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So far, the identity of Cyathostoma (Hovorkonema) nematodes collected from respiratory tracts of birds of prey (Accipitriformes, Falconiformes) and owls (Strigiformes) in Europe and North America is extremely inconsistent. Our results, based on analyses of ITS-2 sequences suggest that the Cyathostoma (Hovorkonema) nematodes found in the birds of prey and owls from Central Europe and North America probably belong to the same species, C. (Hovorkonema) americanaChapin, 1925. We are convinced, that described in recent literature high ITS-2 divergence among C. (Hovorkonema) nematodes collected from Europe, has occurred as a result of invalid synonimisation of some C. (Hovorkonema) species. In our opinion C. (Hovorkonema) americana (typically parasites of tracheae and air sacs of raptors) and C. (Hovorkonema) variegatum (Creplin, 1849) (typically parasites of tracheae of cranes and storks) are valid molecular and morphologically distinct species.

Dirofilariosis belongs to zoonotic vector-borne diseases with fastest spread into new areas caused by extreme weather and seasonal changes in climate. In Slovakia, Dirofilaria spp. parasites affect more than 30 % of dogs living in endemic regions in southern parts of territory, however, data on wildlife circulation of this parasite are still scarce. In order to clarify the role of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) as the most abundant canid species in Europe in maintaining the parasite in natural foci, an initial survey of dirofilariosis in this carnivore species was conducted in Slovakia. The samples of 183 red foxes hunted in 2007 - 2009 in regions of South-Eastern and Northern Slovakia with different geographical and climate characteristics were examined by means of PCR method using specific D. repens, D. immitis and Acantocheilonema recognitum primers. The DNA was isolated from spleen samples using commercial kit and PCR approach was used for diagnostics. After amplification selected products were purified and sequenced to elucidate any homologies with previously deposited sequences in Gen Bank. The results showed 105 out of 183 examined specimens (57.4 %) being infected, with great regional differences in prevalence. Phylogenetic relationships within Dirofilaria species indicate that obtained isolates belong to D. repens. The results confirmed the role of red foxes as the reservoir of parasite. Herein, epidemiological factors that may be coherent with the Dirofilaria parasites distribution and circulation in wildlife and implications in risk assessment and prevention for domestic animals and human are discussed.

In the present study we investigated two ecologically distinct populations of T. merula for the presence of helminths. We wished to determine whether urban populations of blackbirds had reduced helminth fauna compared to birds from forest habitats. Birds were caught in two ecologically distinct sites located in the eastern part of the Czech Republic. A total of 320 birds were examined. The first site was located in Prerov where the birds were obtained from a typical urban population, and the second site was Zahlinice, which constitutes a typical forest area. As a result of parasitological examination, 30 helminth species belonging to Digenea, Cestoda, Nematoda and Acanthocephala were recorded from both sites: 29 species were found in the forested site and 15 in the urban site. The overall prevalence of infection was 93.1% and differed significantly between the sites (Zahlinice 97.2%, Prerov 85.1%). The mean species richness was almost three times higher in the forest population (3.37 ± 0.10) than in the urban one (1.78 ± 0.11). The clear qualitative and quantitative differences in the helminth community of T. merula obtained from two ecologically disparate localities show that urbanization leads to a significant reduction in the helminth fauna of a bird which is highly adapted to synanthropic habitats, while still remaining common in its original forest habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In present study we examined one individual of red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) which was obtained from Poznań Zoological Garden, the turtle died for unknown reasons. During a standard parasitological dissection one female ascariid nematode was found in the small intestine. The nematode was determined as Angusticaecum holopterum (Rudolphi, 1819) Baylis, 1920. Our finding is the second report of this parasite from T. s. elegans in Poland. Although both reports concerning turtles obtained from husbandry, our studies indicate potential risk of transmission of this nematode to native fauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic studies preceded by the observation of an unknown mosquito species in Mikołów (Poland) confirmed that it belongs to a new invasive species in Polish fauna, Aedes japonicus (Theobald, 1901), a known vector for numerous infectious diseases. Ae. japonicus is expanding its geographical presence, raising concerns about potential disease transmission given its vector competence for chikungunya virus, dengue virus, West Nile virus, and Zika virus. This first genetically confirmed identification of Ae. japonicus in Poland initiates a comprehensive review of the literature on Ae. japonicus , its biology and ecology, and the viral infections transmitted by this species. This paper also presents the circumstances of the observation of Ae. japonicus in Poland and a methodology for identifying this species.

Background: Here we provide a comparative analysis of the genetic structure of populations (based on nad1 mtDNA) of Isthmiophora melis isolated from the American mink (Neogale vison), an introduced invasive species, commonly occurring in the territory of Poland, and from the striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius)., Methods: A total of 133 specimens of I. melis were obtained from naturally infected N. vison collected from six localities in Poland (108 samples) and 25 individuals of I. melis from A. agrarius. All sequences of the nad1 gene obtained during the present study were assembled and aligned. The standard statistics for haplotype composition, i.e., the number of haplotypes, haplotype diversity, nucleotide diversity, and average number of nucleotide differences, were calculated. Haplotype analysis and visualization of haplotype frequency among populations were performed using a median-joining network., Results: Based on the samples collected from different localities in Poland, our study revealed that the overall genetic diversity of I. melis isolated from the American mink and of the striped field mouse do not differ significantly. The median-joining network showed that the three main haplotypes are in the centre of a star-like structure, with the remaining haplotypes as the satellites, reflecting the recent expansion of the populations., Conclusions: The overall genetic diversity of I. melis isolated from the American mink and striped field mouse reveals a high level of homogeneity. Moreover, regional differences in the food composition of the definitive hosts play an important role in shaping the genetic structure of the trematode populations., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Species of Cotylurus Szidat, 1928 (Diplostomoidea: Strigeidae) are highly specialized digeneans that parasitize the gastrointestinal tract and bursa of Fabricius of water and wading birds. They have a three-host life cycle; the role of first intermediate host is played by pulmonate snails, while a wide range of water snails (both pulmonate and prosobranch) and leeches are reported as second intermediate hosts. Unfortunately, species richness, molecular diversity and phylogeny of metacercariae of Cotylurus spp. (tetracotyle) occurring in snails remain poorly understood. Thus, we have performed the parasitological and taxonomical examination of tetracotyles form freshwater snails from Poland, supplemented with adult Strigeidae specimens sampled from water birds. In this study we report our use of recently obtained sequences of two molecular markers (28S nuclear large ribosomal subunit gene (28S rDNA) and the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) fragment), supplemented by results of a method of species delimitation (GMYC) and haplotype analysis to analyse some aspects of the ecology, taxonomy, and phylogeny of members of the genus Cotylurus. The provided phylogenetic reconstructions discovered unexpectedly high molecular diversity within Cotylurus occurring in snails, with clearly expressed evidence of cryptic diversity and the existence of several novel-species lineages. The obtained results revealed the polyphyletic character of C. syrius Dubois, 1934 (with three separate molecular species-level lineages) and C. cornutus (Rudolphi, 1809) Szidat, 1928 (with four separate molecular species-level lineages). Moreover, we demonstrated the existence of two divergent phylogenetical and ecological lineages within Cotylurus (one using leeches and other snails as second intermediate hosts), differing significantly in their life history strategies., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interest, (© 2022 The Authors.)

The presence of Trichinella pseudospiralis has been increasingly reported in Europe in the last decade. The parasite was recorded for the first time in Central Europe in 2003-2004, in eastern Slovakia, in pigs, rats and a cat from a pig breeding farm. In the following years, it was also repeatedly diagnosed in co-infection with T. britovi in sylvatic animals from this area. Molecular analyses revealed a distinctive genetic relationship of the Slovak isolate with those from Finland and Sweden, suggesting the potential role of migratory birds of prey in the transmission of the parasite. Thus, potential host species, including mammals and birds, were investigated for the presence of T. pseudospiralis. During 2006-2018, a total of 360 carcasses of raptorial, carrion-feeding and scavenging birds were collected and examined using artificial digestion of pectoral muscle samples. Muscle larvae were detected in muscle of one golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), two common kestrels (Falco tinnunculus) and one peregrine falcon (F. peregrinus). Molecular analyses confirmed the presence of T. pseudospiralis. These findings in diurnal raptorial species represent new host records for Trichinella spp. In 2017, a mandatory examination of pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus), red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and wild boars (Sus scrofa) revealed one wild boar from the central part of territory to be infected with T. pseudospiralis. Our data confirm that the parasite has already established itself in Slovakia, and thus adequate veterinary measures and public education are needed to prevent its transmission to the food chain and the risk of human infection., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Leeches (Hirudinida) play a significant role as intermediate hosts in the circulation of trematodes in the aquatic environment. However, species richness and the molecular diversity and phylogeny of larval stages of strigeid trematodes (tetracotyle) occurring in this group of aquatic invertebrates remain poorly understood. Here, we report our use of recently obtained sequences of several molecular markers to analyse some aspects of the ecology, taxonomy and phylogeny of the genera Australapatemon and Cotylurus, which utilise leeches as intermediate hosts., Methods: From April 2017 to September 2018, 153 leeches were collected from several sampling stations in small rivers with slow-flowing waters and related drainage canals located in three regions of Poland. The distinctive forms of tetracotyle metacercariae collected from leeches supplemented with adult Strigeidae specimens sampled from a wide range of water birds were analysed using the 28S rDNA partial gene, the second internal transcribed spacer region (ITS2) region and the cytochrome c oxidase (COI) fragment., Results: Among investigated leeches, metacercariae of the tetracotyle type were detected in the parenchyma and musculature of 62 specimens (prevalence 40.5%) with a mean intensity reaching 19.9 individuals. The taxonomic generic affiliation of metacercariae derived from the leeches revealed the occurrence of two strigeid genera: Australapatemon Sudarikov, 1959 and Cotylurus Szidat, 1928. Phylogenetic reconstructions based on the partial 28S rRNA gene, ITS2 region and partial COI gene confirmed the separation of the Australapatemon and Cotylurus clades. Taking currently available molecular data and our results into consideration, recently sequenced tetracotyle of Australapatemon represents most probably Au. minor; however, unclear phylogenetic relationships between Au. burti and Au. minor reduce the reliability of this conclusion. On the other hand, on the basis of the obtained sequences, supplemented with previously published data, the metacercariae of Cotylurus detected in leeches were identified as two species: C. strigeoides Dubois, 1958 and C. syrius Dubois, 1934. This is the first record of C. syrius from the intermediate host., Conclusions: The results of this study suggest the separation of ecological niches and life cycles between C. cornutus (Rudolphi, 1808) and C. strigeoides/C. syrius, with potential serious evolutionary consequences for a wide range of host-parasite relationships. Moreover, phylogenetic analyses corroborated the polyphyletic character of C. syrius, the unclear status of C. cornutus and the separate position of Cotylurus raabei Bezubik, 1958 within Cotylurus. The data demonstrate the inconsistent taxonomic status of the sequenced tetracotyle of Australapatemon, resulting, in our opinion, from the limited availability of fully reliable, comparative sequences of related taxa in GenBank.

Background: Human toxocariasis is a cosmopolitan helminthic zoonosis caused by roundworms of the genus Toxocara. The study aimed at a cross-sectional analysis of seropositivity to Toxocara spp. in selected groups of population in Slovakia and an estimate of the risk factors of infection., Methods: For the detection of anti-Toxocara antibodies, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on an excretory-secretory (E/S) antigen of Toxocara canis was used., Results: The overall seropositivity to Toxocara in 1489 evaluated sera was 3.7%. The seropositivity of Roma children/young people (40.3%) was significantly higher when compared with all other analysed groups. Among adult respondents, the positivity of farmers and hunters (5.5% and 5.1%, respectively) was significantly higher (p<0.001) than in the other analysed groups (veterinarians and veterinary assistants, soldiers, students of veterinary medicine, and students of other universities). Analysis of infection risk factors showed that living in a rural locality, everyday contact with soil, and everyday outdoor activities (12.7%, 8.8% and 8.3% positivity, respectively) can increase the risk of infection, but the observed differences were not significant., Conclusion: The results underline the importance of preventive measures and the need for improving of knowledge of toxocariasis among professionals, as well as the public., (Copyright © 2020 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Fatal infection by Cyathostoma (Cyathostoma) phenisci (Nematoda: Syngamidae), was identified in 2 of 52 brown boobies (Sula leucogaster) collected on beaches in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and admitted to the veterinary clinic for rehabilitation. Both infected birds were in poor physical condition, with atrophied pectoral muscles, and died soon after starting treatment. The parasitological and pathological examination of the carcasses revealed the presence of C. (C.) phenisci in the trachea, resulting in tracheitis, as well as severe parasitic granulomatous bronchopneumonia caused by eggs deposited in the lungs. In our opinion, these serious pathological changes were the primary cause of chronic respiratory illness. This is the first description of fatal cyathostomiasis in a fish-eating avian host caused by infection by a member of the subgenus Cyathostoma (Cyathostoma). Therefore, it is reasonable to consider C. (C.) phenisci to be a real threat to a wide range of their definitive hosts, and cyathostomiasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis for fish-eating marine birds, even in cases without respiratory signs. This is also the first record of the genus Cyathostoma in Brazil., (© American Society of Parasitologists 2020.)

Lyperosomum Looss, 1899 is one of the largest genera of the Dicrocoeliidae and is one of the best examples of the systematic complexity and taxonomic instability within this family. We present the molecular analyses based on novel sequences of nuclear and mitochondrial genes obtained from 56 isolates of adult flukes and larval stages of dicrocoeliids belonging to Lyperosomum, Skrjabinus , Zonorchis as well as previously available sequence data. According to obtained results we propose to return Zonorchis clathratus and Z. petiolatus into Lyperosomum , and to recognize L. alagesi as a synonym of L. petiolatum . Our study shows that L. petiolatum commonly occurs in Europe in corvids as well as in several species of migratory songbirds, e.g. Sylvia atricapilla . At the same time, the Turdidae appear to host a distinct species of Lyperosomum . The phylogenetic analysis has clearly demonstrated the paraphylepic nature of Lyperosomum and indicated the need of its thorough revision preferably using specimens from type hosts and type territories of nominal species. In addition, inclusion of numerous not yet sequenced dicrocoeliid genera into future phylogenetic studies is necessary to clarify the interrelationships of taxa within the family and stabilize its system.

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.

The systematic position, phylogenetic relationships and composition of the genus Leyogonimus Ginetsinskaya, 1948 have always been uncertain. In the present study, we investigate the taxonomic position and phylogenetic relationships between the type-species L. polyoon (Linstow, 1887) and L. postgonoporus (Neiland, 1951) (previously classified as Macyella), based on newly obtained partial sequences of the nuclear large ribosomal subunit DNA. To test some of the previously proposed systematic arrangements, we have also sequenced specimens of Stomylotrema vicarium Braun, 1901 and Phaneropsolus sp. Our results clearly demonstrate that both L. polyoon and L. postgonoporus belong to the family Pleurogenidae Looss, 1899 within the superfamily Microphalloidea. Thus, the Leyogonimidae Dollfus, 1951 should be recognized as a synonym of the Pleurogenidae. Leyogonimus polyoon clearly constitutes a separate, sister branch to the clade consisting of Collyricloides massanae Vaucher, 1969 and L. postgonoporus. Based on these results, we resurrect the genus Macyella Neiland, 1951 with type-species M. postgonoporus. Besides, Collyricloides Vaucher, 1968 is synonymized with Macyella resulting in new combination Macyella massanae (Vaucher, 1968) comb. nov. Molecular phylogenetic analysis has demonstrated the lack of a close phylogenetic relationships between Stomylotema vicarium and Leyogonimus previously placed by several authors into the family Stomylotrematidae Poche, 1925. The status of the Phaneropsolidae Mehra, 1935 as independent family was confirmed with the addition of the newly sequenced Phaneropsolus sp. from China.

The systematic position and validity of species within genus Syngamus have always been controversial. In this present work, we evaluated the taxonomic status and phylogenetic relationships between three species of Syngamus nematodes (Syngamus trachea, Syngamus taiga and Syngamus merulae) and one taxa, determined only to the generic level, collected from respiratory tracts of passeriform hosts from Central Europe using newly obtained sequences of 2 nuclear markers (internal transcribed spacers 1 and 2 [ITS1, ITS2]) and a fragment of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I [COI] gene. Our results clearly showed that S. trachea, S. taiga and S. merulae are valid, molecularly and morphologically distinct species. Moreover, molecular analysis of adult female of Syngamus sp. collected from tracheae of the European robin Erithacus rubecula clearly indicate that these comprise separate species. In the derived phylogeny, the Syngamus clade is divided into two sub-clades: one comprised Syngamus species with a characteristic, well-developed cuticular collar around the oral opening (S. trachea and S. taiga) and a second that groups taxa without or with rudimentary collar (S. merulae and currently sequenced Syngamus sp. from Erithacus rubecula). These results clearly suggest that the degree of collar development (well-developed vs. rudimentary/absent) may be an important phylogenetic feature for determining the structure of the genus Syngamus on subgeneric level. Additionally, our results support historical division of the genus Syngamus into two subgenera S. (Syngamus) and S. (Ornithogamus)., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The genus Brachylecithum was for the first time subject to molecular taxonomic phylogenetic analysis in order to ascertain relationships among its component taxa. We used two markers-the nuclear ribosomal 28S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) gene and the mitochondrial cox1 gene, for six species of the genus; 11 sequences of partial 28S rDNA and partial cox1 were obtained from adult B. capilliformis, B. glareoli, B. kakea, B. laniicola, B. lobatum, and B. strigis, and from larval stages obtained from snails of the genus Cepaea. We propose to synonymize B. strigis with B. lobatum, while the genetic differences in the 28S rDNA gene and mitochondrial cox1 gene confirm the species status of B. capilliformis and indicate a distinct group within Brachylecithum, including B. kakea and B. laniicola. Cercarial and metacercarial isolates from the snails showed 100 % similarity to B. lobatum; thus, it is the first record of Cepaea snails as intermediate hosts of this species and the first report on life cycle abbreviation within the Dicrocoeliidae.

Background: Echinostomes are cosmopolitan digenean parasites which infect many different warm-blooded hosts. Their classification is extremely confused; the host spectrum is wide, and morphological similarities often result in misidentification. During our long-term studies on the helminth fauna of rodents and carnivores we have collected 27 collar-spined echinostomes which differ in morphology to an extent that suggests the presence of more than one species. Here, we describe this material, and the extent of host-related variation in this parasite., Methods: Specimens of Isthmiophora isolated from four host species (badger, American mink, hedgehog, striped field mouse) were subject to morphological and molecular examination; the data were statistically analysed., Results: Our results show that genetically all the Isthmiophora specimens obtained from all the examined hosts are conspecific and represent I. melis. On the other hand, the individuals isolated from Apodemus agrarius are morphologically distinct and, based on this criterion alone, should be described as a new species., Conclusions: The morphological traits of Isthmiophora melis are much variable and host-dependent; without molecular analysis they would suggest a necessity to describe a new species or even genus. Such a high level of intraspecific variability may be affected by the host's longevity.

Examination of host-associated variation in the chigger mite Hirsutiella zachvatkini (Schluger) revealed morphological differences among larvae infesting sympatric hosts: Apodemus agrarius, Apodemus flavicollis and Myodes glareolus. The analysis included 61 variables of larvae obtained from their gnathosoma, idiosoma and legs (measurements and counts). Statistically significant differences were observed for metric characters of the legs as opposed to the scutum. In view of the conspecificity of the mites, supported by comparison of COI gene products obtained from larvae and laboratory-reared deutonymphs, the observed variation is attributed to phenotypic plasticity. The knowledge of larval morphology, including intraspecific variation of metric characters, supported by molecular and host range data, places H. zachvatkini among the most comprehensively defined members of Trombiculidae.

The systematic position of the Collyricloides massanae, a rare cyst-dwelling parasite, located on intestinal wall of European birds and rodents, have always been controversial. Based on newly obtained sequences of the 28 sDNA of C. massanae from avian and rodent host from Central Europe, and on the previously published sequences of several genera and families among Microphalloidea, we evaluate its taxonomic position and the phylogenetic relationships within the genera Collyriclum Kossack, 1911 and Collyricloides Vaucher, 1969 which form the family Collyriclidae Ward, 1917. In the cladogram, C. massanae appears among the Pleurogenidae, forming a clade with Gyrabascus amphoraeformis (Modlinger, 1930) and Cortrema magnicaudata (Bykhovskaya-Pavlovskaya, 1950). We reject the commonly accepted placement of Collyricloides as the sister genus to Collyriclum within the Collyriclidae. Besides, we present and discuss the unusual records of C. massanae in the bank vole Myodes glareolus from northeastern Poland.

Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. have been detected in a range of host species, including rodents. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of these pathogens and recognition of the reservoir role of rodents in the maintenance of these pathogens in south-western Poland. Additionally, preliminary molecular studies were conducted to elucidate the species and genotypes of Cryptosporidium and Giardia identified in this study. Stool samples (n=266) from A. agrarius, A. flavicollis and M. glareolus, were subjected for analyses. Values of prevalence were 61.7, 68.3 and 68.1%, respectively, for Cryptosporidium spp. and 41.7, 24.4 and 38.4%, respectively, for Giardia spp. There was a statistically significant correlation between host species and Giardia infection where A. agrarius was the species of the highest prevalence. Statistically significant differences were not found for comparisons made for study sites and occurrence of Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. Due to preliminary nested PCR results, specific amplifications of Cryptosporidium COWP and SSU rRNA genes were obtained for several isolates taken from rodent host species. One isolate recovered from A. agrarius (from a semi-aquatic, urban area) was identified as C. parvum and revealed 100% similarity with sequences obtained from humans. To the best of the knowledge of the authors, this is the first record of the C. parvum zoonotic species from the striped field mouse. Also recorded were the first findings of C. ubiquitum from three small rodent species.

The systematic position and phylogenetic relationships of the family Cortrematidae Yamaguti, 1958 have always been controversial. In the present study, the phylogenetic relationships of this family and its constituent genera and families within the superfamily Microphalloidea were evaluated using previously published and newly obtained sequences of 28S rDNA of Cortrema magnicaudata (Bykhovskaya-Pavlovskaya, 1950) (Cortrematidae), Phaneropsolus praomydis Baer, 1971 and Microtrema barusi Sitko, 2013 (Phaneropsolidae). Results clearly demonstrate that the genus Cortrema Tang, 1951 is closest to Gyrabascus Macy 1935, both genera forming one of the clades within the family Pleurogenidae in the superfamily Microphalloidea and sharing several important morphological features. Thus, the family Cortrematidae should be considered among synonyms of the Pleurogenidae. Based on the analysis of morphology, C. corti Tang, 1951, C. testilobata (Bykhovskaya-Pavlovskaya, 1953) and C. niloticus Ashour, Ahmed et Lewis, 1994 are considered junior synonyms of C. magnicaudata. The phylogenetic position of P. praomydis as a family-level branch not showing close relationships with other families of the Microphalloidea, supports the status of the Phaneropsolidae as an independent family. The genus Parabascus Looss, 1907 previously considered within the Phaneropsolidae clearly belongs to the Pleurogenidae. In addition, the molecular phylogeny has demonstrated that the recently described phaneropsolid Microtrema barusi belongs to the microphallid genus Microphallus Ward, 1901. Therefore, Microtrema Sitko, 2013 is considered a junior synonym of Microphallus. Our analysis has also confirmed the status of Collyriclidae as a family within the Microphalloidea. Not yet sequenced representatives of other families within the Microphalloidea (e.g. Anenterotrematidae, Eumegacetidae, Renschtrematidae, Stomylotrematidae, etc.) need to be included in future molecular phylogenetic studies to better unravel the taxonomic structure and content of this diverse digenean superfamily.

Background: Heligmosomoides polygyrus is a widespread gastro-intestinal nematode infecting wild Apodemus (wood mice) throughout Europe. Using molecular and morphological evidence, we review the status of Heligmosomoides from Apodemus agrarius in Poland previously considered to be an outlying clade of H. polygyrus, to further resolve the status of the laboratory model species, H. bakeri., Methods: Morphological analysis of the male bursa and the synlophe, and molecular analyses of concatenated nuclear (28S rDNA, ITS1 and ITS2) and mitochondrial (CO1 and cytb) genes, of Heligmosomoides collected from Apodemus agrarius from two sites in Poland and comparison with related heligmosomids from voles and mice in Eurasia., Results: Heligmosomoides neopolygyrus, a heligmosomid nematode from Apodemus species from China and Japan, is recognised for the first time in western Europe infecting Apodemus agrarius in Poland. It can be distinguished from H. polygyrus by the filiform externo-dorsal rays of the male copulatory bursa and the small, equally distributed longitudinal crêtes on the body. Specimens from A. agrarius are 20% different at ribosomal (ITS1 and ITS2) nuclear loci, and 10% different at the mitochondrial cytb locus from H. polygyrus, and in phylogenetic analyses group with the vole-infecting genus Heligmosomum., Conclusions: Despite morphological similarity, H. neopolygyrus is only distantly related to H. polygyrus from western European Apodemus, and may be more closely related to vole-infecting taxa. It was brought into Europe by the recent rapid migration of the host mice. Inclusion of H. neopolygyrus in phylogenies makes it clear that Heligmosomoides is paraphyletic, with the pika-infecting Ohbayashinema and the vole-infecting Heligmosomum nesting within it. Clarification of the European status of H. neopolygyrus also allows H. bakeri, the laboratory model species, to be seen as a terminal sister clade to H. polygyrus, rather than as an internal clade of the latter taxon.

In the present study, we investigate the effect extrinsic (habitat and season) and intrinsic (host's age and sex) factors on the richness, diversity, and structure of parasite component communities and aggregation patterns in the helminth fauna of the great cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo from northeastern Poland. The helminth fauna of cormorants from the brackish water habitat was far richer (30 species) than in those from freshwater lakes (18 species) and strongly depend on season and age of the host. The values of diversity index strongly varied in relation to habitat and host age with clear seasonal differences in the value of diversity index, i.e., its value increased over time in adults from the brackish water habitat and decreased in those from the freshwater lakes. The number of helminths in adult and immature birds varied, depending on the season and habitat: in the brackish water habitat, the overall percentage of helminths was higher in spring than in summer, while in the freshwater habitat a higher proportion of helminths was recorded in summer. During spring, in the brackish water habitat, we observed a higher level of aggregation (for all groups of helminths) than in autumn. The opposite pattern was found in the freshwater habitat. However, this regularity was typical of adult birds only. In immature hosts, the level of aggregation was not predictable and varied among the higher taxa. Our study clearly showed that processes determinate diversity, structure, richness, and patterns of aggregation in helminth assemblages of avian hosts are multi-origin and highly complex.

Ticks constitute important vectors of human and animal pathogens. Besides the Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis, other pathogens such as Babesia spp., Rickettsia spp., and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, are of increasing public health interest. In Poland, as in other European countries, Ixodes ricinus, the most prevalent tick species responsible for the majority of tick bites in humans, is the main vector of A. phagocytophilum. The aim of the study was to estimate the infection level of I. ricinus with A. phagocytophilum in selected districts, not previously surveyed for the presence of this agent. Sampling of questing ticks was performed in 12 forested sites, located in four districts (Legnica, Milicz, Lubań, and Oława) in SW Poland. Altogether, 792 ticks (151 females, 101 males, and 540 nymphs) representing I. ricinus were checked for the presence of A. phagocytophilum. The average infection level was 4.3%, with higher rate reported for adult ticks. The highest percentage of infected adults was observed in Milicz (17.4%) and the lowest in Oława (6.8%). The abundance of questing I. ricinus in all examined sites as well as the infection with A. phagocytophilum indicate for the first time the risk for HGA transmission in SW Poland.

Here we provide a morphological and molecular analysis of the taxonomic status of Cyathostoma (Cyathostoma) phenisci Baudet, 1937, a rare nematode parasite of African penguin Spheniscus demersus. Taxonomical evaluation is supplemented wi th ecological and epidemiological analysis of the nematode's occurrence in the African penguin's population. Tracheae and air sacs of 13 among the 94 necropsied birds (overall prevalence 13.8%) contained a total of 33 nematode specimens (20 females, 13 males). The highest prevalence was observed in juveniles (6 infected, 25%) and "blues" (6 infected, 14.3%), followed by nestlings (1 infected, 7.7%); no nematodes were found in adults. Our morphological and morphometric analysis shows that C. phenisci is closely related to another species, Cyathostoma (Cyathostoma) verrucosum (Hovorka & Macko, 1959). The doubtful status of the latter species was confirmed by molecular data: comparison of ITS2 sequence of C. phenisci with previously deposited sequences of C. verrucosum showed 96.3% similarity in this region. On this basis, we recognized Cyathostoma (Cyathostoma) verrucosum (Hovorka & Macko, 1959) as a synonym of Cyathostoma (Cyathostoma) phenisci Baudet, 1937., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The aim of the present study was to determine an influence of parasites invasion on fodder consumption and slaughter yield of fatteners in three different maintenance systems. The experimental part of the study was conducted on pigs farm producing in a close cycle. The study on internal parasites of fatteners were conducted based on coproscopic methods. In order to describe the relationship between following variables: meatiness, slaughter yield, fodder consumption and mean EPG value, the principal component analysis (PCA) was used. The analysis between fodder consumption and maintenance system and fodder consumption and helminths infection did not demonstrate any significant relationship. The analysis between slaughter yield and meatiness and an infection demonstrated in turn a decrease in both parameters values in the two maintenance systems, i.e. in fatteners kept on litter meatiness decrease in infected fatteners of 4.2% and yield of 1.7%. On slatted floor meatiness decrease in infected fatteners of 6.1% and yield of 2.7%. The decreasing tendency in meat content (3.7%) and in slaughter yield (1.1%) was also observed in fatteners maintained on deep litter, however the values were not significant statistically., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Genus Mesocestoides is a representative of the small cyclophyllidean family Mesocestoididae that is found parasitizing the small intestine of carnivores. The life cycle of cestodes from this genus is complex and requires two intermediate hosts. Cysticercoids are produced in the first intermediate host (oribatid mites), which when eaten by the second intermediate host (mainly rodents, but also other mammalian species, birds, reptiles, or amphibians) form tetrathyridia in the body cavity. Because of the rich history of nomenclatural evaluation of Mesocestoididae, the taxonomic status within the genus Mesocestoides is still unclear. Additional problem constitute the difficulty or even the impossibility in the determination of tetrathyridia based on morphological features. Thus, the aim of our study was to identify a molecular characteristic of the isolates of Mesocestoides from the second intermediate hosts (rodents) based on nuclear and mitochondrial ribosomal DNA data. We choose to analyze metacestodes isolated from two species of rodents (Apodemus agrarius and Myodes glarolus) from different sites. As a result of amplification of 18S rDNA, we obtained partial sequences from four isolates ranging from 1,116 to 1,162 bp. In relation to mitochondrial sequence, 354 bp product of 12S rDNA was obtained from one isolate. The neighbor joining and maximum parsimony trees were constructed in order to examine the phylogenetic relationship within Mesocestoides spp. occurring in rodents from central Europe. The results of our research on the larval stages from rodents, living in a periphery of urban agglomeration as well as in an area of reserve protection, confirm the data of more frequently occurring Mesocestoides litteratus.

The aim of the present paper was to determine an influence of the presence and a level of intestine parasites infection on the quality of pork carcass expressed by the content of meat in carcass (meatiness) in pigs. The experimental part of the study was conducted on pigs farm produced in a closed cycle. The population in the study included 120 fattening pigs maintained in two keeping systems: group I--60 individuals kept on slatted floor, and group II--60 individuals kept on deep litter. All the experimental animals were treated in the same manner. The analysed fatteners were slaughtered in Meat Processing Plant when their body mass reached 110 kg, and the post-slaughter assessment was conducted according to the EUROP classification of pigs carcass using the Ultra-Fom 300 device. The study concerning the internal parasites were conducted basing on coproscopic quantitative McMaster method. As a results, the eggs of three nematode taxa were isolated and identified: Oesophagostomum spp., Ascaris suum and Strongyloides ransomi. Overall prevalence of infection of fatteners kept on litter was lower (25%±11.2) as compared to those kept on slatted floor (38.3%±12.6), however the differences were not statistically significant (χ(2)=2.465; df=1; P=0.116). The mean value of meatiness for pigs free from parasites was 53.68, while in the case of infected pigs the meatiness was statistically lower and was 52.12 (t=2.35; P=0.02). The analysed pigs were classified into three categories and conducted analysis of an influence of parasites on meatiness demonstrate the relationship that is statistically significant. The analysis of correlation between meatiness and an average number of helminth eggs also demonstrated the negative, statistically significant, relationship (F=5.52; P=0.020), i.e. in fatteners with higher EPG value the meatiness was lower., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Opisthorchid digenean Pseudamphistomum truncatum (Rudolphi, 1819) was isolated from liver bile ducts of the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) found dead in the fishing pond complex near Wrocław (Lower Silesia, SW. Poland) in March 2009. Since this is the first record of the parasite in the otter from Poland, the description, biometrical data and figure are presented.

Trematodes of the class Digenea are parasites with complex life cycles and often use small mammals as definitive hosts; however, they are usually not highly prevalent in this group of mammals. In our work the patterns of occurrence of digeneans parasitizing small mammals were analyzed. The surveys were conducted at four locations, i.e., irrigation fields (Osobowice), a water distribution area (Mokry Dwor), recreational grounds (Redzin forest), and Nature Reserve "Stawy Milickie". Overall 894 rodents were examined. During investigation we identified flukes representing the following species and groups: Brachylaima recurva, Brachylecithum glareoli, Echinostomatinae sp., and Plagiorchis elegans. The digeneans were reported from all studied locations and were present in Apodemus agrarius, A. flavicollis and Myodes glareolus. The statistical analysis showed significant qualitative and quantitative differences in infections with digeneans among examined animals. The highest prevalence of infection with flukes was reported in A. agrarius (28.8%) with the maximum value--78.2% in the Nature Reserve "Stawy Milickie"; only at this location the co-infection with three and two trematode species were found. The differences in occurrence of Brachylaima sp., Echinostomatinae sp., and Plagiorchis sp. found in ,,Stawy Milickie" were not statistically significant; the flukes occupied the small intestine of A. agrarius at the same frequency. For comparison, digenetic trematode infection in the yellow necked mouse Apodemus flavicollis was dramatically lower (overall prevalence 2.8%) than in the striped field mouse A. agrarius, and flukes were reported only in Mokry Dwor (5.1%) and Milicz (5.9%). The bank voles Myodes glareolus were infected with two trematode species, i.e., Plagiorchis elegans (1.3%), and Brachylecithum glareoli (19.2%), and these parasites were reported only in the water distribution area. Aside from two accidental reports of dicrocoeliid trematodes found in Osobowice, Brachylecithum glareoli was reported mainly in bank voles M. glareolus collected from Mokry Dwor, which could indicate both host and site specificity for this species. Our results showed that the food habits of hosts species and site-specific conditions could be taken into consideration as potential factors affecting the trematode fauna of rodents.

Nematodes, which are the most diverse group of helminths in many aspects, constitute a good model for analysis of specificity. Among this group, we found monoxenous and stenoxenous species with a limited range of hosts and also oligoxenous and polyxenous species with a wide range of hosts. Order Oxyurida is represented mainly by monoxenous and stenoxenous species. The species from orders Strongylida, Spirurida and Ascaridida are characterized by all types of specificity while oligoxenous and polyxenous species are typical for capillariid nematodes (Enoplida). But some data show that the level of specificity is more determined by biology and ecology of host-parasite relationship than by taxonomic status.

The main source of many zoonoses is soil contaminated with feline and canine faeces. The aim of this study was to examine the degree of soil contamination with geohelminth eggs in the area of Wrocław. Within 2006-2007 a total of 185 soil samples (parks, backyards, playgrounds and city squares) from area were collected and then examined using flotation technique in saturated sodium nitrate. The helminth eggs were found in 37 (20%) samples. The highest rate of contamination was in the city squares (38.2%). The eggs were also found in 29.1% of backyards. Parks and playgrounds with sandpits were free of any contamination. The prevalence of helminth eggs in positive samples was as follows: Toxocara spp. 3.2%, Uncinaria stenocephala 7.0%, Ancylostoma caninum 4.9% and Trichuris vulpis 4.9%.

During the parasitological examination of wild rodents from the vicinity of Wrocław a single whipworm female was isolated from a field vole Microtus agrestis. The nematode was determined as Trichuris arvicolae. This is the first report of this parasite in Poland.

Background: The aim of this study was isolation and examination of Aspiculuris tetraptera somatic proteins and somatic antigens role in eliciting of immune response in laboratory mice., Material and Methods: In our investigation 40 laboratory mice (BALB/c strain) were used. To extract the somatic proteins Tris-HCl buffer with NaCl and Triton X-100 was used. The analysis of somatic antigens was undertaken by Western blotting., Results: The study showed the presence of 14 protein bands ranging from approximately 82 to 28 kDa. Glicoproteins detection revealed 13 bands in range between approximately 70 to 30 kDa. There was no reaction observed with immunoglobulins IgA. Comparision of these results with earlier studies concerning S. obvelata somatic antigens show that there are proteins and glicoproteins with the same molecular weights for both species. It is also observed that S. obvelata somatic extract is more diversed and have higher antigenicity than A. tetraptera. Hence, we may suppose this fact could favour easier colonization of the host by A. tetraptera.

Rodents, as mice and rats are the most common laboratory animals used in research and testing. They are seldom investigated for autochthonous ecto- and endoparasites prior their utilization in the experiments. Helminth parasites can alter the interpretation of final results. Pinworms commonly infecting laboratory rodents include mainly the mice pinworms Syphacia obvelata and Aspiculuris tetraptera, and in rats Syphacia muris. The fact that many laboratory rodent colonies were found to be parasite contaminated suggests a need for eradication and improvment of the quality of laboratory rodents. This review reports the data on the presence of helminth parasites in laboratory rodents colonies, and suggests to pay special attention on controlling the sanitary conditions of animal houses.

The subfamily Capillariinae includes about 300 species of nematodes parasitizing all groups of vertebrates. Taxonomy and systematics of this parasites have been changed many times because of a difficulty in designation of particular species' features. That's why there are a lot of synonyms in this group. Nowadays most authors accept the systematics, of Capillariinae according to Moravec. Biology and ecology of species parasitizing breeding birds and mammals is well known, however data relative to capillaria of wild animals are fragmentary. Capillariinae parasitize in various part of alimentary system: mainly in intestine, stomach, duodenum, rarely in oesophagus, rectum or bursa of Fabricius and liver as well as respiratory and excretory systems. Pathogenicity depends on localization of nematodes and the age of the hosts, and on infection intensity. Species recorded in human beings are: Aonchotheca philippinensis, Eucoleus aerophilus and Calodium hepaticum. They are a cause of intestinal, lung and hepatic capillariosis.