The oocapt of Paramphistomum cervi has a narrow constriction followed by a wide lumen with a thickened wall and is surrounded by several unicellular flask-shaped gland cells opening into the lumen. The oocapt gland cells are filled with granules, the size and number of which vary in the body cells and its duct. Histochemical studies have shown that the oocapt gland cells secrete mainly mucoproteins but a few lipoprotein and phospholipid granules have also been observed. The passage of the oocyte through the lumen of the oocapt, appears to stimulate the oocapt gland cells to release their secretion which seems to be involved in transport of the oocyte through the oviduct.

It is only within the last few years that the various species of Bulbous Irises have been recognised as host of Anguillulina dipsaci. Despite the comparative paucity of information on the matter there is evidence of the likelihood of infestations becoming serious in the immediate future. It may, therefore, be of value to place on record such information as is at present available.

The question of the immunity of the pig to ascariasis has been considered by helminthologists for some years and is still a vexed question. Ransom (1922) was of the opinion that the pig became immune at the age of 4 months but this was refuted by Morgan of the Institute of Agricultural Parasitology who, in 1931 successfully infected pigs at the age of 10 months and by the present writer (1934) at the age of a year. Sandground in 1929 referred to the difficulty of establishing infections under normal conditions though it is well known that almost every pig under field conditions picks up an infection at an early age. Furthermore, it is notoriously difficult to keep pigs “clean” for experimentation though this can be done, as it is done here, by careful attention to detail during rearing.

An experiment was carried out to assess mucosal changes in hamsters exposed to weekly repeated low-intensity infections with the hookworm Ancylostoma ceylanicum. The experiment included control groups of naïve, uninfected hamsters and groups that received a single-pulse primary infection. Changes in the intestinal architecture and in the density of inflammatory cells in the mucosa, including mast cells, goblet cells, Paneth cells and eosinophils were examined in relation to changes in hookworm burdens. As in the single-pulse primary infection, hamsters exposed to repeated infections responded with marked changes in the intestinal architecture and in mucosal populations of inflammatory cells. However, there were distinct differences in the kinetics of the responses to these two types of infection (primary single-pulse and repeated). The reduction in villous height and the increase in crypt depth in animals exposed to repeated infections were both initially slower but eventually equalled and exceeded the responses in hamsters given a chronic primary infection, despite the presence of fewer adult worms in the former. Similarly, changes in the mitotic figures of epithelial cells in the mucosa and the mast cell response were both initially slower and less intense in repeatedly infected hamsters, but eventually exceeded the response to primary infection. Furthermore, the eosinophil response was found to be initially greater in repeated infections and overall more persistent. In contrast, both goblet and Paneth cell responses were less marked in repeatedly infected animals compared to those carrying a primary infection. These results are discussed in the context of host protective resistance to infection with A. ceylanicum.

While multiple DNase activities occur in the excretory/secretory products (ESPs) of the adult Haemonchus contortus, the DNase activities in ESPs of the infective larvae (L3) have not been studied. Thus, the DNase activities in ESPs of H. contortus L3 were investigated and compared to those of adults for developmental stage-specific analysis. The DNase activities had relative molecular masses (Mrs) of 34 and 36 kDa upon zymographic analysis at pH 5.0 and 7.0 when the larvae were incubated for over 48 h. The 34 and 36 kDa DNases of L3 ESPs were also detected in adult ESPs with similar characteristics. However, the 37 and 38.5 kDa DNases of the adult ESPs were not detected in the L3 ESPs. Since the 37 and 38.5 kDa DNase activities were mainly detected in adult ESPs, these activities appear to be specific to the adult stage whereas the other ESP DNase activities appear to be expressed during multiple stages of the parasite's life cycle. While the difference in DNase activities of L3 and adults remains obscure, the role of DNase in larval development should be further clarified and the identification of stage-specific developmental markers will lead to the discovery of specific factors that stimulate larval development.

Protease activities in preparations from the plant-parasitic nematodes Heterodera glycines and Meloidogyneincognita and the free-living nematode Panagrellus redivivus were inhibited by exposure to a series of eight catechin polyphenol analogues, (+)-catechin, ( − )-epicatechin (EC), ( − )-gallocatechin (GC), ( − )-epigallocatechin (EGC), ( − )-catechin gallate (CG), ( − )-gallocatechin gallate (GCG), ( − )-epicatechin gallate (ECG) and ( − )-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) (1 mm each), and by a preparation from H. glycines cysts. General protease activity detected with the FRET-peptide substrate QXL520-KSAYMRF-K(5-FAM)a and proteasome chymotrypsin-like (CTL) activity detected with succinyl-LLVY-AMC were each inhibited significantly more (P< 0.05) by the gallated form of the polyphenol than by the corresponding non-gallated form. Species differences in response to inhibition across all analogues were revealed with the CTL substrate, but CG was a consistently potent inhibitor across all three species and with each substrate. A heat-stable component (CE) from H. glycines cysts inhibited M. incognita CTL activity by 92.07 ± 0.68%, significantly less (P< 0.05) in H. glycines (52.86 ± 2.77%), and by only 17.24 ± 0.55% (P< 0.05) in P. redivivus preparations. CTL activity was, however, inhibited more than 60% in all preparations by the proteasome-specific inhibitor MG-132. Hatching of M. incognita infective juveniles exposed to 1 mm CG, ECG, GCG or EGCG was reduced by 83.88 ± 4.26%, 69.98 ± 9.14%, 94.93 ± 1.71% and 87.93 ± 2.89%, respectively, while hatching of H. glycines was reduced less than 25% by each analogue. CE had no effect on nematode hatch, but did cause a 60% reduction in mobility of H. glycines infective juveniles exposed overnight to CE in vitro, which was more (P< 0.05) than the reduction of M. incognita infective juvenile mobility (20%).

A mouse-derived strain of Rodentolepis ( = Hymenolepis) nana was transferred to the Mongolian jird Meriones unguiculatus. It was found that M. unguiculatus has low susceptibility to R. nana mouse isolates. Likewise, adaptation of the parasite to jird hosts, in the absence of dexamethasone treatment, was not demonstrable, at least during ten-passage trials. Nevertheless, the parasite was able to establish, grow and develop to gravid adults in M. unguiculatus treated daily with dexamethasone. Prepatent periods in dexamethasone-treated jirds in ten-passage series ranged from 10 to 17 days post-infection (DPI), the average being 12 days, and the patent periods lasted from 18 to 30 DPI, with an average of 25 days. The population pattern of faecal egg output in immunosuppressed jirds suggests that under a daily dexamethasone treatment protocol, the parasite is able to maintain egg production as long as treatment is sustained.

A new genus and species of the philometrid nematode Dentirumaiphilippinensis n. gen., n. sp. Philometrinae, Philometridae, are described on the basis of the female specimens found in the loach goby, Rhyacichthys aspro (Valenciennes), from the upper Bianuan River, Municipality of Casiguran, Aurora Province, in the Philippine Archipelago. Dentirumai philippinensis was collected from the body cavity, subcutaneous tissues near the bases of the pectoral and pelvic fins, and surrounding body tissues in the hypaxial musculature of R. aspro. Based on light microscopic and scanning electron microscopic examination, the new nematode species is morphologically close to the genus Rumai Travassos, 1960 except for one major difference, i.e. the presence of a sclerotized ring in the oral aperture armed with distinct numerous minute teeth on its inner surface. This important taxonomic feature makes it possible to erect a new genus, Dentirumai n. gen. to accommodate the newly discovered philometrid species. A key to genera of the Philometrinae is provided.

Cystic liver disease (CLD), presenting with solitary or multiple cysts in the liver, is a common diagnosis today, primarily due to the frequent application of modern radiological methods. There is a wide range of possible causes. CLD of infective origin is usually caused by an echinococcal species. During the past three decades a number of cystic echinococcosis (CE) control programmes have led to a significant decrease in the incidence of human hydatidosis in some endemic areas. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of E. granulosus infection in Croatian patients with CLD. A total of 540 serum samples from patients with hepatic cysts detected by imaging methods were screened for the presence of E. granulosus IgG antibodies using semiquantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The Western blot technique was used as a confirmatory test for the CE diagnosis. The overall E. granulosus seroprevalence rate in patients with CLD was 3.9%. There was no significant difference in seroprevalence rate between male and female patients (P = 0.541). According to age groups, there was a significant difference in seropositivity among age groups (P = 0.002). The highest seroprevalence rate was detected in the youngest age group (up to 18 years), both in males and females (20% and 13%, respectively). This study indicates that CE still represents a public health problem in Croatia. Preventive measures should be used to control Echinococcus infections, including avoidance of contact with infected dogs, egg-contaminated soil or plants; control and treatment of dogs with antihelmintics; hand washing, improved sanitation and health education.

The lesions associated with the migration of the larvæ of Ascaris megalocephala through the tissues of the host were studied in rabbits, guinea pigs and mice. In addition to studying the changes in those organs directly invaded by the larvæ in the course of migration, an organ remote from the migratory route but exposed to the action of any toxic products elaborated by the larvæ was also examined. In each case therefore, sections were prepared from (a) liver, (b) lungs and (c) kidneys.

An experiment was set up to investigate the effect of root diffusates from different varieties of potatoes on natural infestations of cysts in three different soils. A series was included in which no root diffusate at all was used, to obtain an estimate of the degree of spontaneous hatching which occurred. In the absence of diffusate, about 50 per cent, of larvae emerged from the cysts, as compared with 84 per cent, in the case of soils treated with diffusates. Significant differences were detected in the degree of emergence under the action of the different diffusates, that from “Ulster Chieftain” having the greatest effect. Significant differences were also detected between the different soils, larval emergence being lowest in the greensand.

The material on which this article is based was sent to Dr. R. T. Leiper, C.M.G., F.R.S., by Mr. L. R. Hutson, Veterinary Officer, Antigua, to both of whom my thanks are due. Most of the cestodes had already been described by Prof. J. G. Baer and recorded by him in 1940. The rest of the collection consists mainly of nematodes but there are, however, representatives of all three groups of helminths—Trematoda, Cestoda and Acanthocephala as well as the Nematoda. The hosts were all described by the local popular names and I am much indebted to Mr. Kinnear, of the Natural History Museum, London, for identifying them.

The only trematode in the collection is the Strigeid, Apharyngostrigca cornu Goeze, 1800, which had been removed from the large gut of a Yellow crowned night heron, Nycticorax violaceous. It has already been recorded from a number of birds belonging to the Ciconidae and to the Ardeidae but not from this particular host. It is not uncommon in Europe and the United States but has not been reported in the British West Indies before. There are two specimens both attached to the mucous membrane but they were easily removed and seemed to have caused no pathological changes. They are mature and contain eggs and the vitellaria are strongly developed, obscuring most of the other organs.

In 1956 the author described five new species of Procamallanus from India and also gave an amended key to the species, originally described by Annereaux (1946). Meanwhile a few more species were reported from India and elsewhere, but as the author had no access to the publications, these species were not included in the key. To clarify certain points the following review is given.

Echinostephilla virgula occupies an isolated position in the Digenea; apparently it does not belong with certainty to any of the existing families and, as the original description is incomplete, it was considered worthy of re-description. This trematode was found frequently at St. Andrews between the months of September, 19–19, and March, 1951, in the intestine of the Turnstone (Arenaria interpres Linn.). There was usually a heavy parasitism, fifty to one hundred worms being found in one host. However, in spite of frequent examinations of birds shot after this period, no further specimens were found.

A comparative studs of the spectral, electrophoretic and isoelectric properties of the haemoglobins of three trematodes. Paramphistomum epiclitum. Gigantocotyle explanatum and Gastrothylax erumenifer was carried out. A high absorption in the beta band region indicates that trematode haemoglobins have high oxygen affinities. Electrophoretic mobilities of all trematode and their host haemoglobins were different. The isoelectric points of trematode haemoglobins were found to focus in the acidic range except that of G. crumenifer haemoglobin I. which focused at an alkaline pH.

It was possible to make a more critical study of immunity against A. suum by infecting pathogen-free, colostrum-deprived pigs produced by hysterectomy.

By means of the conglutinating complement absorption test, using a saline extract of worm as antigen, antibodies were first demonstrated in the circulation of three experimentally-infected pigs between the 10th and 13th days of infection, and were detected in the sera of two of them for at least 97 days.

The infections did not become patent, and no acquired immunity was shown by the pigs against a reinfection 97 days later. There was no evidence of an age immunity against migrant larvae.

A rise in serum antibody was observed, within seven days of infection, in six pigs aged between 10 weeks and 11 months, following a test dose of 500,000 eggs. Three suckling pigs, aged three weeks, did not respond serologically within seven days to the same test dose.

Several methods are being applied for solubilizing adult Schistosoma mansoni antigens which may allow their immunochemical characterization and purification. Studies on antigens and immunoprecipitins in schistosome infections have been carried out with homogenized extracts of adult worms and/or larval forms of Schistosoma mansoni in saline (Biguet et al., 1962; Kagan and Norman, 1963; Silva and Ferri, 1965), or water (Kent, 1963). Kusel (1972) studied surface proteins in S. mansoni membrane, treating the worms with 0·5% saponin in 3% calcium chloride. Murrel et al. (1974) compared by immunodiffusion a crude culture antigen with extracts obtained by freeze-thawing of adult worms and by treatment in 3M KCl.

The results of a vaccination trial in lambs with gamma-irradiated infective larvae of Gaigeria pachyscelis are described. A single percutaneous (P/C) vaccination of lambs with 2000 infective larvae irradiated at 40 Kr induced the development of resistance. The vaccinated lambs successfully resisted a lethal challenge infection of 5000 non-irradiated larvae 3 months later. In the vaccinated lambs, the manifestations of resistance were shown by marked reduction in the worm establishment, development of retarded and functionally sterile worms and absence of clinical signs of hookworm disease after the challenge infection.

The ultrastructural morphology of the alimentary tract of the third-stage larvae of Litomosoides carinii (Nematoda: Filarioidea) is described. The oesophagus possesses the characteristic tri-radiate lumen and is lined by cuticle. The lumen of the oesophagus is tightly occluded anteriorly by particulate material and posteriorly at the oesophagointestinal junction. Three glands are present in the glandular region, one dorsal and two subventral. These glands contain secretory granules with similar morphological and staining properties. The lumen of the intestine is ill-defined without microvilli and apparently non-functional. It is likely that the larvae feed via the transcuticular route.