Preanal Papillae Research Articles

Morphological and molecular characterization of Geraldius galapagoensis (Nematoda: Chambersiellidae) associated with lichens in Argentina

Lichens are symbiotic organisms, usually composed of a fungal partner, the mycobiont, and one or more photosynthetic partners, the photobiont, which is most often either a green alga or a cyanobacterium, that harbor a diverse community of invertebrates such as rotifers, tardigrades, mites, springtails, crustaceans, and nematodes. In this work, we isolated the nematode Geraldius galapagoensis (Chambersiellidae) associated with the lichen Hyperphyscia syncolla (Physciaceae) in a region of Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. This species was discovered in a tropical forest of Ecuador and is characterized mainly by a head offset by a constriction from the rest of the body, a esophagus with a cylindrical pharyngeal corpus without a median bulb, a narrow isthmus and an oval basal pharyngeal bulb with strong transverse/butterfly valve apparatus, a tail curved ventrally, ending in dorsally hooked end; the male with seven pairs of latero-ventral pre-anal papillae and three pairs of post-anal in the following positions: one pair latero-ventral and two pairs dorso-lateral and two slightly curved spicules with asymmetric manubrium with an anterior extension. The comparison of the morphometrics of our G. galapagoensis male with that of the original description shows that the body length is shorter, as are the distance of the excretory pore to the anterior end and the tail. On the other hand, the distance from the anterior end to the nerve ring and the esophagus length are greater. The head width, body diameter and spicule length are quite similar. We provide a morphological and morphometrical characterization of a G. galapagoensis second isolate and the first world report of molecular sequences belonging to this species.

A new species of Aplectana (Nematoda: Cosmocercidae) in Amphisbaena darwinii (Squamata: Amphisbaenidae) from Argentina

In the present study, we describe and illustrate Aplectana nananae n. sp. from the large intestine of Amphisbaena darwinii. Aplectana nananae n. sp. is the second species described in Argentinian amphisbaenian hosts and the 60th species assigned to the genus. This species differs from its congeners by a set of unique characters in males: the presence of 1 unpaired preanal papilla and gubernaculum, the papillae pattern (8+1:2:2) and total number (24+1), very conspicuous and prominent excretory pore, located anterior to the esophageal bulb and the size of spicules (60-70 μm).

Integrated morphological and molecular characterization of the fish parasitic nematode Rhabdochona (Rhabdochona) gendrei Campana-Rouget, 1961 infecting Labeobarbus altianalis (Boulenger, 1900) in Kenya.

During a parasitological survey carried out between May and August 2022 in the River Nyando, Lake Victoria Basin, a single species of Rhabdochona Railliet, 1916 (Nematoda: Rhabdochonidae) was recorded from the intestine of the Rippon barbel, Labeobarbus altianalis (Boulenger, 1900) (Cyprinidae). Based on light microscopy (LM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and DNA analyses the parasite was identified as Rhabdochona (Rhabdochona) gendrei Campana-Rouget, 1961. Light microscopy, SEM and DNA studies on this rhabdochonid resulted in a detailed redescription of the adult male and female. The following additional taxonomic features are described in the male: 14 anterior prostomal teeth; 12 pairs of preanal papillae: 11 subventral and one lateral; six pairs of postanal papillae: five subventral and one lateral, with the latter pair at the level of first subventral pairs when counted from the cloacal aperture. For the female: 14 anterior prostomal teeth and the size and absence of superficial structures on fully mature (larvated) eggs dissected out of the nematode body. Specimens of R. gendrei were genetically distinct in the 28S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) mitochondrial gene regions from known species of Rhabdochona. This is the first study that provides genetic data for a species of Rhabdochona from Africa, the first SEM of R. gendrei, and the first report of this parasite from Kenya. The molecular and SEM data reported herein provide a useful point of reference for future studies on Rhadochona in Africa.

A New Species of Sprentascaris (Nematoda: Raphidascarididae) in Hypostomus commersoni (Pisces: Loricariidae) from Argentina.

To report a new species: Sprentascaris pampayensis, a Raphidascarididae parasite from the Neotropical region. During a parasitological survey, specimens were collected of a new species of Sprentascaris from Hypostomus commersoni Valenciennes from urban lakes in Santa Fe City, Santa Fe Province, in the Pampean region of Argentina. Morphological and morphometric descriptions, and molecular analyses were performed. The new species, S. pampayensis n. sp., is characterized by having slightly extended lateral wings in both sexes, oral structure with three well-developed lips with double papillae, ventrolateral lips with an amphidial pore. Triangular buccal opening with three well-developed lips with flattened extensions at their bases, which end in a pointed manner towards the back. Males have 17 pairs of preanal papillae, 1 pair of adanal papillae, 3 pairs of postanal papillae and 1odd median postanal papilla located between the first and second pairs, unusual shape of caudal papillae with the central tubular part conspicuously elevated. Females have pre-equatorial vulva, smooth-shelled eggs, and mature embryonated eggs. Sprentascaris pampayensis n. sp. differs morphologically and genetically from S. manherti Petter and Cassone, 1984, S. lanfrediae Melo, Santos, Giese, Santos and Santos, 2011 and S. andersoni Malta, Paiva, Elisei, Tavares and Pereira, 2018. Morphological and morphometric comparison also distinguishes it from S. pimelodi Petter and Cassone, 1984, S. hypostomi Petter and Cassone, 1984, S. marano Ramallo, 2009, and S. saltaensis Ailán-Choke, Ramallo and Davies, 2017. Sprentascaris pampayensis n. sp. is a new parasitic nematode of Hypostomus commersoni.

Scanning Electron Microscopic Study of Aplectana Duttaphryni Sou, Sow and Nandi, 2014 from A New Frog Host, Fejervarya limnocharis in West Bengal

Aplectana duttaphryni Sou, Sow and Nandi, 2014 was first reported in Kulti, Asansol coal-mine region, West Bengal from a toad, Duttaphrynus melanostictus (Schneider, 1899) only using light microscope. Present article describes, A. duttaphryni in details collected from the rectum of an anuran frog, Fejervarya limnocharis (Gravenhorst, 1829) in Birbhum district, West Bengal. Aplectana duttaphryni is reported for the first time from Birbhum district, West Bengal. The parasites identified by its lanceolate shaped gubernaculum, presence of 1 pair of similar and equal spicules and also with the presence of 3 pairs of preanal papillae, 2 pairs of adanal papillae, 13 pairs of postanal papillae and single papillae on the upper lip of anus. In the present study, Birbhum district recorded as new geographical locality and F. limnocharis recorded as a new host.

First description of aRaphidascarisspecies (Nematoda: Raphidascarididae) in a mudskipperApocryptes bato(Actinopterygii: Gobiidae) from West Bengal, India

AbstractA new nematode species,Raphidascaris mundeswariensisn. sp. (Raphidascarididae), is described from male and female specimens found in the intestines of the mudskipperApocryptes bato(Hamilton, 1822) (Gobiidae) from the Mundeswari River of West Bengal, India. This species is distinguished from its congeners by 214–255-μm-long spicules, 14 pairs of preanal papillae of two markedly different sizes, one pair of adanal papillae, six pairs of postanal papillae and the absence of lateral alae. Phylogenetic analyses using partial sequences of the 28S ribosomal RNA gene place the new species in a clade containingRaphidascaris gigi,Raphidascaris lophii,Raphidascaris longispiculaand two species ofHysterothylacium. The molecular analyses also corroborate results of previous studies that have foundRaphidascarisandHysterothylaciumto be paraphyletic. The finding ofR.mundeswariensisinA.batois the firstRaphidascarisspecies described from a mudskipper anywhere.

Redescription and Molecular Characterization of Placobdella michiganensis (Sawyer, 1972) (Hirudinida: Glossiphoniidae)

Placodella michiganensis (Sawyer, 1972) was originally described from free-living individuals collected from Mill Creek, St. Joseph County, Michigan, USA. The acquisition of contemporary specimens from its type locality has facilitated redescription of P. michiganensis. Placobdella michiganensis does not have a confusing taxonomic history like many other members of the genus Placobdella as it has only been collected two other times since its description. Placodella michiganensis is distinguished from its congeners by its five rows of whitish single-tipped papillae, genital and pre-anal patches, five pre-anal papillae, and absence of a dark dorsal-medial line. Placobdella michiganensis is a morphologically distinct species with a 16.0% to 22.0% difference in cytochrome c oxidase subunit I sequence data among congeners.

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.

New species of Thoonchus (Enoplida, Enchelidiidae) from the Yellow Sea and redescription of T. giganticus Belogurova et al., 1986.

The family Enchelidiidae is recovered as monophyletic and appears to be a more recently derived taxon within the superfamily Oncholaimoidea. It combines nematodes with buccal cavity with three unequal teeth, crenate pharynx, and absence of demanian system. Genus Thoonchus was erected for nematodes characterized by the large buccal cavity with heavily cuticularized walls and several rows of denticles, short and arcuate spicules and gubernaculums with expanded corpus. One new species is described here from the Sishili Bay, located in the northern Yellow Sea. Thoonchus covidus sp. nov. is characterized by the body length 3195‒4339 µm, outer labial and cephalic setae in one circle, pocket shaped amphid above the buccal cavity base, secretory-excretory pore at the base of cephalic setae, arched spicules, gubernaculum with thin proximal extension parallel to spicules, preanal supplement absent, three pairs of preanal papillae. It differs from other congeners by the position of secretory-excretory pore, absence of supplementary organ in males and presence of three pairs of precloacal papillae. Redescription of T. giganticus is also provided. After critical evaluation of the genus we recognize 4 valid species and provide a taxonomic key to species.

Two new species of free-living nematodes of genus Tripyloides (Nematoda: Enoplida: Tripyloididae) from mangrove wetlands in the Xiamen Bay, China

Two new species of free living nematodes Tripyloides mangrovensis n. sp. and Tripyloides amoyanus n. sp. of genus Tripyloides de Man, 1886 are described from mangroves of the Tong’an Bay and Haimen Island in the Xiamen Bay, China. The two species are both characterized by six stout outer labial setae, male without preanal papillae, tail conico-cylindrical without swollen terminally. Tripyloides mangrovensis n. sp. can be additionally by its buccal cavity consisting of two parts, amphid circular, distinct proximal conical and distal slender cylindrical portions, 2/3 of the tail cylindrical. Tripyloides amoyanus n. sp. is distinguished by buccal cavity consisting of three parts with small tooth, amphid small, rounded, like a comma-shaped loop, 1/3 of the tail cylindrical, gubernaculum with four denticles.

Cosmocerca bengalensis sp. nov. (Nematoda: Cosmocercidae) in Hoplobatrachus tigerinus (Daudin, 1803) (Amphibia, Anura, Dicroglossidae) from West Bengal, India.

Cosmocerca bengalensis sp. nov. (Ascaridida, Cosmocercidae) recovered from the rectum of an Indian bullfrog, Hoplobatrachus tigerinus (Daudin, 1803), collected from Hetampur town in Birbhum district of West Bengal, India, is described and illustrated. This species is similar to C. acanthurum, C. banyulensis, C. cruzi, C. japonica, C. kalesari, C. microhylae, C. novaeguineae, C. ornata, C. paraguayensis, C. parva, C. podicipinus and C. travassosi in having 5 pairs of plectanes supporting preanal papillae but differs from these species by general morphometry, absence of somatic papillae in females, absence of gubernaculum and having only one pair of adanal papillae in males and one pair postanal papillae in females except C. microhylae. Present parasites differ from C. microhylae by absence of gubernaculum and general morphometry. Cosmocerca bengalensis sp. nov. represents the thirtheith species assigned to the genus, seventh from Oriental region and fifth species from India.

A scanning electron microscopy study of Anisakis physeteris molecularly identified: from third stage larvae from fish to fourth stage larvae obtained in vitro

The development of the fourth larval stage (L4) of Anisakis physeteris was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), comparing it with third larval stage (L3) recently obtained from the host fish, blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou), from the western Mediterranean Sea (east coast of Spain, zone FAO 37.1.1). After molting to L4, samples of the parasite were examined at different times in order to observe their development. Following collection of the L4, a small portion was taken from the middle of the larva for molecular identification, confirming in all cases that it was A. physeteris. The anterior and posterior sections of the larvae were prepared for morphological study by SEM. The development of a row of denticles on each of the three prominent lips, almost reaching the buccal commisures, was observed in the L4. Pores of unknown function were found in the upper external part of each lip. Clearly developed cephalic papillae, amphids, and deirids were also observed in L4, while, although present in L3, these were beneath the cuticle. Phasmids were detected in L4 but not in L3. The L4 tail finished in a conical lobe with a blunt point, absent in L3. In the oldest L4, some preanal papillae were observed beneath the cuticle in males, while, in females, the vulva could be seen by light microscopy, apparently still covered by the cuticle.

Occurrence of Chromadorita regabi sp. nov. (Nematoda: Adenophorea), a nematode egg predator of Alvinocaris muricola (Crustacea: Decapoda: Caridea: Alvinocarididae) from a deep cold seep area of the Gulf of Guinea

Several individuals belonging to a new species of the genus Chromadorita (Nematoda: Adenophorea) were collected in a cold-seep area in the Gulf of Guinea during two French cruises: BIOZÄIRE 2 (2001) and BIOZAÏRE 3 (2003–2004) on board the R/V L’Atalante. In this area, rich chemosynthetic benthic communities have been discovered at 3150 m depth in the large pockmark field named Regab. Chromadorita regabi sp. nov. was found among the eggs in ovigerous specimens of the shrimp Alvinocaris muricola. The combination of long size (1500–2200 µm), nine strong preanal papillae and relatively small dorsal tooth with weak musculature distinguishes this species from all known congeneric ones. An identification key to all known species of Chromadorita is provided.http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:68B32253-D4B4-45EB-B4F8-4F7B015E6FCC

Some nematodes from freshwater fishes in central Africa.

Twenty species (sixteen adult and four larval) of parasitic nematodes belonging to the Ascaridoidea, Camallanoidea, Cosmocercoidea, Dioctophymatoidea, Habronematoidea, Oxyuroidea, Seuratoidea, and Thelazioidea were collected from freshwater fishes of the Congo River basin in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic in 2008 and 2012, respectively. Based on light and scanning electron microscopical examination, many species are redescribed in detail. This material also contained four previously unknown species, Labeonema longispiculatum sp. n. from Synodontis acanthomias Boulenger, Gendria longispiculata sp. n. from Schilbe grenfelli (Boulenger), G. sanghaensis sp. n. from Schilbe marmoratus Boulenger, and Cucullanus congolensis sp. n. from Auchenoglanis occidentalis (Valenciennes). The new species L. longispiculatum is mainly characterised by conspicuously long (210-228 µm) spicules, approximately twice as long as those in other congeners, the length (45-48 µm) of the gubernaculum and the host family (Mochokidae), whereas G. longispiculata by very long (1.2 mm) spicules, the shape of the oesophagus and cephalic vesicle, distribution of postanal papillae and the host family (Schilbeidae). Main characteristic features of G. sanghaensis are the presence of a hexagonal oral aperture surrounded by lip-like structures, the posterior portion of the oesophagus moderately expanded, spicules and the gubernaculum 414-438 µm and 54-57 µm long, respectively, deirids located at the level of the posterior end of the oesophagus and the absence of cervical alae. Cucullanus congolensis differs from congeneric species parasitising African freshwater and brackish-water fishes mainly in the absence of a ventral precloacal sucker and lateral preanal papillae, the presence of a large median precloacal papilla-like formation, spicules 480-489 µm long and the location of the excretory pore in the region of the oesophago-intestinal junction. Chabaudus Inglis et Ogden, 1965 is considered a junior synonym of Gendria Baylis, 1930 and, consequently, species listed in the former genus are transferred to the latter as G. alaini (Alfonso-Roque, 1981) comb. n., G. chabaudi (Inglis et Ogden, 1965) comb. n., G. dehradunensis (Rizvi, Bursey et Maity, 2016) comb. n., G. thysi (Puylaert, 1970) comb. n. and G. williamsi (Puylaert, 1970) comb. n. The findings represent many new host and geographical records.

Observations on two Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) species (Nematoda: Camallanidae) from freshwater fishes in Argentina, including description of Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) juana sp.nov.

Helminthological examination of specimens of the freshwater fishes Pimelodus albicans Valenciennes (Pimelodidae), Pimelodella gracilis (Valenciennes) (Heptapteridae) and Hyphessobrycon anisitsi Eigenmann (Characidae), collected from the Salado River, province of Santiago del Estero, Argentina, revealed the presence of two species of parasitic nematodes, Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) juana sp. nov. and Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) hilarii (Camallanidae). Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) juana sp. nov. was characterized by the presence of six visible pores located around the oral opening in both sexes, 14 cephalic papillae, buccal capsule with 5-7 spiral thickenings, three pairs of preanal papillae, and three pairs of postanal papillae, and conspicuous and pre-equatorial vulva in females. Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) hilarii was recorded for the first time in Hyphessobrycon anisitsi from northern Argentina. Moreover, zoogeographical and host information for the genus Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) is summarized.

Two new species of nematode parasites, Cucullanus epinepheli sp. n. (Cucullanidae) and Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) sinespinis sp. n. (Camallanidae), from marine serranid and haemulid fishes off New Caledonia.

Based on light and scanning electron microscopical studies, two new species of parasitic nematodes are described from marine perciform fishes off New Caledonia: Cucullanus epinepheli sp. n. (Cucullanidae) from the intestine of the brownspotted grouper Epinephelus chlorostigma (Valenciennes) (Serranidae) and Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) sinespinis sp. n. from the intestine of the silver grunt Pomadasys argenteus (Forsskål) (Haemulidae). Cucullanus epinepheli sp. n. differs from its congeners mainly in possessing a unique structure of the anterior, elevated cloacal lip with a large posterior outgrowth covering the cloacal aperture and in the presence of cervical alae and two small preanal papillae on the median dome-shaped precloacal elevation. This is the second known nominal species of this genus parasitising fishes of the family Serranidae and the second representative of Cucullanus Müller, 1777 recorded from fishes in New Caledonian waters. Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) sinespinis sp. n. is mainly characterised by 10-12 spiral ridges in the buccal capsule, the presence of wide caudal alae, three pairs of pedunculate preanal papillae, two unequally long spicules (465-525 µm and 218-231 µm) and by the tail tip with a knob-like structure in the male, and the broad, rounded tail with a terminal digit-like protrusion without cuticular spikes in the female. This is the fifth nominal species of the subgenus Spirocamallanus Olsen, 1952 reported from fishes in New Caledonian waters.

New species of Raphidascaris (Sprentascaris) (Nematoda: Anisakidae) inRineloricaria steinbachi (Actinopterygii: Loricariidae) from Northwest Argentina.

During a parasitological survey, we reported specimens of a new species of Raphidascaris (Sprentascaris) in Rineloricaria steinbachi from La Caldera River, province of Salta, Northwest Argentina. The new species, R. (S.) saltaensis sp. nov., is characterized by possessing 16 pairs of preanal papillae, lips with lateral protrusions and membranous elevations, and mature eggs rough-shelled with striations. This is the sixth species of the genus described in the Neotropical Region, and the second from Argentina. Rineloricaria steinbachi is reported as host of this nematode genus for the first time. A key to the species of Raphidascaris (Sprentascaris) in the Neotropical realm is provided. Also, zoogeographical and host information of the species, belonging to the subgenus Sprentascaris, is summarized.

Distribution of Placobdella hollensis (Whitman, 1892) (Hirudinida: Glossiphoniidae)

ABSTRACT: Confusion regarding the identification of Placobdella hollensis (Whitman, 1892) (Hirudinida: Glossiphoniidae) has led to an unclear understanding of the distribution of the species. Two specimens of P. hollensis were collected from Merchants Millpond State Park, Gates County, North Carolina, U.S.A., representing a new geographic distribution record. Specimens were confirmed as P. hollensis by morphological and molecular study. Specimens of P. hollensis from North Carolina, had accessory eyes, 2 thin paramedial dark lines, and 3 pairs of pre-anal papillae. Molecular comparison of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I sequence data revealed a 99.0 to 99.7% similarity to specimens of P. hollensis collected from its type locality (Barnstable County, Massachusetts, U.S.A.). From confirmed specimens of P. hollensis, this report supports the assertion that P. hollensis has an Atlantic coastal distribution.

Steinernema biddulphi n. sp., a New Entomopathogenic Nematode (Nematoda: Steinernematidae) from South Africa.

A new species of entomopathogenic nematode (EPN), Steinernema biddulphi n. sp., was isolated from a maize field in Senekal, Free State Province of South Africa. Morphological and molecular studies indicated the distinctness of S. biddulphi n. sp. from other Steinernema species. Steinernema biddulphi n. sp. is characterized IJs with average body length of 663 μm (606-778 μm), lateral fields with six ridges in mid-body region forming the formula 2,6,2. Excretory pore located anterior to mid-pharynx (D% = 46). Hyaline layer occupies approximately half of tail length. Male spicules slightly to moderately curved, with a sharp tip and golden brown in color. The first generation of males lacking a mucron on the tail tip while the second generation males with a short filamentous mucron. Genital papillae with 11 pairs and one unpaired preanal papilla. The new species is further characterized by sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and partial 28S regions (D2-D3) of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA). Phylogenetic data show that S. biddulphi n. sp. belongs to the "bicornutum" clade within the Steinernematidae family.

On a new species of Cosmocerca (Nematoda: Cosmocercidae) from Microhyla rubra (Anura: Microhylidae) from West Bengal, India.

Cosmocerca microhylae sp. nov., recovered from the rectum of a red narrow-mouthed frog, Microhyla rubra (Jerdon, 1854) (Anura: Microhylidae), collected from Bolpur in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, India, is described and figured. This species is similar to C. acanthurum, C. banyulensis, C. cruzi, C. japonica, C. kalesari, C. novaeguineae, C. ornata, C. paraguayensis, C. parva, C. podicipinus and C. travassosi in having 5 pairs of plectanes supporting preanal papillae but differs from these species by smaller size, absence of somatic papillae in females and having only one pair of adanal papillae in males and one pair postanal papillae in females. Cosmocerca microhylae sp. nov. represents 27th species assigned to the genus, and 4th species from India.