Male Papillae Research Articles

Further description of the poorly known zooparasitic nematode Abbreviata baltazardi Chabaud, 1953 (Spirurida: Physalopteridae).

Abbreviata baltazardi Chabaud, 1953 (Nematoda: Physalopteridae) is a hitherto poorly known parasitic nematode species reported from Phrynocephalus helioscopus Pallas (Squamata: Agamidae) in Iran. The current knowledge on the morphology of A. baltazardi is still very limited. In the present study, the detailed morphology of A. baltazardi was studied using light microscopy and, for the first time, scanning electron microscopy, based on newly collected specimens from the yarkand toad-headed agama P. axillaris Blanford Pallas (Squamata: Agamidae) in China. Some erroneous or previously unreported morphological features of A. baltazardi were observed using SEM, which include the presence of one large semicircular protrusion and 20-30 denticles on each pseudolabium, the absence of precloacal medioventral papilla in some individuals and the presence of 4-5 postcloacal medioventral papillae in males. SEM observations also clearly showed the detailed morphology of deirids, cloacal ornamentation, caudal papillae, vulva and egg. Abbreviata baltazardi represents the first species of Abbreviata Travassos, 1920 reported in China.

Cosmocerca goroensis n. sp. (Nematoda: Cosmocercidae) from South Africa and its phylogenetic relationships with other cosmocercids based on partial 28S sequences.

Nematodes of the genus Cosmocerca are commonly found in various amphibians in South Africa and in most cases are identified as C. ornata. However, after detailed morphological studies and molecular approaches, three new species of the genus were recently described from three different frogs in South Africa. In present study, we describe another new species - Cosmocerca goroensis parasitising the Northern Pygmy Toad Poyntonophrynus fenoulheti in Soutpansberg mountains, Limpopo province, South Africa. The new species is characterised by prominent sex dimorphism, wide lateral alae, numerous somatic papillae in both sexes, and wide triangularly shaped gubernaculum and simple prominent spicules in males. Cosmocerca goroensis n. sp. distinguished from congeners, previously reported in Southern Africa by the shape of the gubernaculum and arrangement of somatic papillae in males. Morphological differences were confirmed by molecular analysis based on fragments of the 28S gene. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 28S gene fragments, including C. goroensis n. sp. and newly obtained sequence of C. ornata from Pelophylax lessonae from Ukraine, supported previously known data of closer relationships between species of Cosmocerca and Aplectana and more distant with Cosmocercoides spp.

Morphologic and Genetic Characterization of Protospirura canariensis n. sp. (Nematoda, Spiruridae), a Parasite of the Black Rat Rattus rattus (Rodentia, Muridae) from El Hierro Island (Canary Archipelago, Spain)

A new spirurid nematode, Protospirura canariensis n. sp., a parasite of the black rat Rattus rattus Linnaeus, 1758 (Rodentia: Muridae), in El Hierro Island (Canary Archipelago, Spain), was described by means of light (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The most discriminating characteristics between the new species and the remaining species of the genus Protospirura were observed to be the following: (a) the number of tooth-like outgrowths in the sub-median and lateral lobes of the pseudolabia, both in males and females (2 and 4, respectively); (b) the size of the right and left spicules in males (643–715 µm and 309–412 µm, respectively); and (c) the numbers and arrangements of the cloacal papillae in males. The new species has a total of 17 cloacal papillae (4 large and pedunculated pairs of precloacal papillae, an unpaired precloacal papilla and 4 pairs of postcloacal papillae). The arrangement of the postcloacal papillae are as follows: the first pair are large, pedunculated and placed near the posterior edge of cloaca; the three remaining postcloacal pairs are grouped and located near the posterior tip. In the latter group, the papillae in the first pair are large and pedunculated. The parasitized hosts and their geographical distributions were also useful criteria in distinguishing P. canariensis n. sp. from the remaining species of the genus Protospirura. In addition, the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) sequence of the new species was obtained and compared with the available data of related species.

A new species of Hedruris Nitzsch, 1821 (Nematoda: Hedruridae) parasitic in eel Synbranchus marmoratus Bloch (Synbranchiformes: Synbranchidae) from Argentina, Neotropical Region

During a parasitological survey, specimens belonging to the genus Hedruris (Nematoda: Hedruridae) were found in the stomach of Synbranchus marmoratus Bloch from the Paraná Guazú River, Paraná River basin (Argentina). Comparative morphological studies with its congeners showed that these nematodes belonged to a new species, herein described as Hedruris anguila sp. nov. The new species can be distinguished from remaining Hedruris species by the pseudolabia size, the morphology and size of spicules, the length of female caudal hook, the shape and size of eggs and the particular morphology of the male tail. Hedruris anguila sp. nov. closely resembles Hedruris bifida Rossin & Timi, 2016 and H. suttonae Brugni & Viozzi, 2010, both also described from fish hosts, in the arrangement of caudal papillae and morphology of eggs, but differ in the size of female hook and spicules, and the number of caudal papillae in males. The main morphological features, host range and geographical distribution of all species in the genus Hedruris species are analyzed and discussed. This is the first report of a representative of the family Hedruridae parasitizing a species of Synbranchidae and the eleventh report of the genus Hedruris for a fish host. The number of valid species of Hedruris described was increased to 26, including the new species; 11 for the Neotropical Region and represent the third species found in fish host from Argentina. Based on morphological analysis, the speciation process probably occurred first in Gondwana and the non-mammillated eggs could be an ancestral morphological character. The diet of Synbranchus marmoratus and values of prevalence and mean intensity could indicate that this host species is a true definitive host for this nematode.

A new species of Aplectana Railliet & Henry, 1916 (Nematoda: Cosmocercidae) in the Brazilian Amazon and the taxonomic status of Aplectana longa.

Nematodes of the genus Aplectana Railliet & Henry, 1916 are common parasites of the digestive tract of amphibians and reptiles in the Neotropical region. During a parasite survey on Boana boans (Linnaeus, 1758), we found specimens of nematodes with Aplectana characteristics. We observed a set of characteristics that differs the species of our study from its congeners, and the present study describes a new species of Aplectana parasite of B. boans using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Aplectana pella n. sp. has lateral alae and somatic papillae in males and females; males have equal short spicules, and the gubernaculum is absent. The arrangement of pairs of caudal papillae also differs from other species (2 precloacal,1 adcloacal, and 5 postcloacal+1 unpaired). In females, the vulva is simple, with non-prominent lips, and equatorial. This is the first record of the genus Aplectana parasitizing B. boans and the 58th species described for this genus. Additionally, we added the precloacal papillae pattern of A. delirae, and based on morphological and morphometric characteristics, we propose the reallocation of Aplectana longa to the genus Oxyascaris.

Morphological description and molecular characterization of Ancyracanthus electrophori n. sp. (Gnathostomatoidea: Gnathostomatidae): a new nematode parasitic in the electric eel Electrophorus varii (Gymnotiformes: Gymnotidae), from the Brazilian Amazon.

A new species of Ancyracanthus, parasite of the electric eel Electrophorus varii, in the Brazilian Amazon, is described based on morphological and molecular characterization. Ancyracanthus electrophori n. sp. differs from the two congeners namely, Ancyracanthus pinnatifidus and Ancyracanthus schubarti, based on the structure of cephalic appendages, number and arrangement of caudal papillae in males, vulva very close to anus in females, eggs with smoothly mamillated shell, host taxon and geographical origin. Moreover, the new species is the first in the genus to be described with thorny cuticular rings and to be observed with the use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The morphology of A. pinnatifidus and A. schubarti is still poorly-known and should be revised in details; however, the separation between them and the new species was clear. Genetic characterization based on 28S rDNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) mtDNA partial sequences, performed for the first time in Acyracanthus, along with phylogenetic reconstructions using both genetic markers, placed Ancyracanthus electrophori n. sp. in a suggestive basal position within Gnathostomatidae. Phylogenetic reconstructions using cox1 sequences also suggested lack of monophyly in the genera Gnathostoma and Spiroxys and, consequently, in the subfamilies Gnathostominae and Spiroxyinae. However, such results are preliminary. With the first genetic characterization and observations using SEM in Ancyracanthus, resulting in the discovery of a new species and in the expansion of the geographical occurrence of the genus to Amazonian fish, an important step towards a better understanding of these nematodes has been taken.

MORPHOLOGICAL AND GENETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF DIDELPHONEMA LONGISPICULATA (NEMATODA: SPIRUROIDEA) IN THE BLACK-EARED OPOSSUM DIDELPHIS MARSUPIALIS.

Didelphonema longispiculata (Hill, 1939), a gastric nematode parasite of the black-eared opossum, Didelphis marsupialis Linnaeus, 1758, collected from 2 municipalities of Mato Grosso state, Brazil, in the ecotone region of the Amazon and Cerrado biomes was analyzed with integrative taxonomy using light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for morphological studies and sequencing of the 18S small subunit ribosomal RNA for phylogenetic inference through maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic inference. Here details of the helminth surface, oral aperture with octagonal border, pseudo- and inter-labia, amphids, external cephalic papillae, 2 dorsal and ventral internal plates distally indented, and stoma with strongly chitinized wall are presented. Caudal male papillae, spicules, female vulva, anus, and caudal tip were detailed using SEM. Morphological characteristics and phylogenetic data corroborated the taxonomic placement of the genus Didelphonema within the subfamily Ascaropsinae.

Morphologic and genetic characterization ofPterygodermatites(Mesopectines)valladaresin. sp. (Nematoda, Rictulariidae), a parasite of the mouseMus musculus(Rodentia, Muridae) from the Canary Islands (Spain)

A new rictulariid nematode Pterygodermatites (Mesopectines) valladaresi n. sp., parasite of the house mouse Mus musculus (Rodentia: Muridae) in the Canary Islands (Spain) is described by means of light and scanning electron microscopy. The new species belongs to the subgenus Mesopectines characterized by a more or lessdorsal orientation of the buccal capsule, the presence of three oesophageal teeth, the morphology of the oral denticles and the Spirurida type of arrangement of caudal papillae in males. The most discriminant characteristics between the new species and the existing species in the subgenus Mesopectines are (a) the number of cuticular projection pairs (62-64), (b) the size of right and left spicules (respectively, 62-90µm and 123-139µm), (c) the number of midventral fans in males (3-4), (d) the number of prevulvar/total cuticular projection pairs (38-42/63-71), (e) the posterior differentiation of combs into spines in relation to the position of the vulva and (f) the anterior position of the vulva in relation to the oesophagus-intestine junction in females. Parasitized hosts and geographical distribution are also useful criteria to distinguish P. (Me.) valladaresi n. sp. from the remaining species of the subgenus. In addition, the cox1 sequence of the new species is provided and compared with available data of related species.

Phasmarhabditis quinamensis sp. n. (Nematoda: Rhabditidae) from tropical terrestrial gastropods in southern Vietnam

Summary Phasmarhabditis quinamensis sp. n. was recovered from several tropical terrestrial gastropod species collected in Cat Tien National Park in southern Vietnam with the snail, Sesara sp., designated as the type host. Phasmarhabditis quinamensis sp. n. is recognised by males and females with a lip region set off by the circle of six triangular low probolae, three bilobed, separated lips, stoma nearly as wide as long, the first genital papilla in males not incorporated into the bursa, the ensheathed dauer juveniles more than 1 mm long and with two circles of papillae at the head end and prominent amphidial apertures, a long filamentous tail and, when exsheathed, with a short, conical tail ending with two tiny spikes. The head structure of P. quinamensis sp. n. differentiates it from all nominal species of Phasmarhabditis. Phasmarhabditis quinamensis sp. n. is the second species of the genus found in Cat Tien National Park. The sympatric species P. meridionalis was also found during the present study. Phylogenetically, both species belong to different lineages within Phasmarhabditis. The molecular analysis based on partial sequences of LSU rDNA, and ITS rDNA regions showed P. kenyaensis to be the closest species to P. quinamensis sp. n.

First Record of Dichelyne (Cucullanellus) tripapillatus (Nematoda: Cucullanidae) Parasitic in King Soldier Bream Argyrops spinifer (Pisces: Sparidae) in Arabian Gulf, off Iraq

A total of 42 specimens of Argyrops spinifer were caught from Iraqi territorial waters during the period from October 2019 till September 2020. The adult nematodes were isolated from the infected fishes. Morphological features of both males and females of nematodes matched with that of Dichelyne (Cucullanellus) tripapillatus (Gendre, 1927). This nematode is distinguished by the location of nerve ring in relation to the length of oesophagus, as well as the distribution of the ten caudal papillae of males. The record of this species and its subgenus represent its first one in the Arabian Gulf and Iraq.

Bursaphelenchus parayongensis n. sp. (Tylenchina: Aphelenchoididae) found in packaging wood from China

Summary Bursaphelenchus parayongensis n. sp. was isolated from packaging wood of a consignment from China exported to Germany. The new species is characterised by the lateral field with three lines, 9-13 μm long stylet with small basal swellings, and the excretory pore located near the posterior part of metacorpus. The male spicules are mitten-shaped, the lamina smoothly tapers towards the distal tip. The condylus is broadly rounded, with a small dorsally bent hook, rostrum triangular with sharply pointed tip, and without cucullus. One precloacal papilla, one adcloacal pair and two postcloacal pairs of male papillae present, with the posteriormost pair forming ‘gland papillae’. Bursal flap long, spade-like with posterior margin truncate or irregular. Females have a small vulval flap of 2-3 μm long, and a post-vulval uterine sac extending for 55-77% of the vulva to anus distance. Tail cylindrical, mostly (about 70%) with a robust mucron, very short to less than 3 μm, but occasionally tail terminus bluntly rounded, without mucron. It is similar to species in subgroup 3 of the eggersi group including B. carpini, B. clavicauda, B. cryphali and B. yongensis, but morphologically different. Detailed phylogenetic analysis based on partial 18S, ITS and D2-D3 region of 28S sequences has confirmed the status of this nematode as a new species.

Cucullanus bulbosus (Lane, 1916) Barreto, 1918 (Nematoda, Cucullanidae) from the common ponyfish Leiognathus equulus (Leiognathidae): Morphology and molecular study

The common ponyfish Leiognathus equulus is a marine fish species with very high commercial value. Little information is available about its parasitic infections. Based on light and scanning electron microscopy, as well as sequencing and analysis of the partial regions of the ITS-1, 18S rRNA, COX1 genes, were employed for the systematic evaluation of a nematode parasite, which it first isolated from L. equulus in Jeddah Province, Red Sea, Saudi Arabia. Results revealed that this nematode parasite closely resembles the previously described Cucullanus bulbosus. Microscopic examination showed that it distinguished from congeners by the unique structure of hemispherical elevation at pseudobuccal capsule level, the ratio of esophagus/body length, spicules size, presence of pre-cloacal sucker, rod-shaped gubernaculum, and the arrangement of caudal papillae in males. Phylogenetic analyses based on ITS-1, 18S rRNA, and COX1 gene regions were constructed to investigate phylogenetic relationships between this parasite species and other related taxa. Results supported that Cucullanus bulbosus resembles a sister of Cucullanus genypteri, Cucullanus pulcherrimus, Cucullanus bourdini, Cucullanus extraneus, and Cucullanus hainanensis by using different genetic markers. This study provides more information about combining morphological and molecular data to identify Cucullanus species with the first natural occurrence in the common ponyfish inhabited in Saudi Arabia.

Notes on the morphology, bionomics, distribution and efficacy of Steinernema siamkayai (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) from western Uttar Pradesh, India

Summary The entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema siamkayai has been a subject of several detailed studies but its morphological, molecular and ecological characterisation is still incomplete. In the present study we studied morphology of several strains of S. siamkayai using morphometrics and light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and we aimed to complete its molecular characterisation by obtaining the sequence of the D2-D3 region of the 28S rDNA in addition to ITS rDNA and mitochondrial (12S and COI) DNA studies. Furthermore, we studied the species life cycle and we attempted to assess its distribution using a meta-analysis of the GenBank records. Finally, insecticidal properties were evaluated against Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera litura. The SEM study revealed the presence of the adcloacal pair of genital papillae in males. Duration of the life cycle of the Indian strains did not differ from the previous records; however, we have observed production of the infective juveniles by the first-generation adults. For the first time in entomopathogenic nematodes, we have recorded intra-individual variability in the D2-D3 region of the 28S rDNA and we discuss potential implications of this phenomenon for the use of this marker in EPN systematics. Our analysis of distribution has shown that S. siamkayai is ubiquitous throughout the Indian subcontinent but is rarely found in South East Asia. The pathogenicity results showed that the present species effectively killed the tested pests under laboratory conditions, demonstrating its potential as a biocontrol agent.

A new species of Aplectana Railliet Henry (Nematoda: Cosmocercidae) br /in Amphisbaena alba Linnaeus (Squamata: Amphisbaenidae) from Minas Gerais State, Brazil.

In the present study, we described and illustrated Aplectana minaensis n. sp. (Ascaridida: Cosmocercidae) from the intestinal caecum of Amphisbaena alba Linnaeus (Squamata: Amphisbaenidae). Aplectana minaensis n. sp. is the 5th species described in Brazilian hosts and 58th species assigned to the genus. This species differs from its congeners by a set of unique characters in males: the presence of one unpaired precloacal papilla and gubernaculum, the papillae pattern (4+1:2:6) and total number (12+1), and the size of spicules (400-605 µm). Among the Aplectana species with an unpaired precloacal papilla and gubernaculum, only A. minaensis n. sp. and A. nebulosa Gomez, González Sanabria, has less than 20 pairs of caudal papillae. However, these species differ in the number of caudal papillae in males (12+1 vs. 13-14+1, respectively); the number and arrangement of post cloacal papillae (6 pairs: 1st to 4th pairs ventral, 5th pair laterodorsal, 6th pairventral vs. five pairs: 1st and 2nd ventral, 3rd lateral, 4th ventral, 5th lateral); and by the size of spicules (413-600 vs. 85-126 µm).

Description of two new miniature species of Hylopanchax Poll & Lambert, 1965 (Cyprinodontiformes: Procatopodidae), from northeastern Gabon, with an updated diagnosis of the genus based on morphology, colouration and osteology.

Two new species of the lampeye genus Hylopanchax are described from the Ivindo River basin in the Ogowe River drainage. Hylopanchax multisquamatus, new species, and Hylopanchax thysi, new species, differ from congeners by the presence of a hyaline urogenital male papilla with small black spots and a dark-brown reticulate pattern on the flanks of both males and females in preserved specimens. Hylopanchax multisquamatus is distinguished from congeners by the number of scales on the mid-longitudinal series (27-30 vs. 19-26, respectively) and by the relative anterior/posterior flank scale depth ratio (140%-150% vs. 170%-220%). Hylopanchax thysi is distinguished from all other congeners, except Hylopanchax paucisquamatus, by the presence of vertebrae (30 vs. 31-33) and is further distinguished from H. multisquamatus by the presence of a deeper caudal peduncle and much larger anterior flank scales. It is distinguished from H. paucisquamatus by the presence of a hyaline urogenital male papilla with small black spots and a dark-brown reticulate pattern on the flanks of both males and females in preserved specimens. Osteological data of Hylopanchax are presented for the first time, and an updated diagnosis based on external morphology, colouration pattern and osteology is provided. An osteological comparison with closely related species belonging to the genera Procatopus, Hypsopanchax and "Hypsopanchax" is presented. (a) A truncate and slightly downward-directed anterior process of the angulo-articular and (b) a guitar-shaped lachrymal with both its anterior and posterior margins sharply curved are here considered as diagnostic features of Hylopanchax.

Description of a new species of Cosmocerca Diesing, 1861 (Nematoda: Cosmocercidae) in Hoplobatrachus crassus (Jerdon, 1853) (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from Asansol coal-field area, West Bengal, India.

A new cosmocercid nematode species, Cosmocerca asansolensis sp. nov. (Ascaridida, Cosmocercidae) is described from an Indian bullfrog, Hoplobatrachus crassus (Jerdon, 1853), from Asansol town, Paschim Bardhaman district, West Bengal, India. This species is characterized by the presence of five pairs of plectanes supporting preanal papillae, absence of somatic papillae in females, and having one pair large postanal papillae, a single papilla on the upper lip of cloaca, a single papilla on the lower lip of cloaca and one pair adanal papillae in males and one pair postanal papillae in females. Spicules of the present species are equal, moderately sclerotized, knobbed and wide proximal end gradually tapering to a fine point distally. The gubernaculum is well sclerotized and Y-shaped. Cosmocerca asansolensis sp. nov. represents the 33rd species assigned to the genus, 8th from Oriental region and 6th species from India.

Gastrointestinal nematodes of freshwater fish from Pilcomayo River, Argentina, including description of a new species of Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus).

Helminthological examination of viscera of six freshwater fish species, collected from Misión la Paz, Pilcomayo River, Province of Salta, Argentina, revealed the presence of five species of parasitic nematodes belonging to the Camallanidae, Cystidicolidae, Cucullanidae and Anisakidae The material also contained one unknown species, Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) tomsici sp. nov. collected from Pimelodus albicans, Pygocentrus nattereri and Hoplias misionera. This species is distinguished from its congeners all over de world by possessing six pores distinctly surrounding the mouth aperture, a buccal capsule with 3-4 spiral thickenings complete, females possessing a lateral cuticular ornamentation along the body, and two pairs of preanal and three pairs of postanal papillae in males. The findings represent new hosts and geographical records.

A new Report of Parasitic Nematodes (Thelastomatidae) in Egyptian Cockroaches, Polyphaga aegyptiaca (Dictyoptera: Polyphagidae) in Sharkia Governorate, Egypt.

There are many reports about thelastomatid parasitic nematode isolated from different species of cockroaches in many countries, without any clear information about those nematodes that are associated with Polyphaga aegyptiaca until now, so we have examined the nematodes were recovered from P. aegyptiaca and collected from Sharkia Gov., Egypt. Hammerschmidtiella diesingi and Leidynema appendiculata were found with the high infection rates in P. aegyptiaca. The results indicated that the prevalence of cockroaches infected with H. diesingi alone or integrated with another species was (51%), similarly, L. appendiculata was (65%) from total cockroaches. The mean intensity of L. appendiculata was higher than H. diesingi the current of cockroaches. The gravid females of both H. diesingi and L. appendiculata were also higher than of any other stage of nematodes. Finally, using light and electron microscope, in order to identify and determine the morphological characteristics of both species of nematode. Results also indicated that SEM is a powerful tool to identify the morphological characteristics such as head, female cephalic region, vulva, tail, anus, male cloaca area and papillae.

Redescription of Cruzia americana Maplestone, 1930 (Nematoda: Kathlaniidae) a parasite of Didelphis virginiana (Kerr) (Mammalia: Didelphidae) in the USA.

Cruzia americana Maplestone, 1930 is a common nematode parasite of opossums in North America. However, our present knowledge on the morphology of this species is still limited and its validity is uncertain. In the present study, specimens of C. americana collected from the type-host Didelphis virginiana (Kerr) (Mammalia: Didelphidae) in the USA were studied using light microscopy and, for the first time, scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The SEM observations revealed the internal structures of the pharynx of C. americana and the presence of pharyngeal lamellae rather than pharyngeal teeth/tooth-like structures. In addition, the detailed morphology of the lips, vulva, eggs and phasmids in females and the caudal papillae in males are also reported for the first time.

Meteterakis asansolensis sp. nov. (Nematoda: Heterakidae) in Duttaphrynus melanostictus (Schneider, 1899) (Amphibia: Anura: Bufonidae) from Asansol coalfield area, Paschim Bardhaman, West Bengal, India.

Meteterakis asansolensis sp. nov. (Nematoda: Heterakidae) recovered from the rectum of Asian common toad, Duttaphrynus melanostictus (Schneider, 1899), collected from Asansol coalfield area in Paschim Bardhaman district of West Bengal, India, is described and illustrated. This species is characterised by the presence of a precloacal sucker, a gubernaculum and two equal and similar spicules (0.31-0.32mm in length). This species differs from other reported species of the Oriental region by morphometrical ranges of measurements of males (3.09-3.54mm) and females (4.60-4.72mm) and the number and the distribution pattern of caudal papillae in males which includes 5 pairs precloacal, 1 pair adcloacal and 5 pairs postcloacal in position.