Parasitological Studies Research Articles

Morphological and molecular analysis of Henneguya lagunensis n. sp. (Cnidaria, Myxosporea) parasitizing the gills of Eugerres brasilianus from Brazil.

Plasmodia containing myxospores belonging to the genus Henneguya Thélohan, 1892 were found in the gills of Eugerres brasilianus (Cuvier, 1830). Despite the economic importance, few parasitological studies have been done with this species. We describe Henneguya lagunensis n. sp. using morphological and molecular data. The mature myxospores were rounded, measuring 29.1±2.2μm in total length, 8.2±1.0μm in body length, 7.9±0.2μm in body width, 20.7±2.4μm in tail length and 4.8±1.0μm in thickness. The polar capsules measured 3.3±0.4 in length and 1.7±0.3μm in width. Polar filaments had 4-5 turns, helical. Phylogenetic analysis showed Henneguya lagunensis n. sp. as a sister species of Henneguya cynoscioni Dyková, Buron, Roumillat and Fiala, 2011, within a clade that contained mostly Henneguya species that parasitize marine fish of the order Perciformes. This is the first report of a species of Henneguya parasitizing Eugerres brasilianus.

ПАРАЗИТОФАУНА ЕНДОПАРАЗИТІВ М’ЯСОЇДНИХ ТВАРИН м. ОДЕСИ

Установлено, що м’ясоїдні тварини м. Одеси заражені паразитами, які відносяться до класів: Cestoda, Nematoda, Conoidasida та Zoomastigophora і вільні від Trematoda. Екстенсивність інвазії (ЕІ) у собак становила 28,3 %, а у котів – 39,0 %, відповідно. Серед гельмінтозів найчастіше виявляли токсокароз (у собак ЕІ – 17,5 %, у котів ЕІ – 37,0 %). Також у досліджуваних тварин часто реєстрували цистоізоспороз (у собак ЕІ – 17,5 %, у котів ЕІ – 34,8 %). Спостерігали зростання загальної кількості інвазованих тварин у весняно-літній період.

Influence of Triaenophorus nodulosus invasion on morphobiological parameters of European perch (Perca fluviatilis L.) in Shatsk National Nature Park reservoirs

It was conducted comprehensive ichthyological and ichthyopatological research of European perch (Perca fluviatilis L.) populations in lakes of Shatsk National Nature Park and the impact of Triaenophorus nodulosus invasion on its size, weight and reproductive ability. Morphometric analysis, absolute and relative fecundity of fish were determined by the methods generally accepted in ichthyology. Clinical examination of fish (2,225 specimens, including European perch -1650 specimens) was performed during control catches. Simultaneously, the weight, size, and age of the fish were determined. Morphometric analysis was performed on 120 specimens of perch with the length of 104.4-194.8 mm and the weight of 16.4-177.6 g. Pathoanatomic autopsy of the fish was performed in the field and laboratory conditions. Parasitological studies were performed by the method of incomplete parasitological analysis. The extent and intensity of the invasion were determined. When conducting research on the parasitofauna of native fish species in the lakes of the Shatsk National Nature Park, it was found their infestation with helminths of various systematic positions (Triaenophorus nodulosus, Khawia sinensis, Raphidascaris. acus, and Philometroides lusiana). Perch was the most infected with the helminths. The invasion caused by the plerocercoid of Cestoda T. Nodulosus was the most intensive (18.2-56.3%, depending on the reservoir). There was a significant difference in the measurements of non-infested and infested with T. nodulosus fish individuals of the same age, we also registered significant lag in growth and a decrease in body weight among the infested specimens. A steady trend towards a decrease in fecundity parameters was also observed in infested fish. Thus, in non-infested individuals of 4-year perch, the highest individual absolute fecundity (IAF) was 6.7 thousand eggs against 3.1 thousand eggs in the infested perch (Lucimer lake). The lowest IAF – 3.9 thousand eggs against 2.0 thousand eggs in the infested perch specimesn was found in Chorne Velyke lake. In non-infested individuals of 5-year perch, the highest IAF index was 9.4 thousand eggs when compared to 6.8 thousand in the infested perch (Pulemetske lake). The lowest IAF was 6.3 thousand eggs (Chorne Velyke lake). The highest IAF was recorded in perch from Pulemetske lake (34.6 thousand eggs in non-infested versus 10.3 thousand eggs in infested specimens). The lowest IAF was observed in perch from Chorne Velyke lake (9.1 and 6.6 thousand eggs, respectively). There was decrease in fish size, weight and fecundity in perch infested with Tr. nodulosus, but it did not affect the reproductive fish ability.

Endoparasic diseases of ostriches in eastern Ukraine

In ostrich farming is difficult to obtain the necessary production and economic results without protection of bird health. We determined the incidence of parasitic ostriches during the period of growing and keeping on specialized eco-zoos. Samples from small and large farms, as well as eco-parks in Kharkiv, Dnepr and Donetsk regions of Ukraine, were examined during 2016- 2020. We performed a parasitological study of 159 samples from three species of ostriches (black African ostrich, Australian common Emu (Dromaius), Rhea). Infestation of ostriches of different ages with two types of nematodes and Eimeria was established. We determoined that the population of ostriches in specialized farms and eco-zoos was infested with nematodes and protozoa with an extensiveness of invasion from 7.7% to 71.4% among adult birds, while young ostriches were infested with Emeria from 20.0% to 44.4%. The largest invasion by helminths and protozoa was observed among black African ostriches in Kharkiv region (41.4%), in Dnepr region it was 33.3%, and in Donetsk it reached 34.1%. Among the livestock of ostriches, there were both mono and mixinvasions. Most often, this was an invasion by Trichostrongylus spp. and Eimeria spp. in African black ostriches, capillaries and Eimeria in Emu. In Kharkiv region, the invasion of Capillaria by Trichostrongylus in African ostriches and Trichostrongylus in Emu were found when they were kept together. Acute and chronic eimeriosis disease can lead to the death of ostriches at the age of 3-4 months.

Distribution of trematodes in waterfowl of Pavlodar Oblast (Kazakhstan)

The article presents the parasitological studies of Trematoda, collected by complete helminthological dissections of birds in the Pavlodar region of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In Pavlodar region, we have currently diagnosed among the Trematoda, the presence of 16 species belonging to four subgenera and seven families. We supposed that there is a local pest-spot of Prosthogonimidae and Echinistomatidae in the north-east of Kazakhstan, because we have found marites in young migratory birds. We noted that the pest-spot of Echinostomatidae and Echinistomatidae (in years with their registration) in the territory of Pavlodar region was broad enough, because the trematode marites of these families were registered from the birds, sampled at the geographically remote waterbodies. We revealed that the hotspots of Prosthogonimidae localization varied, which was most likely determined by the annual climatic conditions.

Ascarids infestation of captive big cats (Felidae) in zoos

Parasitological studies are an important part of veterinary control when keeping wild and endangered species of animals in captive breeding. For three years we watched felines (Felidae) in zoos In 49.2% of feces samples, nematodes were found: Toxascaris leonina and Toxocara cati. Infection with toxascaris in half of the snow leopard (Uncia uncia), all cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) and one puma (Puma concolor) was recorded regularly during 3 years of research, T. leonina eggs were found in the soil of the enclosures of these animals. This allows to talk about a stable area of invasion. The most probable way of introducing T. cati nematode into the animal population of the zoo with an animal brought from the wild was noted. Measures for the complete rescue of the territory of zoos and animals from ascaridids require an integrated approach and further improvement.

Мониторинговые исследования санитарного состояния окуня обыкновенного (Perca fluviatilis L.) в условиях открытых и закрытых водоемов Волжского бассейна

The article describes the main task of the sanitary-parasitological inspection as a timely detection of parasites and the degree of infection of fish raw materials in order to determine the eating properties or other use of fish products. Sanitary and parasitological study of the fish from the closed and open water bodies of the Astrakhan Oblast was carried out using perch (Perca fluviatilis L.) 
 as an example. There were studied 60 fish specimens (by 10 specimens in the autumn, winter, spring periods of 2018-2019) caught from the Sarbai River and the Shuralinskoye reservoir, with average weight of 110-182 g and length of 15-25 cm. There have been found dangerous nematodes (Anisakidae) and nematodes (Eustrongylides) – parasites that are not dangerous to human health, but significantly spoil the fish marketability. According to the results of comparative analysis of the extensiveness and permissible average number of parasites per 1 kg of fish, depending on the season and the type of reservoir, it was inferred that the Shuralinskoye reservoir is a safer reservoir 
 in terms of the prevalence of helminthes in perch than the Sarbai River. The fish from the reservoir can be eaten after sculling, gutting and the appropriate decontamination methods. The dynamics of fish parasites occurrence has been found to depend on the type of the water body and the season.

Epidemiological and parasitological studies on lymphatic filariasis in Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, Nigeria

Mass Medicine Administration (MMA) with albendazole and ivermectin has been going on in Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi State for over six years. Apart from the baseline mapping conducted by the state ministry of health in 2010 to identify communities eligible for MDA, no comprehensive study has been carried out on this disease in the area. This study is necessary to determine if transmission has been halted or not. A total of 425 volunteers in 6 rural villages were examined using Immunochromatographic Card Test (ICT) and routine microscopy . Physical manifestations and entomological studies were also carried out. Nine inhabitants, 9(0.4%) were positive using ICT with no microfilaria of W. bancrofti. Infection was significantly higher in Matan Fada Village (7.14%) (p<-0.5), while three villages recorded 0.00% infection rate. Infection was higher in males than females, age group 10-19, in singles than married participants, pupils/students than other occupations (p>0.5). There was weak negative correlation between ICT and hydrocele(r = -0.14) as well as lymphoedema (r = -0.012). 436 mosquitoes were dissected and none harboured microfilaria of W. bancrofti. It is concluded that transmission has been halted in 3 of the villages since they have met the WHO’s criteria of less than 1% seropositivity, and MMA should therefore be stopped in those villages. There is however continued surveillance, morbidity management and vector control.
 Keywords: Entamological studies; microfilaria; mobidity management.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis in north-central Ethiopia: trend, clinical forms, geographic distribution, and determinants

BackgroundCutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), being among the neglected tropical diseases, catches little attention despite its considerable influence. This study aimed at estimating the prevalence and associated factors of CL in Boru Meda Hospital, Dessie town, north-central Ethiopia.MethodsMedical records of patients who attended the Dermatology Department of the Hospital in 2012–May 2018 were assessed. In addition, dermatological patients who were visiting the hospital during the data collection period (November 2017–May 2018) were interviewed to capture socio-demographic, environmental variables, and related factors. The source population was individuals who visited the hospital for skin problems in the stated years and CL positives were the targets. The association between CL and its determinants was tested by logistic regression.ResultsCL prevalence was 1.5% showing increasing trend with the year of examination. Localized, diffused, and mucosal CL was evident across the years. Dessie town had the highest prevalence, 291 (32.8%) patients out of 888 cases. The number of examined (29,701) and positives (543, 1.8%) for males was comparable with females, 28,459 and 345 (1.2%), respectively, increasing with age but without significant difference. Dessie town residence (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 12.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.2–18.6, p = 0.01), no bed net (AOR 9.9, 95% CI 2.7–16.7, p < 0.01), nearby irrigation (AOR 8.1, 95% CI 1.9–12.4, p < 0.01), and travel to CL endemic areas (AOR 13.9, 95% CI 4.4–14.3, p < 0.01) were significantly associated with CL.ConclusionCL is a growing health problem in Dessie and its surroundings. Known risk factors prevail. Comprehensive parasitological, entomological, and social studies are warranted to better manage the disease.

Effects of Dodonaea viscosa Ethanolic Extract on Experimental Schistosomiasis in Mice

Helminthic infections were among the most common infections in human beings, affected a large proportion of the world’s population. In developing countries, they posed a large threat to public health and contributed to the prevalence of anaemia, malnutrition, eosinophilia, and pneumonia. The emergence of resistance to anthelmintic drugs, which is now a worldwide phenomenon and the increased awareness of consumers about drug residues that potentially enter the food chain have stimulated investigation into alternatives to commercially available anthelmintic, such as medicinal plants. Dodonaea viscosa is a species of flowering plant in the soapberry family, Sapindaceae, that has a cosmopolitan distribution in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate. The present study will be conducted to evaluate the antiparasitic effects of the aerial plant part (leaves) extracts of Dodonaea viscosa against Schistosoma mansoni infected mice. Mice infected with S. mansoni were orally treated with plant extract for 14 consecutive days. After the last dose, all animals were sacrificed to evaluate the efficacy of plant extract in the treatment of the infection through Parasitological and histological studies as well as Biochemical Assays. The results of the present study indicated that D. viscosa reduces the number of eggs in hepatic tissues of experimentally infected mice besides attenuates the increments of ALT and AST. Also, histopathological investigation of hepatic tissue indicated a reduction in the granuloma size.

Catálogo de la colección de cultivos de especies de hongos patógenos y simbiontes de insectos y otros artrópodos de la Argentina

This manuscript seeks to disclose the updated data and relevant information about the entomopathogenic fungi strains preserved at the Center for Parasitological and Vector Studies (CEPAVE) of the National Scientific and Technical Research Council and National University of La Plata (CONICET-UNLP), Argentina. The data provided here is the result of surveys of native isolates from the different phytogeographic regions of Argentina, specified as follows: acronym, substrate, host insect species, collection date, geographic coordinate references, and culture medium in which it was isolated; and the aim is to provide basic information about the organisms preserved in the afore mentioned microorganisms collection. This collection was developed for the purposes of research, teaching and technological associations with companies. It started in 1988, and it is registered in the Latin American Federation of Culture Collections (FELACC) as Institutional Partner: No. SI-06, and in the World Federation for Culture Collections (WFCC) (http://www.wfcc.info/). In accordance with the WFCC guidelines, this collection is incorporated as a partner to the World Data Centre for Microorganisms (WDCM, 973 CEP). The preservation methods used are sterile distilled water, paper, mineral oil, silica gel, freezer at -20 and -70 °C and lyophilization, quality and viability controls are carried out. So far, 40 % of the species have been identified by molecular techniques, and the study of the remaining isolated species is under development. The collection consists of more than 684 strains which belong mostly to the Beauveria, Metarhizium, Isaria, Lecanicillium genera, as well as some species of Entomophthorales.

MONITORING OF DOG DIROFILARIASIS THE NORTH-WESTERN CAUCASUS

In the course of a study conducted in 2015–2019, it was found that there is a permanent center of dirofilariasis in the North-Western Caucasus, which is actively supported by domestic dogs and cats, as well as wild predatory mammals. Dogs in the region have two types of dirofilaria cardionematoda Dirofilaria immitis and subcutaneous Dirofilaria repens. The highest extensity of invasion (EI) Dirofilaria immitis autopsy from 71.4 to 87.5% have dogs in overflow land, foothill and mountain zones of the region and the smallest from 33.3 to 40.0% in the lowlands. According to the results of a parasitological study of blood, the highest and lowest EI of Dirofilaria immitis was also found in these zones and amounted to 28.7 to 30.6% and 17.7 to 18.8%, respectively. The average EI of dirofilaria Dirofilaria immitis depends on the area of the study region, on the breed and the method of detention and use of dogs. According to the results of the autopsy, the average EI for the study period was 58.8%, according to the results of the Knott blood test – 26.0%, and the test system – 28.8%. The largest number of dogs infected with dirofilariasis were between the ages of 4 and 9 years. The most infected are short-haired breeds, yard dogs, guard dogs, hunting dogs, and service dogs. Sexual dependence is not established.

MONITORING OF ASCARIASIS IN THE SOUTH OF RUSSIA

Ascariasis is a significant public health problem. More than a quarter of the world's population is at risk of infection with soil-borne parasites, and Ascaris lumbricoides is the main type of geohelminthiasis that infects people and affects the population of all countries to some extent. The study is aimed at monitoring ascariasis in the South of Russia, including determining a risk of infecting the population. The analysis of the incidence of ascariasis was performed based on official statistics "On the incidence of protozoans and helminthiasis in the population of the Russian Federation". Over the past 5 years, a serological screening of 2600 samples of blood serum of conditionally healthy residents of the South of Russia was conducted at the premises of the Rostov Scientific Research Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology of the Rospotrebnadzor. Over the same period, more than 7,500 parasitological studies of environmental objects (waste water and its sediments, soil, sand, and surface water) were conducted. A significant proportion of seropositive individuals, as well as the evidence of ascarid eggs detected in environmental objects indicate that the potential risk of infection of the South of Russia population with ascariasis remains. Additionally, the obtained results indicate the need to continue monitoring ascariasis. Further research will provide a more complete picture of the current epidemiological situation on ascariasis and its spread in the South of Russia.

Diagnosis of mange in West African Dwarf (WAD) and Red Sokoto (RS) goats

The diagnosis of mange is problematic in the absence of mites in skin scrapings because many skin diseases present similar gross features as mange. The study evaluated the stepwise procedure for herd diagnosis of mange in the West African Dwarf (WAD) and Red Sokoto (RS) goats with greater specificity and sensitivity. Twenty-seven WAD goats (n = 27) and forty RS goats (n = 40) goats with mange-like skin lesions (alopecia, scabs, crusts, and scratch injuries) out of a total herd population of 114 WAD goats and 317 RS goats respectively in Nsukka, Eastern Nigeria, were examined by directed sampling method. Skin scrapings and biopsies were collected from the goats and processed using standard procedures. The skin scrapings revealed Sarcoptes scabiei in 7 out of 27 WAD goats with mange-like gross lesions and Psoroptes spp. together with lice (Linognathus spp.) and their eggs in 2 out of 40 RS goats with mange-like gross lesions. Histopathological studies showed that 12 out of 27 WAD goats and 2 out of 40 RS goats with mange-like gross lesions had microscopic features highly suggestive of mange; in other words, the prevalence of mange was 44.4% in WAD and 5% in RS goats. The negative samples were diagnosed as fungal infections, neoplasms, nonspecific dermatitis, and dermatoses. The combination of directed sampling by gross appearance, a parasitological study of skin scrapings, and histopathological features of the skin biopsies were used to increase the sensitivity and specificity of mange diagnosis.

Soil and Sand Contamination with Canine Intestinal Parasite Eggs as a Risk Factor for Human Health in Public Parks in Niš (Serbia).

SummaryRegarding geographical distribution and clinical relevance, the most common canine geohelminths are Toxocara canis, ancylostomatids, and Trichuris vulpis. Canine intestinal parasites from the soil and sand present an important potential serious human health hazard, especially for the children preschool and school – age. This paper aimed to establish the degree of contamination of soil and sand with zoonotic parasites from the canine feces and the degree of risk they could pose for human health in public places and playgrounds in the city of Niš. Our parasitological study involved 200 soil samples and 50 sand samples from the public parks in the city of Niš in southeastern Serbia (43°19′15″N, 21°53′45″ E). From several locations, about 100 g of soil and sand was collected based on the bioclimatic indices. Parasitological diagnosis was performed using conventional qualitative and quantitative coprological methods, abiding by the recommendations about the diagnosis of parasitic diseases. In 38 – 46 % of soil samples and 40 % of sand samples seven species of endoparasites were diagnosed. In the samples of soil, a medium and high degree of contamination with the ascarid T. canis (14 – 22 %) was detected, as well as a low and medium degree of contamination with ancylostomatids (4 – 12 %), and in the samples of sand, a variable degree of contamination with the helminths T. canis (26 %) and A. alata (16 %) was found. A statistically significant difference was found in the contamination with A. alata eggs between the samples of sand and samples of soil. The studied public surfaces represent the reservoir of zoonotic parasites, which is a public health problem requiring a synergistic action of several factors to be successfully resolved, i.e. the implementation of prevention, surveillance, and control measures.

Epidemiology of Bovine Trypanosomosis and Vector Distribution in Didessa River Basin, Ethiopia.

Tsetse-transmitted trypanosomosis much depends on the distribution and capacity of Glossina species responsible for transmission. A cross-sectional study based on parasitological and entomological studies was conducted from October to June 2018 to determine the epidemiology, distribution, and magnitude of the vector, the disease and Analyze associated risk factors. Based on implemented entomological study, Didessa river basin has a total apparent fly density of 5.33 Fly/Trap/Day (FTD); similarly, Glossina species accounted about 4.04 and 1.29 were other biting flies (Stomoxys and Tabanus). The composition of Glossina species identified in the study were 3335 (98.56%) Glossina tachinoides and 49 (1.44%) Glossina fuscipes. Comparatively higher and lower FTD found in altitude ranges from 1317m above sea-level Bedele District (FTD = 5.19) and 1334m above sea-level Boracha District (FTD = 1.88). Furthermore, from the total of n = 1517, local breeds of cattle examined for the infection of parasite and 82 cattle were found infected with an overall prevalence of 5.41%. The resulted overall prevalence was composed of Trypanosome congolense and Trypanosome vivax, 59 (3.89%) and 23 (1.52%), respectively. Among studied Districts; Goma, Limukosa, Limuseka, Bedele, Boracha, and Gechi prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis was 6.56%, 6.48%, 7.56%, 3.56%, 6.71%, and 1.60%, respectively. Based on parasitological study, statistically significant prevalence was demonstrated between Districts of Limuseka 7.56% and Gechi 1.60% with highest and lowest, respectively. During the early dry season, the prevalence of Trypanosome vivax 0.53% was significantly lower than that of late rainy season 0.99%; however, the higher number of Trypanosome congolense 2.44% resulted during the late rainy season. The study also demonstrated that trypanosomosis strongly causes anemia with mean pcv of infected cattle 20.93 ± 3.93 and non-infected cattle 26.74 ± 3.81 (Mean pcv ± SD) with 95% CI, Pr (T > t) = 0.0000. Moreover, trypanosomosis-related anemia was highly associated with T. congolense with mean pcv result of 18.80 ± 4.66 [mean pcv ± SD, Pr (T > t) = 0.0000] when compared with T. vivax 27.53 ± 4.47 (Mean pcv ± SD, Pr (T > t) = 0.6222). Finally, the research demonstrated the new local demographic occurrence of G.f. fuscipes in the Didessa river basin which was not reported by other studies so far, therefore, the current finding invites further studies and investigations.

Activity of the Epidemic Process of Enterobiasis in the Russian Federation

Relevance: The article describes the results of studying the activity of the epidemic process of enterobiasis, the most common parasitic disease in the Russian Federation. Our objective was to give a comprehensive assessment of the epidemic process of enterobiasis in the country based on the official data on the incidence of pinworm infection in the population and the results of parasitological studies of environmental media conducted in 2010–2017. Materials and methods: Using the methods of variation statistics, we estimated the dynamics of enterobiasis incidence and prevalence rates, studied the differences in the prevalence of enterobiasis detected during testing of suspected cases and of the general population for preventive purposes and epidemic reasons. Results: We established the role of pinworm infection in the structure of parasitic diseases, identified age groups and regions with the highest incidence and prevalence rates of enterobiasis. We observed significant differences in the prevalence of enterobiasis between Russian federal districts. The analysis of the ongoing sanitary parasitological studies helped reveal the regions of the country with a high and low frequency of detecting pinworm eggs in environmental media and the key factors activating the mechanism of transmission of pinworm eggs. Conclusions: We established that in some regions the pinworm infection was spread through the use of swimming pools, while in others it disseminated mainly through contaminated surfaces of various environmental media. At the same time, the estimated statistically significant decrease in the frequency of detecting pinworm eggs in swabs from environmental objects demonstrates the improvement of the sanitary and hygienic condition (maintenance) of epidemically significant facilities (educational establishments and other institutions).

Isolation and Functions of Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Parasites: The Promise of a New Era in Immunotherapy, Vaccination, and Diagnosis.

Experimental and epidemiological evidence shows that parasites, particularly helminths, play a central role in balancing the host immunity. It was demonstrated that parasites can modulate immune responses via their excretory/secretory (ES) and some specific proteins. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nano-scale particles that are released from eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. EVs in parasitological studies have been mostly employed for immunotherapy of autoimmune diseases, vaccination, and diagnosis. EVs can carry virulence factors and play a central role in the development of parasites in host cells. These molecules can manipulate the immune responses through transcriptional changes. Moreover, EVs derived from helminths modulate the immune system via provoking anti-inflammatory cytokines. On the other hand, EVs from parasite protozoa can induce efficient immunity, that makes them useful for probable next-generation vaccines. In addition, it seems that EVs from parasites may provide new diagnostic approaches for parasitic infections. In the current study, we reviewed isolation methods, functions, and applications of parasite’s EVs in immunotherapy, vaccination, and diagnosis.

Diversity of digenean trematode larvae in snails from Lake Victoria, Kenya: First reports and bioindicative aspects

This study investigated the occurrence of digenean trematode larvae in snails from the Kenyan part of Lake Victoria. The survey included caenogastropod snails that have received less focus in parasitological studies in Africa: their trematodes are largely unknown. Out of 1145 snail specimens, 149 (13.0%) were infected with Digenea. The highest prevalence (P) was recorded in Melanoides tuberculata (64.5%), followed by Pila ovata (15.4%), Radix natalensis (9.5%), Bulinus ugandae (9.1%), Bellamya unicolor (8.9%), Biomphalaria pfeifferi (7.3%) and Biomphalaria sudanica (4.4%). Morphological and molecular analyses revealed 17 digenean species. Contrary to reports of low diversity of Digenea in caenogastropods, P. ovata harboured 8 species – at least twice as many as in each of the pulmonates. The following taxa are reported for the first time in the Lake Victoria region: Haplorchis pumilio, Thapariella prudhoei, Nudacotyle sp., Renicola sp. and Bolbophorus sp. An unknown cercaria belonging to the genus Haematoloechus is reported from P. ovata: a xiphidiocercaria possessing a long sword-shaped stylet (47–71 µm) which does not match any available literature records. From this study, H. pumilio from M. tuberculata (P = 69.4%), Fasciola gigantica from R. natalensis (P = 1.9%) and Bolbophorus sp. from Bu. ugandae (P = 4.6%) are species of veterinary or medical importance. Snails from the study site with little direct anthropogenic influence had the highest prevalence and diversity of digenean larvae, indicating that environmental conditions influence trematode occurrence.

Prevalencia de endoparásitos y ectoparásitos en serpientes ex situ en Barranquilla, Colombia.

Objetivo. Identificar la prevalencia de endoparásitos y ectoparásitos en serpientes ex situ en la Fundación Botánica y Zoológica de Barranquilla. Materiales y métodos. Para esto se analizaron muestras de materia fecal y ectoparásitos de 2 colúbridos (Leptophis ahaetulla y Spilotes pullatus), 2 dipsadinos (Oxybelys aeneus y Thamnodynastes paraguanae) y 13 boidos (9 individuos de la especie Boa constrictor, 2 de Epicrates maurus y 2 de Eunectes murinus) utilizando los métodos de flotación en solución saturada de azúcar y observación directa. Resultados. Los resultados obtenidos mostraron que el 65% (11/17) de los animales evaluados fueron positivos a la presencia de parásitos, de los cuales el 91% (10/11) de los ejemplares pertenece a la familia Boidae presentando en su mayoría nematodos, mientras que en los dipsadinos se observaron principalmente protozoarios y los colúbridos resultaron negativos. Finamente como ectoparásitos se identificaron 2 especies de garrapatas (Amblyomma dissimile y Ornothodoros turicata) halladas en ejemplares de Boa constrictor, Epicrates maurus y Spilotes pullatus. Conclusiones. La identificación de las formas parasitarias en este trabajo representa una contribución para el conocimiento de los parásitos en serpientes ex situ en Colombia. Provee información para desarrollar medidas profilácticas y permite comparar los datos sobre las formas parasitarias encontradas con muestreos de estas especies en vida silvestre y bajo cuidados humanos.