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Microhabitats, attachment of eggs and histopathology by the monogenean Allomurraytrema robustum on Acanthopagrus australis (Pisces: Sparidae).

Allomurraytrema robustum occurs normally in low numbers on the jaws, gill arch or upper palate; juveniles also occur on the lateral margins of the gill filaments. At high levels of infection the parasite occurs in large groups (> 30 worms) on the jaws and gill arches, and extends onto the lateral margins of the gill filaments. Large numbers of eggs become entangled among these groups of parasites. Ciliated oncomiracidia emerge from the eggs. The parasite attaches to the surface of epithelia by small hamuli and marginal haptoral hooklets, but an adhesive secretion may be involved as well. The parasite causes little damage when attached to thick epithelia, but on the surface of the gill filaments there is erosion and degeneration of the epithelium beneath and adjacent to the haptor. Infiltrating leucocytes enter the dermis, epidermis and the host-parasite interface. Intact infiltrating cell occur in the intestinal caeca of the parasite.

Animals↗

Effects of anti-allergic drugs on intestinal mastocytosis and worm expulsion of rats infected with Neodiplostomum seoulense.

The effects of anti-allergic drugs on intestinal mastocytosis and the expulsion of Neodiplostomum seoulense were observed in Sprague-Dawley rats, after oral infection with 500 metacercariae. The drugs used were hydroxyzine (a histamine receptor H1 blocker), cimetidine (a H2 blocker), cyclosporin-A (a helper T-cell suppressant), and prednisolone (a T- and B-cell suppressant). Infected, but untreated controls, and uninfected controls, were prepared. Worm recovery rate and intestinal mastocytosis were measured on weeks 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 post-infection. Compared with the infected controls, worm expulsion was significantly (P < 0.05) delayed in hydroxyzine- and cimetidine-treated rats, despite mastocytosis being equally marked in the duodenum of all three groups. In the cyclosporin-A- and prednisolone-treated groups, mastocytosis was suppressed, but worm expulsion was only slightly delayed, without statistical significance. Our results suggest that binding of histamine to its receptors on intestinal smooth muscles is more important in terms of the expulsion of N. seoulense from rats than the levels of histamine alone, or mastocytosis.

Animals↗

Study of the body surface of Haplorchis yokogawai (Katsuta, 1932) and H. taichui (Nishigori, 1924) (Trematoda:Heterophyidae).

The morphology of the surface of two heterophyid flukes, Haplorchis yokogawai and H. taichui, that can infect humans eating raw fish flesh, has been studied using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The body surface of both species is covered with scale-like, serrated spines with the exception of areas around the oral sucker, ventrogenital opening and excretory pore. The species slightly differ by the dentation pattern of tegumental spines: H. yokogawai has finer and more numerous spine teeth (maximum tooth number 14-16) while H. taichui has more serrated spines, mostly with a lower number (up to 10-12) of somewhat more robust teeth. However, because of the variability, the shape and dentation of spines do not seem to be reliable diagnostic features enabling mutual differentiation of both species.

Animals↗

Fasciola hepatica and Paramphistomum daubneyi: changes in prevalences of natural infections in cattle and in Lymnaea truncatula from central France over the past 12 years.

A retrospective study was carried out over a 10- to 12-year period to analyse the changes in prevalences of natural fasciolosis and paramphistomosis among cattle and snails in central France, and to determine the causes which had induced these changes. The prevalences of natural fasciolosis in cattle increased from 1990 to 1993 (13.6% to 25.2%) and diminished afterwards up to 1999 (at 12.6%). Those of natural paramphistomosis showed a progressive increase between 1990 and 1999 (from 5.2 to 44.7%). The prevalences of natural infections and the numbers of free rediae counted in the snails (Lymnaea truncatula) infected with F. hepatica did not show any significant variations over time. By contrast, the prevalences of natural paramphistomosis in snails significantly increased from 1989 to 1996 and remained afterwards in the same range of values (3.7-5.3%), while the number of free rediae significantly increased up to 2000 (from a mean of 6.5 to 13.8 rediae per infected snail, respectively). Three hypotheses may explain the increase of paramphistomosis in cattle and snails: a better quality of diagnosis for the detection of P. daubneyi eggs in veterinary analysis laboratories, the use of specific molecules in the treatment of cattle fasciolosis since 1993, and the lack of an effective treatment up to now against cattle paramphistomosis. Since the objective of most farmers in central France is to obtain the highest antiparasitic efficiency with a single treatment of cattle per year, it is reasonable to assume that the prevalence of bovine paramphistomosis will continue to increase in the future.

Animals↗

Seasonal occurrence and metrical variability of Gyrodactylus rhodei Zitnan 1964 (Monogenea, Gyrodactylidae).

The seasonal dynamics of Gyrodactylus rhodei, a monogenean ectoparasite of bitterling (Rhodeus sericeus), was studied from June 2000 to May 2001 in the Kyjovka River, Czech Republic. A negative relationship between prevalence and intensity of infection of G. rhodei and water temperature was found. Metrical variability of the hard parts of the parasite haptor was studied throughout the sampling season. A negative relationship between water temperature and the size of the hard parts of the G. rhodei haptor was evident in the measurements of the total length of the marginal hooks, the sickle length of marginal hooks, anchors, anchor point and root, the width of the ventral bar and the membrane processes. Sequences of the partial ITS (rDNA) of specimens collected during the cold and warm seasons were analysed. Sequences of all studied parasite specimens were identical and there was no evidence of intraspecific variability in the sequenced region.

Animals↗

An outbreak of schistosomiasis in Atlantic brant geese, Branta bernicla hrota.

A heavy infection with schistosomes of the genera Trichobilharzia and Dendritobilharzia was considered the cause of 90% mortality in a group of 40 wild-caught Atlantic brant geese (Branta bernicla hrota) that were maintained in captivity on a fresh-water pond in Aurora, Ontario. Numerous adult worms and eggs were disseminated in many organs throughout the body of all birds examined. The main pathological findings, attributed to both eggs and adults, included emaciation, thrombosis of the caudal mesenteric vein and its branches, fibrinohemorrhagic colitis, and in some birds, heptomegaly. Translocation of brant geese from their natural marine environment to a fresh-water pond may have caused them to be exposed to parasites which they would not normally encounter.

Animals↗

Human infection with the pancreas fluke, Eurytrema pancreaticum.

A 70-year-old Japanese woman with gastric cancer in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, was found at autopsy to have about 15 adult flukes, Eurytrema pancreaticum, in the dilated pancreatic ducts. The number of eosinophils in the blood was within normal limits. The two worms which were least damaged when removed from the gland were used for stained specimens, and another two were macerated to collect the eggs. The parasites (10 X 5, 11 X 7 mm in size) were broad, flattened, oval to fusiform. The suckers were large, the oral (2.1 X 2.0, 2.0 X 1.9 mm) being larger than the ventral (1.6 X 1.6, 1.4 X 1.5 mm). The eggs (47.06 +/- 3.88 X 30.35 +/- 2.74 microns) were embryonated in the uterus. These findings led to the identification of E. pancreaticum. This is the second documented case of eurytremiasis in man.

Aged↗

Geographical distribution of Metagonimus yokogawai and M. miyatai in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, and their site preferences in the sweetfish, Plecoglossus altivelis, and hamsters.

Sweetfish, Plecoglossus altivelis, obtained from 18 rivers in Shizuoka Prefecture were examined for metacercarial infection of 2 flukes, Metagonimus yokogawai and Metagonimus miyatai. The infection rate and density of metacercariae in the fish were higher in eastern and western regions than in central region of the prefecture. After infection of hamsters with metacercariae derived from the scale, 98.7% of the adult worms obtained from the intestine was found to be M. miyatai. Conversely, from infection with metacercariae from the flesh, 90.0% of the worms was M. yokogawai. Since the worms had no exclusivity in the tissues, we conclude that the flukes have location preference with the former primarily preferring the scale, and the latter the flesh. Fish from two rivers located in adjacent areas in the western region had relatively a higher ratio of M. yokogawai in the scale relative to other rivers, suggesting an intraspecific genetic variation due to geographical isolation. On examination of adult worms in the hamster's intestine, M. yokogawai was mainly located towards the anterior part of the intestine, unlike M. miyatai, suggesting that in mammalian host too, the parasites have site preference.

Animals↗

Aggregation of congeneric parasites (Monogenea: Dactylogyrus) among gill microhabitats within one host species (Rutilus rutilus L.).

Parasite aggregation within the gill arches of 1 host species (Rutilus rutilus L.) was studied in the case of 9 congeneric monogeneans belonging to the genus Dactylogyrus. Both intra- and interspecific aggregation were followed by considering gill arches as independent patches. Parasite species were found to be aggregated both intra- and interspecifically. We showed that the intensity of parasite infection was positively related to intraspecific aggregation only for the more abundant species. No relationship was found between intensity of parasite infection and niche size when correcting for total parasite intensity. This may suggest that when parasite intensities are low, intraspecific competition may not have a strong effect on parasites. Conversely, when looking at the evolution of niche size and intraspecific aggregation for each species separately, intraspecific aggregation decreased for the most abundant species (D. crucifer) suggesting that this species is more competitive than others when total parasite intensity increases. When considering interspecific aggregation, Dactylogyrus species were found to be positively and negatively aggregated. Following the prediction of morphological and ecological similarity for congeneric species, Dactylogyrus species similar in morphometry of attachment parts tend to be more positively aggregated among their gill microhabitats than Dactylogyrus species with morphometric differences in attachment parts.

Animals↗

IgA response in mice infected with Neodiplostomum seoulensis.

To observe the production of IgA in Balb/c mice with neodiplostomiasis, 20 mice were infected with each 200 metacercariae of Neodiplostomum seoulenis. Sera and the duodenums were obtained 3, 7, 14, 28 days post-infection (PI) from five mice each group. Neodiplostomum specific IgA in serum by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay increased from 7 days PI and persisted till 28 days PI. Immunohistochemistry for IgA was done with sections of the duodenum. The IgA-positive reaction was generally seen in the lamina propria and submucosa. Some of epithelial cells were positive at 7 and 14 days PI. The present finding showed that Neodiplostomun specific IgA antibody increased in serum and that there was local reaction of IgA in the mucosa and submucosa of the duodenum but not directly related with worm expulsion.

Animals↗

Cryptocotyle lingua in mullet, Chelon labrosus; significance of metacercarial excretory proteins in the stimulation of the immune response.

'O' group mullet, Chelon labrosus, were experimentally infected with Cryptocotyle lingua (Heterophyidae) by tail dip in a suspension of cercariae. Metacercariae were excised after 1 and 24 hours and prepared for TEM and post-embedding immunogold labelling. Antisera to cercariae of C. lingua were raised in adult mullet by natural infection via the skin and by intra-peritoneal injection of sonicate. The membrane-bound vesicles within the syncytial lining of the metacercarial excretory vesicle were found to be intensely antigenic with both antisera; the epidermal secretory bodies type 5 within the cystogenous glands gave a positive response. Penetration gland contents were not found to be antigenic with either antiserum. Discharge of the membrane-bound vesicles coinciding with both the reorganization of the lining of the metacercarial excretory vesicle and with cyst wall formation appears to be of significance in the initiation of the host immune response. That the term 'excretory vesicle' in Digenea may be a misnomer is discussed in the light of current information regarding the wide range of functions attributed to this structure.

Animals↗

Morphometric correlates of host specificity in Dactylogyrus species (Monogenea) parasites of European Cyprinid fish.

We test the hypothesis that living on larger fish may impose constraints, i.e. the need to develop large attachment organs, related to the necessity to remain attached on large gills. For this, we compiled data on body size and morphometric measurements of attachment organs of 44 Dactylogyrus species (ectoparasites with direct life-cycle) from 19 cyprinid species. Nineteen dactylogyrid species were considered as specialists (infecting only 1 host species) and 25 as generalists (infecting more than 1 species). The lack of phylogenetic information lead us to perform comparative analyses using raw values and independent contrasts obtained by random phylogenies. Our results show that rich parasite communities are formed by specialists and generalists whereas poor communities are composed mainly of generalist parasites. Moreover, specialists are found on larger hosts, which may reflect a specialization on a predictable resource, as larger fish live longer and offer large gills for parasite colonization. Parasite specialization is shown to be linked with adaptation of attachment organs to their fish hosts. Two morphometric variables of the attachment organ, the total length of anchor and length of base of anchor, were positively correlated with host length for specialists.

Animals↗

Cultivation of Clinostomum marginatum (Digenea: Clinostomatidae) metacercariae in vitro, in chick embryo and in mouse coelom.

Metacercariae of Clinostomum marginatum obtained from naturally infected Perca flavescens were cultured by 5 methods. In vitro cultivation at 37 C in twice daily changes of Tyrode's, Na-poor Tyrode's, and Eagle's media failed to produce ovigerous adults after 4-5 days. Metacercariae placed on the chorioallantois of week-old chick embryos at 37 C migrated to the albumen. Only 8 of 123 worms recovered were ovigerous after 4-7 days in ovo. Best success occurred with metacercariae injected in groups of 4 or 6 into the abdominal cavities of male A/J mice. Despite liver lesions and strong inflammatory responses in the host, all 174 worms recovered were ovigerous after 4-8 days. None of 41 mice died prematurely from the procedure or the parasites.

Animals↗

Field trial on the treatment of fasciolopsiasis with praziquantel.

Eight-five of 816 (10.7%) students attending a primary school in Central Thailand were examined and found infected with Fasciolopsis buski. All of students ate fresh water lily stems and most ate other fresh water plants including caltrop, water cress and morning glory. The 85 students were given praziquantel in randomized single doses of 15, 25 or 40 mg/kg body weight. Side effects were mild and transient and consisted of headache, dizziness, nausea, sleepiness, abdominal discomfort, anorexia, diarrhea, epigastric pain, vomiting and lassitude. Those receiving the highest dosages had more side effects than students in the other 2 groups. Large blisters were observed on the tegument of F. buski passed in feces and this was believed to be caused by the drug. The authors recommend a single dose of praziquantel in a dosage of 15 mg/kg of body weight for the treatment of parasitosis.

Adolescent↗

High endemicity of Metagonimus yokogawai infection among residents of Samchok-shi, Kangwon-do.

A small-scale epidemiological survey was undertaken during 1997-1998 on the residents along the Osib-chon (Stream), Samchok-shi (City), Kangwon-do (Province), to evaluate the status of Metagonimus yokogawai infection. A total of 165 fecal samples was collected and examined by cellophane thick smear and formalin-ether sedimentation techniques. The egg positive rate of M. yokogawai was 29.7%, showing a remarkable difference between males (46.6%) and females (16.3%). To obtain the adult flukes of M. yokogawai, 11 egg positive persons were treated with praziquantel and purged with magnesium sulfate. A total of 242,119 adult flukes (average 22,010 per person, 367-119,650 in range) was collected from diarrheic stools, all of which were identified as M. yokogawai. The results show that M. yokogawai is still highly endemic in this area.

Adolescent↗

Migration of Trichobilharzia ocellata schistosomula in the duck and in the abnormal murine host.

The migration of Trichobilharzia ocellata schistosomula in the duck host and the accidental mouse host was studied by the detection of [75Se]-methionine in radiolabelled cercariae using autoradiography of compressed host tissues and by the recovery of schistosomula following the mincing and incubation of host tissues. Exposure via duck feet (30 min) and mouse tails (60 min) resulted in low infection rates: 3.9% in the duck and 3.1% in the mouse. However, when mice were infected via the abdominal skin using the ring method, 25% of the cercariae were recovered in the skin. In the duck, schistosomula left the skin within 3 days post-infection (p.i.) and were detected in the lungs between days 2 and 4 p.i. Thereafter, only few radioactive foci were found in the liver, kidney and intestine. In the mouse, schistosomula were detected in the lungs within 10 h and for up to 6 days p.i., and some foci were detected in the liver and intestine on days 2-5 p.i. On days 3-4 p.i., 36% of the detectable parasites in the mouse (91 foci in 10 mice) had migrated from the skin to other organs. Living schistosomula could be extracted from mouse skin and lungs only until day 4 p.i. The schistosomula of T. ocellata migrate faster within their vertebrate hosts than do those of Schistosoma mansoni, indicating that the former may use other transformation and immune-evasion mechanisms.

Animals↗

Morphology of the oviduct fluke, Prosthogonimus ovatus, isolated from Indonesian native chickens and histopathological observation of the infected chickens.

Prosthogonimus ovatus infection was detected in 5 of 130 chickens in the oviduct and 4 chickens in the bursa of Fabricius. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the spines of the P. ovatus were densely distributed on the cuticula of the entire dorsal surface of body, but on the ventral surface, they were densely present to the level of ventral sucker but gradually decreased in density posteriorly, and they could not be seen in the posterior 1/3 area. The spines were finger-shaped and denticulate at the tip. Histopathological examination showed that polypous elevations, degeneration and exfoliation of the mucosal epithelium were detected in the bursa of Fabricius possibly by the suction of flukes, in addition to the stratification of the mucosal epithelium, and interstitial cell infiltration.

Animals↗

Increased susceptibility of salmonids to the monogenean Gyrodactylus salaris following administration of hydrocortisone acetate.

Gyrodactylus salaris infects numerous salmonid species, ranging from the fully susceptible (Norwegian strains of Salmo salar), through species which, though initially susceptible, eventually eliminate their infections (Salvelinus alpinus and S. fontinalis) to entirely resistant (Salmo trutta) species. Here we describe experiments in which Salvelinus alpinus, S. fontinalis and Salmo trutta, implanted with hydrocortisone acetate to simulate stress-induced immunosuppression, were challenged with G. salaris. With previously uninfected Salvelinus fontinalis, G. salaris infections on fish treated with hydrocortisone acetate grew larger, and for longer, than on sham-treated controls. A similar result was obtained with S. trutta. Patterns of infection on Arctic charr, Salvelinus alpinus, were more complex, because individual fish varied from susceptible to highly resistant. Fish were therefore initially infected with G. salaris, and the most highly resistant group of individuals identified and disinfected. After 6 months recovery from this primary infection, hydrocortisone acetate was administered to half the fish, and all were challenged with G. salaris. Parasite populations on the hydrocortisone-treated individuals were consistently larger than those on the sham-treated controls, exceeding 30 parasites per fish after 5 weeks, in comparison with less than 10 parasites per fish on controls. These results indicate that hydrocortisone administration can lead to enhanced gyrodactylid populations on a range of salmonids. This suggests that the response to G. salaris is mediated by the immune system, and that the spectrum of responses observed in different species are, at least in part, due to the same mechanism. At a practical level, stress-induced immunosuppression during handling and transport of cultured salmonids may prove an important factor in the dissemination of G. salaris between watersheds.

Animals↗