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Distribution and movement of infective-stage larvae of Dipetalonema viteae (Filarioidea) in the vector tick, Ornithodoros tartakowskyi (Argasidae).

Histological sections and dissection of infected ticks, Ornithodoros tartakowskyi, showed that in the resting tick the 3rd-stage larvae of Dipetalonema viteae were distributed in clumps throughout the hemocoel. In the biting tick, larvae moved anteriorly and congregated especially in the capitulum; and the forward migration occurred even though no blood was ingested. This suggests that the act of biting and not the ingestion of blood is the critical factor in migration. The larvae may reach the buccal cavity through 4 possible avenues: 1) the junction of the pharynx with the buccal cavity; 2) the esophagus; 3) the salivary ducts; and 4) the roof of the hypostome. Developing forms produce direct injury to muscle fibers, and the migrating larvae further disorganize the muscles, affecting to some extent the normal activities of the ticks.

Animals↗

Behavior of Dipetalonema viteae (Filarioidea) during escape from the vector tick, Ornithodoros tartakowskyi (Argasidae).

To determine the behavior of Dipetalonema viteae in its tick vector, Ornithodoros tartakowskyi, the ticks were fed on jirds at successive intervals of 30 to 35 days after a single infective blood meal, and the number of larvae passing from the tick during each bite was determined by recovery of: 1) adult worms from the jirds' tissues; 2) larvae from skin snips taken at the feeding site immediately after the bite; and 3) larvae from serum and tissue after artificial feeding through a skin-membrane. All methods gave similar results. Ticks harboring few larvae released most of them (82%) during the first bite, and required only 2 bites to transmit all. Ticks with moderate or heavy infections required 3 or 4 bites to transfer all larvae. Factors which may explain this are: 1) relatively short duration of the bite of heavily infected ticks due to irritation and damage to the muscles of mouthparts and pharynx by the larvae; 2) resistance of the anterior alimentary tract to penetration by the larvae; and 3) retarding effects of crowding on development and migration of larvae. Aging of infection in the tick apparently did not influence the rate of transfer of larvae. Infection adversely affected the feeding and retarded the molting of young nymphs, but with the loss of larvae in successive bites the ability to suck blood was regained.

Animals↗

Transmission of microfilariae and infective larvae of Dipetalonema viteae (Filarioidea) among vector ticks, Ornithodoros tartakowskyi (Argasidae), and loss of microfilariae in coxal fluid.

During studies on the acquisition and transmission of infection with the filaria Dipetalonema viteae by Ornithodoros tartakowskyi, it was found that young nymphs and starved medium-sized ticks feed on recently engorged larger ticks. In this manner young ticks acquired the infection with microfilariae, and the microfilariae thus taken developed normally and after 30 days of development were transmitted to a jird. Ticks harboring infective larvae were able to transfer them to other engorged ticks when attempting to feed on them. Although it is not known whether this occurs in nature, it could be a supplementary mechanism in the natural maintenance of this species of filaria. Ticks eliminated microfilariae in the coxal fluid in small numbers during the 1st hr after the infective meal and in increasing numbers with time, reaching a peak between 3 and 5 hr. This mechanism may prevent some ticks from becoming hyperinfected.

Animals↗

[Suppression of the parasitemia in rodent filariasis (Litomosoides carinii) by immunization with BCG and microfilaria. II. Intravenous BCG application].

By intravenous (i.v.) inoculation of living tuberculosis bacteria (BCG) non-specific resistance to microfilariae of Litomosoides carinii (Filarioidea) is induced in cotton rats. This is only possible using the preparation "Immune-BCG Pasteur F" (suspended germs), but not with "Vaccin-BCG pour scarifications" (lyophilized tuberculosis bacteria). After inoculation of Immune-BCG, followed by a challenge infection by 60 infective larvae 6 weeks later, a patent infection develops. However, the level of microfilaraemia is constantly lower than in the control. After challenge infection 12 weeks later, this effect has disappeared. Immune-BCG has no influence on the worm load or the output of microfilariae by the adult worms. If i.v. inoculation of Immune-BCG is combined with a subcutaneous injection of specific antigen--living embryos from the uteri of adult worms--the BCG-activated immune system undergoes specific sensitization. Upon challenge infection 6 weeks later, the microfilaraemia is completely suppressed, but the worm load and production of microfilariae by the adult female worms are normal. If Immune-BCG is injected i.v. 3 days before intraperitoneal injection of freeze-killed microfilariae, there is still constantly reduced microfilaraemia when challenge infection follows 12 weeks later. Obviously, the effect of this relatively weak antigen may be increased by BCG stimulation.

Animals↗

Ultrastructure of the alimentary tract of third-stage larvae of Litomosoides carinii.

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. Teh lumen of the oesophagus is tightly occluded anteriorly by particulate material and posteriorly at the oesophagointestional 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.

Animals↗

Novel retinoid-binding proteins from filarial parasites.

The present study deals with the discovery and partial characterization of specific binding proteins for retinol and retinoic acid from filarial parasites (worms of the superfamily Filarioidea), including those from two species of Onchocerca. These binding proteins, which are distinct in their physicochemical properties and in the mode of ligand interactions from the host-tissue retinoid-binding proteins, may be involved in the mediation of the putative biological roles of retinoids in the control of parasitic growth, differentiation and reproduction. Parasite retinol-binding protein and retinoic acid-binding protein exhibited specificity for binding retinol and retinoic acid respectively. Both the binding proteins showed an s20,w value of 2.0 S. On gel filtration, both proteins were retarded to a position corresponding to the same molecular size (19.0 kDa). On preparative columns, the parasite binding proteins exhibited isoelectric points at pH 5.7 and 5.75. Unlike the retinoid-binding proteins of mammalian and avian origin, the parasite retinoid-binding proteins showed a lack of mercurial sensitivity in ligand binding. The comparative amounts of retinoic acid-binding protein in five parasites, Onchocerca volvulus, Onchocerca gibsoni, Dipetalonema viteae, Brugia pahangi and Dirofilaria immitis, were between 2.7 and 3.1 pmol of retinoic acid bound/mg of extractable protein. However, the levels of parasite retinol-binding protein were between 4.8 and 5.8 pmol/mg, which is considerably higher than the corresponding levels of cellular retinol-binding protein of mammalian and avian origin. Both retinol- and retinoic acid-binding-protein levels in O. volvulus-infected human nodules and O. gibsoni-infected bovine nodules were similar to their levels in mammalian tissues. Also, these nodular binding proteins, like the host-binding proteins, exhibited mercurial sensitivity to ligand interactions.

4-Chloromercuribenzenesulfonate↗

Specific interaction of ivermectin with retinol-binding protein from filarial parasites.

Specific cellular binding proteins for retinol and retinoic acid from mammalian and avian species may mediate the action of retinoids in the control of epithelial differentiation, growth and tumorigenesis. Parasite retinol-binding protein (PRBP) and parasite retinoic acid-binding protein (PRABP) isolated and characterized from parasitic worms of the family Filarioidea might be involved in some possible action of vitamin A compounds in these parasites. Ivermectin, a potent and widely used anti-parasitic drug, competes efficiently with retinol for retinol-binding sites on PRBP, but not for the host-tissue retinol-binding-protein sites. The drug has no affinity for retinoic acid-binding proteins from either parasite or host tissues. Binding studies using radiolabelled ivermectin and retinol reveal that ivermectin has a higher affinity than retinol for PRBP. A correlation exists between the binding affinities of ivermectin analogues and their anti-parasitic activities. A binding-protein-mediated interrelationship may exist between the actions of retinol and ivermectin in the parasites, but not in the host tissues.

Animals↗

A new zoonosis of the cerebrospinal fluid of man probably caused by Meningonema peruzzii, a filaria of the central nervous system of Cercopithecidae.

A female fourth stage larva of Meningonema, probably of M. peruzzii Orihel et Esslinger, 1973, was recovered in Cameroon, from the cerebrospinal fluid of a patient harbouring Loa loa, but without any neurological signs. This observation is the first human case of Meningonema (Filarioidea Splendidofilariinae) which usually parasitizes the central nervous system of African Cercopithecinae. However, as indicated by Orihel and Esslinger, it seems probable that the perstans-like microfilariae described in cases of cerebral filariasis in Zimbabwe belonged to the same species.

Animals↗

Litomosoides yutajensis n. sp., first record of this filarial genus in a mormoopid bat.

Twenty-five bats were trapped in Yutaje (Amazonas, Venezuela) and examined for Litomosoides (Filarioidea: Onchocercidae). Of the nine recovered bat species, only Pteronotus parnelli was infected; it is a cave-dwelling species belonging to a family, Mormoopidae, which has not previously been included in the host range of the genus. The new species, L. yutajensis n. sp., has two median cephalic bosses covered with rugosities and differs from the 15 recognized species and subspecies from bats in several characters. Alike L. molossi Esslinger, 1973, L. chandleri Esslinger, 1973 and L. chitwoodi Bain, Guerrero, Rodriguez 2003, the new species has cuticular lateral bosses on the body. Eight of 10 P. parnelli were microfilaraemic, but only three had adult worms, showing that microfilariae survive longer than adults, which could lengthen the period of transmission. No infective larvae were detected in the following macronyssid mites: 58 Ornithonyssus bacoti, Ornithonyssinae, experimentally fed on microfilaraemic bats and dissected 15 days later, and a few Radfordiella sp., Macronyssinae, recovered from P. parnelli.

Animals↗

New filarial nematode from Japanese serows (Naemorhedus crispus: Bovidae) close to parasites from elephants.

A new onchocercid species, Loxodontofilaria caprini n. sp. (Filarioidea: Nematoda), found in subcutaneous tissues of 37 (33%) of 112 serows (Noemorhedus crispus) examined in Japan, is described. The female worm had the characteristics of Loxodontofilaria, e.g., the large body size, well-developed esophagus with a shallow buccal cavity, and the long tail with three caudal lappets. The male worm of the new species, which was first described in the genus, had unequal length of spicules, 10 pairs of pre- and post-caudal papillae, and three terminal caudal lappets. Deirids were present in both sexes. Among four species of the genus loxodontofiloria: one from the hippopotamus and three from the Elepantidae, L. caprini n. sp. appears close to L. asiatica Bain, Baker & Chabaud, 1982, a subcutaneous parasite of Elephas indicus in Myanmar (Burma). However, L. caprini n. sp. is distinct from L. asiatica in that the Japanese female worm has an esophagus half as long and the microfilariae also half as long with a coiled posterior. The microfilariae were found in the skin of serows. The new parasite appears to clearly illustrate a major event in the evolution of onchocercids: the host-switching. This might have occurred on the Eurasian continent, where elephantids and the lineage of rupicaprines diversified during the Pliocene-Pleistocene, or in Japan, into which some of these hosts migrated.

Animals↗

Acute filariasis in a springhaas.

A 2-yr old Springhaas (Pedetes capensis; Pedetidae, Rodentia) imported into the USA from the Republic of South Africa was severely debilitated as the result of abberant migrations of adult Filaria versterae (Filarioidea: Filariidae) normally confined to the subcutaneous tissues of this host in Africa. Some nematodes invaded the peritoneal and thoracic cavities, the pericardial sac and the lungs. Invasion of the lungs resulted in life-threatening respiratory distress necessitating euthanasia. Filaria versterae is redescribed.

Animals↗

Life cycle of Brugia pahangi (Nematoda) in nude mice, C3H/HeN (nu/nu).

The development of Brugia pahangi (Nematoda: Filarioidea) was studied in nude (congenitally athymic) mice C3H/HeN (nu/nu) and in their phenotypically normal littermates (nu/+). Nude mice were highly susceptible to this parasite. As in the natural host (the cat), the nematodes' third molt in nude mice occurred at 7 to 10 days. The final molt occurred at about 24 days for male worms and 33 days for female worms. Adult worms were smaller than those from other hosts, such as the cat. After inoculation of various numbers of infective larvae, recoveries of adult worms averaged about 15% of the inoculum. In long-term infections initiated with 100 larvae, about 75% of the worms localized in the heart or lungs. Patent infections were seen as early as day 50 PI. Microfilaremia developed in most nude mice given 100, 50, or 25 infective larvae, but was less frequent in those given only 10. Mean filaremias generally rose during the first 6 mo, but in individuals usually did not exceed 500-600/20 mm3 of blood. As in the Mongolian jird, intraperitoneal inoculations yielded large quantities of worms and microfilariae. Few worms could be recovered from normal mice after day 40, even when large (1,000 larvae) inocula were used. Microfilaremia was not detected in normal mice. Although recoveries of adult worms from some nude females were not as high as those from nude males, neither nude nor normal mice showed consistent evidence of a differential susceptibility based on sex. Given the strong, consistent dichotomy of response to B. pahangi between nude and normal mice, this system may be useful in studies of protective immune responses in filariasis.

Animals↗

Regulation of cholinomimetic action of pyrantel pamoate by calcium channels in Setaria cervi.

Nerve muscle preparation of Setaria cervi (Nematoda:Filarioidea) exhibits spontaneous rhythmical movements when suspended in isolated organ bath containing modified Ringer's solution. Pyrantel pamoate (50 ng/ml) when applied caused initial short lasting stimulation followed by irreversible paralysis. When suspended in calcium free bathing fluid the movements of n.m. preparation showed a gradual decrease both in amplitude and rate of contraction til the movements ceased completely. The effect was similar when EDTA was added to the bath fluid. The stimulant effect of Pyrantel pamoate was blocked in calcium free solution and in bath applied EDTA. Calcium channel blocker Nifedipine in a concentration of 500 ng/ml blocked the effect of Pyrantel pamoate (50 ng/ml). Neither stimulation nor depression of movements was evident with higher concentration of PP (250 mg/ml) the stimulant effect of Pyrantel pamoate was blocked while the depressant effect characterized by decrease in amplitude of calcium is essential for the stimulant effect of Pyrantel pamoate and its response on n.m. preparation is similar to Acetylcholine.

Acetylcholine↗

Ultrastructure of the body wall of female Philometra obturans (Nematoda: Dracunculoidea).

The somatic cuticle of adult female Philometra obturans (Prenant, 1886) (Nematoda: Dracunculoidea) consists of five zones and an overlying prominent fuzzy epicuticle, closely adherent to the gill arterial wall of the host. The cuticle is fenestrated and infiltrated with electron-dense substances. It protrudes into the hypodermis in the form of numerous protuberances. The plasma membrane of the hypodermis forms prominent infoldings within the subcuticular region. Numerous endosomes bud off from the cuticle into the hypodermis. Glycogen deposits are present within the hypodermis and muscle cells. The muscle cells are well developed, polymyarian in number (up to 30 in each quadrant) and coelomyarian in shape. The body wall of adult female P. obturans reveals several ultrastructural features which are common to the members of Filarioidea.

Animals↗

The evolutionary expansion of the Spirurida.

The possible origins of the 12 superfamilies of the Spirurida are considered, based on comparative morphology, host and geographic distributions. The available evidence suggests a complex origin of these nematodes, some families being derived from the Seuratoidea, and others from the Cosmocercoidea (Ascaridida). The spirurid radiation is an old one and seems to have occurred primarily in the Secondary or early Tertiary eras. Since then, expansion has occurred with host capture as a prominent mechanism. The Dracunculoidea Procamallanidae and Camallanidae are probably derived from the Chitwoodchabaudiidae and the Rictularioidea from the Schneidernematidae. The Seuratidae may have given rise to the Gnathostomatoidea, the Physalopteroidea, the Thelazioidea, the Habronematoidea, the Spiruroidea and the Acuarioidea. The filarioid nematodes appear to have several origins with the Diplotriaenoidea derived from the Spiruroidea, while constituents of the Aproctoidea derived from the Cystidicolinae, the Seuratoidea and the Spiruroidea. The Filarioidea are thought to have arisen from the Spiruroidea and the Thelazioidea. The evolution of tissue parasitism as a secondary phenomenon is considered in various groups.

Adaptation, Biological↗

Ephemerality and reproductive senescence in avian filarioids.

Adult Eulimdana spp (Nemotoda, Filarioidea) of shorebirds (Charodrii formes) produce long-lived, skin-inhabiting microfilariae and then die and are resorbed. The host is thereafter refractory to infection. Pelecitus fulicaeatrae of coots (Fulica americana) also produces long lived, skin-inhabitingmicro filariae, but adult worms become reproductively senescent. Ephemerality of adults in Eulimdana spp and reproductive senescence in P. fulicaeatrae ensure that the skin will not become saturated with microfilariae, large numbers of which would probably be harmful to mallophogan vectors that remain on the host and are continually exposed to micro filariae while feeding. Here Roy C. Anderson and Cheryl M. Bartlett discuss the significance of ephemerality and senescence in the life histories o f avian f filarioids transmitted by permanent ectoparasites.

Journal Article↗

Is heartworm disease really spreading in Europe?

Based on recently published surveys and newly acquired data, a study was conducted to verify the distribution of filarial worm (Filarioidea) infections in Europe, with particular emphasis on canine heartworm infection (Dirofilaria immitis). A Geographic Information System based on thermal regimen was constructed as a means to identify areas potentially suitable for heartworm transmission, taking into account that the development of D. immitis larvae in the mosquito does not occur below the threshold temperature of approximately 14 degrees C. Furthermore, a bionomic model of D. immitis in its mosquito vectors, which calculates the moving cumulative heartworm development unit parameter, was applied using the available temperature data to assess the theoretic transmission timing of heartworm in Europe. The results show that the earliest infection risk occurs in Spain on March 21 and the latest risk occurs in Spain on September 11. The longest risk period occurs in Spain (Murcia station: March 21-November 11), and the shortest risk period occurs in northeastern Europe. The study also provides the first risk assessment maps for Europe and suggests that if the actual climatic trend continues, filarial infection should spread into previously infection-free areas.

Animals↗

Histochemical localization of key glycolytic and related enzymes in adult Onchocerca fasciata.

The activities of some key enzymes of the glycolytic and pentose phosphate pathways were investigated histochemically in adult female Onchocerca fasciata (Nematoda: Filarioidea). The distribution patterns of phosphofructokinase (PFK), aldolase (ALD), glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PDH) and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) in different tissues of the worm were determined by employing NitroBlue Tetrazolium (NBT). The glycolytic enzymes PFK, ALD, and G3PDH were distributed throughout the hypodermal tissue, somatic muscles and reproductive organs. These enzyme activities were predominantly expressed in the hypodermal and reproductive tissues, both of which appeared to be metabolically more active than adjacent tissues. The high activities of the enzymes studied in the hypodermal tissue when compared with the minimal or low activity in the intestinal epithelium support the assumption that the worm's intestine, in contrast to the body wall, plays no significant role in the nutrient acquisition process. The results emphasize that both the glycolytic and hexose monophosphate pathways of carbohydrate metabolism are active components in energy production and biosynthetic processes in the various tissues of the worm. The functional significance of these glucose-metabolizing enzymes has been discussed with regard to their location in the tissues concerned.

Animals↗