A new species of trematode of anaporrhutine gorgoderid, from the gill chambers of the Munda round ray Urotrygon munda in Costa Rica is described, based on an integrative taxonomic approach that includes the use of light and scanning electron microscopy, ITS2 and 28S rDNA sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis. Anaporrhutum mundae sp. nov. can be distinguished from congeneric species by a combination of morphological traits and particularly by having the genital pore opening at the level of the intestinal bifurcation. The new species also can be distinguished from all other species of Anaporrhutum, except A. euzeti Curran, Blend & Overstreet, 2003, by having fewer testicular follicles per testis. Anaporrhutum mundae sp. nov. also differs from A. euzeti in its forebody shape and by having different morphology and location of the vitellaria. The study of the tegumental surface of A. mundae sp. nov., as revealed by scanning electron microscopy, allowed detection of new morphological characters for a member of Anaporrhutinae that may be of taxonomic value. These are: a stylet cavity dorsal to the oral sucker with a large penetration gland opening on each side of the cavity and small penetration gland openings located ventral to the stylet cavity, arranged in a circle around the mouth. This represents the first record of an Anaporrhutum species from Costa Rica. Further, A. mundae sp. nov. represents the first parasite described or reported in this host.

The life cycles of species of Proteocephalus Weinland, 1858 (Cestoda: Proteocephalidea) parasitizing fishes in the Palearctic Region are reviewed on the basis of literary data and personal experimental observations, with special attention being paid to the development within the intermediate and definitive hosts. Planktonic crustaceans, diaptomid or cyclopid copepods (Copepoda), serve as the only intermediate hosts of all Proteocephalus species considered. A metacestode, or procercoid, develops in the body cavity of these planktonic crustaceans and the definitive host, a fish, becomes infected directly after consuming them. No previous reports of the parenteral location of metacestodes within the second intermediate host as it is in the Nearctic species P. ambloplitis have been recorded. Thus, the life cycles of Proteocephalus tapeworms resemble in their general patterns those of some pseudophyllidean cestodes such as Eubothrium or Bothriocephalus, differing from the latter in the presence of a floating eggs instead of possessing an operculate egg from which a ciliated, freely swimming larva, a coracidium, is liberated. The scolex of Proteocephalus is already formed at the stage of the procercoid within the copepod intermediate host; in this feature, proteocephalideans resemble caryophyllidean rather than pseudophyllidean cestodes. The morphology of procercoids of individual species is described with respect to the possibility of their differentiation and data on the spectrum of intermediate hosts are summarized. Procercoids of most taxa have a cercomer, which does not contain embryonic hooks in contrast to most pseudophyllidean cestodes. The role of invertebrates (alder-fly larvae — Megaloptera) and small prey fishes feeding upon plankton in the transmission of Proteocephalus tapeworms still remains unclear but these hosts are likely to occur in the life cycle. Data on the establishment of procercoids in definitive hosts, morphogenesis of tapeworms within fish hosts, and the length of the prepatent period are still scarce and new observations are needed. Whereas extensive information exists on the development of P. longicollis (syns. P. exiguus and P. neglectus), almost no data are available on the ontogeny of other taxa, in particular those occurring in brackish waters (P. gobiorum, P. tetrastomus). The morphology of P. cernuae and P. osculatus procercoids from experimentally infected intermediate hosts is described for the first time.

In the last years, a growing number of studies have focused on the search for biological indicators of human impact in freshwater environments. Given their susceptibility to different types of impact, larval digeneans have been considered as useful tools for the study of temporal variations in parasite communities. However, few studies have been carried out in lotic environments. For that reason, the spatio-temporal variations of the larval digenean assemblages parasitizing the gastropod Heleobia parchappii were analysed in four human-impacted streams, located on the coast of Argentina. In total, 4800 specimens of H. parchappii were collected seasonally, and 12 digenean species belonging to eight families were registered. Three of the streams showed similar species presence but, during spring and summer, the streams located within the city presented lower species presence than the streams located in the urban periphery. By contrast, the spatial prevalence values evidenced a higher variation between the environments. Streams located in the urban periphery showed higher prevalence values throughout the year, compared to those calculated for streams located within the city. The spatio-temporal variations of larval digenean assemblages parasitizing H. parchappii seem to be mainly influenced by the diversity and vagility of definitive hosts, the types of digenean life cycles and habitat characteristics. However, environmental disturbances derived from anthropogenic activities are highlighted as the probable main factors that may affect the composition and dynamic of these parasite assemblages.

Nematodes of the genus Gongylonema infect a wide range of mammals worldwide but are only sporadically reported in humans. We describe a case of human infection with Gongylonema pulchrum in a 41-year-old man. The patient extracted the nematode from the submucosa under his tongue and correctly self-diagnosed the infection with the help of the Google search engine. In the laboratory, the collected nematode was confirmed as G. pulchrum microscopically by morphological analysis and genetically by amplifying and sequencing the parasite's rDNA. This is the first report of human G. pulchrum infection in Slovenia.

A new species of the genus Oscheius, Oscheius cyrus n. sp., collected in the moist soils taken from forest heights in the north of Iran, is recorded. A comprehensive description, comprising molecular (internal transcribed spacer (ITS), 18S, and 28S rDNA genes) information, morphometrics data, light microscope and scanning electron microscope images, is supplied. The species resembles Oscheius myriophilus. However, the highest ranges for female body length, female tail, infective juvenile tail length, median bulb, absence of epiptygma and lateral field incisures number vary. The new species was distinguished from Oscheius insectivorus by the general lip region. The male was not found. Molecular analysis showed that the new species has the most similarity to O. myriophilus both in the ITS and 18S regions. Morphological and molecular data confirmed its belonging to the Insectivora-group. Furthermore, the species of Ochrobactrum pseudogrignonense was reported as a dominant associated bacterium of the new Oscheius species. Finally, the mortality of the host after seven days varied from 20% to 82.5%, depending on nematodes’ concentration.

The effects of a diet deficient in the B vitamins on infectivity, growth, and distribution of Echinostoma caproni in ICR mice were studied. The vitamin-deficient diet (experimental) was isocaloric to the control diet but lacked the B vitamins. Thirty-six female, 6- to 8-week-old ICR mice were each infected with 25 metacercarial cysts. From the day of infection to the day of necropsy, 18 mice were fed the experimental diet and the remaining mice received the control diet. Equal numbers of experimental and control mice were necropsied at 2, 3 and 4 weeks postinfection (p.i.). Mice on the experimental diet showed a significant loss in body weight between 2 and 4 weeks p.i. There was no significant difference in worm recovery at 2 to 4 weeks p.i. from mice on either diet. Worms from hosts on the experimental diet were more dispersed and located more posteriad in the small intestine than those from mice on the control diet. Worm dry weight was significantly less in hosts on the experimental diet at all weeks p.i. compared with that of hosts on the control diet. The body area of worms on the experimental diet was significantly less at 2 and 3 weeks p.i. than that of worms on the control diet. An isocaloric diet deficient in the B vitamins had a detrimental effect on the growth of E. caproni in ICR mice.

This randomised study aimed to assess and compare the efficacy of treatment protocols containing levamisole, ivermectin, or moxidectin against Capillaria spp. in naturally infected European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) presented to a British wildlife rehabilitation centre. Faecal analysis, consisting of wet mount and flotation, was performed for 229 hedgehogs weighing ≥200g. Animals testing positive for Capillaria spp. (81%), excluding pregnant females, were randomly allocated a treatment protocol. Initially, hedgehogs (n = 50) received one of six ‘pilot’ protocols, whereas the remaining animals (n = 97) received one of three ‘main’ protocols. Faecal analysis was repeated on day 8 and day 12 after treatment initiation. Efficacy of each treatment was assessed based on Capillaria reduction rate (CRR), weight gain, presence of respiratory clinical signs, and outcome. Pilot protocols containing only moxidectin had a significantly lower CRR (≥28.1%) compared to those with levamisole or ivermectin (≥86.6%), whereas the main protocols containing levamisole had a significantly higher CRR (≥93.0%) compared to those containing only ivermectin (≥69.3%). Clinical parameters did not differ significantly between treatments, but animals with respiratory clinical signs at the end of the trial were significantly more likely to have lower CRR and test positive for Crenosoma striatum. C. striatum often appeared refractory to treatment, and managing these infections requires additional anthelmintic therapy. Based on the formulations and dosages trialled, moxidectin is not recommended for treating capillariosis in European hedgehogs, whereas levamisole given orally for two consecutive days at 25–35 mg/kg is suggested as the treatment of choice.

The monoclonal antibody IACR-CCNj.3d has previously been used to isolate a gene (gp-col-8) with strong similarity to cuticular collagen from a mixed stage Globodera pallida cDNA expression library. The antibody has also been shown to label specifically the amphidial canal of pre-parasitic second stage juveniles (J2) of several plant nematode species without any reactivity on the cuticular surface, indicating that this protein is either not present or is inaccessible on the cuticular surface. This paper investigates the cross-reactivity of Mab IACR-CCNj.3d with Meloidogyne arenaria and the localization of the putative collagen protein on the cuticular surface of parasitic stages in planta and on the cuticular surface of juveniles inside eggs. The antigen was shown to be present in all developmental stages of the two species of potato cyst nematodes and M. arenaria. The antibody bound strongly to the amphidial canal and hypodermis of pre-parasitic J2 and adult females. The antigen was present on the cuticular surface of the sausage-shaped J2 in planta and of first stage juveniles (J1) inside the eggs. The presence of collagen on the surface of the cuticle of moulting stages of plant parasitic nematodes has been observed for the first time. It is clear that this protein has a role in the construction of the cuticle of the first stage juveniles and parasitic second stage juveniles, during moulting inside the eggs and in the root tissue, respectively.

The aim of the study was to compare the relative gene expression of Haemonchus contortus P-glycoprotein genes (Hco-pgp) between fourth (L4), infective (L3), and transitory infective (xL3) larval stages as laboratory models to study ivermectin (IVM) resistance. The H. contortus resistant to IVM (IVMr) and susceptible to IVM (IVMs) strains were used to develop xL3 in vitro culture and to infect Meriones unguiculatus (gerbils) to collect L4 stages. Morphometric differences were evaluated from 25 individuals of H. contortus from each strain. Relative gene expression from xL3 and L4 was determined between comparison of IVMr stages and from IVMr vs IVMs stages. Seven Hco-pgp genes (1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, and 16) were analysed by RT-qPCR using L3 stage as control group, per strain, and GAPDH and β-tubulin as constitutive genes. Morphological changes were confirmed between xL3 and L4 developing oral shape, oesophagus, and intestinal tube. In addition, the body length and width showed statistical differences (p < 0.05). The Hco-pgp1, 2, 3, and 4 genes (p < 0.05) were upregulated from 7.1- to 463.82-fold changes between IVMr stages, and Hco-pgp9 (13.12-fold) and Hco-pgp10 (13.56-fold) genes showed differences between L4 and xL3, respectively. The comparative study between IVMr vs IVMs strains associated to xL3 and L4 displayed significant upregulation for most of the Hco-pgp genes among 4.89–188.71 fold-change. In conclusion, these results suggest the use of H. contortus xL3 and L4 as suitable laboratory models to study IVMr associated with Hco-pgp genes to contribute to the understanding of anthelmintic resistance.

The structure and affinities of the progenctic larva of Echinobothrium reesae Ramadevi, 1969, are described and discussed.

A successful peritoneal transplant of 5 Cardiofilaria nilesi adult worms, 3♀ Symbo; and 2♂ Symbo; is reported. Microfilaraemia in the recipient chicken was found on the 6th day after the transplant. The count rose to 4/20 c.mm., from 1/20 c.mm. in 19 days after the transplant. The highest count recorded was 14/20 c.mm. The microfilaraemia persisted for 63 days.

Hexatylus viviparus, a spear-bearing nematode superficially resembling Aiiguillulina dipsaci, was originally described by the writer (1926) from a diseased potato tuber. In a second note published the same year (1926a), further details of its structure were given; the organisms in this case being obtained from a gladiolus corm affected with an internal soft rot.

Since the appearance of these papers the writer has encountered this species on several occasions both in potato tubers and gladiolus corms. The receipt of a gladiolus corm in February, 1937, the brown rotten centre of which contained numerous specimens of the worm, provided further material for detailed observations on the structure of the worms. Some of the decayed central tissues of the corm also served as an inoculum for the cultivation of the nematode, along with a fungus, on slope cultures of a malt extract agar. Subcultures from the original slopes have been made from time to time and on these the worms have been successfully maintained for more than twelve months.

Experiments were carried out to obtain additional data concerning the role of IgM antibodies, specific for the cuticular surface of the microfilariae (mf) of A. viteae, in clearing microfilaraemia from high-and low-responder mice infected by transplanted adult worms. Although BALB/c mice, which sustain a chronic microfilaraemia, produced IgM mf surface-specific antibodies, the binding to target mf was weak when compared to that of antibodies from the serum of the resistant C57BL/10 mice. Furthermore, antibodies from BALB/c mice were not as efficient as those from C57BL/10 mice in promoting the adherence of immune or control leukocytes to mf in vitro. Evidence is provided to show that mf shed surface bound antibody. Although the results do not establish conclusively the mechanism underlying the contrasting response phenotypes of C57BL/10 and BALB/c mice, they provide support for the involvement of antibody in controlling microfilaraemia and suggest that quantitative and qualitative differences in the amount and affinity of IgM antibody specific for the mf surface, together with the natural tendency of the mf to shed surface bound antibody at 37°C. may combine to allow the former strain to clear microfilaraemia efficiently whilst the latter sustains a chronic infection.

Four muscle groups are responsible for the eversion and retraction of the apical denticles and enlarged pseudolabia in Skrjabinoptera goldmanae (Nematoda: Physalopteridae), which occurs in the lizards Chlamydosaurus kingii, Pogona spp. and Varanus gouldii in Australia. These muscles enable the nematode to bury its anterior portion in the gastric submucosa of its hosts. They comprise three sets which are derived from the somatic musculature and are inserted in the oesophagus and associated organs, and a fourth set of muscles which appears to be derived from the muscular oesophagus itself. These accessory muscle groups are described and illustrated, and from this their mode of action in everting and retracting the pseudolabia is derived. Possible selection pressures which led to their evolution are reviewed.

Oxysomatiinae: Sexual dimorphism not marked; mouth with three lips; body delicate; pharynx short and muscular; females with ovaries much reduced, uteri divergent, amphidelph, contain a reduced number of eggs arranged in moniliform manner and towards the centre eggs with well developed larvae or even free larvae may be present; vulva behind middle of body; males with subequal or equal spicules of moderate size; accessory piece present. Parasites of amphibians and reptiles. Type species: R. simples (Travassos, 1925) Travassos, 1927.

A brief description has been given in an earlier paper (Goodey, 1943) of damage to tulip bulbs caused by the stem and bulb eelworm, Anguillulina dipsaci. In April, 1944, an opportunity arose, through the good offices of Mr. J. Oldnall Page, of Spalding, Lincs., of visiting a field in his district, in which eelworm-affected tulips were growing. Two of the varieties inspected were in flower and the other two were in an advanced bud condition. All four varieties exhibited marked symptoms of attack, and in the case of two of them in which there were a considerable number of plants, the damage caused to the blooms would entail a distinct financial loss to the grower. The largest planting consisted of the variety “ Rijnland,” the next largest was the variety “Wonderful.” In addition to these there were smaller plantings of “ William Copland ” and “ Mrs. Farncombe Sanders.” In all four varieties evidences of attack were apparent on leaves, stems and flowers and, in general, the writer can confirm the findings of Chitwood and Machmer (1942) on the symptoms manifested by the growing plant. They mention longitudinal splitting of leaf, flower-stem and corolla. It may be well, however, to attempt a more detailed description of the chief symptoms and types of lesion shown by affected plants: see also the two photographs accompanying this paper.

As a result of complaints received from farmers as to the presence of parasitic worms in sheep, an attempt was made during the period October 1923 to September 1924 (inclusive) to ascertain the distribution and relative abundance of the more usual parasitic worms inhabiting the alimentary canal of sheep in North Wales. Regular collections were made from the following centres:—Pwllheli, Carnarvon, Bangor, Conway and Llandudno, with a few records also from Colwyn Bay, Bethesda, Menai Bridge and Denbigh. All the sheep examined were slaughtered for food purposes, practically the whole being obtained from slaughter houses. Almost all had grazed for considerable periods on the farms in the district mentioned, at elevations varying from sea level to 600 feet.

The humoral response of guinea pigs infected with doses of 500, 1000, and 1500 infective Toxocara canis ova were measured by counterimmunoelectrophoresis and indirect haemmagglutination tests one to five weeks after infection. The antigens used in these measurements were prepared from adult T. canis. Counterimmunoelectrophoresis showed lower titres than haemagglutination method, but it was performed rapidly and with case. The possible use of these techniques for immunodiagnosis of human visceral larval migrans is discussed.

The resistance to infection by Ostertagia spp. of three groups of lactating ewes was compared with an unbred control group. Group 1 was fed a full diet of hay and a concentrate ration ad lib. Groups 2 and 3 were fed the same quantitatively inadequate diet and in addition group 3 received daily injections of thyroxine sodium. All the animals were infected regularly with Ostertagia larvae and killed 6 weeks after lambing.

While the unbred sheep were highly resistant, all three groups of lactating ewes carried significant numbers of worms. Group 2 and 3 had significantly more than group 1, the additional worms being present as adults. The effect of hyperthyroidism in group 3 was not significant.

It is concluded that the immuno-suppressant effect of lactation is probably not due to protein depletion although the latter may be an important secondary factor.