involvement by the hydatid disease followed by lungs. Other rare sites include kidney, spleen, bone, thyroid, breast, pancreas, heart and muscles. The larval form of the genus Echinococcus granulosus most commonly causes hydatid disease. The infestation of the spleen usually occurs through arterial route after the parasite has passed through hepatic and pulmonary filters. The retrograde venous route is also considered. In cases of cystic splenic lesions, hydatid disease should be always be considered in the differential diagnosis.

Contribution to understanding the evolution of holometaboly: transformation of internal head structures during the metamorphosis in the green lacewing Chrysopa pallens (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)

BackgroundMetamorphosis remains one of the most complicated and poorly understood processes in insects. This is particularly so for the very dynamic transformations that take place within the pupal sheath of holometabolous insects. Only few studies address these transformations especially with regard to cranial structures of those holometabolous species where the larval and adult forms have a similar diet. It thus remains unclear to what extent the internal structures undergo histolysis and rebuilding. Here, the development of the brain and skeleto-muscular system of the head of Chrysopa pallens (Rambur, 1838) is studied. This species is a predator of aphids in the larval and adult stage.ResultsWe used micro-computed-tomography (μ-CT) to study the transformations of the larval, prepupal and pupal head within the cocoon. We first assessed the morphological differences and similarities between the stages. We then determined the point in time when the compound eyes appear and describe the re-orientation of the head capsule which transforms the prognathous larva into a hypognathous adult. The internal head muscles are distinctly more slender in larvae than adults. In addition, the adults have a significantly larger brain which is likely needed for the processing of the signals obtained by the adults vastly expanded sensory organs that are presumably needed for dispersal and mating. Our study shows that the histolysis and modification of the inner muscles and skeletal elements take place within the prepupa. The central nervous system persists throughout metamorphosis but its morphology changes significantly.ConclusionOur study reveals that not only the inner structures, but also the outer morphology continues to change after the final larval moult. The adult cuticle and internal structures form gradually within the cocoon. The histolysis and rebuilding begin with the skeletal elements and is followed by changes in the central nervous system before it concludes with modifications of the musculature. This order of events is likely ancestral for Holometabola because it is also known from Hymenoptera, Diptera, Mecoptera, and Coleoptera.

In Silico Analysis of the Biodiversity and Conservation Status of Mitochondrial Cytochrome C Oxidase Subunit 1 (CO1) Gene of Taenia multiceps.

Taenia multiceps resides in the small intestine of carnivores such as dogs, foxes, woles, jackals, while Coenurus cerebralis which is the larval form usually settle in the central nervous system and spinal cord of intermediate hosts like sheep, cattle and goats. The aim of this study was to analyze the haplotype diversity, genetic variation and population structure of the mt-CO1 gene sequences of sheep isolates of T. multiceps had been submitted to GenBank from different countries. A total of 102 sequences from the mt-CO1 gene fragment belong to T. multiceps sheep isolates were used for bioinformatic analyses. Haplotype analysis, phylogenetic analysis and diversity, neutrality, fixation and gene flow analyses were applied to the sequences. As a result, 20 haplotypes together with different multiple nucleotide changes were determined after the sequence analysis. Trimmed fragment length was 337bp hereby 19 polymorphic areas, 12 of which were parsimony informative, were identified, and any insertion-deletion was found. The number of mutations between major haplotypes and the others range from one to nine. The highest (0.72) genetic differentiation (Fst value) was observed between Turkey and Egypt populations while the lowest (- 0.22) was reported from Greece. These findings are important in terms of showing the diversity of nucleotide variation in T. multiceps sheep isolates. This study serves as the basis for future large-scale studies on T. multiceps worldwide epidemiology, bioecology, geographic distribution and population structure.

ALARIOSIS OF CARNIVOROUS ANIMALS IN CENTRAL RUSSIA

The spread of alariosis of fishing animals of Central Russia was clarified and a circle of host agents among mammals was identified. The material for the study was the arcasses of trade animals. The period of work was 2018–2020. Animals were studied according to the method of complete helminthological study on K.I. Skryabin (1928). The tissue form of alariosis was examined by trichinelloscopic methods. During the reporting period, 107 heads of carnivorous animals (of which 27 heads (25.2%) are considered stray domestic) extracted in the territory of the Ryazan, Vladimir and Moscow regions. Of the Canidae family, 54 heads have undergone helminthological examination (29 foxes, 17 domestic dogs, 7 raccoon dogs, and 1 wolf). Of the cat (Felidae), 11 heads have been studied (domestic cats – 10, lynx – 1). Martens animals (Mustelinae) have been studied 42 heads (forest мartens – 19, stone мartens – 6, river otter – 4, ermines – 7, badgers – 2, аmerican mink – 4). Adult trematodes have been identified in 37 carnivorous animals (34.6%) in the thin part of the intestine. Canidae animals representing trade species (fox, raccoon dog, wolf) are 100% infected with the agent of alariosis. The intensity invasion of fox was 4–250 copies per head, raccoon dogs – 11–284, wolf – 84. The larval form of the agent was recorded in one fox (3.5%), 2 forest мartens (10.5%) and one аmerican mink (25.0%). Mesocercaries of trematodes were localized in a transparent capsule in lung parenchyma, in diaphragm muscle tissue, in esophageal muscle tissue.

A Nonlive Preparation of Chromobacterium sp. Panama (Csp_P) Is a Highly Effective Larval Mosquito Biopesticide.

Given the continued high prevalence of mosquito-transmitted diseases, there is a clear need to develop novel disease and vector control strategies. Biopesticides of microbial origin represent a promising source of new approaches to target disease-transmitting mosquito populations. Here, we describe the development and characterization of a novel mosquito biopesticide, derived from an air-dried, nonlive preparation of the bacterium Chromobacterium sp. Panama (family: Neisseriaceae). This preparation rapidly and effectively kills the larvae of prominent mosquito vectors, including the dengue and Zika vector Aedes aegypti and the human malaria vector Anopheles gambiae During semi-field trials in Puerto Rico, we observed high efficacy of the biopesticide against field-derived A. aegypti populations, and against A. aegypti and Culex species larvae in natural breeding water, indicating the suitability of the biopesticide for use under more natural conditions. In addition to high efficacy, the nonlive Csp_P biopesticide has a low effective dose, a long shelf life, and high heat stability and can be incorporated into attractive larval baits, all of which are desirable characteristics for a biopesticide.IMPORTANCE We have developed a novel preparation to kill mosquitoes from an abundant soil bacterium, Chromobacterium sp. Panama. This preparation is an air-dried powder containing no live bacteria, and it can be incorporated into an attractive bait and fed directly to mosquito larvae. We demonstrate that the preparation has broad spectrum activity against the larval form of the mosquitoes responsible for the transmission of malaria and the dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, West Nile, and Zika viruses, as well as mosquito larvae that are already resistant to commonly used mosquitocidal chemicals. Our preparation possesses many favorable traits: it kills at a low dosage, and it does not lose activity when exposed to high temperatures, all of which suggest that this preparation could eventually become an effective new tool for controlling mosquitoes and the diseases they spread.

Some larval morphological characteristics of Camelostrongylus mentulatus and Nematodirus spathiger

Monitoring of gastrointestinal nematode parasites in ruminants (domestic and wild) is often based on fecal examination techniques, looking for excreted eggs and larval forms using morphological keys. These, are more available in domestic ruminants, in which helminths are widely studied, than in wild ruminants. This study tried to provide certain morphological elements that will help to recognize the L3 larvae of Camelostrongylus mentulatus and Nematodirus spathiger that could parasite either domestic or wild ruminants. For that, we resorted first to the culture of L3 larvae from fecal samples taken from African antelopes, and second by the microscopic characterization of each isolated larval morphological pattern previously identified by sequencing of its internal transcribed spacer (ITS-2) regions of the ribosomal DNA. The results of different microscopic captured images showed that Camelostrongylus mentulatus larva is 16 intestinal cells that measuring approximately 820 µm length, ‎≈ 25 µm wide, and ‎≈ 47 µm for its sheath tail extension and by this be closer to Teladorsagia circumcincta characteristics. For Nematodirus spathiger, it possesses 8 gut cells and measuring about 1020 µm long, ‎≈ 25 µm wide, and‎ ≈ 143 µm for its sheath tail extension with specific tail appendages. Have done this, we were able to get some clarifications on the morphology of the studied larvae, and we believe thus that this study will contribute to the establishment of morphological identification keys especially for parasitic nematodes of wild ruminants.

An Unusual Association of Two Hydatid Cysts Diagnosed on Computed Tomography Scan

The hydatid cyst is a parasitosis caused by the larval form of Echinococcus granulosus. Localizations in humans are varied. The liver and the lung are most frequently affected. However, this parasitosis can occur in other organs. The gluteal area and the uterus seem to be exceptional locations. We report here a case of a very rare association of hydatid cyst in the uterus and the gluteal region in a 67-year-old patient. The diagnostic was made by computed tomography.