White Worm Research Articles

Neonatal Umbilical Myiasis- A Rare Case Report

Myiasis is an infestation of live vertebrates (humans and/or animals) by larvae of dipterous fly. Although, it usually infects domestic and wild animals but humans may be rarely affected if they are reared in unhygienic condition. The index case is a seven-day-old male neonate born by normal vaginal delivery, who presented to the Emergency Department with complaint of passage of worms from umbilicus which do not extend to deeper tissues. On examination, periumbilical erythema was also visible along with white glistening worms. After application of turpentine oil to the umbilical stump, the worms were mechanically removed with the help of forceps. Umbilical myiasis is a very rare presentation indicating poor hygiene and a preventable condition.

Clinical and post mortem examination of white worm lizards (Amphisbaena alba) in the State of Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil: morphological, pathological and radiographic findings of a secretive species

ABSTRACT: Amphisbenians are limbless reptiles that belong to the order Squamata. Due to their fossorial and secrevie habits, little is known about their morphology, ecology and pathological conditions that may affect them. In this manuscript, we present a brief guide for identification of normal structures as well as traumatic injuries on radiography and necropsy of Amphisbaena alba. From April to September 2019, three cases of A. alba with suspected trauma were referred to the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB). In the clinical evaluation, traumatic injuries were observed, and support therapy was instituted, but they did not resist and died shortly after. Bone fractures and organ ruptures, in addition to specific structures of this species were identified on radiography. A systematic necropsy was performed of all amphisbaenians in order to evaluate external and internal structures, not only to identify lesions but also to investigate the morphological aspects of amphisbenids. Macroscopically, multiple organ fractures and ruptures observed in radiographs were confirmed, in addition to the presence of the cestodes Semenoviella amphisbaenae in the large intestine. Histologically, it was possible to identify normal characteristics and microscopic lesions in the tissues. This is the first study to incorporate morphological, clinical, and pathological aspects of A. alba. This manuscript brings essential information for wildlife veterinarians and pathologists who may have to treat or perform a necropsy on these unique reptiles.

Lethal Doses of Saponins from Quillaja saponaria for Invasive Slug Arion vulgaris and Non-Target Organism Enchytraeus albidus (Olygochaeta: Enchytraeidae).

Simple SummaryThe Spanish slug, known by its scientific name Arion vulgaris, causes significant damage to agriculture and private gardens around the world. To control this pest, the use of saponin-rich plant extracts is gaining importance as they exhibit strong molluscicidal activity against gastropods and are safe (as saponin residues) in agriculture products. However, despite their proven safety in food, they still do not have a widespread application due to their liquid form and the absence of more accurate knowledge of their effects on other organisms. In this study we evaluated an extract from the bark of the soap tree Quillaja saponaria on slugs and on the white worms Enchytraeus albidus. It was found that slugs were significantly more sensitive to saponin extract at 2 and −1 °C compared to 15 °C. The lethal effect of saponins was stronger on adult slugs than on juveniles. However, lethal effect on worms was much stronger than on slugs. Overall, our results show that Q. saponaria saponins may be a successful slug control tool, especially during colder periods, but its concentration should be selected according to the age of slugs. However, high toxicity to white worms limits its use as an environmentally benign alternative means of slug control.The slug, Arion vulgaris Moquin-Tandon, 1855, is a serious pest in agriculture and private gardens. White worm, Enchytraeus albidus Henle, 1837, is an important model of decomposer organism in the terrestrial ecosystem. Saponins, which are secondary metabolites of plants, have previously been shown to have some molluscicidal effect. We investigated which doses of saponins are lethal to the slug, A. vulgaris, and to the non-target organism, E. albidus. An aqueous solution with different concentrations of saponin extract from the bark of the soap tree, Quillaja saponaria Mol., was used in repeat treatments. Slugs were tested in filter paper contact tests as they are naturally exposed to soil contact while crawling. Worms were tested in soil contact tests as they live below ground. It was found that lethality of saponins depends on the slug age group and the environmental temperature. The median lethal concentration (LC50, at 15 °C) on adults was 68.5 g/L, and on juveniles, 96.9 g/L. The slugs were significantly more sensitive at 2 and −1 °C compared to 15 °C. The LC50 (at 6 ℃) on E. albidus was 2.7 g/L (or 0.5 g/kg dry weight of soil), far below those in A. vulgaris (at 15 ℃ and lower). The LC50 for worms at -1℃ was also significantly lower than at 6 ℃. Therefore, we can conclude: (1) that Q. saponaria saponins may be a successful slug control tool used during colder times of the year, but its concentration should be selected according to the age group of A. vulgaris; (2) this measure is more toxic than expected to white worms, which limits its use.

The Nutritional quality of the white worm (Agathymus remingtoni Stallings & Turner Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) of maguey lechuguilla (Agave lechuguilla Torrey)

Objective: to evaluate the nutritional quality of white worm larvae (Agathymus remingtoni) of the maguey lechuguilla plant (Agave lechuguilla).Design/Methodology/Approach: samples of A. remingtoni larvae were collected from the stems and leaves of wild maguey lechuguilla that grows in the hills of the community of San Francisco, Municipality of Epazoyucan, in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico. Proximate analysis was performed and the calcium and phosphorus contents were determined inlarvae samples.Results: larvae of A. remingtoni had a protein content of 33.69% on a dry basis, and 12.05% on a wet basis. Other results obtained were as follows: ethereal extract 15.97%, dry matter 35.76%, moisture 64.24%, ash 0.82%, crude fiber 0.85%, free nitrogen extract 6.07, calcium 0.40%, and phosphorus 0.56%.Limitations/Implications: During: in the literature review carried out, no reports were found on the nutritional quality of the white worm (Agathymus remingtoni) of maguey lechuguilla (Agave lechuguilla).Findings/Conclusions: Agathymus remingtoni larvae have excellent nutritional content, which makes them an alternative source of protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorus for human consumption and livestock feed.

Salinity of the growth medium is important for production potential and nutritional value of white worms (Enchytraeus albidusHenle)

Enchytraeus albidus is a small euryhaline earthworm that is abundant in the supralittoral zone where it can be found in decaying seaweed. This species is readily mass-cultured, and due to its relatively high contents of protein and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), there has been a renewed interest in this species as an alternative source of valuable nutrients for fish feed. Here, we have investigated the influence of substrate salinity (0, 1, 2, 8, 15, 30 and 40 ppt) on reproduction, growth and nutrient content of worms. We found that intermediate salinities (8–15 ppt) of the substrate maximize biomass production as well as protein and PUFA contents of the worm tissue. In particular, we observed that the often used culturing of E. albidus in non-saline growth medium resulted in low reproduction and biomass production. Increasing the salinity from 0 to 15 ppt resulted in a higher proportion of unsaturated fatty acids both in storage lipid and in membrane phospholipid fractions.

Morphology of Mitochondria in Syncytial Annelid Female Germ-Line Cyst Visualized by Serial Block-Face SEM.

Mitochondria change their morphology and distribution depending on the metabolism and functional state of a cell. Here, we analyzed the mitochondria and selected structures in female germ-line cysts in a representative of clitellate annelids – the white worm Enchytraeus albidus in which each germ cell has one cytoplasmic bridge that connects it to a common cytoplasmic mass. Using serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBEM), we prepared three-dimensional ultrastructural reconstructions of the entire selected compartments of a cyst at the advanced stage of oogenesis, i.e. the nurse cell, cytophore, and cytoplasmic bridges of all 16 cells (15 nurse cells and oocyte). We revealed extensive mitochondrial networks in the nurse cells, cytophore and mitochondria that pass through the cytoplasmic bridges, which indicates that a mitochondrial network can extend throughout the entire cyst. The dynamic hyperfusion state was suggested for such mitochondrial aggregations. We measured the mitochondria distribution and revealed their polarized distribution in the nurse cells and more abundant accumulation within the cytophore compared to the nurse cell. A close association of mitochondrial networks with dispersed nuage material, which seems to be the structural equivalent of a Balbiani body, not described in clitellate annelids so far, was also revealed.

Wandering intravitreal worm of Brugia malayi from Central India.

The intraocular filarial worm is rare. Most published reports are from south-east Asia.[1] The photo essay of Retina showed an intravitreal case.[2] Here is a report of intravitreal Brugia malayi. A 37-year-old farmer from central India had sudden painless decreased vision in the left eye for 12 days. His BCVA was 20/300 < N36 with left exotropia 15°. Slit-lamp examination showed an anterior chamber reaction. Dilated fundus showed vitritis++ with multifocal retinochoroiditis with live worm wandering in the mid-vitreous cavity [Fig. 1a–d].Figure 1: (a-c) Wandering intravitreal worm in fundus photo and (d) B-scan USG showing in the mid-vitreous cavityThe patient underwent 25-gauge vitrectomy. Vitreous strands surrounding white thread-like glistening cylindrical worm was utilized for grasping with forceps, [Fig. 2] and transferred to formalin and sent for morphological and microscopic examination. After lactophenol staining was observed under the coverslip and 40× illumination. It measured 6.05 mm. Slightly swollen head with oral opening with double stylet was observed [Fig. 3a]. The body had twisted curves. It appeared non-segmented smooth with irregular kinks at places [Fig. 3b] with cuticle around, which was coming out at places. [Fig. 3c] Ventrally coiled tail was grasped opened and seen under the microscope as pointed with excretory and secretory pores [Fig. 3d]. It was diagnosed as adult B. malayi as this is the only other filarial worm found in the Indian subcontinent.[3] Postoperatively patient had BCVA of 20/126, N24 vision with other parameters normal.Figure 2: Intraoperative photograph, the parasite is being removed with microforcepsFigure 3: (a) Microscopic photograph showing swollen head end with 2 stylets (b) body of the worm with irregular kinks (c) pointed caudal end showing the excretory and secretory pore (d) and body of the worm with cuticle coming outIntravitreal filariasis reported till now are few.[4] The first B. malayi microfilaria with uveitis in AC was reported by Anandakanan in 1977 in India. Rao et al.[5] in 2008 reported the first intravitreal live adult Brugian filariasis from Orissa. If removed on time prognosis is usually good. Microfilaria is one of the tropical diseases targeted for elimination by 2020. Declaration of patient consent The authors certify that they have obtained all appropriate patient consent forms. In the form the patient(s) has/have given his/her/their consent for his/her/their images and other clinical information to be reported in the journal. The patients understand that their names and initials will not be published and due efforts will be made to conceal their identity, but anonymity cannot be guaranteed. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest. Acknowledgement Optometrist Mr. Sunil Chauhan, Mr. Sishir Shukla, Lab. Technician: Ms. Savita Sen.

Traditional Mexican Dish Is Associated With More Than One Skipper Species (Lepidoptera, Hesperiidae, Megathiminae, Aegialini)

AbstractThe white maguey worm, Aegiale hesperiaris (Walker, 1856), is a gastronomic delicacy in Mexico, with high economic value. Aegiale hesperiaris is generally associated with the plant Agave salmiana Otto ex Salm-Dyck (Asparagales: Asparagaceae). However, lack of information about Ae. hesperiaris means that it is often confused with morphologically similar species such as Agathymus remingtoni D. Stallings &amp; Thurner (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae), a species generally found on Agave lechuguilla Torrey (Asparagales: Asparagaceae). Harvestings are made from all Agave L. (Asparagales: Asparagaceae) species on the assumption that all larvae will be Ae. hesperiaris. This has led to the belief that Ae. hesperiaris may have extended its diet breadth range and is actually infesting other Agave species. We collected larvae from A. lechuguilla and A. salmiana plants, in Hidalgo state, Mexico, and incubated them at 26°C, 50% RH and 12:12 light regime until adult emergence; adults were examined using morphological (male genitalia and wing patterns) and molecular techniques (partial COI sequences) to provide the data necessary for accurate species identification and allocation to host plant. Both species were successfully separated and identified as Ae. herperiaris feeding on A. salmiana and Ag. remingtoni feeding on A. lechuguilla, and a detailed description of the larval developmental stages and feeding behavior described. These results will facilitate the accurate identification of these two species in future studies.

Enterobius vermicularis in anterior chamber of eye

Enterobius vermiculari which is often referred as pinworm, is an intestinal nematode which is transmitted through fecal-oral route. The extraintestinal presentation of the worm is rare. A live worm, Enterobius vermicularis in anterior chamber is a very rare case. To present an unusual case of Enterobius vermicularis in anterior chamber of right eye in a 3 years old girl. Visual acuity assessment, slit lamp examination and ultrasonography of the eye were performed. The worm was found in anterior chamber of right eye at 8-9 o' clock hour position, coiling at the presentation. The living, white worm was freely moving and changing position frequently. There was hypopyon with exudates inferiorly. The pupil was irregular, posterior synechiae was present with cataractous lens. The living worm was removed surgically under general anesthesia and sent for microbiological examination. Synecholysis with lens aspiration and Posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation was done in second surgery. An adult worm in anterior chamber is rare. Treatment is surgical removal. The visual prognosis is not good when the case present with severe form of anterior uveitis and complicated cataract.

Largemouth bass use prior experience, but not information from experienced conspecifics, to avoid capture by anglers

AbstractAngler satisfaction is based on the presence of catchable fish, and therefore, understanding the mechanisms driving catchability is important for fisheries biologists and managers. Lure avoidance learning (including via social learning) may be a driver of catchability, but these mechanisms have not been explored in depth. To address this, largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides (Lacépède), were stocked into four ponds, and two were angled using a green plastic worm. Naïve bass were then introduced into all ponds, and angling commenced using a sequence of three lures (green plastic worm, white plastic worm and in‐line spinnerbait). Naive bass stocked alongside experienced conspecifics were not less catchable, indicating socially learned lure avoidance did not take place. Catch rates declined across sessions until the switch to the spinnerbait, when rates temporarily spiked. This suggests that the similarity of a novel lure to previously experienced lures may determine if a fish avoids angling capture.

Trichuris trichiura in the Colon

A 40-year-old woman who presented with a 6-month history of fatigue and feeling of abdominal bloating was referred for a colonoscopy. Physical examination was not remarkable and laboratory test results were normal. A colonoscopy showed a small white worm attached to the cecum, which was actively moving on the mucosal surface (Figure A). Half of its body was embedded into the mucosa. By using a magnifying high-definition endoscope, together with blue light imaging, the inside details of the parasite were clearly identified (Figures B and C).

The popular model annelid Enchytraeus albidus is only one species in a complex of seashore white worms (Clitellata, Enchytraeidae)

The white worm Enchytraeus albidus Henle, 1837 (Clitellata, Enchytraeidae) is easy to keep in laboratory cultures, and has therefore been employed as a model organism in basic and applied biological research. Its natural habitat includes terrestrial composts and wrack beds on seashores. However, the name E. albidus is currently used for a complex of morphologically similar and closely related species. We here revise the components of the E. albidus species complex based on a sample of 100 Enchytraeus specimens from 56 sites, most of which are across Europe. These samples were DNA-barcoded for the mitochondrial COI gene. A subset of them was sequenced for the nuclear ITS2 and H3 markers. Six species were delimited with strong support by the COI and ITS2 gene trees, as well as by a multi-locus species delimitation analysis. These species are identified morphologically and described as E. albidus s. str. (with designation of a neotype); Enchytraeus moebii(Michaelsen, 1885); Enchytraeus albellus Klinth, Erséus and Rota, sp. nov., E. cf. krumbachi (Čejka, 1913), E. sp. 1 (unnamed), and Enchytraeus polatdemiri Arslan and Timm, 2018. The last-mentioned species is a soda lake specialist, whereas E. albidus s. str. is both terrestrial and marine littoral; all other species occur only in seashores. The phylogeny of this group was estimated using the multi-species coalescent model. Monophyly of the E. albidus complex was recovered. Within this complex, three groups were recovered as monophyletic, but the relationship between them is unclear. One group comprises E. albidus s. str., E. albellus, and E. moebii; the second group E. cf. krumbachi and the unnamed E. sp. 1, and the third consists of only E. polatdemiri. This study serves as a framework for genetic identification of white worms used for experimental purposes.

Spirometra in Ptyas mucosus Snake in Sidoarjo, Indonesia

Currently snake is not only limited as performing animals, medicine, food and raw materials factories but also as pets. One of the famous snakes found in Indonesia is Ptyas mucosus. Snake is a port of the various parasitic zoonoses and unzoonoses. In P. mucosus also frequently reported cases of occurrence sparganosis. Sparganosis is a parasitic infection caused by the larvae spirometra or called spargana. The aim of this reasearch to study of the morphology of Spirometra in P. Mucosus snake from snakes collector in Sidoarjo, East Java. Identification adult worm and larvae in wet prepararat using a stereo microscope. Identification with Carmine staining and clearing with Glycerin using a light microscope with a magnification of 40x and 100x. The result found that P. mucosus was infected by larva of Spirometra. Sixty snakes were observed and 41 snakes were positively infected by the spargana (68%). Spargana found in musculus and subcutaneous snake P. Mucosus. Spargana are flat and thin white worms. They were like a ribbon. They are often found in groups in almost all parts of subcutaneous and musculus.The average length is 10cm, with average body width is 0,3cm. This is the first case report of sparganosis infection in P. mucosus in Indonesia. The discovery of P. mucosus sparganosis is a warning to the public to be more careful and aware in consuming snake because Spirometra sp. is one of parasitic zoonoses.Key Word: Spirometra, Ptyas mucosus, sparganosis.

Ancylostoma duodenale: Lost Its way into Appendix

Ancylostoma Duodenale (hook worm) is a parasitic infestation of the small bowel most commonly in the duodenum and terminal ileum. Majority of the cases are seen in natives and travelers visiting India and Indian sub-continent. It clinically manifests with non-specific symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea or rash. We would like to report an interesting case of Ancylostoma Duodenale infestation into the appendicular cavity which has never been reported in the past. A 62 years old Bengali female was referred to the Gastroenterology clinic for generalized abdominal pain, unintentional weight loss and mild iron deficiency anemia. Physical examination was unremarkable. Laboratory finding was significant for mild iron deficiency anemia. CT scan was unremarkable. Based on these clinical and imaging findings, it was decided to proceed for endoscopic work up. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed mild erythematous mucosa in antrum. Biopsies revealed Helicobacter-pylori associated gastritis. Colonoscopy was normal until striking findings were identified upon reaching the base of the cecum. Two small white worms were seen wiggling at the appendicular orifice. Both the worms were retrieved live with biopsy forceps and sent for microbiological exam along with aspirate. The worm was confirmed to be Ancylostoma Duodenale. The patient was successfully treated with single dose of Albendazole 400 mg. Lifecycle of this organism typically involves dermal penetration which usually manifests as “ground itch”. Larvae then reach the lungs via the lymphatic system. In the lungs, they are either coughed up or swallowed and finally get access to the gastrointestinal tract where they then mature into small intestine, colon typically not involved. Once matured in small intestine, adult worms attach to small intestinal mucosa where they consume the blood which clinically manifest as iron deficiency anemia. Once in the gastrointestinal tract, they usually form a burrow into the intervillous space and live there. Only few rare cases of cecal and terminal ileum manifestation have been reported in literature.To our knowledge, this is the first case showing direct endoscopic evidence of Ancylostoma Duodenale infestation into the appendicular cavity. In summary, the endoscopist should carefully look for uncommon sites of parasitic infestation in patients from endemic area presenting with unexplained abdominal pain and mild iron deficiency anemia.Figure: Live hook worms in appendicular cavity.Figure: Hook worm grasped live by biopsy forcep.

Production and nutritional composition of white worms Enchytraeus albidus fed different low-cost feeds

The marine oligochaete, white worm, Enchytraeus albidus (Henle, 1837), was evaluated as a potential live feed by exploring its production capacity and nutritional composition fed coffee grounds, spent brewing grains, stale bread, mixed produce, or sugar kelp over the course of 6-, 9-, or 12-week production cycles. Feed type and production cycle duration affected white worm biomass, reproductive potential, and proximate and fatty acid composition. In general, white worm cultures fed coffee grounds, stale bread, and spent brewing grains had higher production yields than cultures fed mixed produce or sugar kelp. Dependent on feeds and production cycle duration, white worms were high in protein (49–69%) and lipids (10–27%) and low in ash (5–8%), indicating that they would meet the dietary needs of species requiring a high protein, relatively high lipid, low ash diet. Compared to fatty acid profiles reported for standard live feeds like rotifers, Artemia, and copepods, white worms provided less n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid content (DHA 0–0.5%, EPA 2–18%, total LC-PUFAs 4–25%), with the highest levels in worms fed mixed produce or sugar kelp. White worms exhibit many attractive characteristics as feeds, but commercialization will require improved culture techniques to produce greater worm biomass while reducing production costs. Depending on the target species, white worms may need enrichment to increase n-3 LC-PUFA levels.

Ovaries of the white worm (Enchytraeus albidus, Annelida, Clitellata) are composed of 16-celled meroistic germ-line cysts

The paired ovaries of E. albidus are like a bunch of grapes and are composed of clearly separated units, syncytial germ cysts (clusters), which are surrounded by a thin layer of somatic cells. Each cyst maintains the connection with the ovary by an extended stalk that is composed of somatic cells. The spatial architecture of the germ-line cysts found in E. albidus is the same as in other clitellate annelids that have been studied to date. As a rule, germ cells are located at the cyst periphery and each has only one ring canal that connects it to the common and centrally located cytoplasmic mass, the cytophore. Here we present data about the F-actin and microtubular cytoskeleton and some molecular components of the germ-line cysts. We show that the ring canals have an inner rim that is enriched with microfilaments and proteins that contain phosphotyrosine. The microtubules form a loose network in the cytoplasm of the oocyte and nurse cells; moreover, some of them pass through the ring canals to the cytophore. Numerous microtubules are also located in the somatic cells.The germ-line cysts in E. albidus ovaries consist of 16 cells, which is the lowest known number of interconnected germ cells within clitellate annelids. During oogenesis, the fate of interconnected germ cells differentiates and only one cell develops as the future egg, while the other 15 become nurse cells. This differentiation means ovary meroism. The nurse cells gather cell organelles and storage material that then pass through the ring canals and cytophore moving towards the growing oocyte. At the end of oogenesis, the vitellogenic oocyte surrounds the siblings’ cells together with the cytophore and engulfs their remnants into the ooplasm. No morphological or molecular markers of the apoptosis of the nurse cells were found. Moreover, the nurse cells did not undergo polyploidisation. The measured DNA level was 4C, which indicates that these cells are not highly-specialised.

Two-color fluorescence in elytra of the scale-worm Lepidonotus squamatus (Polychaeta, Polynoidae): in vivo spectral characteristic

It has been known that elytra of scale-worms show fluorescence of their cuticle structures under UV excitation. The same phenomenon was described for some other polynoid species, but all of them had “unicolor” fluorescence pattern. Here, a White Sea dweller polynoid worm Lepidonotus squamatus (Linnaeus, 1758) was shown with two-color fluorescence, glowing in green and orange. We performed spectral analyses of the fluorescent particles, called tubercles, using ten different laser lines for excitation. In case of a green tubercle we were able to highlight the presence of four different chromophores: the Blue with maximum emission at 438 nm, the Green with maximum emission at 515 nm, the Yellow with maximum emission at 582 nm, and the Deep-Red with emission peaking at 711 nm. In case of orange tubercle, together with the same 4 chromophores, that we have in green one, we can determine an additional Orange chromophore with maximum emission at 600 nm.

EFFECT OF FROZEN WHITE WORM (Enchytraeus sp.) ON GROWTH OF PLATY (Xiphophorus maculatus Günther, 1866)

<div><!--block-->In this study, for the first time, effects of live food on platy (Xiphophorus maculatus Günther, 1866), were investigated by using frozen white worm (Enchytraeus sp.). Aquarium fish used in this study were fry with an average weight of 0.177-0.180 ±0.005 g in different groups. In the experiment, 135 fry Xiphophorus maculatus were used. Fish weights were determined, and they later were put as 15 individual in aquariums in order to breed with three different experimental feed treatments (frozen white worm, frozen white worm combined with traditional aquarium fish feed and traditional aquarium fish feed). Water temperature was determined as 23.7 ±0.05 °C in during of experiment. The fish were fed with three diet to satiation twice daily (09:00, 15:00) in during two months. In the end of the experiment average final weight was determined 0.257 ±0.01 g, 0.258 ±0.01 g and 0.211 ±0.01 g, fed on with frozen white worm, frozen white worm combined with aquarium fish feed and aquarium fish feed groups, respectively and there were significant differences between T2 (frozen white worm+combined with aquarium traditional fish feed) and T3 (aquarium traditional fish feed) groups of average final weight (p˂0.05).</div>

A Case of Human Ocular Thelaziasis

Thelaziasis is an arthropod-borne disease of the eye and adnexa caused by Thelazia callipaeda, a nematode transmitted by drosophilid flies to dogs, cattle, rabbits, deers and cows. Ocular manifestations due to Thelazia in humans are rare, and there are only a few case reports. We report a case of T. callipaeda in an elderly woman belonging to a rural background. One creamy white worm was removed from the anterior chamber of the eye. We report this case for its rarity as well as to increase awareness in the medical community.

The Effects of Live and Artificial Diets on Feeding Performance of Cultured Winter Flounder, Pseudopleuronectes americanus , in the Wild: Survival, Feeding, Growth, and Nucleic Acid Analyses

This research, which is part of a larger study designed to assess the feasibility of winter flounder, Pseudopleuronectes americanus, stock enhancement in New Hampshire, identifies hatchery feeds that optimize feeding-related performance of fish once released in the wild. Fish reared on post-nauplii of brine shrimp, Artemia sp., white worms, Enchytraeus albidus, common burrower amphipods, Leptocheirus plumulosus, and formulated pellets were evaluated post-release from in situ cages using survival, growth rate, feeding onset and incidence, stomach fullness, diet composition, and nucleic acid-based condition as indicators of hatchery diet suitability. Amphipod-reared fish had the highest mean stomach content index of all feed types, including wild fish. Wild and worm-reared fish exhibited the most similar survival, overall stomach fullness, and diet composition profiles over time. Amphipod-reared fish ranked highest in overall performance; however, if wild fish performance is viewed as the ideal for a stocked fish, worm-reared fish performed optimally. This study describes hatchery feeding strategies that may ease the transition of flatfish released into the wild for stock enhancement.