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Intestinal strongyles are the most problematic endoparasites of equids as a result of their wide distribution and the spread of resistant isolates throughout the world. While abundant literature can be found on the extent of anthelmintic resistance across continents, empirical knowledge about associated risk factors is missing. This study brought together results from anthelmintic efficacy testing and risk factor analysis to provide evidence-based guidelines in the field. It involved 688 horses from 39 French horse farms and riding schools to both estimate Faecal Egg Count Reduction (FECR) after anthelmintic treatment and to interview farm and riding school managers about their practices. Risk factors associated with reduced anthelmintic efficacy in equine strongyles were estimated across drugs using a marginal modelling approach. Results demonstrated ivermectin efficacy (96.3% ± 14.5% FECR), the inefficacy of fenbendazole (42.8% ± 33.4% FECR) and an intermediate profile for pyrantel (90.3% ± 19.6% FECR). Risk factor analysis provided support to advocate for FEC-based treatment regimens combined with individual anthelmintic dosage and the enforcement of tighter biosecurity around horse introduction. The combination of these measures resulted in a decreased risk of drug resistance (relative risk of 0.57, p = 0.02). Premises falling under this typology also relied more on their veterinarians suggesting practitionners play an important role in the sustainability of anthelmintic usage. Similarly, drug resistance risk was halved in premises with frequent pasture rotation and with stocking rate below five horses/ha (relative risk of 0.53, p

RESUMEN La estructura comunitaria de parásitos en peces de Chile ha sido poco abordada a través del tiempo y el espacio, impidiendo conocer los patrones de variaciones espacio-temporales. En este trabajo se estudia si la comunidad de endoparásitos de tres peces del intermareal de Chile central difiere entre localidades y años de muestreo, mediante descriptores parasitológicos, composición de especies y anidamiento. Se recolectaron 954 peces de tres especies, Helcogrammoides chilensis, Gobiesox marmoratus y Scartichthys viridis en pozas intermareales ubicadas en lugares cercanos a las bahías de Valparaíso (~32°45'S, 33°30'S) y de Concepción (~36°28'S, 36°41'S), durante 2013 y 2014. Las comunidades parasitarias fueron analizadas y comparadas por especie de hospedero, entre los rangos espaciales (localidades) y temporales (años). Los resultados muestran diferencias no significativas en los descriptores de abundancia, riqueza y diversidad entre localidades en los tres hospederos. Sin embargo, se observaron diferencias de estos descriptores entre años en la Bahía de Valparaíso para H. chilensis y G. marmoratus. La similitud de la composición parasitaria fue baja en cada especie hospedera al comparar entre años y localidades. Las infracomunidades de endoparásitos de S. viridis presentaron un patrón anidado en el tiempo y el espacio, a diferencia de G. marmoratus que presentó un patrón azaroso. En consecuencia, las escalas espacio-temporales son factores influyentes en la estructura de la comunidad de endoparásitos, pero su influencia difiere entre los hospederos. La repetitividad parece estar asociada a la especie de pez y las características agregadas de las comunidades de sus parásitos. Estos resultados indican que otros factores, ambientales y/o ecológicos, pueden influir en su estructura comunitaria. ABSTRACT The parasite community structure in fish species of Chile have scarcely been analysed through time and locations, making it difficult to understand the spatio-temporal variation patterns. In this study, we investigated whether the endoparasitic community of three intertidal fishes in central Chile exhibited spatial or temporal changes. We collected a total of 954 individuals of Helcogrammoides chilensis, Gobiesox marmoratus and Scartichthys viridis in the intertidal rocky zone in localities close to the bays of Valparaíso (~32°45'S, 33°30'S) and of Concepción (~36°28'S, 36°41'S), during in 2013 and 2014. We analized the endoparasite community for each host according to their numerical descriptors, species composition and nestedness, comparing these communities as a function of both space and time. The average richness, abundance and diversity of the parasite infracommunity did not exhibit significant difference between localities (Valparaíso vs Concepción) for any of the host species. Only the parasitological descriptors of H. chilensis and G. marmoratus showed significant difference between years for Valparaíso. Similarity of parasite composition of each host species was low between years and geographical localities. The endoparasite infracommunity of S. viridis exhibited a nestedness pattern over time and space, unlike G. marmoratus that showed a random pattern over time and space. We concluded that spatio-temporal scales seem to be important factors for endoparasite community organization, but they affect different host species differently. The repeatability seems to be associated with the host species biology and the aggregate characteristics of the parasitic communities. However, our results suggest that other factors, such as environmental and/or ecological features, could impact on the community structure of parasites.

Представлено результати досліджень впливу наноаквацитрат германію, магнію, селену на технологічні параметри культивування та збереження поживних якостей лялечок фітофага-хазяїна за умови їх використання для безперервного розведення Chouioia cunea Jang. За використання наноаквацитратів забезпечується цілеспрямована дія на культуру Chouioia cunea Jang. оптимальних умов утримання, динамічна рівновага з навколишнім середовищем, коригування біологічної ефективності ендопаразита. Відповідно до результатів досліджень, спостерігали у дослідних варіантах максимальні показники фенолоксидазної активності захисних клітинах гемолімфи фітофага-хазяїна, біологічної ефективності, репродуктивного потенціалу і толерантності ендопаразита до змін чинників середовища в процесі онтогенезу. За додаткового живлення наноаквацитрат магнію 0,0001– 0,0005 %% концентрації фенолоксидазна активність у захисних клітинах гемолімфи Antheraea pernyi G.-M. становила 13,02-14,51%. Максимальна ступінь зараження лялечок Hyphantria cunea Drury. – 94%, репродуктивний потенціал ендопаразита Chouioia cunea Jang.. при вирощуванні на лялечках фітофага-хазяїна Antheraea pernyi G.-M. – 19465 особин, що на 50,89% більше порівняно з контрольним варіантом. За використання як біологічно активних компонентів наноаквацитрат германію, магнію та селену під час постембріонального розвитку фітофага-хазяїна встановлені найліпші показники щодо збереження поживних якостей лялечок живителів після довготривалого зберігання., We presented the results of researches of influence of nano aqua citrate germanium; magnesium; selenium on the technological parameters of cultivation and maintenance of nourishing internals of pupas of phytophage-ownere on condition of their use for the continuous breeding of Chouioia cunea Jang. At the use of nano aqua citrates we provide a special purpose operating on the culture of Chouioia cunea Jang. optimal terms of maintenance; dynamic equilibrium with an environment; adjustment of biological efficiency of endoparasite. According to research results; we observed in experimental ways the maximum performance of phenol oxidize activity of protective cells of hemolymph of phytophage-ownere; biological effectiveness; reproductive capacity and endoparasites tolerance to changes in environmental factors during ontogenesis. For additional nutrition nano aqua citrate magnesium 0;0001- 0.0005 %% phenol oxidize concentration of activity in protecting cells hemolymph Antheraea pernyi G.-M. was 13;02- 14;51%. Maximum degree of contamination of pupae Hyphantria cunea Drury. - 94%; reproductive potential of endoparasites Chouioia cunea Jang . when grown on phytophage-ownere Antheraea pernyi G.-M. - 19465 individuals; that is 50.89% more compared with control option. For use as bioactive components nano aqua citrate germanium; magnesium and selenium in the postembryonic growth of phytophage-ownere we set the best performance to preserve the nutritional quality of pupae for nutrition after long-term storage.

The community composition of parasites was characterized in Astronotus ocellatus from a tributary of the Amazon River, northern Brazil. The prevalence was 87.9%, and a total of 526,052 parasites were collected, with a mean of 15,941 parasites per host. Nine taxa of ecto- and endo-parasites were identified, but Ichthyophthirius multifiliis was the dominant species, while Piscinoodinium pillulare, Clinostomum marginatum and Argulus multicolor were the least prevalent parasites. The parasite community was characterized by a low species richness, low diversity and low evenness. Host body size was not found to influence the composition of the parasite community, and there was no significant correlation between abundance of any parasite species and host body size. Papers published concerning the presence of parasites in this host in different hydrographic basins within Brazil indicate that 22 species of parasites are known to infect A. ocellatus, including species of ectoparasites and endoparasites. In Brazil, ectoparasites species, particularly crustaceans, have been found to parasitize A. ocellatus in relatively high numbers. This predominance of ectoparasites is typical of fish of lentic ecosystems. Finally, the presence of different endoparasites taxa suggest that A. ocellatus acts as an intermediate or definitive host. Made available in DSpace on 2017-11-29T23:22:00Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 CPAFAP2017DiversityofparasiteinwildAstronotusApaiari.pdf: 1264664 bytes, checksum: d59b47ce38334b9d78b26b0e70a44088 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-11-29

The New World species of Eurytenes Foerster sensu stricto (Hymenoptera: Braconidae, Opiinae) are revised, and a key to these species is presented. Four new species are described: Eurytenes (Eurytenes) dichromus sp. n. from Texas, E. (E.) microsomus sp. n. from Texas, E. (E.) pachycephalus sp. n. from Mexico, and E. (E.) ormenus sp. n. from Mexico. Eurytenes abnormis (Wesmael) is redescribed for comparison, and its host records are reviewed.

The mechanisms underlying honest signal expression remain elusive and may involve the integration of social and physiological costs. Corticosterone is a socially modulated metabolic hormone that mediates energy investment and behavior and may therefore function to deter dishonest signal expression. We examined the relationship between corticosterone and green badge coloration in male sand lizards (Lacerta agilis), hypothesizing that physiological and behavioral costs resulting from elevated baseline glucocorticoids function in maintenance of honest signal expression. We found that large‐badged males had higher corticosterone titer, with this relationship apparent at the end of the season and absent early in the season. Large‐badged males also suffered higher ectoparasite load (number of tick nymphs), despite being in better condition than small‐badged males. Ectoparasite load was positively related to corticosterone titer early in the season at the time of badge formation. High‐condition individuals had lower corticosterone and lower numbers of ectoparasites than low‐condition individuals, suggestive of conditional variation in ability to withstand costs of corticosterone. We found an opposing negative relationship between corticosterone titer and endoparasite load. Corticosterone titer was also negatively associated with male mobility, a fitness‐determining behavior in this species. Because badge size is involved in mediating agonistic social interactions in this species, our results suggest that badge‐dependent variation in corticosterone is likely reflective of variation in social conditions experienced over the course of the season. Our results implicate corticosterone in maintenance of signal honesty, both early in the season through enforcement of physiological costs (ectoparasite load) and during the season through behavioral costs (male mobility). We propose that socially modulated variation in corticosterone critically functions in mediation of signal honesty without requiring a direct role for corticosterone in trait expression.

Amphibians are hosts for a wide variety of ecto- and endoparasites, such as protozoans and parasitic worms. Naididae is a family of Oligochaeta whose species live on a wide range of substrates, including mollusks, aquatic macrophytes, sponges, mosses, liverworts, and filamentous algae. However, some species are known as endoparasitic from vertebrates, such as Dero (Allodero) lutzi, which is parasitic of the urinary tracts of frogs, but also have a free-living stage. Specimens in the parasitic stage lack dorsal setae, branchial fossa, and gills. Here we report the occurrence of D. (A.) lutzi associated with anuran Scinax fuscovarius from Semi-deciduous Atlantic Rain Forest in southern Brazil. The study took place at the Caiuá Ecological Station, Diamante do Norte, Paraná, southern Brazil. Seven specimens of S. fuscovarius were examined for parasites but only one was infected. Parasites occurred in ureters and urinary bladder. Previous records of this D. (A.) lutzi include the Brazilian States of Santa Catarina, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Minas Gerais, as well as Cuba and North America. This is a new locality record for this species in Brazil. Reports of Dero (Allodero) lutzi are rare, due to difficulty of observation, and such events are restricted only the fortuitous cases. It is important to emphasize the necessity of future studies, which are fundamental to the understanding of biological and ecological aspects of this species. Anfíbios são hospedeiros para uma grande variedade de ecto- e endoparasitos, tais como os protozoários e vermes parasitos. Naididae é uma família de Oligochaeta cujas espécies vivem em uma ampla variedade de substratos, incluindo moluscos, macrófitas aquáticas, esponjas, musgos, e algas hepáticas e filamentosas. No entanto, algumas espécies são conhecidas como endoparasitos de vertebrados, como Dero (Allodero) lutzi, o qual é um parasito do trato urinário de anfíbios, mas que também possui uma fase de vida livre. Espécimes no estágio parasitário não possuem cerdas dorsais, fossa branquial, e brânquias. Relatamos a ocorrência de D. (A.) lutzi associado ao anuro Scinax fuscovarius na Floresta Estacional Semidecidual no Sul do Brasil. O estudo foi realizado na Estação Ecológica do Caiuá, Diamante do Norte, Paraná, Sul do Brasil. Sete espécimes de S. fuscovarius foram examinados para parasitos, mas apenas um estava infectado. Os parasitos ocorreram nos ureteres e bexiga urinária. Registros anteriores de D. (A.) lutzi incluem os estados brasileiros de Santa Catarina, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro e Minas Gerais, bem como Cuba e América do Norte. Este é o registro de uma nova localidade para esta espécie no Brasil. Registros de Dero (Allodero) lutzi são raros, devido à dificuldade de observação, e tais eventos são restritos apenas a casos fortuitos. É importante ressaltar a necessidade de futuros estudos, que são fundamentais para a compreensão de aspectos biológicos e ecológicos desta espécie.

Se recolectaron 19 muestras de excretas del tapir centroamericano (Tapirus bairdii) en la Reserva "La Sepultura" (marzo a julio de 1999), así como un muestreo directo a un tapir macho de la Reserva "Montes Azules" (Chiapas, México). Se analizaron con cinco técnicas (flotación, MacMaster, micrometría, sedimentación de Ritchie y cuantitativa de Ferreira). Además se recolectaron muestras en piel de animales capturados en en las dos reservas y en una pareja de zoológico proveniente de Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas. Se hallaron nematodos y protozoarios: Agriostomun sp., Lacandoria sp., Neomurshidia sp., Trichostrongylus sp., Strongylus sp., Brachylumus sp., y un ancilostomaideo aun por identificar. Además se informa la presencia de Eimeria sp., y Balantidium coli. Los ácaros hallados fueron; Dermacentor halli, Dermacentor latus, Amblyomma cajannense, Amblyomma coelebs, Amblyomma ovale, Anocentor nitens e Ixodes bicornis.Parasites of the Central American tapir Tapirus bairdii (Perissodactyla: Tapiridae) in Chiapas, Mexico. We analyzed 19 samples of Baird´s tapir feces from La Sepultura Biosphere Reserve, collected between March and July 1999. We also took samples directly from a male tapir captured at the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve. Both reserves are in Chiapas, Mexico. We used five techniques: flotation, MacMaster, micrometric, Ritchie’s sedimentation and Ferreira´s quantitative. In addition, we collected ectoparasites from animals captured in both reserves and from a captive couple from Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas. These nematodes and protozoans were found: Agriostomun sp., Lacandoria sp., Neomurshidia sp., Trichostrongylus sp., Strongylus sp., Brachylumus sp, and an unidentified species of ancilostomaide. We also found Eimeria sp. and Balantidium coli, as well as the mites Dermacentor halli, Dermacentor latus, Amblyomma cajannense, Amblyomma coelebs, Amblyomma ovale, Anocentor nitens and Ixodes bicornis. Rev. Biol. Trop. 54(2): 445-450. Epub 2006 Jun 01.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the Kato-Katz test (WHO version) with stool samples from a rural area, fixed with sodium acetate (SAF). The Kato-Katz test was used to compare unfixed samples (conventional test) with the same samples containing SAF fixative at time 0 and at 6 months. The study included stools from 154 subjects.A marginally statistically significant decrease in prevalence was estimated only for hookworm, when comparing unfixed samples versus the SAF fixed samples read at 6 months (. p=. 0.06). A significant reduction in parasite load was found for hookworm (. p less than . 0.01) and Trichuris trichiura (. p less than . 0.01) between the unfixed and the fixed sample read at 6 months, but not for Ascaris lumbricoides (. p=. 0.10). This research suggests that the SAF fixative solution is a good option for transporting samples for diagnosis, especially in rural areas in developing countries. © 2015 Elsevier B.V.

At present, more than 500,000 foreigner workers, most of them from Asian countries with high parasitic infection rates, are working in Korea. Since investigation into the prevalence of parasitic infections in foreigner workers has not yet been conducted in Korea, the present study was performed to determine the parasitic infection status of foreigner workers living in Cheonan City, Chungcheongnam-do (Chungnam Province) and to plan, on that basis, effective control measures. From October to December 2013, the parasitic infection status of 231 foreigner workers employed at selected Cheonan-si small businesses was investigated by both stool examination and ELISA. A total of 60 individuals (26.0%) were found to be infected with parasites. The stool examination detected 14 positive cases (6.1%), and ELISA revealed 50 positive people (21.6%), for at least a kind of parasitic disease. The most common infection was cysticercosis (8.7%), followed by toxocariasis (7.8%) and clonorchiasis (7.4%). Since it was proved that parasitic infections were prevalent among foreigner workers living in Cheonan City, more comprehensive study is urgently needed in order to understand the nationwide status of parasitic infections in foreigner workers.

Ecological factors may influence the number of parasites encountered and, thus, parasite species richness. These factors include diet, gregarity, conspecific and total host density, habitat, body size, vagility, and migration. One means of examining the influence of these factors on parasite species richness is through a comparative analysis of the parasites of different, but related, host species. In contrast to most comparative studies of parasite species richness of fish, which have been conducted by using data from the literature, the present study uses data obtained by the investigators. Coral reef fishes vary widely in the above ecological factors and are frequently parasitized by a diverse array of parasites. We, therefore, chose to investigate how the above ecological factors influence parasite species richness in coral reef fishes. We investigated the endoparasite species richness of 21 species of butterfly fishes (Chaetodontidae) of New Caledonia. We mapped the diet characters on the existing butterfly fish phylogeny and found that omnivory appears to be ancestral. We also mapped the estimated endoparasite species richness, coded from low to high parasite species richness, on the existing butterfly fish phylogeny and found that low parasite species richness appears to be associated with the ancestral state of omnivory. Different dietary and social strategies appear to have evolved more than once, with the exception of obligate coralivory, which appears to have evolved only once. Finally, after controlling for phylogenetic relationships, we found that only the percentage of plankton in the diet and conspecific host density were positively correlated with endoparasite species richness.

Amphibians are hosts for a wide variety of ecto- and endoparasites, such as protozoans and parasitic worms. Naididae is a family of Oligochaeta whose species live on a wide range of substrates, including mollusks, aquatic macrophytes, sponges, mosses, liverworts, and filamentous algae. However, some species are known as endoparasitic from vertebrates, such as Dero (Allodero) lutzi, which is parasitic of the urinary tracts of frogs, but also have a free-living stage. Specimens in the parasitic stage lack dorsal setae, branchial fossa, and gills. Here we report the occurrence of D. (A.) lutzi associated with anuran Scinax fuscovarius from Semi-deciduous Atlantic Rain Forest in southern Brazil. The study took place at the Caiuá Ecological Station, Diamante do Norte, Paraná, southern Brazil. Seven specimens of S. fuscovarius were examined for parasites but only one was infected. Parasites occurred in ureters and urinary bladder. Previous records of this D. (A.) lutzi include the Brazilian States of Santa Catarina, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Minas Gerais, as well as Cuba and North America. This is a new locality record for this species in Brazil. Reports of Dero (Allodero) lutzi are rare, due to difficulty of observation, and such events are restricted only the fortuitous cases. It is important to emphasize the necessity of future studies, which are fundamental to the understanding of biological and ecological aspects of this species.

Background: Adaptation to different ecological environments is thought to drive ecological speciation. This phenomenon culminates in the radiations of cichlid fishes in the African Great Lakes. Multiple characteristic traits of cichlids, targeted by natural or sexual selection, are considered among the driving factors of these radiations. Parasites and pathogens have been suggested to initiate or accelerate speciation by triggering both natural and sexual selection. Three prerequisites for parasite-driven speciation can be inferred from ecological speciation theory. The first prerequisite is that different populations experience divergent infection levels. The second prerequisite is that these infection levels cause divergent selection and facilitate adaptive divergence. The third prerequisite is that parasite-driven adaptive divergence facilitates the evolution of reproductive isolation. Here we investigate the first and the second prerequisite in allopatric chromatically differentiated lineages of the rock-dwelling cichlid Tropheus spp. from southern Lake Tanganyika (Central Africa). Macroparasite communities were screened in eight populations belonging to five different colour morphs. Results: Parasite communities were mainly composed of acanthocephalans, nematodes, monogeneans, copepods, branchiurans, and digeneans. In two consecutive years (2011 and 2012), we observed significant variation across populations for infection with acanthocephalans, nematodes, monogeneans of the genera Gyrodactylus and Cichlidogyrus, and the copepod Ergasilus spp. Overall, parasite community composition differed significantly between populations of different colour morphs. Differences in parasite community composition were stable in time. The genetic structure of Tropheus populations was strong and showed a significant isolation-by-distance pattern, confirming that spatial isolation is limiting host dispersal. Correlations between parasite community composition and Tropheus genetic differentiation were not significant, suggesting that host dispersal does not influence parasite community diversification. Conclusions: Subject to alternating episodes of isolation and secondary contact because of lake level fluctuations, Tropheus colour morphs are believed to accumulate and maintain genetic differentiation through a combination of vicariance, philopatric behaviour and mate discrimination. Provided that the observed contrasts in parasitism facilitate adaptive divergence among populations in allopatry (which is the current situation), and promote the evolution of reproductive isolation during episodes of sympatry, parasites might facilitate speciation in this genus.

Graphical abstract, Highlights • Raccoon dogs recently invaded Denmark. • Raccoon dogs and foxes harboured several helminths, some are zoonotic. • A markedly different helminth fauna was evident between the two hosts. • A fox was infected with Echinococcus multilocularis, no Trichinella spp. were detected. • Wildlife surveillance is a foundation for the protection against communicable parasites., Invasive species negatively influence the biodiversity of the ecosystems they invade and may introduce pathogens to native species. Raccoon dogs have very successfully invaded Europe, including, recently, Denmark. This study included analyses of gastrointestinal helminths and Trichinella spp. from 99 raccoon dogs and 384 native red foxes collected from October 2009 to March 2012. The sedimentation and counting method used revealed that raccoon dogs and foxes harboured 9 and 13 different helminth species, respectively, of which several known to be zoonotic. Significantly more nematode and cestode species were found in foxes while raccoon dogs had more trematode species. Rodent transmitted parasites were more prevalent in foxes, while amphibian transmitted parasites were more prevalent in raccoon dogs. One fox was infected with Echinococcus multilocularis (0.3%), while no Trichinella spp. were detected in raccoon dogs or foxes. The trematode Brachylaima tokudai was detected for the first time in Denmark in five of 384 foxes (1.3%). Prevalences of Pygidiopsis summa (3.0% and 3.4%) and Cryptocotyle spp. (15.2% and 15.4%) were comparable in raccoon dogs and foxes, respectively. Four helminth species were more prevalent in foxes than in raccoon dogs: Toxocara canis (60.9% and 13.1%); Uncinaria stenocephala (84.1% and 48.5%); Mesocestoides spp. (42.7% and 23.2%); and Taenia spp. (30.7% and 2.0%), respectively. Three helminth species were more prevalent in raccoon dogs than in foxes: Dipylidium caninum (5.1% and 0.3%); Mesorchis denticulatus (38.4% and 4.2%); and Alaria alata (69.7% and 34.4%), respectively. T. canis was more abundant in foxes while A. alata was more abundant in raccoon dogs. The intestinal distribution of a number of helminth species was comparable between hosts, but highly variable between parasite species. Inherent biological factors and host invasion of new areas might have shaped these marked differences in helminth fauna between the invasive raccoon dog and the native red fox.

An endoparasitic life style is widespread among Hymenoptera, and various different strategies allowing parasitoids to escape from the host encapsulation response have been reported. Species carrying polydnaviruses (PDVs), such as the ichneumonid Hyposoter didymator, generally rely on the viral symbionts to evade host immune responses. In this work, we show that H. didymator eggs can evade encapsulation by the host in the absence of calyx fluid (containing the viral particles), whereas protection of the larvae requires the presence of calyx fluid. This evasion by the eggs depends on proteins associated with the exochorion. This type of local passive strategy has been described for a few species carrying PDVs. Immune evasion by braconid eggs appears to be related to PDVs or proteins synthesized in the oviducts being associated with the egg. We report that in H. didymator, by contrast, proteins already present in the ovarian follicles are responsible for the eggs avoiding encapsulation. Mass spectrometry analysis of the egg surface proteins revealed the presence of host immune-related proteins, including one with similarities with apolipophorin-III, and also the presence of three viral proteins encoded by IVSPERs (Ichnovirus Structural Protein Encoding Regions).

This study set out to determine how an enteric parasite, the thorny-headed worm Acanthocephalus lucii, affected the expression of antimicrobial peptides (piscidins) in its host population, the European perch (Perca fluviatilis) collected from Lake Piediluco in Central Italy. A total of 87 perch were examined; 44 (50.5%) were infected with A. lucii (1-18 worms fish(-1)). Pathological changes and immune response were assessed using histological, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical techniques. The acanthocephalans only penetrated the surficial zone of the intestinal wall and induced only slight inflammation. The main damage was destruction of the mucosal epithelium covering the villi adjacent to the parasite's attachment site, and included necrosis and degeneration. Infected intestine had numerous mast cells (MCs), often in close proximity to, and within, the capillaries, and were associated with fibroblasts of the submucosal layer. Mast cells were irregular in shape with a cytoplasm filled by numerous electron-dense, membrane-bounded granules. Immunostaining of intestine with antibodies against the antimicrobial peptides piscidin 3 and piscidin 4 showed subpopulations of MCs that were positive. Piscidin-positive MCs were mainly observed among the epithelial cells of the intestine, but also within the submucosa. In both uninfected and parasite-infected perch, the number of MCs positive for piscidin 4 was higher than those immunoreactive with piscidin 3 (p0.05). For both piscidins, there was no significant difference in the number of positive MCs between parasite-infected and uninfected intestine (p0.05). However, uninfected fish showed higher immunostaining intensity for piscidin 3 than infected conspecifics (p0.05).

A new endoparasitic mite, Novophytoptus longissimus Chetverikov et Petanovic n. sp., living in parenchymatous stem tissue of the rush Juncus conglomeratus L. (Juncaceae) is described with the aid of conventional light microscopy, confocal light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Immatures of the new species lack eye-like structures (sensu Smith 1977), which are well-developed in adults. Adults possess unique globular protuberances on the dorsal surface of coxae I, uncommon localization of gnathosomal seta ep (situated in a pocket-like space formed by an antero-dorsal fold of the palpcoxa) and some uncommon attributes in the male and female genital areas. In one male the two putative podocephalic canals (sensu Nuzzaci & Alberti 1996) and the disjointed digitus mobilis and digitus fixus of the chelicerae were clearly seen under DIC LM. Senescent females of N. longissimus n. sp. exceed 510 micrometers, making this species the longest among contemporary eriophyoids. Remarks address the size limits of eriophyoids and the possible ways that novophytoptines penetrate the epidermis. Microphotographs of N. longissimus n. sp. moving within the aerenchyma of the rush stem are presented for the first time. The term “vermiformity”, referring to the elongation of the mite body, is discussed and width/length ratio is proposed as a precise estimate of “vermiformity”.

Wild rodents (58 Apodemus speciosus, 29 A. argenteus and 7 Microtus montebelli) were surveyed for endoparasites in Iwate Prefecture, Japan, from October to December 1995 and from April to October 1996. Two trematodes (Echinostoma macrorchis, Plagiorchis muris), 4 or more cestodes (Hymenolepis diminuta, Raillietina coreensis, Cladothyridium spp., Cysticercus fasciolaris), 12 nematodes (Carolinensis minutus, Eucoleus sp., Heligmosomoides kurilensis, H. protobullosus, H. speciosus, Heterakis spumosa, Rhabditis (Pelodera) orbitalis, Rictularia cristata, Syphacia emileromani, S. frederici, S. montana, Trichuris sp.) and 3 protozoans (Giardia sp., Trichomonas sp., Trypanosoma sp.) were identified. The two species of Apodemus were similar to each other, but they were extremely different from M. montebelli in parasite fauna.

Background: This study was aimed to collect wild rodents for endoparasites determination in some parts of Sistan and Baluchistan Province, southeastern Iran nearby Pakistan and Afghanistan countries. Methods: A total of 100 wild rodents were captured alive with cage traps. Various samples were collected from blood and feces, also impression smear prepared from different organs. The samples were prepared by formalin-ether or stained with Giemsa, after that were examined under microscope. Results: All the caught rodents (47 Tatera indica, 44 Meriones hurriana, 5 Gerbilus nanus and 4 Meriones libycus) were studied for endoparasites emphasizing to their zoonotic aspects. Endoparasites including Spirurida, Hymenolepis diminuta, Hymenolepis nana feraterna, Trichuris trichiura, Skerjabino taenia, Trichostrongylus spp, Entamoeba muris, Chilomastix mesnili and Leishmania spp were parasitologically identified. Conclusion: Among 9 genera or species of the identified parasites at least 5 of them have zoonotic and public health importance.

El mono ardilla (Cebidae: Saimiri sciureus) es una especie de primate neotropical. La mayor susceptibilidad a la presencia de parásitos en estos primates se puede deber a las condiciones ex situ a las que se encuentran sometidos, en donde se exponen a diferentes factores ambientales y de manejo. A partir de las historias clínicas de una población de 94 Saimiri sciureus del Parque Zoológico Jaime Duque (PZJD) y de la Unidad de Rescate y Rehabilitación de Animales Silvestres (Urras), instituciones ubicadas al noroccidente de los Andes suramericanos, se determinó la presencia de los parásitos diagnosticados en estas dos condiciones (exhibición y rehabilitación, respectivamente), estableciendo la posible asociación con la edad, el sexo, la sintomatología y los medicamentos. Se utilizaron histogramas y prueba de chi cuadrado para definir las diferencias de parásitos en estos dos lugares y poder determinar la mayor frecuencia presente en Saimiri sciureus. Por otro lado, el limitado conocimiento y los estudios parasitológicos de estos primates delimitan la gestión pública y dificultan el establecimiento de posibles zoonosis. The squirrel monkey (Cebidae: Saimiri sciureus) is a species of Neotropical primate. The increased susceptibility to the presence of parasites in these primates may be due to the ex situ conditions to which they are subjected, and where they are exposed to different environmental and managerial factors. The presence of the parasites diagnosed in these two conditions (exhibition and rehabilitation, respectively) was determined based on the medical records of a population of 94 Saimiri sciureus from the Jaime Duque Zoo (PZJD) and the Wild Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Unit (Urras), both institutions located at the northwestern part of the Andes in South America, thus establishing the possible association with age, gender, symptomatology and medicine. Histograms and chi-squared tests were used to define the parasite differences in these two places and to determine the most frequent ones in Saimiri sciureus. On the other hand, the limited knowledge and parasitological studies of these primates delimitate public management and hinder the establishment of possible zoonoses. O macaco-de-cheiro (Cebidae: Saimiri sciureus) é uma espécie de primata neotropical. A maior suscetibilidade à presença de parasitas nestes primatas pode-se dever as condições ex situ às que se encontram submetidos, onde são expostos a diferentes fatores ambientais e de manejo. A partir das histórias clínicas de uma população de 94 Saimiri sciureus do Parque Zoológico Jaime Duque (PZJD) e da Unidade de Resgate e Reabilitação de Animais Silvestres (Urras), instituições localizadas ao noroeste dos Andes sul-americanos, determinou-se a presença dos parasitas diagnosticados nestas duas condições (exibição e reabilitação, respectivamente), estabelecendo a possível associação com a idade, o sexo, a sintomatologia e os medicamentos. Foram utilizados histogramas e prova de qui-quadrado para definir as diferenças de parasitas nestes dois lugares, e poder determinar a maior frequência presente em Saimiri sciureus. Por outro lado, o limitado conhecimento e os estudos parasitológicos destes primatas delimitam a gestão pública e dificultam o estabelecimento de possíveis zoonoses.

Metaphycus flavus (Howard) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is a facultatively gregarious endoparasitoid of soft scales (Hemiptera: Coccidae). When it develops in superparasitised hosts, the larvae often attack and consume brood mates six or more days post oviposition. Under our laboratory conditions (25±1°C and 14 hours of light followed by 18±1°C and ten hours of darkness in 50-70% R.H.), M. flavus eggs hatched three days after oviposition. Measurements of the mandibles and tentorium indicate there are four larval instars, and M. flavus reaches the fourth instar by day six post oviposition, and pupates on day eight. Thus, cannibalism among M. flavus larvae occurs during the fourth instar. During this instar, M. flavus larvae separate from their attachment to the scale cuticle, to which they were tethered by a respiratory structure during the previous three larval instars. Once detached, they are free to move within the scale, which increases the probability of larval encounters and aggressive behaviours. Moreover, the mandibles of the fourth instar are better adapted for fighting than are those of the first three larval instars, since they are larger and more sclerotized. The cranium and mouthparts of M. flavus have four different types of sensory organs, some of which are almost certainly olfactory, an unexpected function for a larva that presumably is surrounded by an aqueous medium where gustatory sensilla would seem to be more appropriate. The cranium also bears two pairs of what appear to be secretory pores. Copyright © 2011 Cambridge University Press., We thank Lisa D. Foster, Porfirio Pacheco and Robert Trautman for providing the scales, host plants and parasitoids to conduct these experiments. This research was supported in part by an USDA National Research Initiative grant (USDA-NRI 2005-01006) awarded to RFL and Jocelyn Millar and by a California Citrus Research Board grant (CRB 5500-159) awarded to Joseph Morse and RFL.

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It is unexplained how strepsipteran insects manipulate the physiology of their hosts in order to undergo endoparasitic development without being entrapped by the innate immune defences of the host. Here we present pioneering work that aimed to explore for the first time several components of the cellular and humoral immune response among immature stages of the paper wasp Polistes dominulus, in both unparasitized insects and after infection by the strepsipteran endoparasite Xenos vesparum. We carried out hemocyte counts, phagocytosis assays in vitro and antibacterial response in vivo. On the whole, hemocyte load does not seem to be drastically affected by parasitization: a non-significant increase in hemocyte numbers was observed in parasitized wasps as respect to control, while the two dominant hemocyte types were present with similar proportions in both groups. On the other hand, phagocytosis was significantly reduced in hemocytes from parasitized wasps while the antibacterial response seemed to be less effective in control. These somewhat unexpected results are discussed, along with the implications of a multiple approach in immune response studies.

Ribosomal RNA genes are widely applied in phylogenetic studies due to the ubiquitous presence and relative conservation of many regions of their nucleotide sequences. Many specific PCR primers have been developed for amplification of the rDNA cluster fragments from particular taxa. However, the use of universal primers hybridising to the conserved rDNA regions enables discovering sequences of eukaryote endosymbiont or pathogen origin in the analysed DNA sample. This approach makes it possible to detect gregarines (Protozoa: Apicomplexa) that are obligate parasites of digestive tracts and body cavities in invertebrate animals. Here we report new uncultured gregarine clones detected by rDNA sequencing in one harvestmen, Rilaena triangularis (Opiliones: Phalangioidea), and two astigmatid feather mite species, Proctophyllodes stylifer and P. ateri (Acari: Analgoidea). To our knowledge, this is the first record of parasitic Astigmata (cohort Psoroptidia) infected with gregarines. Comparison of the amplified rDNA fragments with sequences deposited in GenBank revealed that analysed sequences corresponded to 18S rDNA from the genera Gregarina (85 and 90 % identity with G. chortiocetes for sequences found in P. ateriand harvestman, and Syncystis (87 % identity with S. mirabilis for sequences found in P. stylifer). The differences observed between nucleotide sequences of the gregarine 18S rDNA fragments indicated that the gregarine isolates from which the sequences were derived belonged to presumably three different species.

Le loup, ce mammifère sauvage à l’origine aujourd’hui de tant de polémiques, a toujours eu dans nos mémoires la place d’un animal légendaire. Cependant, aujourd’hui la considération et la sauvegarde des animaux sauvages ont pris une importance particulière dans la société actuelle, et les notions de diversité génétique et d’écologie donnent à la population un intérêt grandissant pour la faune sauvage, le mode de vie et le comportement des animaux qu’elle comporte. C’est dans ce contexte que le parc Alpha, parc zoologique situé au sein du Parc National du Mercantour, a choisi d’offrir au public une approche directe du loup, canidé sauvage dont la présence reste très controversée dans la région. Il est intéressant d’observer que les conditions de vie des loups en milieu captif modifient leur comportement et leur mode de vie, les rendant ainsi plus vulnérables à de nombreuses affections et plus particulièrement au parasitisme interne. Ces risques liés aux conditions de détention et d’occupation d’un territoire clos et de taille réduite, peuvent cependant être en partie maîtrisés par des règles d’hygiène strictes et un suivi médical adapté. En effet, les principaux endoparasites retrouvés jusqu’à présent chez les loups présentant un parasitisme interne concernent les classes des Nématodes et des Cestodes, et il existe de nombreuses molécules permettant de lutter contre ces parasites. Toutefois, les analyses réalisées montrent une importance grandissante d’une autre forme de parasitisme interne, celui des protozoaires et des pullulations bactériennes, nécessitant un traitement particulier des loups contaminés.

ÖZYÜKSEK LİSANS TEZİATATÜRK BARAJ GÖLÜ (ADIYAMAN)'NDE YETİŞTİRİCİLİĞİYAPILAN GÖKKUŞAĞI ALABALIĞI (Oncorhynchus mykiss)'NDAPARAZİTOLOJİK ARAŞTIRMALARAbdussamet DALÇUKUROVA ÜNİVERSİTESİFEN BİLİMLERİ ENSTİTÜSÜSU ÜRÜNLERİ ANABİLİMDALIDanışman : Doç. Dr. Suat DİKELYıl 2006, Sayfa: 52Juri : Doç. Dr. Suat DİKELProf. Dr. İbrahim CENGİZLERProf. Dr. Necdet AYTAÇBu çalışmada Harran Üniversitesi Kahta Meslek Yüksekokulu Su ÜrünleriBölümüne ait Atatürk Baraj Gölü'nde kafes yetiştiriciliği yapılan gökkuşağı alabalığı(Oncorhynchus mykiss) ve gölde doğal olarak bulunan diğer bazı balık türlerininderi, yüzgeç, solungaç ve iç organlarında ekto ve endoparazit taraması yapılmıştır.Araştırma gökkuşağı alabalığından 140 balık bireyi üzerinde Aralık 2004-Haziran2005 tarihleri arasında yürütülmüştür. Araştırma sonucunda Chilodonella cyprini veTrichodina nigra, türleri tespit edilmiştir. Doğal populasyondaki balıklardan yapılanaraştırma sonucunda ise Dactylogyrus extensus, Neoechinorhynchus rutili veMolnaria intestinalis paraziti bulunmuştur.Anahtar Kelimeler: Gökkuşağı Alabalığı, Atatürk Baraj Gölü Türleri,Ektoparazit, Endoparazit ABSTRACTMSc THESISPARASITOLOGICAL RESEARCH ON RAINBOW TROUT(Oncorhynchus mykiss) FARMING IN ATATÜRK DAMLAKE IN ADIYAMAN CITYAbdussamet DALDEPARTMENT OF FISHERIESINSTITUTE OF NATURAL AND APPLIED SCIENCESUNIVERSTY OF ÇUKUROVASupervisor: Associate Prof. Dr. Suat DİKELYear 2006, Page: 52Jury : Associate Prof. Dr. Suat DİKELProf. Dr. İbrahim CENGİZLERProf. Dr. Necdet AYTAÇIn this study, ecto and endoparasite screening on skin, fin, gill and organs ofRainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and the other fish population found innatural habitat have been investigated in the Atatürk Dam Lake at Kahta High Schoolin Department of Fshery Products at the Universty of Harran. This research has beenconducted on 140 Rainbow trout fish between December 2004 and June 2005. As aresult, Chilodonella cyprini ve Trichodina nigra species have been identified onRainbow trout fish. Dactylogyrus extensus, Neoechinorhynchus rutili and Molnariaintestinalis parasites have been identified on the other natural fish population.Keywords: Rainbow trout, Atatürk Dam Lake species, Ectoparasite,Endoparasite 60