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Alkylphospholipid analogs were initially developed as anticancer agents and were later found to antiparasitic activity. Miltefosine is the prototype alkylphosphocholine and is the first oral treatment against visceral leishmaniasis. Here we investigated the effects of miltefosine and two ring-substituted alkylphosphocholine derivatives, TCAN26 and TC70, on the viability, morphology, and ultrastructure of the life stages of Caenorhabditis elegans and infective larvae of the parasite Strongyloides venezuelensis . Miltefosine displayed activity against C. elegans adults at low concentrations and was more effective than TCAN26 and TC70. Miltefosine inhibited the hatching of eggs, leading to embryonic lethality, and showed larvicidal activity against C. elegans and S. venezuelensis larvae after 24 h. Mitelfosine also induced alterations in the reproductive system of hermaphrodites, causing vulvar prolapse and general effects in the body wall. Electron microscopy analysis showed that miltefosine induced selective embryonic lethality, leading to cell death. Our results suggest that alkylphospholipid analogs are a potential new alternative for anti-nematode chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specific scope: This Standard describes a diagnostic protocol for Heterodera glycines. This Standard should be used in conjunction with PM 7/76 Use of EPPO diagnostic protocols. Terms used are those in the EPPO Pictorial Glossary of Morphological Terms in Nematology. Specific approval and amendment: Approved in 2008–09. Revision approved in 2017–11. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stauratostoma shelleyi n. gen., n. sp. is described from the midgut and hindgut of nine species of the millipede family Xystodesmidae collected in the southern Appalachian regions of North Carolina, Tennessee and Alabama. Specimens of S. shelleyi were morphologically examined with differential interference contrast, phase contrast, and scanning electron microscopy. The head of S. shelleyi differs from other thelastomatid nematodes in having a head region mushroomshaped in profile; cruciform stomatal opening formed from four flaps; greatly expanded labial disc; and eight-sectored annule-like column supporting the labial disc. Thirteen nematodes from various hosts were sequenced for 28S LSU rDNA and compared with other millipedeinhabiting nematodes. Stauratostoma shelleyi is the sister group to the few Thelastoma spp. that have been molecularly characterized using the D2-D3 expansion segments of the 28S LSU rDNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During 2008 to 2016 in several nematological surveys in the Tepeaca Valley, Puebla, Mexico, carrot cyst nematode, Heterodera carotae was found parasitizing carrots, Daucus carota. The nematode was present in 61% of the sampled fields with high population densities, causing severe carrot yield losses in the Tepeaca Valley. The aim of this work was to study morphology, morphometrics, host range, and molecular characterization of the nematode. The morphological and morphometric characterization was made using light and scanning electron microscopy of the second stage juveniles, females, males and cysts, and the host range study, was performed with nine different plants from five families. The molecular identification was made by sequencing and analysing the ITS rRNA and partial COI genes. It was shown that using presently available molecular tools it is not possible to make an accurate differentiation of H. carotae from H. cruciferae. The host range test allowed to distinguish these species from each other. Our study showed that male stylet length is longer for H. carotae compared with that for H. cruciferae. This is an example of importance of combination of several methods for the correct identification of cyst nematodes. To our knowledge, this is the first report of H. carotae in Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ditylenchus weischeri that parasitizes the weed Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop., 1772, (creeping thistle) was described in 2011 from Russia based on their morphology, ITS-RFLP analysis, and Hsp90 gene sequence of a few individuals and one field collection of the plant. More recently, we found C. arvense parasitized by D. weischeri in the Prairie Provinces of Canada. Plant host preference for D. weischeri was also distinct from D. dipsaci (Kühn) Filipjev, 1936. In the current study, a comprehensive molecular analysis of many D. weischeri specimens from Canada is presented. Individuals from 41C. arvense or yellow pea grain samples with seeds of C. arvense from the Prairie Provinces were sequenced for the internal transcribed spacer (ITS rDNA), large subunit (LSU) D2D3 28S rDNA, partial segment of small subunit (SSU) 18S rDNA, and the heat shock protein Hsp90 gene. The analysis also included D. weischeri individuals from C. arvense from Russia and garlic with D. dipsaci from the Provinces of Ontario and Quebec in Canada. Available sequence data of Ditylenchus species retrieved from GenBank were used to phylogenetically position this species within the genus Ditylenchus. In all studied genes, several single-nucleotide polymorphisms between the Canadian D. weischeri and both Russian haplotype and individuals of D. weischeri from C. arvense from Russia were found. The sequences of ITS rDNA, LSU D2D3 28S rDNA, and Hsp90 were used to construct separate dendrograms. For each of the three genes examined, D. weischeri was grouped separately from the other Ditylenchus. Ditylenchus samples from C. arvense was positioned to a single clade such as D. weischeri and distinct from D. dipsaci. With past reports of plant host preference and morphology, the results of this study provide further evidence for the fact that D. weischeri is distinct to be separated from D. dipsaci. Furthermore, minor differences in molecular divergence and morphology to the Russian haplotype and limited symptoms of disease on C. arvense in Prairie Canada suggest the Canadian and Russian populations of D. weischeri may be diverging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aspiculuris tetraptera is a heteroxynematid nematoda infecting most of the laboratory animals, occasionally mice which represent the mostly used animal for biological, medical, and pharmacological studies. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of nematode parasites infection in the laboratory mice Mus musculus in Egypt. Morphologically, this oxyurid possessed four distinct cephalic papillae on a cephalic plate, with three small rudimental lips carrying two sessile poorly developed labial papillae and one pair of amphidial pores. Esophagus divided into cylindrical corpus and globular bulb. Distinct cervical alae interrupted at the level of esophago-intestinal junction forming an acute angle. At the caudal end, twelve caudal papillae in male worms while an ovijector apparatus opening and a vulva surrounded by protruded lips in females were observed. The general morphological criteria include this nematode with other Aspiculuris species which were compared in the present study. Molecular characterization based on 18SSU rDNA sequencing performed to confirm the taxonomic position of this species and to documents the morphological data. Sequence alignment detects a percent of identity up to 88.0% with other Heteroxynematidae species. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the present recorded is a putative sister taxon to A. tetraptera recorded in a previous study. The SSU rDNA sequence has been deposited in the GenBank under the accession no. MG019400. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nothotylenchus andrassy n. sp. is described and illustrated from moss (Sphagnum sp.) based on morphology and molecular analyses. Morphologically, this new species is characterized by a medium body size, six incisures in the lateral fields, and a delicate stylet (8-9 μm long) with clearly defined knobs. Pharynx with fusiform, valveless, nonmuscular and sometimes indistinct median bulb. Basal pharyngeal bulb elongated and offset from the intestine; a long post-vulval uterine sac (55% of vulva to anus distance); and elongate, conical tail with pointed tip. Nothotylenchus andrassy n. sp. is morphologically similar to five known species of the genus, namely Nothotylenchus geraerti, Nothotylenchus medians, Nothotylenchus affinis, Nothotylenchus buckleyi, and Nothotylenchus persicus. The results of molecular analysis of rRNA gene sequences, including the D2-D3 expansion region of 28S rRNA, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rRNA and partial 18S rRNA gene are provide for the new species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Longidorus azarbaijanensis n. sp. is described and illustrated using morphological and molecular data. It was recovered in West Azarbaijan province, northwestern Iran, from the rhizospheric soil of foxtail weed. The new species is characterized by having 5.4 to 6.8 mm long females, offset, anteriorly flat lip region and separated from the rest of the body by a shallow constriction, funnel-shaped amphidial pouches, the guiding ring at 23 to 27 μm from the anterior end, 73 to 81 and 44 to 50 μm long odontostyle and odontophore, respectively, 95.0 to 113.5 μm long pharyngeal bulb, didelphic-amphidelphic reproductive system with long tubular uteri lacking sperm cells, vulva located at 52.0% to 56.4%, conical tail dorsally convex, ventrally flat, with bluntly rounded wide tip, for juvenile developmental stages and absence of males. The general body shape of the new species is similar to that of five known species of the genus namely L. euonymus, L. perangustus, L. persicus, L. protae and L. sturhani. The morphological differences of the new species with the aforementioned species are discussed. For all the aforementioned species (except L. protae, currently lacking molecular data) the differences of the new species was also confirmed with differences in molecular sequences of D2-D3 expansion domains of 28S rDNA and the corresponding phylogenetic analyses. The partial sequence of the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) of the new species was also used in phylogenetic analyses. In partial 28S tree, the clade including the new species and six other species (L. attenuatus, Longidorus sp. and four above-mentioned species having molecular data for this fragment) was well supported in Bayesian inference. In the ITS1 tree, the new species formed a clade with L. euonymus, L. perangustus and L. persicus, as in 28S tree. This is one of the cases from which the morphologically similar species are separated using molecular sequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Populations of Criconemoides parvus, Discocriconemella hengsungica, and Discocriconemella limitanea, isolated in Hangzhou, China from the rhizosphere soil of woody perennials were characterized morphologically and molecularly. The morphometric data of the Chinese populations were compared with populations from other regions of the world. DNA barcoding with the mitochondrial COI gene confirmed conspecificity of Chinese and Costa Rican populations of D. limitanea. Phylogenetic assessment using a near full-length 18S ribosomal DNA sequence provided weak support for a grouping of Criconemoides parvus from China and C. annulatus from western North America. The phylogenetic position of D. hengsungica from China and an unknown species of Discocriconemella from Thailand relative to D. limitanea suggests that the genus Discocriconemella is not monophyletic. The study provides the first record of D. hengsungica in China and confirms the presence of C. parvus previously reported from China. Biogeographic implications of these nematode distributions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Syphacia stroma (von Linstow, 1884) Morgan, 1932 and Syphacia frederici Roman, 1945 are oxyurid nematodes that parasitize two murid rodents, Apodemus sylvaticus and Apodemus flavicollis, on the European mainland. Only S. stroma has been recorded previously in Apodemus spp. from the British Isles. Despite the paucity of earlier reports, we identified S. frederici in four disparate British sites, two in Nottinghamshire, one each in Berkshire and Anglesey, Wales. Identification was based on their site in the host (caecum and not small intestine), on key morphological criteria that differentiate this species from S. stroma (in particular the tail of female worms) and by sequencing two genetic loci (cytochrome C oxidase 1 gene and a section of ribosomal DNA). Sequences derived from both genetic loci of putative British S. frederici isolates formed a tight clade with sequences from continental worms known to be S. frederici, clearly distinguishing these isolates from S. stroma which formed a tight clade of its own, distinct from clades representative of Syphacia obvelata from Mus and S. muris from Rattus. The data in this paper therefore constitute the first record of S. frederici from British wood mice, and confirm the status of this species as distinct from both S. obvelata and S. stroma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hysterothylacium species are perhaps the most abundant and diverse group of marine ascaridoids; however, their life cycle and specific identification in larval stages in many parts of the world, particularly in Iraqi marine waters, have not been completely understood. In this study three members of the genus Hysterothylacium collected from Khor Abdulla in Iraq are morphologically described, genetically characterized and their relationship with other closely related taxa are compared and discussed. A new Hysterothylacium larval type in the fourth stage of development is described, and morphological and molecular evidence (based on the sequences of internal transcribed spacers) are provided for its distinction from previously known fourth-stage Hysterothylacium larval types. Based on the sequence data it is suggested that the new larval type, which herein was assigned as Hysterothylacium larval type XVI, is H. persicum which was previously reported from the close proximity in Bandar Abbas, Iran. In addition, two other taxa, including Hysterothylacium larval type XV and H. reliquens, have been found in the present study, for which new hosts are reported. This study provides some insights into the taxonomy and systematics of these parasites, not only in this region but also for similar studies elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three populations of neotylenchid nematodes were isolated in Ningbo, P. R. China, from white pine lumber (Pinus monticola) imported from the USA. The nematodes were morphologically intermediate between Hexatylus and Deladenus. The nematodes were molecularly characterized based on sequences of the rDNA small subunit 18S, large subunit 28S D2/D3, and internal transcribed spacer sequences. The phylogenetic inferences placed the nematodes with other neotylenchid nematodes, i.e., Fergusobia and Rubzovinema. Based on the morphology and phylogenetic analysis, this nematode is described herein as Delatylus andersoni n. gen., n. sp. The new genus/ species is characterized by the female body habitus ranging from nonobese to semiobese and from straight to dorsally curved when heat relaxed, cephalic framework with six unequal sized lip sectors, lateral fields having 10 to 12 lines, 4 to 5 guide rings on the stylet, excretory pore posterior to the nerve ring, spermatheca diminished or absent, vulvar opening large, and relative proximity of vulva to the anus. Detailed morphological and molecular characterization of the new genus/species is presented along with the comparison of the related genera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anenterotrema is a genus of digeneans lacking digestive systems and parasitic in Neotropical bats. We have found a new species of Anenterotrema in silky short-tailed bats ( Carollia brevicauda) from Peru. The new Anenterotrema species can be readily differentiated from previously described congeners by a combination of morphological characters. It differs from its morphologically closest cogener, Anenterotrema mesolecitha, in having smaller eggs, a much larger cirrus sac, and in the position of ovary. This is the sixth species of this genus and first to be described from Peru and C. brevicauda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Members of the digenean genus Gyrabascus have been reported from bats and rodents in Europe, Southeast Asia, North America, and most recently from the marsupial, Monito del Monte ( Dromiciops gliroides), in the Argentinian part of Patagonia. We have found digeneans belonging to Gyrabascus in a different species of Monito del Monte ( Dromiciops bozinovici) from Chile. This is the first record of Gyrabascus from D. bozinovici and only the second report of Gyrabascus in a marsupial. Although these specimens are morphologically very similar to Gyrabascus dromiciops, we refrained from identifying our material as G. dromiciops due to insufficient specimen quality and the presence of some morphological differences, leaving open the possibility that the specimens from Chile may potentially represent a different, new species. Both morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic analysis using partial sequence of nuclear large ribosomal subunit gene (28S) confirmed the systematic position of these specimens and allowed us to discuss their phylogenetic relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to further study the detailed morphology of Physaloptera clausa Rudolphi, 1819, based on the material collected from the Amur hedgehog E. amurensis Schrenk in China. The results revealed a few previously unreported morphological features and some morphological and morphometric variability between our specimens and the previous studies. The present supplementary morphological characters and morphometric data could help us to recognize this species more accurately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ruehmaphelenchus quercophilus n. sp., isolated from a dying oak, Quercus robur, in the State Forests, Łopuchówko District, Poland, is described and figured. It is characterised by three lateral lines, relatively stout body, excretory pore posterior to nerve ring, five caudal papillae, spicules relatively small (12-14 μm) with weakly developed condylus and rostrum, bursa absent, vulva positioned at ca 78% of body length, vulval flap absent, post-uterine branch extending for slightly over half of vulva to anus distance, and conoid tail with a bend at the distal end forming a terminal projection 10-14 μm long. The new species is very similar to four other described species, namely R. formosanus, R. juliae, R. thailandae, and R. sirisus. Detailed phylogenetic analysis based on 18S, 28S D2-D3 and ITS sequences has confirmed the status of this nematode as a new species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two very similar species of the genus Chiloplacus, namely C. magnus and C. insularis, are re-described and compared based on type material as well as Iberian specimens. Relevant new information is obtained for their characterisation and for elucidating their identity with more accuracy. Special mention is deserved by the findings regarding: i) the morphology of the lateral field at vulval level; and ii) the location of the vulva, which is either midventral or subventral, two remarkable traits that were originally overlooked. Chiloplacus magnus is distinguished by having the left lateral field expanded at vulval level and the vulva displaced to a subventral position, whereas C. insularis displays the usual pattern of the genus. The evolutionary relationships of the Iberian C. magnus are explored by means of D2-D3 sequence analysis. Chiloplacus similis is regarded as identical to C. magnus and is proposed as a new junior synonym of the latter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differentiation between Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and other related, non-pathogenic species can be ambiguous when based exclusively on morphological characters. The morphology of B. mucronatus and B. fraudulentus most closely resembles that of B. xylophilus. Moreover, all of these nematodes are found in both Asia and Europe and can colonise various species of pine. Therefore, for phytosanitary purposes it is necessary to identify the three species precisely and rapidly. We report the results of a multiplex PCR that utilises four primers to identify and discriminate the three Bursaphelenchus species simultaneously. The multiplex PCR yielded DNA fragments of 767, 305 and 132 bp, for B. xylophilus, B. mucronatus and B. fraudulentus, respectively. This primer combination has produced reliable results in multiplex PCR assays with a number of different populations of the listed species, and no cross-reactions were observed with other Bursaphelenchus species. The described approach is simple, reliable and cheaper than other molecular methods presently used for simultaneous identification of the above three species within the xylophilus group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radopholoides japonicus n. sp. isolated from rhizospheric soil samples associated with Podocarpus macrophyllus imported from Japan into Ningbo Port of China is described and illustrated. It is characterised by four lateral lines, lip region low, convex with three annuli. Stylet 16.5-18.5 µm long with anteriorly sloping rounded knobs. Excretory pore at the level of pharyngo-intestinal junction. Vulva posteriorly located, vulval lips not protruding, spermatheca squarish. Post-vulval uterine sac 35-44 µm long. Tail conoid with broadly rounded terminus, phasmid 6-8 annuli posterior to anus. Among five species of genus Radopholoides, the new species is close to R. antoni but can be differentiated from it by lip and tail morphology. This is the first Radopholoides species that provided detailed morphological and molecular characterisation. Maximum Likelihood analysis using the Shimodaira-Hasegawa test for the validity of Radopholoides was performed and showed the validity of the genus using the partial 18S and D2-D3 expansion segments of 28S. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to importance and effectiveness of some entomopathogenic or insect parasitic nematodes in controlling of agricultural pests, or pests of non-agricultural plants, a study was conducted in order to identify the species of this group of nematodes in city of Tehran. As the result, three species belonging to the genus Oscheius were recovered in association with bark samples having the bark beetle galleries. Morphological and molecular data were provided for two recently recovered species of the genus, namely O. necromenus and O. onirici. Molecular data were also provided for a recently recovered isolate of O. tipulae. All three species were recovered in association with bark samples collected from dead trees in the city of Tehran. Morphological characters and morphometric data of the two aforementioned species are in accordance with the data given in their original descriptions. One recovered individual from a small bark sample characterized by its short body length was sequenced for its 28S and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA loci, and the results of BLAST search using the newly obtained partial sequences revealed that it belonged to O. tipulae. Molecular phylogenetic studies revealed recently sequenced Iranian populations of O. onirici and O. tipulae forming a clade with other isolates/populations of these species in ITS tree with maximal Bayesian posterior probability (BPP), and presently sequenced isolates of O. tipulae and O. necromenus form a clade with other isolates of these species in 28S tree. The two species O. onirici and O. necromenus were reported in Iran for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphological and molecular diversity among 11 populations of cereal cyst nematodes from different wheat production areas in Morocco was investigated using light microscopy, species-specific primers, complemented by the ITS-rDNA sequences. Morphometrics of cysts and second-stage juveniles (J2s) were generally within the expected ranges for Heterodera avenae; only the isolate from Aïn Jmaa showed morphometrics conforming to those of H. latipons. When using species-specific primers for H. avenae and H. latipons, the specific bands of 109 bp and 204 bp, respectively, confirmed the morphological identification. In addition, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions were sequenced to study the diversity of the 11 populations. These sequences were compared with those of Heterodera species available in the GenBank database (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) and confirmed again the identity of the species. Ten sequences of the ITS-rDNA were similar (99-100%) to the sequences of H. avenae published in GenBank and three sequences, corresponding with one population, were similar (97-99%) to H. latipons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The yam nematode, Scutellonema bradys, is a major threat to yam (Dioscorea spp.) production across yam-growing regions. In West Africa, this species cohabits with many morphologically similar congeners and, consequently, its accurate diagnosis is essential for control and for monitoring its movement. In the present study, 46 Scutellonema populations collected from yam rhizosphere and yam tubers in different agro-ecological zones in Ghana and Nigeria were characterised by their morphological features and by sequencing of the D2-D3 region of the 28S rDNA gene and the mitochondrial COI genes. Molecular phylogeny, molecular species delimitation and morphology revealed S. bradys, S. cavenessi, S. clathricaudatum and three undescribed species from yam rhizosphere. Only S. bradys was identified from yam tuber tissue, however. For barcoding and identifying Scutellonema spp., the most suitable marker used was the COI gene. Additionally, 99 new Scutellonema sequences were generated using populations obtained also from banana, carrot, maize and tomato, including the first for S. paralabiatum and S. clathricaudatum, enabling the development of a dichotomous key for identification of Scutellonema spp. The implications of these results are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study about the role of metastrongyloid larval shedding in the natural transmission of Limax maximus infection. Topics mentioned include the description of metastrongyloidea nematode parasites, the monitoring of larval shedding, the exposure and digestion of gastropod, the longevity of third-stage larvae, and the identification of morphological characteristics of infective third-stage larvae.

The type population of Meloidogyne brasiliensis is synonymised under M. ethiopica based on morphological and morphometric similarities, as well as through biochemical, molecular and phylogenetic studies. Meloidogyne ethiopica was first described in 1968 in Tanzania using specimens from a single egg mass culture on tomato and re-described in 2004 using an isolate from Brazil. Meloidogyne brasiliensis was described in 2002 in Brazil based on specimens collected from tomato (type population) and pea. Morphological and morphometric studies of their descriptions showed important similarities in major characters as well as some general variability in others. Characterisation of esterase isozyme phenotypes of three populations of M. ethiopica from Brazil, Chile and Kenya, and two M. brasiliensis populations, resulted in only one esterase pattern (E3), a phenotype already known for M. ethiopica. In PCR assays, the species-specific 350 bp SCAR marker developed for M. ethiopica was amplified from the M. brasiliensis populations tested. In phylogenetic analyses based either on sequences of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 and D2-D3 (28S) rRNA regions or on RAPD and AFLP data, the populations of both species clustered together with a strong bootstrap support. Altogether, these results provide congruent evidence that M. brasiliensis is not a valid species but rather a junior synonym of M. ethiopica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphometry and biomass of nematode communities in different harbours of the Saigon River were investigated in the dry and wet seasons in relation to environmental variables such as total organic carbon, pH, conductivity, salinity and oxygen redox potential, in addition to concentrations of different butyltin compounds. The results indicated that nematodes in contaminated sediments from the Saigon River harbours were mainly characterised by slender morphotypes, whilst very few thin and stout nematodes were observed. Individual nematode biomass was generally low, especially in the wet season. There was no significant correlation between butyltin compounds and nematode morphometrics in the dry season but significant correlations were found for the wet season. Although significant correlations were observed for the wet season, the strong seasonal differences in nematode biomass spectra suggest a potential limitation in their use for environmental monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, we carried out a morphological, biometrical and molecular study of whipworms Trichuris Roederer, 1761 (Nematoda: Trichuridae) parasitizing Papio ursinus Keer 1792 (Chacma baboon). Biometrical and molecular data suggest a new species of Trichuris parasitizing baboons. In addition of main morphological features (spicule, spicule sheath, spicule tube, proximal cloacal tube, distal cloacal tube, vulva, vagina), the mean values of individual variables between Trichuris colobae , Trichuris suis , Trichuris trichiura examined by Student's t tests suggest that T. ursinus n. sp. constitutes a new species. The combined analysis of three markers ( cox1, cob and ITS2) revealed a sister relationships between T. colobae and T. ursinus n. sp . Mitochondrial sequences revealed a higher inter-specific similarity between T . ursinus n. sp., T. suis and T. colobae. Phylogenetic hypotheses for both mitochondrial genes strongly supported distinct genetic lineages corresponding to different species of the genus Trichuris associated with certain hosts. Thus, T. suis , T. colobae and T. ursinus n. sp. appeared as a sister group and separated from Trichuris spp. from humans and other species of primates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of carriers, temperatures, concentrations of the infective juveniles (IJ) and a fungicide on the survival and infectivity of five nematode species, Steinernema carpocapsae, S. feltiae, S. longicaudum, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and H. indica, were evaluated to establish the adapted formulations for these nematodes. Vermiculite and humus were good carriers for the storage of the three Steinernema species, with more than 90% IJ survival after 120 days at 5°C, 80 days at 15°C and at least 20 days at 25°C, and 90% survival for the storage of H. bacteriophora after 10 days at 5°C and 15°C. After 10 days at 25°C, ca 80% IJ survival was recorded for H. bacteriophora and H. indica. Although ca 90% IJ survival was found after 10 days at 15°C for H. indica, this species did not tolerate low temperature, with survival less than 40% after 10 days at 5°C. The ratios of the IJ and the carriers in the ranges of 1:0.8-1:1.2 (w/w) did not significantly influence the survival of all nematode species. The vermiculite formulation containing a fungicide Proxel GXL at concentrations of 0.1% and 0.2% increased the survival of two Heterorhabditis species. Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and H. indica could be stored for 60 and 40 days, respectively, at 15°C in aerated water with 90% IJ survival, compared with the vermiculite formulation. The tested formulations did not significantly influence the infectivity of the IJ from the formulations with IJ survival more than 80%. The results provide alternative formulation methods for the commercial storage of these beneficial nematodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sudhausia floridensis n. sp., a phoretic associate of a dung beetle, Onthophagus tuberculifrons, is described based on its typological characters and molecular profiles of part of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene, D2-D3 expansion segments of the large subunit of rRNA gene as well as part of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (mtCOI) gene. Adult beetles collected from the cattle unit at the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA were dissected and placed on a water agar plate to allow nematode propagation. The new species was isolated from a culture plate several weeks later and subcultured to establish a laboratory strain. Sudhausia floridensis n. sp. is typologically very similar to S. aristotokia, but could be distinguished from it by the shape of the tail tip of the male and presence vs absence of a terminal notch in the bursal velum. Molecularly, S. floridensis n. sp. is close to S. crassa, regardless of its morphological similarity to S. aristotokia, but it is distinguished from its African congeners S. aristotokia and S. crassa by 28 and 12 bp differences in SSU, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a first step in developing a quick, accurate and simple method for the diagnosis of red ring disease, the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)-based identification procedure was applied to the causative agent, Bursaphelenchus cocophilus. Two LAMP primer sets were designed using two loci of ribosomal RNA genes, i.e., D2-D3 expansion segments of the large subunit (D2- D3 LSU) and internal transcribed spacers (ITS). Within those two sets of primers, the D2-D3 LSU primer set successfully yielded amplicons from B. cocophilus nematode lysate prepared from 3-year-old DESS-fixed specimens. The specificity of the primers was examined using 18 species of confamilial Aphelenchoididae nematodes and primer sensitivity was tested using a diluted series of B. cocophilus lysate. The primer set did not amplify the DNA from other aphelenchoidids, and sensitivity was achieved by '1:100 diluted' B. cocophilus DNA (roughly 1/1500 of total DNA from a single third-stage juvenile). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malenchus is the second specious genus in Tylenchidae. In the presented study, we examined 22 populations including 12 type/paratype species. Detailed morphology was recovered using light microscopy, scanning- and transmission-electron microscopy. All population and type slides were recorded as picture and video vouchers, which are available online. We have compared inter- or intraspecific variations and extracted taxonomically informative traits. Amended definitions of the Malenchus as well as the closely related Ottolenchus were given based on a combination of morphology and recent molecular data, and their phylogeny were analyzed in a context of Tylenchidae. Furthermore, we test different fungi and moss as a food resource of Malenchus and their feeding behavior is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptaphelenchus varicaudatus n. sp. is described and illustrated. It was isolated from bark samples of dead or dying pine (Pinus spp.) trees with bark beetle frass and galleries, in Tehran province. The new species has 275- to 367-mm-long females (a medium-sized species) with distinctly annulated cuticle having three bands in lateral fields, lip region continuous with body contour, delicate knobbed stylet, monodelphic-prodelphic reproductive system with distinct spermatheca, short postvulval uterine sac (PUS), transverse vulval slit with raised posterior lip and body narrowing behind it, sclerotized vagina, simple intestine ending in a blind sac, having no rectum but vestigial anus in some specimens, and distal body end tip (tail tip) with variation in morphology (shape), from sharply or slightly pointed to bluntly rounded. Males of the new species are common, but less frequent than females, characterized by shorter body (235-278 mm long) compared to females, their posterior body end more ventrally bent, arcuate separate spicules with well-developed wide condyles, distinct rostrum having sharp, attenuated tip. The precloacal single supplement (P1) and the distally located pair of caudal papillae close to tail tip were only observed. The new species is morphologically compared with the species of the genus having short PUS and similar body end morphology. In molecular phylogenetic analyses using 1520- and 698-nt-long sequences of small subunit (SSU) and large subunit (LSU) rDNA D2/D3 fragments, the new species formed a clade with two currently available GenBank-derived, unspecified isolates/sequences in SSU and three other isolates/sequences in LSU trees, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudacrobeles (Pseudacrobeles) curvatus sp. n. was collected from potato fields in Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea. The new species shares morphological characters typical of the genus Pseudacrobeles, including three lateral incisures that fade posteriorly near the phasmid openings. The new species differs from other Pseudacrobeles species by its smaller body size and a comparatively shorter corpus relative to the isthmus length. In this study, we provide a comparison of morphometrics and diagnostic features of Pseudacrobeles species and molecular sequence data from the D2-D3 regions of the 28S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region of rDNA from the new species, which can be used as molecular barcode sequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adult female individuals of the nematode Mesomermis devii sp. nov. (Nematoda: Mermithidae) have been described. The host organism is not determined. The individuals were isolated from moist guano obtained in the dark zone of Devi Cave (West Georgia). The new species is characterized by the following: rounded and symmetrical apical end of the head; mouth aperture is located in the middle of the head terminus; 6 cephalic papillae are arranged in a single row; each papilla is equipped with 2 or 3 sensilla; stoma has uneven width and the pharyngeal tube is of even width along the whole length; small amphids, with large, slightly oval, roundish holes and large, rounded pouches; pear-shaped vagina. Additionally, the radial holes emerging from the gland situated in the cuticle of the terminal part of the tail differentiate it from the species of the genus Mesomermis. This is the second record of this genus in Georgia. A list of species in the genus Mesomermis distributed in the Palearctic and brief morphological descriptions indicating their hosts and distribution details are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nematodes of the genus Baylisascaris are common intestinal parasites of sables (Martes (M.) zibellina kamtschadalica Birula, 1916) on the entire territory of Kamchatka peninsula. Partial sequences of Cox I mitochondrial gene were used for molecular characterization of these nematodes, which confirmed the identification based on morphological data as B. devosi Sprent, 1952. Phylogenetic relationships of this Baylisascaris species were also inferred from the ITS rDNA and LSU rDNA sequences. SEM images were provided for taxonomically important morphological features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new Acrobeloides is described and illustrated from samples collected in rice farmland in South Korea. Acrobeloides varius sp. n. exhibits morphological characters of other acrobeloids, including a corpus with elongate spindle-like swelling and lateral incisures that extend to the tail end region. However, this new species is distinguished from other acrobeloids by having lateral incisures that change in number from one to five, three low rounded labial probolae, and a conical pointed tail end with a small spike-shaped mucron. In this study, a detailed morphological comparison of Acrobeloides species is provided, along with new molecular sequence data from the D2-D3 regions of LSU, SSU and partial mtDNA cox1 region from the new species, which can be used as molecular barcode sequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New morphological, molecular and bionomic data are added to update the description of Bursaphelenchus crenati. The nematode was isolated from larval galleries and adults of the Greater ash bark beetle, Hylesinus crenatus Fabricius, present in bark of older trees of European ash, Fraxinus excelsior L., in Poland. Detailed female and male morphology are documented in this paper and compared with the original description. From ITS1/2, partial 28S D2-D3 and partial 18S sequences, ITS-RFLP patterns and morphological analysis, B. crenati is suggested to be temporarily placed into the sexdentati group, close to B. andrassyi, B. vallesianus, B. sexdentati, B. pinophilus, B. poligraphi, B. fuchsi, B. incurvus, B. piniperdae, and B. pityogeni. However, B. crenati can be distinguished from these species by the strongly ventrally curved body and the presence of three incisures in the lateral fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Longidorus piceicola, a new geographical and host record from Romania, was described and illustrated on the basis of two populations originating from a coniferous and a deciduous forest. The main morphological characters of specimens from Romania correspond very well with the type material collected from the soil around Picea abies L. (Slovakia) except for the shorter body and tail. The D2-D3 fragment of 28S rDNA from both populations was amplified and sequenced, and the sequences were identical to L. piceicola sequence from Slovakia. The partial 18S-ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA regions from one of the populations were sequenced for the first time. The evolutionary relationships between L. piceicola and the closest species L. intermedius based on D2-sequence divergence and single-nucleotide polymorphisms are discussed. Although having very low sequence dissimilarity (0.3–0.9 %) both species have distinct morphology and biology. Longidorus piceicola differs from L. intermedius in having a much longer odontostyle, body, distance anterior end - guide ring, a wider lip region, more ventromedian supplements (11 vs 5–7) in the male, and develops through four rather than three juvenile stages. Furthermore, L. piceicola occurs more frequently in association with conifers, while L. intermedius is found mainly in oak forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nematodes are among the most abundant metazoans in soils, but their true diversity and distribution patterns remain poorly investigated, especially in polar environments. Here, we studied three high Arctic tundra sites at Kongsford, NW Svalbard (78°55′N) to understand: (1) Whether there is detectable small-scale habitat variation, (2) What the predictors of diversity and community variation are, and (3) Whether molecular methodology reveals greater diversity than morphological studies. DNA was extracted using the Baermann funnel method, and PCR amplified for the 18S rRNA gene, followed by 454-pyrosequencing. Our samples revealed no difference in nematode OTU α-diversity between different tundra habitats. Similarly, we found no correlation between nematode α-diversity in individual samples and soil properties or vegetation coverage. However, β-diversity was lower in the highly vegetated tundra than in the other tundra. There was no evidence of distinct nematode communities between individual 1 m quadrats of different vegetation cover and soil parameters. Overall, the community composition of highly vegetated tundra clustered separately from less vegetated tundra. The phylogenetic community assembly analysis indicated that the variation of nematode community was deterministic. This suggests that-despite the 'extreme' environment-nematodes in the high Arctic tundra are still to some extent habitat specialized. This study also revealed a much greater overall nematode diversity than has been previously detected in Svalbard. The nematode OTU diversity in our samples was considerably higher than the total species previously reported. This suggests the potential of DNA-based methods to rapidly reveal the true diversity of metazoans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The resilience of ecosystems to negative impacts is generally higher when high gene flow, species diversity and genetic diversity are present. Population genetic studies are suitable to investigate genetic diversity and estimate gene flow between populations. Seaweed beds form a dynamic shallow water ecosystem influenced by climate change and human exploitation, as such, seaweed beds are a particularly powerful model to investigate ecosystem resilience in coastal areas. We studied the population genetic structure of the new nematode species Paracanthonchus gynodiporata associated with seaweeds in northeastern Brazil. Nematodes are generally believed to have a limited dispersal capacity because of the lack of planktonic larvae. Yet, they can drift on seaweeds, and water currents might be a natural barrier for their dispersal. Populations of P. gynodiporata were sampled over more than 1000 km coastline in regions across major oceanic currents with and without historical exploitation of seaweed. Results: P. gynodiporata is described in an integrative way using mitochondrial and nuclear sequences and morphological data. The 3D model of the head region shows for the first time a detailed view of the ventrosublateral teeth, a character often overlooked in older taxonomic studies of the genus. A total of 17 mitochondrial COI haplotypes were found with one haplotype representing 63 to 83% of the frequencies in each population. AMOVA showed overall little population genetic structure (FST = 0.05204), and no genetic subdivision between the populations under the influence of the two different water currents were found. Effects of historical seaweed exploitation on population genetic diversity were not detected. In contrast, significant differences between populations were found in morphometric characters. This discrepancy in genetic and morphological differentiation between populations across 1000 km of coastline is surprising in view of the frequently observed presence of several cryptic species at small geographical scale in other macroalgal associated nematodes. Conclusions: Our results show that cryptic species are not omnipresent in marine nematode species, suggesting that nematodes associated with seaweeds have been able to disperse over large distances across well-known biogeographic barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aphelenchoides macrospica n. sp. is described and illustrated from theWest Azerbayjan province, northwestern Iran. The new species is characterized by its body length of 807 to 963 mm (males) and 792 to 1,094 mm (females), offset cephalic region, lateral fields with four incisures, long stylet with 15 to 16 mm length, and excretory pore situated opposite or behind the nerve ring. Pharyngeal glands overlapping intestine dorsally and extending for 90 to 121 mm, tail terminus mucronate in both sexes. Vagina directed anteriad, and spicules are relatively large (27-32 mm) with well-developed broadly rounded apex and condylus. The new species comes close to seven known species of the genus namely A. arcticus, A. blastophthorus, A. haguei, A. huntensis, A. lucknowensis, A. parasaprophilus, andA. xui, but it differs from them by the body size, stylet length, size of spicules, and length of postvulval uterine sac. The results of phylogenetic analyses based on sequences of D2-D3 expansion region of 28S and 18S rDNA, confirmed its status as a new species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The filarial nematode Setaria bidentata was found in 10 of 31 fetuses of the red brocket deer ( Mazama americana) from the Loreto region of the Peruvian Amazon. A total of 25 specimens were collected and morphologically identified as S. bidentata. Filarial nematodes were found in the peritoneal cavity of 9 deer fetuses and the thoracic cavity of 1 fetus. Most specimens were adult stage. In this report, we provide morphometric data for these filarial specimens. This is the first study to demonstrate prenatal S. bidentata infection in cervid fetuses. Also, the finding of S. bidentata in Peru expands the geographic range of this parasite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell division cycle 25 (Cdc25) is an evolutionarily conserved phosphatase that promotes cell cycle progression by activating cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) which are inactivated by Wee1/Myt1 kinases. It was previously reported that cdc-25.2 promotes oocyte maturation and intestinal cell divisions in Caenorhabditis elegans hermaphrodites. Here, we report a novel function of cdc-25.2 in male tail development which was significantly deformed by cdc-25.2 RNAi depletion and in cdc-25.2 mutant males. The deformation was also observed after RNAi depletion of other cell cycle regulators, cdk-1 , cyb-3 , cyd-1 , and cyl-1 . Furthermore, wee-1.3 counteracted cdc-25.2 in male tail development as observed in oocyte maturation and intestine development. The number of cells in ray precursor cell lineages was significantly reduced in cdc-25.2 depleted males. These results indicate that CDC-25.2 is essential for cell divisions in ray precursor cell lineages for proper male tail development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phasmarhabditis bohemica n. sp. is described and illustrated from the body of Deroceras reticulatum from the village of Chelčice, the Czech Republic. Morphological and molecular data showed that the new isolate is close to other species of Phasmarhabditis, particularly P. californica and P. papillosa. Females are characterised by a body length of 2079 (1777-2222) µm and a long tapering tail with prominent papilliform phasmids located laterally in the mid-tail region. Males are 1683 (1515-1818) µm long. They have a peloderan bursa, with nine pairs of rays, 1/1/1/2/1/3, and a reflexed testis 495 (434-555) µm long. Dauer juveniles are thin, 553 (474-636) µm long, with prominent lateral fields consisting of two prominent ridges and three incisures. Small subunit (18S), ITS, and D2-D3 expansion segments of the large subunit of ribosomal DNA were used to analyse the phylogenetic relationships of sequenced species in Phasmarhabditis and other closely related species. Our preliminary observations suggest that the newly described species may be a facultative mollusc-parasitic nematode that is able to survive permanently in the saprobic phase on decaying organic matter. The ecology, morphology, and phylogenetic positions of P. bohemica n. sp. are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six new species of the genus Oscheius Andrassy, 1976 viz., Oscheius citri n. sp., O. cynodonti n. sp., O. cobbi n. sp., O. esculentus n. sp., O. punctata n. sp. and O. sacchari n. sp., are described by both morphological and molecular means from different agro-climatic regions of Sindh, Punjab and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan. All species belong to insectivora group on the basis of leptoderan bursa, crochet needle-shaped spicules, normal rectum, lateral field with six separate lines and had unique ribosomal DNA-ITS, sequence. A compendium of the genus Oscheius (of both insectivora and dolichura groups) based on the following characters: body length, tail, spicules and gubernaculum length, ratios a, b, c, c' and vulva percentage is given. The morphometric and allometric characters with anterior and posterior regions were derived from the original descriptions. An identification key to 42 valid species of both insectivora and dolichura group of the genus Oscheius is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to isolate and identify entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) species in different agricultural areas in the Southern Anatolia region of Turkey. Out of 193 soil samples, 20 (10.33%) turned out to be positive for the presence of EPNs, belonging to the genera Steinernema and Heterorhabditis. Morphological and molecular (ITS-RDNA) characterizations were performed for the 20 EPN isolates. Six isolates were identified as H. bacteriophora, 2 as H. indica and 6 as S. feltiae. Two isolates were undescribed Steinernemas pecies. H. indica was recorded for the first time in the southern Anatolia region of Turkey. Molecular analysis confirmed the morphological identification of Heterorhabditidae and Steinernematidae species. Comparative analysis of the ITS sequences revealed interspecific polymorphism among the tested isolates. Additionally, intraspecific polymorphism was observed within S. feltiaeand H. bacteriophorapopulations, but no intraspecific polymorphism was detected in the H. indicapopulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meiofaunal biomass, despite its ecological importance, is rarely assessed in marine ecological studies due to time-consuming and costly indirect procedures or inaccurate direct methods. Here, we present a semi-automated image analysis method for obtaining the widths and lengths of photographed nematodes that employs the Leica LAS Image Analysis module and is used to estimate Nematoda (a dominant marine meiofaunal taxon) biomass. Samples of 100 individual nematodes from 10 replicate samples representing two different environments (muddy fjord bottom and seagrass-vegetated sands) were used for the analyses, which were performed manually and semi-automatically. Manual measurements were taken by three independent analysts to check for individual differences. The automated measurements were collected almost two times faster than the manual ones. The three analysts and the computer did not differ in their assessments of nematode length, but significant differences existed among the measurements of maximum width by the three analysts (due to different designations of the point of nematode maximum width required by the manual method). For estimating individual nematode biomass, a formula using the equation for the volume of cylinder (one of the three tested in the study) is recommended. The total nematode biomass values obtained with this method were comparable to those reported from similar habitats. This semi-automated method seems to be less biased and more time and cost effective compared with standard manual protocols. The wider application of this method should facilitate the more frequent inclusion of meiofaunal biomass assessments in marine benthic surveys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Publication of the genome from the clade I organism, Trichinella spiralis, has provided us an avenue to address more holistic problems in parasitology; namely the processes of adaptation and the evolution of parasitism. Parasitism among nematodes has evolved in multiple, independent events. Deciphering processes that drive species diversity and adaptation are keys to understanding parasitism and advancing control strategies. Studies have been put forth on morphological and physiological aspects of parasitism and adaptation in nematodes; however, data is now coming available to investigate adaptation, host switching and parasitism at the genomic level. Herein we compare proteomic data from the clade I parasite, Trichinella spiralis with data from Brugia malayi (clade III), Meloidogyne hapla and Meloidogyne incognita (clade IV), and free-living nematodes belonging to the genera Caenorhabditis and Pristionchus (clade V). We explore changes in protein family birth/death and expansion/reduction over the course of metazoan evolution using Homo sapiens , Drosophila melanogaster and Saccharomyces cerevisiae as outgroups for the phylum Nematoda. We further examine relationships between these changes and the ability and/or result of nematodes adapting to their environments. Data are consistent with gene loss occurring in conjunction with nematode specialization resulting from parasitic worms acclimating to well-defined, environmental niches. We observed evidence for independent, lateral gene transfer events involving conserved genes that may have played a role in the evolution of nematode parasitism. In general, parasitic nematodes gained proteins through duplication and lateral gene transfer, and lost proteins through random mutation and deletions. Data suggest independent acquisition rather than ancestral inheritance among the Nematoda followed by selective gene loss over evolutionary time. Data also show that parasitism and adaptation affected a broad range of proteins, especially those involved in sensory perception, metabolism, and transcription/translation. New protein gains with functions related to regulating transcription and translation, and protein family expansions with functions related to morphology and body development have occurred in association with parasitism. Further gains occurred as a result of lateral gene transfer and in particular, with the cyanase protein family In contrast, reductions and/or losses have occurred in protein families with functions related to metabolic process and signal transduction. Taking advantage of the independent occurrences of parasitism in nematodes, which enabled us to distinguish changes associated with parasitism from species specific niche adaptation, our study provides valuable insights into nematode parasitism at a proteome level using T. spiralis as a benchmark for early adaptation to or acquisition of parasitism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the species diversity among the Trichostrongylidae Leiper, 1912 (Nematoda: Strongylida), and complexity of the family systematics. Polymorphism (subfamilies: Ostertagiinae, Cooperiinae and Haemonchinae), the presence of cryptic species (genus: Teladorsagia) and hybridization (genera: Cooperia, Haemonchus and Ostertagia) are presented and discussed, considering both morphological and molecular evidence. Some of these phenomena are common, nevertheless not sufficiently understood, which indicates the need for expanding the current state of knowledge thereof. Within the Trichostrongylidae, species distinction supported merely by morphological features is difficult, and requires confirmation by means of molecular methods. The parasitic nematode taxonomy is complicated mainly by the genus Teladorsagia, but complexity may also be expected among other Ostertagiinae (e.g. in the genera Ostertagia and Marshallagia). The data presented here show that the members of the Trichostrongylidae can significantly complicate unambiguous species identification. Hence, it is essential to consider the phenomena mentioned, to gather valid and comparable data on the biodiversity of this family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]