Prosthogonimus Ovatus Research Articles

Avian trematodes of central European corvids are heterogeneous regarding preferences for host species and age.

Corvids are highly adaptive birds that respond well to anthropogenic changes in their environment. Trematode communities of corvids were studied mainly in the 1950s through 1970s in regularly flooded parts of the Volga River delta in Russia; more recent studies and data from other regions where the corvids are in less contact with postflooding habitats are limited. Data for Corvus corax were lacking. Using our samples obtained from 1963 to 2023, we performed a large-scale analysis of trematode species composition and community structure in Corvus frugilegus, Corvus cornix, C. corax, Coloeus monedula, Pica pica, and Garrulus glandarius; all originated from the Czech Republic. We identified corvids as hosts of mutually overlapping component communities of only a few species of trematodes (Brachylecithum lobatum, Lyperosomum petiolatum, Lyperosomum longicauda, Tamerlania zarudnyi, Urogonimus macrostomus), with the presence of many rare and incidental findings of other trematode species. Only a few species used corvids as their core hosts (L. longicauda and B. lobatum). Trematode component communities in first-year birds included Prosthogonimus cuneatus, Prosthogonimus ovatus, Plagiorchis asperus, and Morishitium dollfusi due to an increased share of insects (intermediate hosts of Prosthogonimus and Plagiorchis) and snails (intermediate hosts of Morishitium) in the diet of juveniles. The trematode component communities of corvid species overlapped but were heterogeneous at the level of host individuals, likely reflecting differences in food sources related to the respective host ages and nesting sites.

Prevalence of parasites in selected captive bird species.

Blood and fecal samples of chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar), albino pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), silver pheasant (Lophura nycthemera), rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri) and turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) were analyzed to check parasitic prevalence. To record parasites these five avian species were placed kept in separate cages at Avian Conservation and Research Center, Department of Wildlife an Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan. 100 fecal and 100 blood samples for each bird species were inspected to analyze internal parasites. During present study, 17 species of endoparasites 14 from fecal samples and three from blood were examined. Two species of ectoparasites i.e. mite Dermanyssus gallinae 42% and fowl ticks Args persicus 41%were studied. Blood parasites included Plasmodium juxtanucleare 50%, Leucoctoyzoon simond having parasitic prevalence 40%, and Aegyptinella pullorum having parasitic prevalence of 40%. Parasitic species recorded from fecal samples included 6 species of nematodes viz. Allodpa suctoria 2%. Syngamus trachea with parasitic prevalence of 60%, Capillaria annulata 37.5%, Ascardia galli 24%, Capillaria anatis 40% and Heterakis gallinarum 28.3%. Similarly, two species of trematodes viz. Prosthogonimus ovatus having parasitic prevalence of 50% and Prosthogonimus macrorchis 21% were also documented from fecal avian samples . Single cestode species Raillietina echinobothrida having parasitic prevalence of 72% and 3 protozoan species i.e. Eimeria maxima having parasitic prevalence of 21%, Giardia lamblia 41% and Histomonas meleagridis 18% were documented during corpological analysis. In our recommendation, proper sanitation, medication and vaccination of bird's enclousres are suggested to avoid parasites.

Polyparasitism in pheasants (Phasianus Colchicusl.) from various natural and anthropoized ecosystems in the Republic of Moldova

Endoparasites have a significant role in the pathology of pheasants (Phasianus colchicus L). During the 2020-2022 period, 123 biological samples taken from pheasants from various natural and anthropogenic biotopes of the Republic of Moldova were examined. The results of the parasitological investigations carried out revealed the pre-sence of polyinvasions consisting of 14 species (Choanotaenia infundibulum, Raillietina tetragona, Raillietina echi-nobotrida, Prosthogonimus ovatus, Capillaria caudinflata, Capillaria annulate, Heterakis gallinarum, Heterakis isolonche, Ascaridia galli, Singamus traheia, Trichostrongylus tenuis, Eimeria colchici, Eimeria duodenalis, Eimeria phasiani) of parasites, of which 7 species (Prosthogonimus ovatus, Syngamus tracheia, Ascaridia galli, Heterakis gallinarum, Raillietina tetragona, Raillietina echinobotrida, Eimeria duodenalis) are also common for domestic gallinaceae. It was revealed that 39 samples (31.7%) were infested in the form of monoinvasions, and 84 samples (68.3%) – in the form of polyinvasions. Polyparasitic associations consisting of 2 parasite species were estimated in 36 samples (42.8%); from 3 species – in 26 samples (30.9%); from 4 species – in 13 samples (15.6%); from 5 species – in 5 samples (5.9%) and from 6 species of parasites were identified in 4 samples (4.8%).

The oviduct fluke, Prosthogonimus species in wild birds, Türkiye.

Prosthogonimus species is considered one of the most important pathogen parasites of poultry and wild birds because it causes defective egg formation, and deaths can be seen as a result of peritonitis. The genus Prosthogonimus is all-around and has been reported in many areas worldwide. This study is research on the presence of Prosthogonimus species, one of the most pathogen trematodes of birds, in Türkiye and wild birds. We conducted the present study to investigate the presence and prevalence of Prosthogonimusspp. in Türkiye. We studied 183 individuals of 62 wild bird species in the Kızılırmak Delta. Wild birds that died naturally were necropsied and searched for oviducal flukes. After performing our parasitological study, we found that 4/180 birds were infected with Prosthogonimus spp. Aythya ferina, Ciconia ciconia, Erithacus rubecula and Turdus philomelos were infected with Prosthogonimus pellucidus, Prosthogonimus macrorchis, Prosthogonimus cuneatus and Prosthogonimus ovatus, respectively. Prosthogonimusspecies was reported for the first time from Türkiye, together with all species found. The presence of Prosthogonimus species in Türkiye and wild birds was determined. We constructed a key of our found Prosthogonimus species based on their morphological characters.

Studies on parasitic prevalence in pet birds from Punjab, Pakistan.

During this one year study, blood and fecal samples of doves (Zenaida asiatica), ducks (Anas platyrhynchos), pigeons (Columba livia), partridges (Alectoris chukar), turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) and goose (Chen caerulescens) were collected to assess the parasitic prevalence in these birds. The birds were kept at Avian Conservation and Research Center, Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore. All these avian species were kept in separate cages and their entire body was inspected on regularly basis to record external parasites. For internal parasites, 100 blood and 100 fecal samples for each species were analyzed. During present study, two species of ectoparasites i.e. fowl ticks (Args persicus) and mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) while 17 species of endoparasites; three from blood and 14 from fecal samples were identified. Prevalence of blood parasites was Plasmodium juxtanucleare 29.3%, Aegyptinella pullorum 15% and Leucoctoyzoon simond 13%. Parasitic species recorded from fecal samples included 6 species of nematodes viz. Syngamus trachea with parasitic prevalence of 50%, Capillaria anatis 40%, Capillaria annulata 37.5%, Heterakis gallinarum 28.3%, Ascardia galli 24% and Allodpa suctoria 2%. Similarly, two species of trematodes viz. Prosthogonimus ovatus having parasitic prevalence of 12.1% and Prosthogonimus macrorchis 9.1% were also recorded from fecal samples of the birds. Single cestode species Raillietina echinobothrida having parasitic prevalence of 27% and 3 protozoan species i.e. Eimeria maxima having prevalence 20.1%, Histomonas meleagridis 8% and Giardia lamblia 5.3% were recorded. In our recommendation, proper medication and sanitation of the bird's houses and cages is recommended to avoid parasites.

A systematic review of flukes (Trematoda) of domestic goose (Anser anser dom.)

Trematodes are one of the most numerous and widespread groups of parasitic invertebrates among helminths, characterized by a complex life cycle. As the final host, digenetic flukes parasitize vertebrates, including domestic waterfowl. Infection of hosts with parasitic digenetic worms causes huge economic damage to poultry. But trematode fauna of domestic geese are presented mainly only for individual regions. Despite the fact that there is already a systematic review of tapeworms and acanthocephala of domestic birds – geese and ducks, there are, unfortunately, no review articles on the taxonomy of digenetic flukes for geese (Anser anser dom.). Taking into account the relevance of the topic, based on our own and extensive literature data, we set the task to determine the general species composition of digenetic flukes (Trematoda), parasitizing in domestic geese which have been recorded in the world until 2020. Each Trematoda species is provided with the following data: scientific name, authority and year, first, second intermediate, auxiliary and final hosts, site in the host body, collecting localities and geographic distribution, and literature sources. Currently it is established that there are 149 species of helminths parasitising domestic geese. The taxonomic composition of the class Trematoda registered in domestic geese consists of 2 classes, 14 families, 30 genera and 65 species. Of all the species of trematodes parasitizing in domestic geese, 44 species have been recorded in Europe, 26 species in Asia, 6 species in North America, 1 species in South America, 1 species in Africa and 2 species in Oceania. Three species are registered in domestic geese (Echinoparyphium recurvatum, Echinostoma revolutum, Prosthogonimus ovatus) are cosmopolitan parasites. The biggest species diversity is characterized by the families Echinostomatidae (17 species) and Notocotylidae (12 species). There are 11 species of digenetic flukes recorded in domestic geese Cyclocoelum mutabile, Echinostoma grande, E. paraulum, E. revolutum, E. robustum, Hypoderaeum conoideum, Paryphostomum novum, P. pentalobum, Catatropis verrucosa, Notocotylus attenuatus, N. parviovatus) on the territory of Azerbaijan. Four of them (Echinostoma revolutum, Hypoderaeum conoideum, Paryphostomum novum, Notocotylus attenuatus) were also noted in the course of our helminthological studies. The trematode Cyclocoelum mutabile was recorded in domestic ducks only in Azerbaijan. Most species of trematodes were found in the north-eastern part (total 9 species) and southern part (total 5 species) of Azerbaijan. This is due to the widespread distribution of molluscs – intermediate hosts of digenetic flukes, in these regions. Eighteen species of digenetic flukes parasitize both birds and mammals (Rodentia, Carnivora, Lagomorpha, Artiodactyla). And eleven species of trematodes are of medical importance, registered in humans.

Helminth fauna of Passer domesticus (Passeriformes: Passeridae) in the southern extreme of Brazil

The objective of this study was to report helminth parasite species of Passer domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758) (sparrow) and to analyze infection rates in relation to total length, body mass and sexual gender of hosts. Each of the 100 sparrows caught in the urban area of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, was weighed, measured, submitted to euthanasia and necropsied for collection of helminths. The helminths and their respective prevalence were: Synhimantus (Dispharynx) nasuta (2%), Aproctella sp. (1%) (Nematoda), Prosthogonimus ovatus (8%), Eumegacetes sp. (2%), Tanaisia zarudnyi (4%) (Digenea), Choanotaenia passerina (26%) (Cestoda), and Mediorhynchus sp. (2%) (Acanthocephala). The prevalence and mean intensity of infection of the C. passerina between male and female hosts did not present significant differences, and there was no correlation between the abundance of parasite species, body mass and total length of the sparrows. The helminth fauna of P. domesticus has remained the same throughout the propagation of this bird for new geographical areas and ecosystems, with the exception of the nematode Aproctella sp., found for the first time parasitizing this host.

New records of helminths of the corncrake, Crex Crex (Aves, Rallidae) from Ukraine

The article presents the records and brief descriptions of trematodes Brachylaima fuscata (Rudolphi, 1819), Prosthogonimus cuneatus (Rudolphi, 1809), Prosthogonimus ovatus (Rudolphi, 1803), and a nematode Cardiofilaria pavlovskyi Ström, 1937 based on the specimens collected from four corncrakes, Crex crex Linnaeus examined on the territory of Ukraine. In the country, P. cuneatus, P. ovatus, and C. pavlovskyi are reported for the first time in this host-species. Brachylaima fuscata, Cardiofilaria pavlovskyi, Prosthogonimus cuneatus, Prosthogonimus ovatus, bird, Ukraine.

GEOGRAPHIC AND ECOLOGIC ASPECTS OF THE COMMUNITY STRUCTURE OF TREMATODES OF MALLARDS (ANAS PLATYRHYNCHOS) IN NORTHERN POLAND AND THE CZECH REPUBLIC.

Trematode infestation of Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) varies between northern Poland and the Czech Republic. We determined the trematode fauna of juvenile and adult Mallards from Poland in 2010-16 (n=79 Mallards) and from the Czech Republic in 1964-2001 (n=296). Infracommunity diversity of trematodes from juvenile Mallards, defined by the Brillouin index and mean number of species, was significantly greater in Poland than it was in the Czech Republic. There were more species and greater biodiversity in the trematode communities of Mallards from Poland, where the environment is more natural and less altered by human activity than it is in the Czech Republic. In the trematode community of juvenile Mallards, the Simpson's index of biodiversity was higher in the Czech Republic than it was in Poland. The Berger-Parker dominance index was comparable in both countries. In terms of prevalence, the structure of the trematode fauna was hierarchic, and trematode species had different positions in this hierarchy in the two countries. Statistically significant differences in the epidemiologic indices between infection of juvenile Mallards from Poland and the Czech Republic were noted for Bilharziella polonica, Echinostoma miyagawai, Echinostoma revolutum, Prosthogonimus cuneatus, Prosthogonimus ovatus, Notocotylus attenuatus, Echinoparyphium recurvatum, Australapatemon minor, Apatemon gracilis, Cyathocotyle prussica, Hypoderaeum conoideum, Metorchis xanthosomus, Psilochasmus oxyurus, and Cotylurus cornutus.

Helminths of the Mallard, Anas Platyrhynchos (Aves, Anatidae), in Ukraine: Analysis of the Diversity in Mixed Forest Zone and the Black Sea Region

Abstract Thirty-eight Mallards were collected on the territory of Ukrainian Polissia to study the fauna of their gastro-intestinal helminths. Materials were collected in 1998-2000, 2014 and 2016 on the territory of Volyn and Chernihiv Regions. In total, 33 species of helminths were found. Th e prevalence of cestode infection was 78.9 %. We found 18 cestode species: Aploparaksis furcigera, Cloacotaenia megalops, Dicranotaenia coronula, Diorchis acuminatus, D. stefanskii, Fimbriaria fasciolaris, F. teresae, Microsomacanthus compressa, M. spiralibursata, M. paracompressa, M. paramicrosoma, M. parvula, M. hopkinsi, Platyscolex ciliata, Retinometra venusta, Sobolevicanthus aculeostyleticus, S. gracilis, S. stolli. Th e prevalence of trematode infection was 73.7 %. Th ere were 10 trematode species: Bilharziella polonica, Apatemon gracilis, Echinoparyphium aconitum, E. cinctum, Echinostoma revolutum group, Hypoderaeum conoideum, Notocotylus attenuatus, Parastrigea robusta, Prosthogonimus ovatus, P. cuneatus.Th e prevalence of nematode infection was 7.9 %. Th ere were four nematode species: Capillaria anatis, Capillariidae gen. sp., Eucoleus contorta, Tetrameres fi ssispina. Th e prevalence of an acanthocephalan Filicollis anatis was 18.4 %. Th e most common species of helminths were A. furcigera, B. polonica, A. gracilis, Echinostoma revolutum group, F. fasciolaris, H. conoideum. Th e helminth faunas of Mallards from the territory of Ukrainian Polissia and from the Black Sea Region of Ukraine were compared. Th e results of comparison demonstrated a high level of their qualitative similarity.

Trematode fauna (Platyhelminthes: Digenea) of some sea ducks wintering on the southern Baltic coast (NW Poland) – a general comparison

ABSTRACTThe common scoter Melanitta nigra, velvet scoter M. fusca and long-tailed duck Clangula hyemalis (Aves: Anatidae) are among the more abundant sea ducks on the southern coast of the Baltic in winter, but their parasitic trematode fauna (Platyhelminthes, Digenea) in this region is little known. The aim of this study, conducted in 2007–2009, was a general comparison of the trematode fauna of these ducks in NW Poland. The prevalence and intensity of trematode infection were 68.3% and 119.9 in common scoter (101 examined), 77.6% and 13.1 in velvet scoter (58 examined) and 70.6% and 23.7 in long-tailed duck (68 examined). The following trematodes were found: Diplostomum pungitii, Apatemon gracilis, Australapatemon minor, Typhlocoelum sisowi, Echinochasmus spinulosus, Echinoparyphium recurvatum, Psilostomum brevicolle, Psilotrema simillimum, Catatropis verrucosa, Notocotylus attenuatus, N. gibbus, Paramonostomum alveatum, Prosthogonimus ovatus, Levinseniella propinqua, Gymnophallus bursicola and Cryptocotyle concava. The common scoter differs from the velvet scoter and long-tailed duck in its statistically significantly higher prevalence of G. bursicola; from long-tailed duck in its higher prevalence and greater intensity of infection with P. alveatum; and from velvet scoter in its greater intensity of infection with C. concava. The velvet scoter is distinguished from the long-tailed duck by its greater intensity of infection with P. brevicolle, lower prevalence of L. propinqua and lower intensity of infection with C. concava. Links between the differences found and the biology and ecology of the hosts, as well as the means of transmission of the parasites, are also discussed.

Helminths of Molothrus bonariensis (Gmelin, 1789) (Passeriformes: Icteridae) from southernmost Brazil.

Information about helminths of Molothrus bonariensis (Gmelin, 1789) (Passeriformes: Icteridae) are scarce; in this sense the objective of this paper was to contribute to its knowledge. Five hosts of southern Brazil were examined and the helminths Prosthogonimus ovatus, Tanaisia valida (Digenea), Diplotriaena bargusinica and Synhimantus (Dispharynx) nasuta (Nematoda) were identified. The species T. valida, P. ovatus and S. (D.) nasuta are for the first time registered for the bird in Brazil. Prosthogonimus ovatus, T. valida, D. bargusinica e S. (D.) nasuta are first recorded in M. bonariensis in the southern Brazilian state Rio Grande do Sul.

Integrative taxonomy of central European parasitic flatworms of the family Prosthogonimidae Lühe, 1909 (Trematoda: Plagiorchiida)

Species of the family Prosthogonimidae are considered the most pathogenic poultry trematodes worldwide, affecting particularly low intensity farming in rural areas. Adults of Prosthogonimus occur mainly in the bursa of Fabricius, oviduct and cloaca of ducks, geese, fowl and other birds feeding at least occasionally on dragonflies or damselflies (Odonata). We analyzed the central European species of the Prosthogonimidae, namely Prosthogonimus cuneatus, Prosthogonimus ovatus, Prosthogonimus pellucidus and Prosthogonimus rarus. We sequenced three nuclear (ITS2) and mitochondrial (CO1, ND1) DNA loci of four species isolated from Anas clypeata, Anas strepera, Anas platyrhynchos, Aythya ferina, Passer domesticus and Turdus merula. Intra- and inter-specific sequence variability revealed that all four species represent distinct well-defined entities. Our data, combined with previously published studies, suggest the return of the name Prosthogonimus rarus Braun, 1901 for Schistogonimus rarus (Braun, 1901). The genus name Schistogonimus Lühe, 1909 is considered a junior synonym of Prosthogonimus Lühe, 1899. We identified the existence of two clades, one represented by P. cuneatus and P. pellucidus, and another one formed by P. ovatus and P. rarus. We also provide comparative measurements of these four central European prosthogonimids, and address their tissue specificity, host-specific prevalence (based on the extensive bird cohort examined in years 1962–2014), and for some bird hosts we address also differences in the prevalence of Prosthogonimus spp. in natural and near-natural wetlands in comparison with fishponds utilized for intense carp production. We provide an updated key to European Prosthogonimus spp. based on their morphological characters.

New records and a checklist of trematodes from Butorides striata (Aves: Ardeidae)

Seven species of trematodes were identified during the study of helminths found in Butorides striata (Linnaeus, 1758) from Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil: Ascocotyle (Phagicola) angrense (Travassos, 1916), Ascocotyle (Phagicola) pindoramensis (Travassos, 1928), Centrocestus formosanus (Nishigori, 1924), Clinostomum heluans Braun, 1899, Clinostomum marginatum (Rudolphi, 1819), Posthodiplostomum nanum Dubois, 1937, and Prosthogonimus ovatus (Rudolphi, 1803). Butorides striata is a new host for C. heluans, P. ovatus, A. (P.) pindoramensis, and C. formosanus. This last species is reported for the first time in a naturally infected definitive host in South America. Additionally, an updated checklist with 31 species of trematodes already reported in B. striata is presented.

The neuro-muscular system in continuously swimming cercariae from Belarus. I Xiphidiocercariae

The neuromuscular system (NMS) in cercariae of Neoastiotrema trituri, Plagiorchis elegans, Omphalometra flexuosa, Skrjabinoeces similis and Prosthogonimus ovatus was studied with immunocytochemical methods and confocal scanning laser microscopy. The patterns of F-actin in the musculature, 5-HT immunoreactive (IR), FMRFamide-IR neuronal elements and α-tubulin-IR sensory receptors were investigated, and they were found to be rather similar in all the cercariae studied. Four species have seven paired 5-HT-IR neurons in the body, and P. elegans has eight. N. trituri has three 5-HT-IR neurons in each brain ganglion, while the other species have four. A high degree of conformity in the structure of the NMS was observed, probably reflecting the close phylogenetic relationship and the similar strategy of host finding.

Digenean parasites of the Neotropic Cormorant, Phalacrocorax brasilianus (Gmelin, 1789) (Aves: Phalacrocoracidae) from Argentina: distribution extension and new host records

Thirteen specimens of Phalacrocorax brasilianus (Gmelin, 1789) from three areas of the Chaqueña Subregion of Argentina were examined for digeneans. Ten species were found: four diplostomids (Austrodiplostomum mordax, A. ostrowskiae, Tylodelphys adulta and Hysteromorpha triloba), three echinostomatids (Drepanocephalus spathans, Paryphostomum segregatum, and P. parvicephalum), one strigeid (Strigea falconis brasiliana), one psilostomid (Ribeiroia ondatrae) and one prosthogonimid (Prosthogonimus ovatus). Tylodelphys adulta and S. f. brasiliana are reported for the first time as parasites of P. brasilianus and new geographical records are presented.

Helminth parasitism in the Neotropical cormorant, Phalacrocorax brasilianus, in Southern Brazil: effect of host size, weight, sex, and maturity state

Forty-seven specimens of Neotropical cormorants, Phalacrocorax brasilianus, from Lago Guaíba, Guaíba, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil (30° 00' S, 51°15' W), were examined for helminth parasites between 1999 and 2003. Twenty species of helminth parasites were found: ten digeneans: Austrodiplostomum mordax, Austrodiplostomum compactum, Clinostomum sp., Drepanocephalus olivaceus, Drepanocephalus spathans, Hysteromorpha triloba, Ignavia olivacei, Paryphostomum segregatum, Prosthogonimus ovatus, and Ribeiroia ondatrae; one cestode: Paradilepis caballeroi; eight nematodes: Contracaecum rudolphii, Eucoleus contortus, Eustrongylides sp., Ornithocapillaria appendiculata, Syngamus sp., Syncuaria squamata, Tetrameres (Gynaecophila) sp., and one undetermined capillariid (genus and species); and one acanthocephalan: Andracantha tandemtesticulata. The length and weight of male and female birds, as well as their sexual maturity (juvenile or adult), did not show significant difference regarding the helminth fauna; the standard length did not influence the helminth parasite indices. The prevalence of I. olivacei was higher in larger birds while the intensity of infection by this digenean species was higher in females. The abundance of P. caballeroi was higher in male birds. A. mordax and H. triloba showed higher prevalence and abundance in juvenile hosts, while O. appendiculata was more abundant in juveniles. The remaining species did not have their parasite indices influenced by the host parameters studied. The present work records the richest helminth fauna for any bird of the genus Phalacrocorax and is the first study to evaluate the influence of length, weight, sex, and maturity state on parasitism.

The helminth fauna of the red-crested cardinal (Paroaria coronata) Passeriformes: Emberizidae in Brazil

With the objective of identifying the helminths of Paroaria coronata, 40 birds were necropsied, and their organs and contents were examined. The parasites were preserved in 70 masculineGL alcohol and prepared for identification using standard techniques. The helminth fauna found in P. coronata were Aproctella carinii, Dispharynx nasuta, Capillaria sp., Diplotriaena sp., Tanaisia oviaspera, Tanaisia valida, Tanaisia sp., Prosthogonimus ovatus, Orthoskrjabinia sp., and Mediorhynchus sp., with Nematoda being most represented, occurring in 22.5% of the birds. Besides being the first record of these helminths in P. coronata, this work also extends the area of occurrence of Orthoskrjabinia sp. for Brazil and of A. carinii, Diplotriaena sp., T. oviaspera, T. valida, and Mediorhynchus sp. for the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Prosthogonimus ovatus (Rudolphi) (Digenea, Prosthogonimidae) em três espécies de aves aquáticas da Região Sul do Brasil

Três espécies de aves, dois anatídeos, Dendrocygna bicolor (Vieillot, 1816) (marreca-caneleira) e Netta peposaca (Vieillot, 1816) (marrecão) e um phalacrocoracídeo, Phalacrocorax brasilianus (Gmelin, 1789) (biguá) foram coletados em vários locais na Província da Planície Costeira e no Lago Guaíba, Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. O número de aves examinadas de cada espécie de hospedeiro, assim como os valores de prevalência e intensidade média de infecção foram: 33 D. bicolor, 3%, 1 helminto/hospedeiro; 20 N. peposaca 15%, 4,3 helmintos/hospedeiro e 47 P. brasilianus 2,1%, 1 helminto/hospedeiro. O espécime coletado no biguá e um dos espécimes, entre aqueles, coletados nos marrecões estavam na cloaca. Os outros espécimes coletados nos marrecões e o único espécime coletado nas marrecas-caneleiras, respectivamente, estavam na bolsa de Fabricius. Este é o primeiro registro de P. ovatus em biguás e em marrecões. A distribuição geográfica conhecida de P. ovatus é estendida para o sul do Brasil e para o Estado do Rio Grande do Sul.

Helminths of the Spotted Nothura, Nothura maculosa (Temminck, 1815) (Aves, Tinamidae) in South America

This study refers to the helminth fauna of the Spotted Nothura, Nothura maculosa (Temminck, 1815), on the basis of samples deposited in the Helminthological Collection of the Oswaldo Cruz Institute, and also on bibliographical data. The helminth survey of N. maculosa is represented by the digenetic trematode Brachylaemus (Centrodes) centrodes (Braun, 1901) Travassos & Kohn, 1964, by two cestode species, one included in Hymenolepis Weiland, 1858 and the other identified as Fuhrmannetta elongata (Fuhrmann, 1908), by the nematodes Heterakis gallinarum (Schrank, 1788) Freeborn, 1923, Heterakis spiculatus (Cobbold, 1861) Travassos, 1918, Subulura olympioi Barreto, 1918, Eucoleus penidoi Freitas & Lins, 1935, Hadjelia curvata Vaz & Pereira, 1935, Hempelia hempeli Vaz, 1936, Tetracheilonema quadrilabiatum (Molin, 1858), one species included in Capillaria Zeder, 1800, and another in Trichostrongylidae Leiper, 1912; the acanthocephalan is represented by Mediorhynchus pintoi Travassos, 1923. Fuhrmannetta elongata is referred for the first time in this host since its proposal in 1908. There is a report of the finding of the habronematid nematode Procyrnea cameroni Gupta & Kazim, 1978 from N. maculosa in Brazil; the species is not illustrated taking into account the status of the original reference. The probable occurrence of the digeneans Prosthogonimus ovatus (Rudolphi, 1803), Athesmia heterolecithodes (Braun, 1899) Looss, 1899, and the nematode Heterakis brasiliana Linstow, 1899, is indicated.