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We investigated disease trends of concern for fish or public health in a 5-y (2017–2021) prospective survey of fish in Cook County, IL, inland lakes. Lesions were assessed in relation to fish species, lake type and location, season and collection year, and lake water chemistry parameters. Fish included bullheads (n = 98), common carp (n = 99), bluegill (n = 114), and largemouth bass (n = 118). Annually, fish collection and point-source water sampling were conducted in spring, summer, and fall from both seepage and impoundment lakes. Examinations included autopsy, wet-mount cytologic assessment for ectoparasites, and histopathology. No lesions of public health concern were detected. The most common abnormalities were branchitis (261 of 429; 60.8%) and endoparasitism (312 of 429; 72.7%). Branchitis was mild in most cases (189 of 261; 72.4%) and concurrent with branchial parasitism in 175 of 261 (67%) cases. Monogeneans were the most common gill parasites but did not influence branchitis severity (Kruskal–Wallis, p = 0.484). Using generalized ordered logistic regression, predictors of branchitis severity included fish species (p < 0.001), the interaction of lake or location and alkalinity (p < 0.001), and water temperature or season (p < 0.001). Endoparasites included tissue larval trematodes (metacercaria), nematodes, and cestodes (plerocercoids), enteric acanthocephalans, gastric trematodes, renal myxosporidia, biliary and gall bladder myxosporidia, enteric cestodes, and tissue microsporidia. Using generalized ordered logistic regression, variables influencing endoparasitism severity included species (p < 0.001), year (p < 0.001), chloride level (p = 0.009), and the interaction of year and chloride level (p < 0.001). Our results suggested overall good health of fish in sampled Cook County inland lakes and provide a foundation for continued monitoring of ecosystem and public health in the urban environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two adult male Puerto Rican crested anoles (Anolis cristatellus cristatellus) housed in a research facility were presented with debilitation and were euthanized. On autopsy, anole 1 had a large cystic white structure in the left pelvic limb, which protruded through the ruptured epidermis, and a large, poorly demarcated swelling in the right caudal abdomen. Anole 2 had masses in the mid-dorsum, caudal dorsum, left pelvic limb, and tail. These masses contained variably sized cestode larvae, which ruptured into the coelomic cavity. Evaluation of the larvae revealed a thickened and wrinkled anterior end, with a cleft-like invagination, consistent with either a plerocercoid sparganum or a tetrathyridium. Histologically, several cestode larvae were contained in the body wall of both anoles. These were up to 650 μm in diameter, with a thin tegument and a spongy parenchyma. The spongy parenchyma contained numerous, up to 30 μm diameter, sharply demarcated, basophilic-to-black structures (calcareous corpuscles). There was pneumonia and hepatitis in anole 2, suggestive of potential secondary infection subsequent to immunosuppression. Molecular amplification of the cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 revealed 100% homology for the COX1 gene of the diphyllobothriid tapeworm Spirometra erinaceieuropaei, also known as Spirometra mansoni. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ivanovcestus yakiae gen. et sp. nov. was collected from specimens of the batoid Sympterygia bonapartii from waters off Río Negro and Buenos Aires Provinces, in the Argentine Sea. Ivanovcestus gen. nov. is assigned to the Rhinebothriidea for their possession of facially loculated bothridia borne on stalks and a cirrus covered by spinitriches. The new genus is unique in the arrangement of loculi and septa on the distal bothridial surface. The molecular analysis based on 18S and 28S rDNA of two specimens of the new species identified Ivanovcestus gen. nov. as a member of the family Escherbothriidae, with our study representing the first record of this family in the Argentine Sea. The proposed new genus requires a new amended diagnosis for the Escherbothriidae, to include a new pattern of loculi and septa for the distal bothridial surface, as well as a new host. In addition, the present study proposes to transfer two species of Rhinebothrium , originally described parasitizing the skate Sympterygia lima in the Chilean Sea (i.e., Rhinebothrium chilensis and Rhinebothrium leiblei), to Ivanovcestus gen. nov. Examination of the original descriptions and type material revealed several morphological characters that justify the relocation of both species to the new genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dipylidium caninum infections in dogs and cats are underestimated because of a lack of proglottid observations and poor recovery of parasite elements by centrifugal flotation. We developed an immunoassay that employs a pair of monoclonal antibodies to capture D. caninum– specific coproantigen in fecal extracts from dogs and cats. Real-time PCR for D. caninum DNA in perianal swabs and observation of proglottids were used as reference methods. In 6 experimentally infected dogs, parasite DNA, coproantigen, and proglottid segments were first detected at 22, 23, and 26 d post-infection, respectively. Praziquantel treatment of 3 experimentally infected dogs resulted in the elimination of both coproantigen and proglottid shedding within 1–5 d post-treatment; however, parasite DNA persisted for 14 d. Immunohistochemistry on immature and mature tapeworm segments using an antibody against the coproantigen supports the premise that the antigen is produced in mature segments. We assessed the performance of our coproantigen test in natural infections in 78 dogs from a flea-endemic area. Of the 12 antigen-positive samples, 11 were confirmed with a positive PCR test and/or proglottid observation. Finally, we evaluated a convenience sample set of 730 canine and 163 feline fecal samples obtained from a commercial diagnostic laboratory; D. caninum antigen was detected in 4.1% of the canine and 12.9% of the feline samples, whereas parasite elements were observed in only 0.028% of samples. Our coproantigen immunoassay provides a sensitive method for the detection of D. caninum infection in dogs and cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-four specimens of Pantherophis guttatus (Linnaeus) (corn snake) from North Carolina were examined for endoparasites. Fourteen species of helminths (2 cestodes, 10 nematodes, 2 acanthocephalans) and 1 pentastome are reported, representing 14 new host records and 1 new geographic distribution record. No trematodes were found, and the salvaged tapeworms were morphologically unidentifiable. Capillaria colubra, at 63%, was the most prevalent helminth, followed by Strongyloides serpentis and immature physalopterid larvae, each at 29%. Two uncommon finds for North Carolina snakes were the pentastome, Porocephalus crotali, and the trichostrongylid nematode, Oswaldocruzia sp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Between 2000 and 2022, a study in Uzbekistan examined 1822 amphibians (624 Bufotes genus, 1198 Pelophylax genus) to assess helminth biodiversity. Species studied included Perrin's Green Toad, Pewzow's Toad, Turan Toad, Terentiev Water Frog, Pelophylax sp., and Pelophylax terentievi × Pelophylax sp. hybrid. The study revealed the presence of 66 species of parasitic helminths, including those from the classes Cestoda, Trematoda, Acanthocephala, and Nematode, in Uzbekistan's amphibians. Notably, the genus Bufotes and the genus Pelophylax were newly identified as hosts for 14 helminth species in the country. The biological diversity of amphibian helminths in Uzbekistan consists of 66 species, with varying distribution: 42 in the North-Eastern region, 40 in the Eastern region, 38 in the Southern region, 25 in the Central region, and 17 in the North-Western region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The larval form of the Phyllobothriidea cestode was found in the blubber of a Cape fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus) from a zoo in Japan. Bladder-bearing larval cestodes with a scolex have been occasionally reported from blubbers of pinnipeds and morphologically identified as Clistobothrium delphini (formerly known as Phyllobothrium delphini) or rarely Clistobothrium grimaldii (Monorygma grimaldii). Although the larvae here morphologically resembled C. delphini, the 28S rDNA sequence was 100% (1,430/1,430 bp) homologous to the registered sequence of C. grimaldii (GenBank Accession No. KU724058). This discrepancy between morphological and molecular analyses confirms the difficulty of identifying C. delphini and C. grimaldii larvae based solely on morphology, and the need for molecular data to elucidate the morphological variations in Clistobothrium parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty-eight individuals of Anatololacerta anatolica (Werner, 1902) (17 males, 20 females, and 1 juvenile) were collected by hand from western Provinces of Türkiye and the following helminth species were found: 1 species of Digenea Plagiorchis elegans (Rudolphi, 1802) Braun, 1902, 1 species of Cestoda Mesocestoides sp. (tetrathyridia), and 4 species of Nematoda Skrjabinodon medinae, Skrjabinelazia hoffmanniLi, 1934, Skrjabinelazia taurica, and Spauligodon aloisei. Anatololacerta anatolica represents a new host record for P. elegans, S. taurica and S. aloisei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Mathevotaenia Akumyan, 1946 (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae) is described from the Andean tuco-tuco, Ctenomys opimus Wagner 1848 (Rodentia: Ctenomyidae), collected in 1984 on the Altiplano of Bolivia. This is the second species of anoplocephalid cestode recorded from rodents of the genus Ctenomys, the first being Monoecocestus torresi Olsen 1976 from the Maule tuco-tuco, Ctenomys maulinus Philippi 1872, documented in southwestern Argentina. The new species of Mathevotaenia described here has more testes per segment than any other described species of the same genus from South America. The description of a new species from a decades-old specimen highlights the need for continuous examination of museum material as well as the need for collection of new specimens from rapidly disappearing biomes around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new genus, Laruella n. gen., is proposed for the proteocephalid cestode L. perplexa (La Rue, 1911) n. comb. (syn. Proteocephalus perplexus La Rue, 1911), a parasite of a 'living fossil', the bowfin (Amia calva), in North America. The new genus is differentiated from other proteocephalid genera by having a massive four-lobed scolex without an apical organ and bearing suckers possessing tear-shaped sphincters on their inner rim, vitelline follicles forming L-shaped lateral fields, with the vitellarium turned inwards (medially) ventrally alongside the posterior margin of the ovary, a ring-like vaginal sphincter situated at a considerable distance from the genital atrium, and ellipsoid eggs resembling those of bothriocephalid and diphyllobothriid tapeworms, except for the absence of an operculum. Phylogenetic relationships of the new genus are not resolved, but it belongs to the so-called Neotropical clade of the Proteocephalidae, which is composed mainly of Neotropical tapeworms of siluriforms and other teleosts, but also Nearctic and Palaearctic species of Ophiotaenia La Rue, 1911 from snakes and amphibians. A morphologically similar species, Proteocephalus ambloplitis (Leidy, 1887) from bass (Micropterus spp.) in North America, is provisionally retained in Proteocephalus Weinland, 1858 because its relationships to L. perplexa are not yet clear. The former species differs from L. perplexa by the presence of a large apical organ, large, elongate vaginal sphincter situated near the genital atrium, vitelline follicles limited to lateral longitudinal fields, strongly coiled vas deferens within the cirrus sac, and a convoluted vaginal canal anterior to the ovarian isthmus. Laruella perplexa reportedly has a s broad spectrum of hosts but most are likely postcyclic or accidental hosts. A list of cestode parasites reported from bowfin is provided; it includes eight species and three taxa not identified to the species level. However, only three adult cestodes, L. perplexa and two species of Haplobothrium Cooper, 1914, are typical tapeworm parasites of bowfin, but previous molecular studies indicate possible existence of a putative new species in bowfin. [Display omitted] • A new genus, Laruella n. gen. (Cestoda), is proposed for Proteocephalus perplexus , a parasite of a 'living fossil' Amia calva. • Laruella perplexa new comb. is redescribed and a list of cestode parasites of bowfin is provided. • Only three adult cestodes, L. perplexa and two species of Haplobothrium , are considered as typical parasites of owfin. • Molecular studies indicate possible existence of (a) putative new species of fish tapeworm(s) in bowfin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new cestode species of the genus Echeneibothrium van Beneden, 1850 was collected from a rajiform skate in the Argentine Sea: Echeneibothrium cristinae sp. nov. parasitizing Bathyraja cousseauae Díaz de Astarloa & Mabragaña, 2004, from coastal waters off Tierra del Fuego Province. This species differs from congeners by a particular combination of the following features: total length, number of proglottids, number of loculi and presence of a medial longitudinal septum on the distal bothridial surface, length of bothridial stalks, size of the cirrus sac, position of the ovarian isthmus and course of the vagina. In addition, two known Echeneibothrium species, originally reported in Dipturus chilensis (Guichenot, 1848) from the Chilean Sea, were collected from a new host in the Argentine Sea: Echeneibothrium multiloculatum Carvajal & Dailey, 1975 and Echeneibothrium williamsi Carvajal & Dailey, 1975, parasitizing the rajiform skate Dipturus brevicaudatus (Marini, 1933) from coastal waters off Buenos Aires Province (E. multiloculatum) and Patagonia (both species). Emendations were made to the descriptions and redescriptions of these species, including the modification of measurement ranges for several characters and the addition of important morphological information omitted in previous studies. Finally, a phylogenetic analysis based on morphological characters was performed to determine the inter-relationships within the family Echeneibothriidae, this study being the first to consider representatives of all known genera belonging to that family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Taeniidae tapeworms are a family of helminths that have a similar life cycle, with intermediate hosts developing characteristic cysts in visceral organs. We describe here a case in Pennsylvania, USA, of fatal Versteria infection in a muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus), which, to our knowledge, has not been reported to develop disease associated with infection. Postmortem examination revealed widespread tissue loss and replacement by solid-bodied cestode larvae with minimal adjacent inflammation in many visceral organs, most severe in the lungs, liver, and brain. Key morphologic features via histology included cephalic structures and short rostellar hooklets, which are characteristic for the genus. Genetic characterization confirmed the cestode as being an undescribed lineage of Versteria that has been implicated as the cause of severe morbidity and mortality in humans and nonhuman primates in North America. Considering the zoonotic significance of this pathogen, our report expands on the limited literature regarding disease caused by Versteria and emphasizes the need to identify the causative tapeworm more accurately, especially in rodent intermediate hosts given that previous reports do not have molecular confirmation of species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve our understanding of the migration of sparganum in humans, we report a case of ocular sparganosis having the migratory episode from the muscle cone to the subconjunctiva. A 34-year-old woman was admitted to the Hospital of Anhui Medical University (Hefei, China), in December 2019. She presented with conjunctival hemorrhage and recurrent pain in the left eye. A foreign body was found in the muscle cone of the eye. Two months later, a ribbon-like white material was found under the conjunctiva on slit-lamp examination. A long and slender, actively moving parasite was extracted by surgery. The extracted worm was approximately 8 cm long and 2 mm wide. The worm was whitish, wrinkled, ribbon shaped, and had a slightly enlarged scolex. The worm sample was morphologically identified as a plerocercoid larva (sparganum) of the Spirometra tapeworm. Her conjunctival blood suffusion and eye pain ceased within 1 week after operation. She has been in good health without any symptoms during the 2-year follow-up. A case of ocular sparganosis, in which larval worm migrated from the muscle cone to the subconjunctiva is reported from China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to search for reliable serological biomarkers allowing the early prediction of cystic echinococcosis (CE) post-operative outcomes.Methods: We applied immunoprecipitation (IP) of Echinococcus granulosus protoscolex antigens with pediatric CE patients' plasma collected at 1-month and 1-year post-surgery, followed by Liquid Chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). We compared IP proteomic content from relapsed patients within the first-year post-surgery (RCE) to cases with no relapses until 3 post-operative years (NRCE). Selected proteins were recombinantly synthesized and assessed for their prognostic performance by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results: A total of 305 immunoreactive parasitic proteins were identified, 59 of which were significantly more abundant in RCE than NRCE for both time-points. Four proteins showed the most promising characteristics for predicting CE outcomes: cytoplasmic malate dehydrogenase (Eg-cMDH), citrate synthase (Eg-CS), annexin A6 and severin. ELISA-IgG against the four markers were significantly lower at 1-year post-surgery than 1-month in NRCE, in contrast to RCE that displayed either stable or higher levels. The Eg-cMDH and Eg-CS showed the best prognostic performance, with respective probabilities of being "relapse-free" of 83% and 81%, if a decrease of IgG levels occurred between 1-month and 1-year post-surgery.Conclusion: The Eg-cMDH and Eg-CS are promising biomarkers to predict early CE post-surgical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the zoonotic tapeworms Dibothriocephalus latus and Dibothriocephalus dendriticus were identified for the first time, using morphological and molecular procedures, in a population of introduced Chinook salmon in Chile. The morphological differences observed between plerocercoids of D. latus and D. dendriticus were, respectively, a retracted and obscured scolex versus one that is always visible and only partially retracted after cold fixation; extension of frontal glands; size, types of, density of, and distribution of microtriches; and number of parenchymal longitudinal muscle bundles within 50-µm spaces. With scanning electronic microscopy, both species presented 3 types of microtriches: coniform and uncinated spinitriches, and capilliform filitriches. In the body region, D. latus presents all types of microtriches, but D. dendriticus only possessed capilliform filitriches. Multiplex PCR targeting cox1 of Diphyllobothriidae and subsequent sequence analysis allowed for confirmation of species identity. All adult Chinook salmon examined (32–60 cm total length) were infected by Dibothriocephalus spp. with a range of 15–192 plerocercoids. Plerocercoids were found in the stomach, intestine, liver, spleen, gonads, swim bladder, peritoneum, heart, and muscles. The prevalence of infected salmon, the percentage of plerocercoids, and the mean intensity of D. latus in the muscles were 3, 4, and 2 times greater than that of D. dendriticus. Histological examination of the stomach, liver, spleen, gonads, and muscle revealed the presence of 1 or more encysted or free plerocercoids. In most cases, varying degrees of chronic inflammation and low presence of neutrophils were observed. The prey consumed by Chinook salmon included the native fish, Galaxias maculatus, and unidentified fish and amphipods. Other identified endohelminths were Derogenes lacustris Tsuchida, Flores, Viozzi, Rauque, and Urabe, 2021 in the stomach, Camallanus corderoi Torres, Teuber and Miranda, 1990 in the intestine, larvae of Contracaecum sp. in the intestinal wall, and Acanthocephalus tumescens (von Linstow, 1896) in the intestine. All identified parasites are reported for the first time in Chinook salmon from Chile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, 263 tapeworms were collected from eight road-killed red foxes in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR, northwestern China). The tapeworms were analyzed based on morphological characters and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene sequences. Eighty-three Taenia and 180 Mesocestoides tapeworms were identified according to the presence or absence of rostellum, and the number, the length and the shape of the large rostellar hooks. The morphological and molecular analyses revealed that i) 180 Mesocestoides tapeworms, here named as Mesocestoides sp. (Vulpes vulpes), showed 99.21% (378/381 bp) identity to Mesocestoides sp. reported from red fox in Mongolia; and ii) 83 Taenia tapeworms belonged to three species. The first Taenia species [n = 16, named as Taenia sp. (Vulpes vulpes)], based on the length of large rostellar hooks (337–342 μm) and its cox1 sequence, was identified as a potentially novel species, which is phylogenetically close to Taenia laticollis. The second species [n = 54, named as Taenia sp. (Vulpes vulpes & Rhombomys opimus)], was morphologically similar to Taenia endothoracicus according to the number (n = 52), the length (319–332 μm) and the shape of the large rostellar hooks. This species, infecting three red foxes, shared 100% cox1 sequence identity with Taenia sp. (Rhombomys opimus) genotype C found previously in great gerbils (Rhombomys opimus) in the same region. The third species (n = 13, named as Taenia polyacantha -like), had shorter large rostellar hooks (178–180 μm) and showed 96.27% (361/375 bp) sequence identity to Taenia polyacantha reported from red fox in Italy. The "great gerbil-red fox" life cycle of Taenia sp. (Vulpes vulpes & Rhombomys opimus), belonging to the mitochondrial lineage of T. endothoracicus , is confirmed. The T. polyacantha -like species was firstly found in red fox in China. Taenia sp. (Vulpes vulpes) is a potentially novel species, which is close to T. laticollis based on its phylogenetic properties. [Display omitted] • The life cycle of Taenia sp. (Vulpes vulpes & Rhombomys opimus) is confirmed. • The Taenia polyacantha -like species was firstly found in China. • Taenia sp. (Vulpes vulpes) is a potentially novel species in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Eurasian lynx (Lynx) is a medium-sized wild cat species distributed throughout Eurasia. There has been no report on Taenia species (Cestoda: Cyclophyllidea) infecting this felid in China. In this study, 24 tapeworms were found in two Eurasian lynxes (#1 and #2) in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR), northwestern China. Based on the number, measurements and the shape of rostellar hooks, these tapeworms belong to two Taenia species. According to the number (n = 32) and length (185–194 μm) of small hooks, the first Taenia species (n = 1, found in #2 lynx) was identified as Taenia laticollis. Phylogenetically, this species was clustered with T. laticollis genotype C (JX860623) based on its cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and 16S r DNA sequences. The second Taenia species (n = 23, provisionally named as " Taenia sp.") may represent a potentially novel tapeworm species, because of its obvious differences in the shape and lengths (174–182 μm, 98–113 μm) of large and small rostellar hooks in comparison with ten taxonomically related species. Molecular and phylogenetic analyses of the cox1 gene revealed that " Taenia sp." has the highest rate of sequence identity (92.93%, 368/396 bp) with Taenia hydatigena reported from sheep (Ovis aries) in Slovakia. To sum up, a potentially novel tapeworm species, " Taenia sp.", is found in Eurasian lynx. In addition, T. laticollis was found for the first time in China. [Display omitted] • Taenia. laticollis was found for the first time in China. • " Taenia sp." is a potential novel tapeworm species found in Eurasian lynx. • Pairwise comparisons of the shape of the large rostellar hooks in Taenia sp. and the related species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first survey of caryophyllidean tapeworms parasitising catostomid and cyprinid fish in Mexico is provided, including new host and geographical records. Isoglaridacris brevicollis n. sp. is described from the Nazas sucker, Catostomus nebuliferus Garman (type host), in Durango, C. bernardini Girard in Sonora, and Moxostoma austrinum Bean (Cypriniformes: Catostomidae) in Jalisco. The new species differs from congeners mainly in the shape of the scolex, which is rounded, and by the absence of a defined neck (distinct, often long in other congeners). Pseudoglaridacris confusa found in Ictiobus meridionalis (also a member of the family Catostomidae) from Oaxaca and Veracruz represents the southern-most report of species of this Nearctic genus. Three morphotypes of the Holarctic Archigetes Leuckart, 1878 were found in two leuciscid fishes (Notropis caliensis and N. nazas) and in silverside Chirostoma sp. (Atherinidae). It is the first record of any caryophyllidean in atheriniform fish. The first record of Khawia japonensis (Yamaguti, 1934) (syn. K. iowensis Calentine et Ulmer, 1961), a parasite of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.), in Mexico represents another evidence of its invasive potential. The caryophyllidean fauna of Mexican freshwater fish is depauperate compared to that in the United States and Canada, which seems to be related to a much lower number of species of suckers (Catostomidae) occurring in Mexico, possibly also to the lower number of fish in the population. [Display omitted] • We present the first systematic survey of caryophyllidean tapeworms (Cestoda) in Mexico. • A new species of Isoglaridacris is described from endemic suckers (Catostomidae). • This is the first report of any caryophyllidean from atheriniform fish. • Khawia japonensis , a parasite of common carp, is reported as an invasive species in Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several factors presumed to facilitate the transmission of Taenia spp. were reported in Vietnam. We conducted a cross-sectional study taking questionnaires from 1,185 participants, and collecting 1,151 sera and 1,036 stool samples in northern Vietnam. Sera were examined for circulating antigens of Taenia solium cysticerci using ELISA, stools for Taenia eggs by Kato-Katz smear, and copro-antigens by ELISA. Ag-ELISA revealed 4.6% antigen positivity, indicating infection with viable cysticerci. Taenia eggs were detected in 1.5% of participants. Copro-antigens were found in 2.8% of participants. Eating raw meat and/or vegetables was significantly associated with the presence of copro-antigen (OR=8.6, 95% CI: 1.16-63.9, P=0.01). Considering the high taeniasis prevalence and the associated threat, public health attention should be given to treat the tapeworm carriers in the projected areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Twenty-eight specimens of Pantherophis alleghaniensis Holbrook (eastern rat snake) from North Carolina were examined for gastrointestinal helminths. Thirteen species of helminths (3 trematodes, 2 cestodes, 7 nematodes, and 1 acanthocephalan) are reported, representing 8 new host records and 1 new geographic distribution record. Immature physalopterids were the most prevalent helminth (54%), followed by Strongyloides serpentis and Capillaria colubra, both of which had prevalence rates of 29%. Each trematode, cestode, and macracanthorhynchid cystacanth were prevalent in 4% of the snakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fifteen helminth species—the acanthocephalan Moniliformis moniliformis, the cestodes Hymenolepis cf. diminuta and Paroniella sp., and 11 nematode species identified at least to subfamily and 1 to family—were found in the digestive tracts of 10 individuals of Rattus mordax (Muridae) from Papua New Guinea. Of the nematode morphotypes, 6 were identified to genus: a larval stage of the ascaridid Ophidascaris robertsi and adults of the chabertiid Cyclodontostomum purvisi, the physalopterid Physaloptera sp., the spirocercid Mastophorus muris, the strongyloidid Strongyloides venezuelensis, and the trichurid Trichuris sp. However, the remaining specimens were in poor condition and could not be fully identified. This study represents the first survey of the helminths of R. mordax, and all helminths are new host records. Ophidascarius robertsi and S. venezuelensis have not been reported previously from other Rattus spp. from Papua New Guinea. A bootstrap analysis estimated that 73% of possible species in the nematode component community of the helminth assemblage were recovered. The dominant species in the helminth assemblage was the spirocercid M. muris. It was the only species found in more than 1 individual, occurring in 50% of the hosts examined. By contrast, the dominant species in the assemblages of Rattus giluwensis, Rattus niobe, Rattus novaeguineae, Rattus steini, and Rattus verucundus were a heligmosomoid, a heligmonellid, an oxyurid, and a heterakid, or a spirurid, respectively. With the exception of R. giluwensis, heligmonellids were present at a low prevalence and intensities in each of the host species. Differences in habitat, diet, and behavior may account for the differences encountered between the helminth assemblages of R. mordax and R. niobe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ophiotaenia echidis n. sp. (Cestoda: Proteocephalidae) is described from the intestine of one of the world's deadliest snakes, the saw-scaled viper Echis carinatus sochureki Stemmler (Ophidia: Viperidae) in the United Arab Emirates. The new species differs from other species of the non-monophyletic Ophiotaenia by the position of testes in two longitudinal lines on both sides of the uterus, and by the large size of an embryophore (diameter of 44–55 μm versus less than 40 μm in other species). Phylogenetic reconstructions based on lsr DNA and concatenated lsr DNA + COI datasets place the new species among proteocephalids from unrelated zoogeographical realms but mostly infecting venomous snakes. In all analyses, O. echidis n. sp. exhibited a strongly supported sister relationship with O. lapata Rambeloson, Ranaivoson et de Chambrier, 2012, a parasite of a pseudoxyrhophiid snake endemic to Madagascar. Despite a shared close evolutionary history between these taxa, morphological synapomorphies remain unclear, which impedes the erection of a new genus to accommodate them. A list of the 71 tapeworms of the former, non-monophyletic subfamily Proteocephalinae, parasitising snakes and lizards, including species inquirendae , and the phylogenetically closely related Thaumasioscolex didelphidis from opossum, with selected characteristics, is also provided, together with a checklist of helminth parasites reported from E. carinatus. [Display omitted] • We describe the first proteocephalid cestode from the saw-scaled viper Echis carinatus. • The new ' Ophiotaenia ' is typified by the position of testes and embryophore size. • The new species phylogenetically clusters with snake cestodes from unrelated regions. • The transmission mechanism remains unknown but likely involves some arthropod prey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human infection with Taenia asiatica or a hybrid between Taenia saginata and T. asiatica has not been reported in Cambodia. We detected for the first time a hybrid form between T. saginata and T. asiatica in Preah Vihear Province, Cambodia. An adult tapeworm specimen, i.e., 75 cm long strobila without scolex, was expelled from a 27-year-old man after praziquantel medication and purging. It was morphologically indistinguishable between T. saginata and T. asiatica. Several proglottids were molecularly analyzed to confirm the tapeworm species. The mitochondrial gene encoding cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and nuclear genes encoding elongation factor-1α (ef1) and ezrin-radixin-moesin (ERM)-like protein (elp) were sequenced, and a single-allele analysis was performed to confirm the haploid genotype. The results revealed that our sample showed a discrepancy between the mitochondrial and 2 nuclear genes. It possessed homozygous sequences typical of T. saginata at cox1 and ef1 loci. However, it was heterozygous at the elp locus, with 1 allele in T. asiatica (elpA) and 1 in T. saginata (elpC), which indicates that it is a hybrid between T. saginata and T. asiatica. The present results confirmed the presence of a hybrid between T. saginata and T. asiatica in Cambodia and strongly suggest the existence of also 'pure' T. asiatica in Cambodia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports the first two clinical cases of spirometrosis caused by Spirometra sp. in cats in Korea. In these two cases, the cats vomited, and long proglottids of tapeworm were recovered. The sick cats presented with anorexia and lethargy. However, they unexpectedly showed no diarrhea, which is the main symptom of spirometrosis. Based on a fecal floatation test as well as morphological and molecular analyses, the parasite was diagnosed as Spirometra sp. The 2 cases were treated with praziquantel. This study suggests regular monitoring of health and deworming in companion animals, even when animals are well cared for, with regular preventive medication. Additionally, spirometrosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis in cases of gastrointestinal symptoms in Spirometra endemic areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Between April 2011 and November 2020, 175 individuals of western creek chubsucker Erimyzon claviformis (Girard) (Cypriniformes: Catostomidae) were collected and examined for parasites from 12 sites in the Ouachita, Red, St. Francis, and White river drainages in Arkansas (n = 138 individuals for endoparasites, 22 of same individuals for gill parasites) and from 4 sites in the Red River drainage in Oklahoma (n = 37 individuals for endoparasites, 14 of same individuals for gill parasites). Ninety-nine (57%) were infected with at least 1 parasite, including 2 (6%) of 36 with Piscinoodinium limneticum, 8 (22%) of 36 with 3 different Myxobolus spp., 4 (11%) of 36 with Octomacrum lanceatum, 40 (23%) of 175 with Plagioporus sinitsini, 30 (17%) of 175 with Lissorchis amniculensis, 38 (21%) of 175 with Calientiella etnieri, 3 (2%) of 175 with Isoglaridacris cf. agminis, 10 (6%) of 175 with larval Spiroxys sp., and 1 (0.6%) of 175 with a Neoechinorhynchus sp.; 31 individuals harbored multiple infections. We document several new host and distributional records. Moreover, this report represents only the second published report of the caryophyllid tapeworm C. etnieri since its description more than 46 yr ago. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We herein document the metazoan parasite component communities of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus), and their commercially cultured hybrid (female I. punctatus × male I. furcatus) communally stocked as parasite-free fingerlings into each of 3 experimental earthen ponds (each pond harbored channel catfish, blue catfish, and hybrid catfish). The fundamental objective of this work was to test the hypothesis that hybrid catfish exhibit less susceptibility to infection by metazoan parasites than do their parental species. Fingerlings of each catfish species from each pond were parasitologically examined monthly for 1 yr. A total of 112 channel catfish, 74 blue catfish, and 209 hybrid catfish were necropsied; collectively resulting in the detection of 14 metazoan parasite species. Channel catfish had the most diverse component community (12 species: 3 myxozoans, 2 monogenoids, 3 cestodes, 1 nematode, 1 unionid, and 2 copepods) followed by hybrid catfish (11 species: 3 myxozoans, 2 monogenoids, 2 cestodes, 1 nematode, 1 unionid, and 2 copepods) and blue catfish (6 species: 1 myxozoan, 2 monogenoids, 2 cestodes, and 1 copepod). These results do not support the assertion that hybrid catfish are demonstrably more resistant to parasitic infection than either parental species. New host–parasite records herein comprise Corallotaenia intermedia (Fritts, 1959) Freze, 1965, and Corallotaenia parafimbriata (Befus and Freeman, 1973) Scholz, de Chambrier, Mariaux, and Kucha, 2011 for channel catfish; Henneguya sp., C. parafimbriata, and Neoergasilus japonicus (Harada, 1930) Yin, 1956 for blue catfish; and Henneguya adiposaMinchew, 1977, Henneguya bulbosusRosser, Griffin, Quiniou, Khoo, and Pote, 2014, Ligictaluridus mirabilis (Mueller, 1937) Beverley-Burton, 1985, Ligictaluridus pricei (Mueller, 1936) Beverley-Burton, 1984, Essexiella fimbriata (Essex, 1928) Scholz, de Chambrier, Mariaux, and Kucha, 2011, C. parafimbriata, Spiroxys sp., Pyganodon sp., N. japonicus, and Achtheres sp. for hybrid catfish. To our knowledge, this is the most extensive parasitological study of this particular hybrid catfish, or any hybrid catfish, published to date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural infections of Allocreadium lobatum Wallin, 1909 (Trematoda), Proteocephalus sp. (Cestoda), Rhabdochona canadensis Moravec and Arai, 1971 (Nematoda), Paulisentis missouriensis Keppner, 1974 (Acanthocephala), and Schyzocotyle acheilognathi (Yamaguti, 1934) (Cestoda) in the intestine of creek chub (Semotilus atromaculatus) were analyzed to determine whether patterns of interspecific competition were evident. Data from nearly 2 decades of sampling from the same system were analyzed for patterns of co-occurrence and abundance consistent with negative interactions. Co-occurrence analyses (null models and logistic regression) did not detect negative associations among parasite species. Positive associations among species were more common in null model comparisons. Correlation analyses demonstrated some significant negative correlations between the abundances of pairs of parasite species in some samples, but the overwhelming majority of correlations were insignificant or positive. Previous work did not detect negative microhabitat interactions among the most common helminths studied herein, and together, these results suggest the parasite communities of creek chub in the study area are absent any substantial effect of antagonistic or other negative interspecific interactions. Differences in transmission rate, mode, and spatiotemporal variation are likely dominant processes explaining the patterns observed in the present investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sixty-eight lizards representing 4 species (Aspidoscelis mexicanus, Sceloporus horridus, Sceloporus ochoterenae, and Urosaurus bicarinatus) collected from the locality of Santiago Tamazola in the Mixteca Region of Oaxaca, Mexico were examined for gastrointestinal helminths. One species of Cestoda, Mesocestoides sp. (tetrathyridium larvae), and 2 species of Nematoda, Physaloptera retusa and Spauligodon garciaprietoi were found. Physaloptera retusa had the highest prevalence (85%) in S. horridus and was found parasitizing all 4 lizard species, and S. garciaprietoi had the most numerous helminth (n = 626) in A. mexicanus. The helminths are generalist and have indirect life cycles with the exception of S. garciaprietoi. We provided new host and distribution records for the 3 helminth species (Mesocestoides sp., P. retusa, and S. garciaprietoi) and present the first helminth reports for S. horridus, S. ochoterenae, and U. bicarinatus. Further, Mesocestoides sp. tetrathyridia is reported for the first time in Oaxaca State. This work contributes to the helminth fauna associated with lizards from Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three species of frogs (Rhacophoridae) from Borneo, Malaysia were examined for helminths: Nyctixalus pictus (n = 4), Philautus hosii (n = 6), and Rhacophorus pardalis (n = 12). We found 3 species of Nematoda, Batrachostrongylus longispiculus, Cosmocerca ornata, and Seuratascaris numidica, 1 species of Cestoda, Cylindrotaenia sp., and 1 species of Acanthocephala, Pseudoacanthocephalus bufonis. No helminth species occurred in more than 1 frog species. The most abundant helminth (7) was C. ornata in R. pardalis. The 3 species of frogs are parasitized by helminths that also infect other species of anurans. Five new host records are reported. A table summarizing helminth records in anurans from Borneo is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Between January 2013 and September 2016, 14 juvenile and adult Banded Pygmy Sunfish, Elassoma zonatum Jordan, were collected in southwestern Arkansas (n = 13) and southeastern Oklahoma (n = 1) and examined for parasites. Five (36%) were infected, including 3 (21%) harboring the monogenean, Gyrodactylus heterodactylus Rogers and Wellborn, 2 (14%) with Proteocephalus sp. plerocercoids, and 5 (36%) with larval nematodes, Spiroxys sp. We document a new host as well as a new geographic distributional record for parasites of E. zonatum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examination of spiral intestines from Himantura tutulBorsa, Durand, Shen, Arlyza, Solihin, and Berrebi, 2013 (=Himantura uarnak 3 sensu Naylor et al. [2012]), collected from Malaysian Borneo revealed the presence of a new species of tapeworm belonging to the genus Stillabothrium (Rhinebothriidea: Escherbothriidae). Stillabothrium borneoense n. sp. Herzog, Meininger, and Reyda is assigned to the genus based on its possession of a scolex with 4 bothridia divided into a distinct anterior region with facial loculi that are oriented horizontally and a distinct posterior region with facial loculi that are oriented vertically. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by features of the scolex and proglottids, including a vagina that recurves well anterior to the cirrus sac, as well as a unique locular arrangement not previously reported for members of this genus: 4 horizontally oriented loculi in the anterior region of the bothridia and 7 vertically oriented loculi in the posterior region of the bothridia. Stillabothrium borneoense n. sp. expands both known morphological variation and known host associations within the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simultaneous infection with multiple parasite species in an individual host is often observed in wild populations. The understanding of parasite species distribution across populations of wild animals is of basic and applied importance, because parasites can have pronounced effects on the dynamics of host population. Here, we quantified prevalence and endoparasite species richness in moose and explored sex-biased polyparasitism using diagnostic PCR method coupled with DNA sequencing of moose faecal samples from the Biebrza River valley, North-Eastern Poland. This is the largest moose population in Central Europe that has not been harvested for almost 20 years. We also evaluated the appropriate quantity of faeces for detecting DNA of parasite species. Faecal samples were screened for molecular markers of 10 different species of endoparasites. Endoparasite prevalence was high in the studied population. Almost all of the samples (98%) tested positive for at least one parasite species, and we found polyparasitism in the majority of the tested individuals. The number of different parasite species found in a single individual ranged from 0 to 9. The parasite species richness was significantly higher in male than in female individuals. The most prevalent were liver fluke Parafasciolopsis fasciolaemorpha and gastrointestinal nematodes Ostertargia sp. Of the ten endoparasite species detected, only the prevalence of the tapeworm Moniezia benedeni was significantly higher in males than in females. Additionally, we identified co-occurrence associations of parasite species, which tended to be random, but we noted some evidence of both positive and negative associations. Our findings promote applications of molecular methods for parasite species identification from non-invasively collected faecal samples in management and scientific study of moose population, which should include investigation of parasite status, and in health monitoring programs for other wild cervids. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spirometra tapeworms (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidae) collected from carnivorous mammals in Tanzania were identified by the DNA sequence analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1), and by morphological characteristics. A total of 15 adult worms were collected from stool samples and carcasses of Panthera leo, Panthera pardus, and Crocuta crocuta in the Serengeti and Selous ecosystems of Tanzania. Three Spirometra species: S. theileri, S. ranarum and S. erinaceieuropaei were identified based on morphological features. Partial cox1 sequences (400 bp) of 10 specimens were revealed. Eight specimens showed 99.5% similarity with Spirometra theileri (MK955901), 1 specimen showed 99.5% similarity with the Korean S. erinaceieuropaei and 1 specimen had 99.5% similarity with Myanmar S. ranarum. Sequence homology estimates for the ITS1 region of S. theileri were 89.8% with S. erinaceieuropaei, 82.5% with S. decipiens, and 78.3% with S. ranarum; and 94.4% homology was observed between S. decipiens and S. ranarum. Phylogenetic analyses were performed with 4 species of Spirometra and 2 species of Dibothriocephalus (=Diphyllobothrium). By both ML and BI methods, cox1 and ITS1 gave well supported, congruent trees topology of S. erinaceieuropaei and S. theileri with S. decipiens and S. ranarum forming a clade. The Dibothriocephalus species were sisters of each other and collectively forming successive outgroups. Our findings confirmed that 3 Spirometra species (S. theileri, S. ranarum, and S. erinaceieuropaei) are distributed in the Serengeti and Selous ecosystems of Tanzania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pacific tapeworm Adenocephalus pacifcus (syn. Diphyllobothrium pacificum) is a causative agent of diphyllobothriosis occurred in Pacific coast of South America, mainly in Peru. Source of infections are traditional meal from raw or undercooked marine fish such as "cebiche". We confirmed 3 new cases, one including scolex and the other two headless. A strobila 46 cm long without scolex was discharged from an 8-year-old boy before treatment. Specimens were confirmed morphologically by presence of tegumental protuberances on proglottids and small sized eggs. Partial sequence of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene was congruent with A. pacificus sequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taenia saginata infection has seldom been reported in Cambodia. In this study, we performed a survey of intestinal parasites in 1,156 residents of Preah Vihear and Stung Treng Provinces in 2018. The results revealed that 26 (2.4%) cases were positive for Taenia spp. eggs. In order to obtain the strobilae of the tapeworms, 2 patients in Preah Vihear were treated with praziquantel and purged with magnesium salts. The proglottids expelled after the medication were morphologically and molecularly analyzed to determine the species. The main uterine lateral braches in gravid proglottids were >15 in number suggesting that they are either T. saginata or Taenia asiatica. The sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene and 2 nuclear loci, elongation factor-1 alpha (ef1) and ezrin-radixin-moesin-like protein (elp), were identical to the sequences of T. saginata available in GenBank but distant from Taenia solium, T. asiatica, and T. saginata-T. asiatica hybrid. This is the first report of the presence of T. saginata in the northern part of Cambodia bordering Lao PDR based on a molecular confirmation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cestode Taenia hydatigena uses canids, primarily dogs, as definitive hosts, while the metacestode larval stage cysticercus infects a range of intermediate hosts, including domestic animals such as goats, sheep, and pigs. Cysticercosis due to T. hydatigena has large veterinary and economic drawbacks. Like other taeniids, e.g., Echinococcus, intraspecific variation is found among the members of the genus Taenia. In Africa, few studies are available on the epidemiology and distribution of T. hydatigena, and even fewer studies are available on its genetic variation. In this study, we molecularly identified 11 cysticerci from sheep in Sudan and demonstrated the genetic variation based on the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (nad1) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) mitochondrial genes. The isolates were correctly identified as T. hydatigena with more than 99% similarity to those in the GenBank database. Low diversity indices and insignificant neutrality indices were observed, with 3 and 2 haplotypes for the nad1 and cox1 genes, respectively. The results suggest the presence of unique T. hydatigena haplotypes in Sudan, as haplotypes with 100% similarity were not found in the GenBank database. With few available studies on the genetic variation of T. hydatigena in Africa, this report represents the first insights into the genetic variation of T. hydatigena in Sudan and constitutes useful data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, the metazoan parasites of Capoeta trutta (Heckel, 1843) and Acanthobrama marmid Heckel, 1843 fishes in the Göynük stream were sampled between July 2011 and June 2012. During the study, 37 C. trutta and 44 A. marmid were examined. Eight different parasite species were found in C. trutta: Dactylogyrus crivellius, Dactylogyrus lenkorani, Dactylogyrus pulcher, Dogielius mokhayeri, Gyrodactylus sp. 1 (Monogenea), Rhabdochona denudata (Nematoda), Neoechinorhynchus zabensis (Acanthocephala) and Lamproglena pulchella (Copepoda). Five different parasite species were found in A. marmid: Dactylogyrus elegantis, Gyrodactylus sp. 2, Paradiplozoon megan (Monogenea), Caryophyllaeus laticeps (Cestoda) and Ergasilus sieboldi (Copepoda). Infection values of parasite species were calculated. According to the results, it determined that N. zabensis (43.24 %) is dominant species in C. trutta and D. elegantis (70.45 %) is dominant species on A. marmid. The parasites were found on C. trutta, D. crivellius and D. mokhayeri are the first records for parasite fauna in Turkish freshwater fishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, a Spirometra species of Tanzania origin obtained from an African leopard (Panthera pardus) and spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) was identified based on molecular analysis of cytochrome c oxidase I (cox1) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit I (nad1) as well as by morphological observations of an adult tapeworm. One strobila and several segments of a Spirometra species were obtained from the intestine of an African male leopard (Panthera pardus) and spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) in the Maswa Game Reserve of Tanzania. The morphological characteristics of S. theileri observed comprised 3 uterine loops on one side and 4 on the other side of the mid-line, a uterine pore situated posterior to the vagina and alternating irregularly either to the right or left of the latter, and vesicular seminis that were much smaller than other Spirometra species. Sequence differences in the cox1 and nad1 genes between S. theileri (Tanzania origin) and S. erinaceieuropaei were 10.1% (cox1) and 12.0% (nad1), while those of S. decipiens and S. ranarum were 9.6%, 9.8% (cox1) and 13.0%, 12.6% (nad1), respectively. The morphological features of the Tanzania-origin Spirometra specimens coincided with those of S. theileri, and the molecular data was also consistent with that of S. theileri, thereby demonstrating the distribution of S. theileri in Tanzania. This places the leopard (Panthera pardus) and spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) as new definitive hosts of this spirometrid tapeworm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paleoparasitological analysis was carried on 4 Merovingian skeletons, dated from the late-5th to the late-9th centuries, and recovered in the church of Saint-Martin-au-Val in Chartres (Center region, France). The corpses were buried in stone sarcophagi, which were still sealed at the time of excavation. Parasite marker extraction was conducted on sediment samples taken from the abdominal and pelvic regions, but also on samples taken from under the head and the feet as control samples. Microscopic observation revealed the presence of 3 gastrointestinal parasites, namely the roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides), the whipworm (Trichuris trichiura) and the fish tapeworm (genus Diphyllobothrium). This analysis contributes to a better knowledge of the health status and the lifestyle of ancient medieval populations during the Merovingian period, for which very few paleoparasitological data were available, up until now. It demonstrates the presence of the fish tapeworm for the first time during this period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to determine the species of parasites that affected the inhabitants of the city of Acre on the coast of the eastern Mediterranean during the Ottoman Period. This is the first archaeological study of parasites in the Ottoman Empire. We analysed sediment from a latrine dating to the early 1800s for the presence of helminth eggs and protozoan parasites which caused dysentery. The samples were examined using light microscopy and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. We found evidence for roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides), whipworm (Trichuris trichiura), fish tapeworm (Dibothriocephalus sp.), Taenia tapeworm (Taenia sp.), lancet liver fluke (Dicrocoelium dendriticum), and the protozoa Giardia duodenalis and Entamoeba histolytica. The parasite taxa recovered demonstrate the breadth of species present in this coastal city. We consider the effect of Ottoman Period diet, culture, trade and sanitation upon risk of parasitism in this community living 200 years ago. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oarfish (Regalecus russelii Cuvier) are mesopelagic fish with little known about their life history. Oarfish live in deep water, making it difficult for researchers to collect specimens; thus, records of their parasitic helminths are limited. Two plerocercoids were found for the first time in an oarfish stranded on the coast of Akita Prefecture, Japan. These plerocercoids were identified as Clistobothrium sp. RR-1 using morphological and molecular analyses. It was revealed that oarfish represent one of the intermediate hosts of the genus Clistobothrium, and large sharks are the definitive hosts for these parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coenurosis is an important zoonotic helminthic disease caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Taenia multiceps. This parasite typically infects the brain of the intermediate hosts, including sheep, goat, cattle and even humans. We report a case of T. multiceps infection in a yak confirmed by clinical symptoms, morphological characteristics, and molecular and phylogenetic analyses. The coenurus was thin-walled, whitish, and spherical in shape with a diameter of 10 cm. The parasite species was identified as T. multiceps by PCR amplification and sequencing of the 18S rRNA, cox1 and nad1 genes. Three gene sequences all showed high homology (all above 97%) with the reference sequences from different hosts. Moreover, phylogenetic reconstructions with the 3 published Taenia gene sequences confirmed that the Qinghai yak isolate was closely related to T. multiceps. Although there are advanced diagnosis and treatment methods for coenurosis, early infection is difficult to diagnose. Importantly, the findings of yak infection case should not be ignored due to its zoonotic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oochoristica varanicola sp. nov. (Anoplocephalidae, Linstowiinae) is described from Varanus albigularis in Kenya. It is the third species of this cestode genus described from monitor lizards. Oochoristica varanicola differs from other species from Varanus, as well as from the numerous other species in the genus by a unique combination of characters that include a high number of testes (92-134) and a long cirrus-sac (225-290 x 63-90 pm). Both the host and the locality are new records for the genus Oochoristica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The broad fish tapeworm Dibothriocephalus latus (syn. Diphyllobothrium latum) is one of the most common causative agents of human diphyllobothriosis, a significant fish-borne parasitic zoonosis. In Europe, the occurrence of D. latus has been repeatedly reported in lakes of the Alps region, the Baltic region, Fennoscandia and Russia. Regular detection of D. latus plerocercoids in fish coming from different subalpine lakes linked with ongoing D. latus infection in humans indicates that Alpine region is a rather specific area from the medical, epidemiological and ecological point of view. Results from the examination of 688 European perch (Perea fluviatilis) from six subalpine lakes in Switzerland, France and northern Italy (Lakes Geneva, Neuchatel, Biel, Como, Maggiore and Iseo) confirmed the ongoing occurrence of D. latus in the Alps region. The detected prevalence of D. latus in the studied Alpine lakes (2% in Lake Neuchatel; 37.5% in Lake Biel; 6.4% in Lake Geneva; 22.8% in Lake Iseo [2018]; 12.8% in Lake Iseo [2017]; 15.2% in Lake Como; 16.7% in Lake Maggiore) was compared with previously published data. In addition, the importance of the Alpine lakes region and data on the epidemiology and ecology of D. latus related to subalpine lakes were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]