Redescription of Camallanus cotti Fujita, 1927 (Nematoda: Camallanidae) from Hawai'i

The freshwater fish parasite Camallanus cotti Fujita, 1927 (Nematoda: Camallanidae) is redescribed from the guppy Poecilia reticulata (Poeciliidae). We confirm previous reports of its occurrence in other introduced poeciliids in Hawai'i, in 4 species of native Hawaiian gobioid stream fishes, and in an elasmobranch, an aquarium-reared stingray Potamotrygon sp. (Dasyatididae) from Hawai'i. Because the source localities of introduced freshwater fish parasites may be far removed geographically from communities that they have invaded, especially oceanic archipelagos (such as Hawai'i), we believe that research on these exotic parasites must be based upon critical taxonomic evaluations. Our redescription of C. cotti serves as a foundation upon which ecological studies of this parasite, performed in conjunction with conservation efforts for native Hawai'ian stream fishes, will be based.

Ascarophis marina n. comb. (Nematoda: cystidicolidae) from the fishes Parona signata (Carangidae) and Urophycis brasiliensis (Gadidae) in the southwestern Atlantic

The taxonomic position of Cystidicola marina Szidat, 1961 is revised, based on the re-examination of type and new specimens collected from the type host, Urophycis brasiliensis (Gadidae), and a new host, Parona signata (Carangidae), in the southwestern Atlantic. The species is redescribed and transferred to Ascarophis as A. marina n. comb. It is distinguished from other species of Ascarophis by the following combination of characters: body length (male: 10.2-22.5 mm, female: 32.8-44.2 mm), number of egg filaments (2 on each pole), egg size (0.030-0.039 mm x 0.015-0.021 mm), and left spicule length (0.4-0.6 mm).

Isolation and characterization of secretions from the plant-parasitic nematode Globodera pallida

Electrophoresis of secretions collected from Globodera pallida revealed a smeared region between 25 and 50 kDa, and a single band of < 20 kDa. The secretions were used to raise an antiserum (LW1). Immunoblotting of parasite homogenates with LW1 differentiated G. pallida from its sibling species G. rostochiensis and revealed differences between different populations of G. pallida and G. rostochiensis. Indirect immunofluorescence studies with LW1 indicated that at least some of the secretions were surface localized and that antibody binding to the nematode surface was periodate sensitive. Periodate sensitivity indicated that these differences could be due to glycosylation differences. Glycosylation differences were also detected by blotting nematode homogenates with the lectin wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), WGA was also able to differentiate between G. rostochiensis which gave 2 bands at 130 kDa and 110 kDa, and G. pallida which produced 2 bands present at 120 kDa and 110 kDa. Further localization studies using immunoelectron microscopy demonstrated that antibody binding could be seen to secretions found in the pump chamber of the metacorpal bulb at the base of the stylet. From further specimens it could be observed that the contents of the subventral glands were heavily labelled, indicating that the material seen in the metacorpal bulb had originated from the subventral glands.

Parasite body size distributions: interpreting patterns of skewness

We examined the distributions of log body sizes of parasite species to test the prediction that the different physical constraints acting on endoparasites and ectoparasites can lead to different size distributions, and to see whether the distributions of parasite body sizes differ from those of free-living animals. We used body size distributions from 19 groups of parasitic of free-living animals, including over 7000 species and almost 2400 genera. There were differences between the body size distributions of male and female parasites, and between the body size distributions of related parasites exploiting different types of hosts. In general, parasite body size distributions were less frequently log right skewed than those of free-living animals. Ectoparasites tended to have more symmetric body size distributions than endoparasites, in which the most speciose size classes tended to be the smaller ones. Severe space constraints and a greater diversity of small niches may only allow the diversification of small endoparasites, whereas ectoparasite body sizes may face less severe limitations.

[Acuariosis in Numida meleagris (Aves: Numididae)]

A case of gastric nematodiasis is described in a gineafowl (Numida meleagris) from the Municipal Zoo, Presidencia Roque Saenz Peña (Chaco) Argentina. Nematodes obtained from the glandular stomach were observed in optic microscopy. According to their morphometric characteristics and location in the definitive host, were identified as belonging to the family Acuariidae, subfamily Acuariinae, species Dispharynx nasuta Rudolphi, 1819.

[Spirocamallanus hilarii (Nematoda, Camallanidae) fresh water fishes parasite from the dam of Termas de Río Hondo, Santiago del Estero, Argentina]

Spirocamallanus hilarii (Nematoda, Camallanidae) is cited parasitizing five fresh water fish species: Salminus maxillosus Leporinus obtusidens, Hoplias malabaricus malabaricus, Oligosarcus jenynsii and Pimelodus albicans, captured in Termas de Río Hondo pond, province of Santiago del Estero, Argentina. Morphologic and morphometric parasitological studies were done. The specimens described were drawned and photographed. In addition, the following parasitic infection indexes were calculated: Prevalence 26.5%, Mean 6.6 and Maximum Intensity 27.

Paraorientatractis semiannulata n. g., n. sp. (Cosmocercoidea: Atractidae) from the large intestine of the side-necked turtle, Podocnemis unifilis Troschel, 1848 (Testudines: Pelomedusidae) in Brazil

Specimens collected from the large intestine of the side-necked turtle Podocnemis unifilis Troschel, 1848 in the region of Cuminá and Trombetas rivers near Pará, Brazil are assigned to a new genus and new species of the nematode superfamily Cosmocercoidea and family Atractidae and named Paraorientatractis semiannulata. The new genus is separated from the nearest genus Orientatractis by the funnel-shaped mouth opening, the presence of 4 distinct lips, 4 papillae in the internal cycle, one on each lip margin, 2 lateral amphids with large amphidial pores and absence of submedian papillae. It is also separated from Orientatractis and Proatractis by the presence of striated lateral alae which curve dorsally extending from mid oesophagus to mid tail, the difference in size of the vulvar opening and the presence of large transverse ridges or semiannules on the dorsal surface. The new species can be separated from the species of the genera Orientatractis and Proatractis by the characters that distinguish the genera and the arrangement of the caudal papillae on the male. A host/parasite list for Podocnemis spp. is included.

Camallanus polypteri n. sp. (Nematoda:Camallanidae) in freshwater fishes from Burkina Faso

Camallanus polypteri n. sp.is described from Polypterus bichir (type host), Synodontis schall and Clarias anguillaris in Lake Tingrela, Burkina Faso. It differs from the other African species of the subfamily Camallaninae parasitizing freshwater fishes, in that it lacks tridents. All species of the subfamily Camallaninae that lack tridents differ from the new species by at least one of the two following characters: a greater number of longitudinal ridges on the inner surface of the buccal capsule; and a muscular oesophagus shorter than the glandular oesophagus. In accordance with the classification of Petter (1979), the new species is placed in the genus Camallanus Railliet & Henry, 1915, owing to the length of the posterior chamber of the buccal capsule, which is less than one third of the length of the anterior chamber.

Two new species of imagocidal Hydromermis (Nematoda: Mermithidae) from Endochironomus subtendens (Townes) (Diptera: Chironomidae)

Hydromermis viridis n. sp. and Hydromermis gastroviridis n. sp. are described from June and August emerging imagos, respectively, of Endochironomus subtendens (Townes) in Lake Itasca, Clearwater County, Minnesota. The position of the mouth, shape of the posterior end, structure and size of the spicule, absence of an excretory pore, arrangement of male tail musculature, and measurements separate the new species form other species of Hydromermis as well as from one another. The 2 species are placed in the genus Hydromermis though having a rounded tail and only 6 hypodermal cords at midbody. An anomalous double vagina condition is reported in H. viridis.

Cucullanus palmeri n. sp. (Nematoda: Cucullanidae) from the batfish Ogcocephalus nasutus in the Gulf of Mexico

Cucullanus palmeri n. sp. is described from the shortnose batfish, Ogcocephalus nasutus, in the Gulf of Mexico. This species is anatomically most similar to Cucullanus gendrei but differs from it in having a shorter esophagus and longer tail. Males differ in having a smaller gubernaculum and a different arrangement of a lateral caudal papilla. Cucullanus palmeri is readily distinguished from Cucullanus lophii, also from a lophiform fish host in that the deirids and excretory pore are not posterior to the posterior end of the esophagus like in C. lophii.

Some nematodes of freshwater fishes in Venezuela

The present paper comprises a systematic survey of nematodes found in 88 specimens of 24 species of freshwater fishes in Venezuela in 1992 and 1994. The following 13 species of nematodes were recorded: Adults; Guyanema longispiculum Moravec, Prouza et Royero, 1996, Guyanema sp., Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus Travassos, Artigas et Pereira, 1928, P. (S.) krameri (Petter, 1974) comb. n., P.(S.) pintoi (Kohn et Fernandes, 1988) comb, n., Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) sp., Raphidascaris (Sprentascaris) mahnerti (Petter et Cassone, 1984). Larvae: Anisakidae gen. sp., Brevimulticaecum sp., Contracaecum sp. Type 1, Contracaecum sp. Type 2, Contracaecum sp. Type 3, Eustrongylides sp. All these parasites are reported from Venezuela for the first time and all findings represent new host records. Brevimulticaecum larvae are reported from fishes for the first time. Almost all parasites are briefly described and illustrated and problems concerning their morphology, taxonomy, hosts and geographical distribution are discussed. A new name, Terranova diazungriai nom.nov. is proposed for T. caballeroi Díaz-Ungría, 1968 (a junior homonym of T. caballeroi Barus et Coy Otero, 1966).

Observations on the morphology, systematics, and biogeography of the genus Truttaedacnitis (Nematoda:Cucullanidae)

All species of Truttaedacnitis Petter, 1974, were examined for a phylogenetic analysis. Morphological studies showed that Truttaedacnitis truttae (Fabricius, 1794) from North America possessed a reduced button-shaped or nipple-shaped caudal mucron that is in contrast to the sharp spike-shaped mucron commonly reported in Eurasian specimens. Histological studies showed that the excretory pore in Truttaedacnitis sphaerocephala (Rudolphi, 1809) was situated near the level of the pseudobuccal capsule between the 2 parts of the ventral cephalic ridge. Cucullanus heterodonti Johnston and Mawson, 1943 is transferred to Truttaedacnitis based on the presence of prominent cephalic plates separated by sutures. An hypothesis regarding interrelationships among Truttaedacnitis spp. was developed using phylogenetic systematics. The anterior excretory pore is a synapomorphy supporting the monophyly of Truttaedacnitis clitellarius (Ward and Magath, 1917) and T. sphaerocephala parasitizing sturgeons. The arrangement of cephalic plates indicates that Truttaedacnitis pybusae Anderson, 1992 and T. truttae may form a monophyletic group and further supports the monophyly of T. clitellarius and T. sphaerocephala. Using unordered character states of different cephalic plates produced a cladogram that suggested that species in holarctic/circumboreal families (Acipenseridae, Salmonidae, Petromyzontidae) may be monophyletic. The systematics and biogeography of the various species of Truttaedacnitis and their host specificity indicate that associations in this parasite genus are very ancient and of a relictual nature, determined largely by past continental and oceanic configurations, and a combination of vicariance and dispersal.

Contribution to the knowledge of helminthofauna of wild mammals of Somalia

Within a survey of parasitic infections in wild mammals of Somalia, during the first semester of 1983 and the second of 1984, endoparasites were collected from 11 host species: Gazella soemmeringi, Gazella spekei, Madoqua saltiana, Phacochoerus aethiopicus, Xerus rutilus, Lepus sp., Genetta genetta, Herpestes (Galerella) sanguineus, Felis sylvestris libyca, Felis caracal, Canis mesomelas. A total of 22 species of helminths (20 nematode and 2 metacestode species) were identified. Lepus sp. is a new host for Heteroxinema (P.) proboscidiphora and Herpestes sanguineus for Oxinema sp. Teladorsagia hamata had not been previously reported in G. spekei; the genital cone and the corresponding supporting apparatus of this nematode are described. Two metacestodes were collected from the mesenteric membranes of a P. aethiopicus. The shape, number and length of their rostellar hooks, the size of the larvocysts, the occurrence of pseudostrobilum, are similar to those of the Taenia regis metacestode: but the size and shape of the hooks of the Somalian warthog larvocysts are slightly different and they have not been recovered from the musculature as previously reported in the intermediate hosts of T. regis.

Spauligodon gehyrae n. sp. (Nematoda:Pharyngodonidae) from Gehyra oceanica (Sauria:Gekkonidae) from Guam, Mariana Islands, Micronesia

Spauligodon gehyrae n. sp. (Nematoda: Pharyngodonidae), a new oxyurid nematode, discovered in the large intestine of the gecko Gehyra oceanica is described and illustrated. Nine of 11 adult female specimens of G. oceanica collected on Guam, Mariana Islands, Micronesia, harbored a total of 480 specimens of S. gehyrae; prevalence of infection was 82% (mean intensity 53, range 6-179). Spauligodon gehyrae represents the 33rd species to be described for this genus and is distinguished by the presence of truncated egg ends, the short stiff tail spike of the female, and the presence of a spicule in the male. This is the second species of Spauligodon to be described from Oceania.

Two pharyngodonid nematodes, Alaeuris mexicana n. sp. and Ozolaimus ctenosauri, from the iguanid lizard Ctenosaura pectinata from Nayarit, Mexico

Two species of nematodes, Alaeuris mexicana n. sp. and Ozolaimus ctenosauri Caballero, 1938, were found in the iguanid lizard Ctenosaura pectinata (Wiegmann) from Aguamilpa, Nayarit, central Mexico (Pacific region). The new species, A. mexicana, differs from all congeners mainly in the length of the spicule (0.228-0.233 mm) and in the shape and size of the tail and caudal alae. Ozolaimus ctenosauri (syn. Ozolaimus prolixa Caballero et Cerecero, 1943) is considered a valid species parasitic in Ctenosaura spp. Scanning electron microscopic studies of both species revealed substantial differences in the structure of the mouth, which were used for the separation of the closely related genera Ozolaimus and Alaeuris.

[Cammalanus Railliet and Henry, 1915 (Nematoda, Camallanidae). Parasite from Hydrodynastes gigas (Reptilia, Serpentes, Colubridae) from Argentine Chaco]

Adult specimens of Camallanus genus (Nematoda, Camallanidae), parasitizing a Hydrodynastes gigas (Serpentes, Colubridae) from Chaco in the North East of Argentina, are described for the first time. The morphologic and morphometric parasitological studies were carried out using diaphanization by lactophenol technique. The specimens described were drawn and photographed. With this investigation the analysis of the reptilian pathologies, the knowledge of which is necessary to make projects, to manage and control the biomedic aspects in breeders, zoos and/or reserves has started. Thus, it enables us to know associated nematofauna providing facts about the biodiversity of nematode parasites of reptiles.

Spauligodon hemidactylus n. sp. (Nematoda: Pharyngodonidae) from Hemidactylus frenatus (Reptilia: Gekkonidae) from Oceania

Nine-hundred-nineteen Spauligodon hemidactylus n. sp. (Nematoda: Pharyngodonidae) were collected from the large intestines of 201 of 574 adult Hemidactylus frenatus from 11 Pacific locations. Prevalence of infection was 35% (mean intensity 4.7, range 1-27). Spauligodon hemidactylus n. sp. represents the 31st species to be described for this genus and is distinguished by the low number of tail filament spines of the female and the presence of unequal knobs on the egg. This is the first report of the genus Spauligodon from Oceania.

Evolution of nematode vulval fate patterning

Nematodes provide a useful experimental system with which to investigate the evolution of development at the cellular, genetic, and molecular levels. Building on an understanding of vulval development in Caenorhabditis elegans, analysis of vulval development has been extended to a number of other species in three families of the Nematode phylum. Changes have occurred in most aspects of vulval development: alteration in the number of cells competent to participate in vulval development by changes in apoptosis; changes in the relative contributions of position-dependent predisposition toward particular fates (prepattern), inductive signaling and lateral signaling; and in the specific lineages generated by vulval precursor cells. Genetic analysis of one species in which only three vulval precursor cells are present identified a mutation that increases the number of vulva precursor cells toward that found in C. elegans.

Synhimantus (Synhimantus) magnipapillatus n. sp. (Nematoda, Acuarioidea) from the Yellow-crowned Night-heron, Nyctanassa violacea cayennensis (Gmelin) (Aves, Ardeidae)

Synhimantus (Synhimantus) magnipapillatus n. sp., mainly considering the outstanding size of the cervical papillae and the delicate structure of the cephalic cordons, is not related to any other species of the genus, except for S. (S.) laticeps, concerning the similarities regarding the spicules, that justify their comparison.

Ascarophis mexicana n. sp. (Nematoda: Cystidicolidae) from two species of Epinephelus (Pisces) from the Gulf of Mexico in southeastern Mexico

A new cystidicolid nematode, Ascarophis mexicana n. sp., is described from the stomach of 2 species of the genus Epinephelus, E. morio and E. adscensionis (Pisces: Serranidae), from the Gulf of Mexico, southeastern Mexico (states of Yucatan and Veracruz). It is distinguished mainly by small body measurements (body length of male and female 3.39-4.18 mm and 5.94-6.23 mm, respectively), a conspicuously long left spicule (1.58-2.05 mm), length ratio of spicules (1:10-12), and by eggs provided with 2 filaments on 1 pole. Ascarophis mexicana is the second Ascarophis species known to parasitize fishes of the genus Epinephelus (groupers).

Nematodes of armadillos in Paraguay: a description of a new species Aspidodera esperanzae (Nematoda: Aspidoderidae)

Twelve species of nematodes comprising 9 genera were recovered from the gastrointestinal tract of 2 Euphractus sexcinctus and 2 Dasypus novemcinctus captured in the Department of San Pedro, Paraguay. All armadillos were infected with 1 or more species of nematode. The following nematodes were recovered: Mazzia mazzia, Spirura guianensis, Trichohelix tuberculata, Ancylostoma sp., Moennigia complexus, Moennigia pintoi, Ascaris dasypodina, Cruzia tentaculata, Aspidodera fasciata, Aspidodera scoleciformis, Aspidodera esperanzae n. sp., and Heterakinae gen. sp. This report describes a new species of the Aspidodera nematode, Aspidodera esperanzae n. sp., the first species to be reported bearing cephalic cordons made up of 7 longitudinal loops in the subfamily of Aspidoderinae. This study also documents a new host record for S. guianensis and shows a new geographical distribution in Paraguay for M. mazzia, S. guianensis, T. tuberculata, M. complexus, and M. pintoi.

The first record of fish as paratenic hosts of Falcaustra spp. (Nematoda: Kathlaniidae)

Two types of third-stage nematode larvae (most of which were encapsulated) were collected from the abdominal cavity and liver of the freshwater fishes Etheostoma fonticola, Etheostoma lepidotum, Cichlasoma cyanoguttatum, Lepomis auritus, Lepomis sp., and Gambusia affinis in Texas and are referred to the genus Falcaustra. This is the first record of Falcaustra larvae from fishes, and their presence may reflect the importance of fishes as paratenic hosts of turtle parasites in this genus.

A new methodology to solve the problem of characterizing 2-D biomedical shapes

In this paper, a new approach to solve the problem of characterizing 2-D biomedical shapes is introduced. Two-dimensional biomedical contours are described through a 'degrees of smoothing' vector in which each component determines the proper degree of detail for representing each curve part isolating a single structure. A segmentation process is designed based on a clustering procedure applied to vectors of texture measures which are obtained from the graph of curvatures. To solve the problem of characterizing biomedical shapes, a suitable interpolation procedure between the most outstanding perceptual points from the smoothed contours is given.