bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparative study of the thoracic skeleton and musculature of the Pupipara and the Glossinidae (Diptera)
Authors: Schlein Y.
Published: June 2009

The thoracic skeleton and musculature of the Pupipara were studied and compared with the thorax ofMuscaandGlossinain order to identify the sclerites of the thorax of the Nycteribiidae. Comparative studies of the thorax and other features suggest that the Pupipara do not belong to the higher Calypterata. This comparison also supports the view which separates the Streblidae and the Nycteribiidae from the Hippoboscidae, and supplies evidence for reconsideration of the position of these two families among the Calyptera.

Gratitude is expressed to Professor O. Theodor of the Hebrew University, who supplied most of the Pupipara examined, to Professor R. Wenzel of the Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, for species of American Streblidae and to Dr I. Paperna for the species ofGlossina.
The evaluation of potential global morbidity attributable to intestinal nematode infections
Authors: Chan M. S. , Medley G. F. , Jamison D. , Bundy D. A. P.
Published: June 2009

This paper presents a method of estimating the potential global morbidity due to human intestinal nematode infections (Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiuraand hookworms), based on the observed prevalence of infection. The method relies on the observed relationships between prevalence and intensity of infection, and between worm burden and potential morbidity. This approach is shown to be sensitive to the precision of the original prevalence estimates and, in particular, to the degree of spatial heterogeneity in levels of infection. The estimates presented here indicate that several tens of millions of children are likely to suffer developmental consequences from infection, and suggest that the global disease burden of geohelminthiasis may be significantly greater than was supposed.
Detection of polymorphisms amongTheileria parvastocks using repetitive, telomeric and ribosomal DNA probes and anti-schizont monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Bishop R. P. , Sohanpal B. K. , Allsopp B. A. , Spooner P. R. , Dolan T. T. , Morzaria S. P.
Published: June 2009

A total of 21Theileria parvastocks from 6 countries were characterized usingT. parvarepetitive and ribosomal DNA probes, aPlasmodium bergheitelomeric oligonucleotide and a panel of anti-schizont monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). Hybridization of the repetitive DNA probe to Southern blots ofEcoRI-digestedT. parvaDNA revealed 20 different restriction fragment patterns among DNA samples isolated from infections initiated using 16 parasite stocks. The panel of anti-schizont MAbs defined 8 different profiles among schizont-infected lymphoblastoid cell-cultures infected with the same 16T. parvastocks. Many stocks, which were differentiated by the repetitive DNA probe, could not be distinguished using the anti-schizont MAbs. A clonedT. parvasmall subunit ribosomal RNA (SSUrRNA) gene probe separated 17T. parvastocks into 2 groups, exhibiting either 1 or 2 restriction fragments, when hybridized toEcoRI-digestedT. parvaDNA. When hybridized toPvuII-digested DNA from 8T. parvastocks, the ribosomal probe identified 4 groups with similar restriction fragment patterns. A synthetic oligonucleotide derived from aP. bergheitelomeric sequence hybridized to 7 or 8 size-polymorphic restriction fragments in theEcoRI-digested DNA of mostT. parvastocks. The telomeric and ribosomal probes defined the same 4 groups among 8T. parvastocks as assessed by similarities in restriction fragment patterns. Based on the comparison of repetitive DNA sequences from theT. parvaUganda and Muguga stocks, a synthetic oligonucleotide was developed which distinguished the DNA of theT. parvaUganda stock from that of 4 otherT. parvastocks on a positive/negative basis.
Estimation of intestinal nematode prevalence: influence of parasite mating patterns
Authors: Guyatt H. L. , Bundy D. A. P.
Published: June 2009

Prevalence of infection with intestinal helminths is usually assessed through stool examination. There are limitations in using this technique to measure infection status, since some infected individuals have no patent infection. The relationship between infection assessed by stool examination and actual infection prevalence is investigated for the three major nematode species-Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiuraand the bookworms-using a model which describes the presence of non-egg producing worm combinations. The analysis demonstrates that stool examination under-estimates the actual infection prevalence, and that the degree of under-estimation is dependent on the level of infection, the nematode species and the parasite sex ratio. These findings have implications for the validity of epidemiological surveys and the evaluation of control programmes.
Host reactions of Musca domestica, Orthellia caesarion, and Ravinia I'herminieri to the nematode Heterotylenchus autumnalis
Authors: Stoffolano John G. , Streams Frederick A.
Published: June 2009

The nematode, Heterotylenehus autumnalis, generally failed to develop successfully in Musca domestica L., Orthellia caesarion (Meigen) and Ravinia l'herminieri(Robineau-Desvoidy). Failure is attributed mainly to host resistance in the form of haemocytic encapsulation of the small gamogenetic female nematode. In a few instances, the nematode was able to complete development successfully in housefly and Orthellia, but was not capable of leaving the host. These few instances of development in the unnatural, experimental hosts are attributed in part to general ’weakening’ of the host by superparasitism. In many cases superparasitism resulted in the death of the fly larvae or pupae.

Tracheolar proliferation was usually associated with the encapsulated nematodes and there was evidence that many of them were expelled from the host during pupation. We also observed nematodes with cephalic caps of dark material, presumably melanin, and some that were tightly girdled with this material. A host reaction, apparently never before reported for a parasitized insect, was the darkening (presumably melanization) of the larval anal organ.

The authors would like to express their appreciation to Dr A. J. Nappi, Biology Department, State University of New York, Oswego, New York, and Dr G. 0. Poinar, Jr., Department of Entomology and Parasitology, University of California, Berkeley, California, for reading an early draft of the manuscript and offering critical comments. The senior author would like to express his deep appreciation to Dr W. R. Nickle, Nematology Investigations, Crops Research Division, Agr. Res. Serv., USDA, Beltsville, Maryland, and to Dr H. Welch, Zoology Department, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada, for their help and encouragement during the course of this study. This study was supported in part by a grant from the University of Connecticut Research Foundation.
On the genitalia of the Pupipara and their homologies with those of Calliphora and Glossina
Authors: Schlein Y. , Theodor O.
Published: June 2009

The genitalia of the Pupipara are markedly modified from those of other higher Cyclorrhapha and the nomenclature used is mainly descriptive and controversial; different terminologies have been used by the various authors.
Schistosoma mansoni and S. japonicum: comparison of levels of ultraviolet irradiation for vaccination of mice with cercariae
Authors: Ruppel A. , Shi Y. E. , Moloney N. A.
Published: June 2009

When cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni and of S. japonicum were irradiated with various levels of u.v. light at 254 nm, their development to perfusable worms was reduced to below 1% at about 200 μW min cm−2. Cercariae attenuated with about 300 μW min cm−2 induced partial resistance against an homologous challenge infection in mice. No differences were observed between the two schistosome species when the same treatment was given to the cercariae. Thus the same u.v. dose can confer immunizing ability to cercariae of both S. mansoni and S. japonicum.
The effect of betamethasone on Babesia microti and B. rodhaini infections in rodents
Authors: Young A. S. , Cox F. E. G.
Published: June 2009

Seven daily injections of betamethasone given early in the infection adversely affect the immune response of rats and mice to Babesia microti and B. rodhaini. Betamethasone given late in the infection, when the parasitaemias are declining, causes recrudescences. The effects of betamethasone are reversible and those animals which survive the primary parasitaemia recover even if further courses of drug treatment are given. Betamethasone causes recrudescences of parasitaemia in some voles and field mice harbouring subpatent infections. Attention is drawn to the possibility that the therapeutic use of corticosteroids may enhance piroplasm infections and that elevated corticosteroid levels, resulting from stress situations, may affect latent piroplasmosis in wild caught rodents.
The attachment site, invasion route and larval development ofTrochopus pini, a monogenean from the gills ofTrigla hirundo
Authors: Kearn G. C.
Published: June 2009

Adult specimens ofTrochopus piniattach themselves by folding the disk-shaped haptor around the edge of the host's primary gill lamella. They are able to move from one place to another with the aid of disk-shaped pads on the head region.Ducts from the posterior median gland cells, which are extensive in the head region of the adult, open on the periphery of each disk and exude an adhesive secretion.

The oncomiracidium ofT. piniis described and evidence is offered in support of direct invasion of the gills by these free-swimming larvae. Special attention is paid to the development of the head region of the parasite. Newly attached larvae lose their eye lenses and possibly their anterior median gland cells; their lateral head glands are well developed and most probably serve for attachment of the head region, since the posterior median gland cells are poorly developed and appear to have no ducts. Later the posterior median gland cells and their ducts increase in numbers and, in association with the pads on the head region, take over from the lateral glands the job of attaching the head region.

The paths of the tendons associated with the accessory sclerites on the haptor ofT. piniindicate that this gill parasite has evolved relatively recently from the ancestors of benedeniid skin parasites.

I am most grateful to Commander J. Pareira, the Director of the Aquario Vasco da Gama in Lisbon where most of this work was done, and to the Staff of the Aquario and especially to Mr A. Ferreira. I am indebted to the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation for a generous grant which made this visit possible. I am grateful also to the Directors and Staff of the Laboratoire Arago, Banyuls, France, the Station Biologique of the University of Bordeaux at Arcachon in France, and the Laboratory of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom at Plymouth, England. I would like to thank the Royal Society for a grant from the Browne Fund which enabled me to work at Banyuls in 1962 and for a Pergamon Travel Award which made it possible to visit Arcachon in 1967.
Studies of the antibody-dependent killing of schistosomula ofSchistosoma mansoniemploying haptenic target antigens. Analysis of mechanisms responsible for the rejection of parasitesin vivo
Authors: Moser Gina , von Lichtenberg F. , Sher A.
Published: June 2009

Schistosomula, surface labelled with trinitrophenyl (TNP) target antigens were tested for their susceptibility to killing by humoral- or cell-mediated anti-TNP effector mechanismsin vivo. It was found that mice passively immunized with anti-TNP serum effectively rejected an intravenous (i.v.) challenge infection with TNP-labelled schistosomula. In contrast, mice which demonstrated a strong TNP-specific, delayed hypersensitivity response to the haptenated larvae as evidenced by ear swelling, were unable to eliminate the same challenge infection. Significant passive immunization against TNP-labelled schistosomula was shown to require microlitre quantities of anti-TNP serum and could be conferred with an IgG fraction purified from the serum. The role of cells in the antibody-dependent rejection of TNP-labelled schistosomula was investigated using histopathological methods. In passively immunized mice, haptenated larvae elicited neutrophil-enriched focal reactions in the lungs and showed evidence of degeneration as early as 2 h after injection. These cellular reactions were not observed in recipients which had received prior whole-body irradiation. Nevertheless, by 24 h TNP-labelled larvae were found to have been killed in the lungs of the irradiated mice despite the absence of significant cellular attack. The above observations suggest that the antibody-dependent destruction of haptenated schistosomula results from two overlapping responses, an early response mediated by radio-sensitive cells and a second, radio-resistant response manifesting its effects at later time points. Since mice genetically deficient in the fifth component of complement fail to develop the later response, it probably reflects the effect of the lytic pathway of complement on the parasite.
Identification of the fragment containing cross-reacting antigenic determinants in the variable surface glycoprotein ofTrypanosoma brucei
Authors: Barbet A. F. , Musoke A. J. , Shapiro S. Z. , Mpimbaza G. , McGuire T. C.
Published: June 2009

125I-labelled, isolated variable surface glycoproteins (VSGs) ofTrypanosoma b. bruceibind both homologous and heterologous anti-VSG sera and binding to heterologous antisera may be blocked by other unlabelled VSGs (Barbet & McGuire, 1978). This paper presents results which suggest that oligosaccharide residues have importance in the antigenic structure of VSG cross-reacting determinants. The ability of VSG to bind heterologous anti-VSG sera was destroyed by periodate oxidation but not by extensive proteolysis. A VSG glycopeptide fragment was isolated from two different VSGs, which blocked by 100 % the binding of VSG to heterologous anti-VSG sera and therefore contained the cross-reacting determinants. The native glycopeptide fragment was resistant to digestion with trypsin, pronase or leucine aminopeptidase and prolidase. We also show that a VSG synthesized in the reticulocyte lysate cell-free system was not immunoprecipitated by heterologous anti-VSG sera in contrast to the same VSG labelled by metabolic incorporation of [35S]methioninein vivo.
Identification and diagnosis ofLeishmania mexicanacomplex isolates by polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Eresh S. , McCallum S. M. , Barker D. C.
Published: June 2009

Following cloning ofLeishmania(L.)amazonensiskinetoplast DNA two recombinant clones were identified: one specific forL. (L.)amazonensisand the other specific forL. (L.)amazonensisand closely related isolates. DNA sequences from these clones were compared with those of other kinetoplastids and oligonucleotide primers were designed to be used in the polymerase chain reaction. A pair of these primers has been shown not only to be highly specific forL. mexicanacomplex isolates but can also be used to distinguish betweenL. (L.)mexicanaandL. (L.)amazonensisisolates. These primers have been tested with water-lysed cultures, crude DNA extracts from human patients, potential host reservoirs, sandfly vectors and with cell pellets after isoenzyme characterization. The results of these tests indicate that the primers can be used specifically in the presence of excess host DNA originating from the majority of South American countries.
Observations on the effects of different chemotherapy strategies on the transmission of Schistosoma mansoni in Machakos District, Kenya, measured by long-term snail sampling and cercariometry
Authors: Sturrock R. F. , Klumpp R. K. , Ouma J. H. , Butterworth A. E. , Fulford A. J. C. , Kariuki H. C. , Thiongo F. W. , Koech D.
Published: June 2009

Transmission of Schistosoma mansoni was monitored by routine snail sampling for Biomphalaria pfeifferi and by supplementary cercariometric measurements in 4 neighbouring study areas in Machakos District, Kenya. After 1 year, extensive, population-based chemotherapy with a single dose of praziquantel was given in 3 areas, but only minimal treatment in the fourth. In the year preceding treatment, seasonal transmission of S. mansoni and other non-human trematodes occurred in all 4 areas, despite some ecological differences and the effects of earlier treatment campaigns in 1 of the study areas. After treatment of all infected subjects in one area in which there had been earlier chemotherapy campaigns, S. mansoni transmission remained very low. It was reduced for at least 2 years after chemotherapy targeted at either all heavily infected subjects or all infected school children, but it was unaffected in an area where treatment was restricted to those few very heavily infected cases at risk of developing, disease. Nowhere was transmission entirely eliminated by chemotherapy and that of non-human trematodes continued unabated. The snail data correspond well with the human, parasitological data. Targeting school children was as effective as more extensive campaigns, but chemotherapy alone never stopped S. mansoni transmission: reinfection was inevitable, at rates determined by ecological factors affecting snail populations.
Altered behaviour of carbohydrate-bound molecules and lipids in areas of the tegument of adultSchistosoma mansoniworms damaged by praziquantel
Authors: Lima S. F. , Vieira L. Q. , Hardert A. , Kusel J. R.
Published: June 2009

By using fluorescent probes the distribution and fluid properties of lipid and saccharide-bound molecules was assessed in the tegument of praziquantel (−) treatedSchistosoma mansoniadult male worms. Our results show that higher amounts of glycoproteins and/or glycolipids are exposed in damaged areas of the membrane compared with undamaged ones. At damaged regions these molecules present high lateral diffusion coefficient and mobile fraction values which suggests that after praziquantel(−) treatment they are being shed by the worm into the medium. The lateral diffusion coefficient of the lipid analogue 5'-octadecanoyl aminofluorescein is unchanged in damaged or undamaged areas but the mobile fraction is significantly reduced at damaged areas. The immunological significance of these altered surface properties is discussed.
Characterization of a major surface-associated excretory–secretory antigen ofTrichinella spiralislarvae with antibodies to keyhole limpet haemocyanin
Authors: Modha J. , Robertson W. M. , Kennedy M. W. , Kusel J. R.
Published: June 2009

A multi-subunit antigen (nativeMr> 200 kDa, reducedMr97–100 kDa) has been identified in homogenates ofTrichinella spiralislarvae using affinity-purified rabbit anti-keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH) antibodies and its cross-reactivity with KLH was confirmed by competition blotting. The antigen was not present at the larval surface but was exposed after treatment of the larvae with the detergent cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) which removed the surface coat. This correlated with a significant decrease in insertion of the surface-restricted fluorescent lipid probe AF18, indicating that the surface coat must be lipidic in nature. Unlike KLH, the larval antigen blotted onto nitrocellulose was itself periodate insensitive. Periodate treatment of whole larvae, however, resulted in shedding of the surface, to which anti-KLH antibodies then bound intensely. Anti-KLH antibodies also recognized three (49, 55, 108 kDa) of the four most dominant antigens in excretory–secretory (ES) products of cultured larvae, whose excretion–secretion was increased with CTAB. The nature, location and function of the antigen is discussed.
Detection of parasites of theLeishmania donovani—complex by a polymerase chain reaction—solution hybridization enzyme-linked immunoassay (PCR—SHELA)
Authors: Qiao Z. , Miles M. A. , Wilson S. M.
Published: June 2009

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based on the detection of the Lmet2 repeat sequence specific to members of theLeishmania donovani–complex is described. To improve PCR specificity, a post-PCR hybridization step is often performed but this usually involves an entirely new procedure with additional manipulations, expense and time. We have simplified this post-PCR hybridization by developing a strategy which includes the probe in the PCR and enables the hybridization to be performed automatically as part of the PCR programme. The hybrids are afterwards detected by capture in microtitre wells and colorimetric visualization. This method, which we have termed PCR-solution hybridization enzyme-linked immunoassay (PCR–SHELA), is rapid, able to detect less than 5 cultured parasites and is specific for parasites of theLeishmania donovani–complex. We also describe the application of PCR–SHELA to the detection of amastigotes in various tissues of infected laboratory animals.
A molecular phylogeny of the genus Echinococcus
Authors: Bowles J. , Blair D. , McManus D. P.
Published: June 2009

Three nucleotide data sets, two mitochondrial (COI and ND1) and one nuclear (ribosomal ITS1), have been investigated in order to resolve relationships among species and strains of the genus Echinococcus. The data have some unusual properties in that mitochondrial heteroplasmy was detected in one strain of E. granulosus, and more than one class of ITS1 sequence variant can occur in a single isolate. The data failed to support the hypothesis that E. granulosus, as it is currently viewed, is a single valid species. Rather, the strains of E. granulosus seem to comprise at least three evolutionarily diverse groups, the sheep strain group, bovine strain group and horse strain group. Molecular distances between them are comparable to, or greater than, molecular evolutionary distances observed between recognized species. The affinities of the cervid strain of E. granulosus are unclear because of ambiguous data, but this strain does not appear to be ancestral to others. E. multilocularis may not be distinct from E. granulosus. However, the remaining two species, E. vogeli and E. oligarthrus appear distinct and rather distant from the first two. Based on the results presented here, taxonomic revision of the genus is clearly warranted.
Iron status of schoolchildren with varying intensities ofTrichuris trichiurainfection
Authors: Ramdath D. D. , Simeon D. T. , Wong M. S. , Grantham-McGregor S. M.
Published: June 2009

The relationship between varying intensities ofTrichuris trichiurainfection and iron status was examined in Jamaican schoolchildren, aged 7 to 11 years. A total of 409 children was identified withT. trichiura(epg > 1200). A control group comprised 207 uninfected children who were matched by school and class to every pair of infected subjects. Blood samples were obtained from 421 children: 264 infected and 157 controls. Compared to the rest of the children, those with heavy infections (epg > 10 000) had significantly lower (P< 0·05) Hb (11·5 ± 1·3vs. 12·1 ± 1·1 g/dl), MCV (78·6 ± 6·3vs. 81·2 ± 5·5 fl), MCH (26·2 ± 2·9vs. 27·5 ± 2·5 pg) and MCHC (33·2 ± 1·5vs. 33·9 ± 1·4 g/dl). Similarly, the prevalence of anaemia (Hb < 11·0 g/dl) amongst heavily infected children (33%) was significantly higher (P< 0·05) than the rest of the sample (11%). These differences remained significant after controlling for confounding variables including socio-economic status, age, gender, area of residence and the presence ofAscarisinfections. Differences in red cell count, ferritin, and free erythrocyte protoporphyrin were not statistically significant and showed no association with the infectious load. These results suggest that in the Jamaican children studied, iron deficiency anaemia is associated withTrichurisinfections over 10 000 epg, but not with less intense infections.
Clinical and pathological effects of Echinostoma revolutum (Digenea: Echinostomatidae) in the golden hamster, Mesocricetus auratus
Authors: Huffman Jane E. , Michos C. , Fried B.
Published: June 2009

Laboratory hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) were infected with Echinostoma revolutum (Trematoda). Hamsters developed marked and sometimes fatal echinostomiasis. Clinical signs included progressive unthriftiness, watery diarrhoea and weight loss. Packed cell volume, haemoglobin and red blood cell counts increased in those animals with severe diarrhoea. No increase in eosinophils was noted in peripheral blood smears. Examination of tissues of infected animals showed wide individual variations related to the intensity of infection. The histopathological responses of hamsters to the parasite showed erosion of intestinal villi with lymphocytic infiltration being the primary response. Periportal lymphocytic infiltration and focal hepatic necrosis were observed in livers from some infected animals. The findings of this study are discussed in terms of variations in pathogenicity of E. revolutum and as a model for the study of echinostomiasis.
The population dynamics of metacercariae of Apatemon gracilis (Trematoda: Digenea) in three species of lake-dwelling leeches
Authors: Spelling S. M. , Young J. O.
Published: June 2009

Monthly samples of the leeches Erpobdella octoculata, Glossiphonia complanata and Helobdella stagnalis were taken over a two-year period from an eutrophic, English lake to detect metacercariae of the trematode, Apatemon gracilis. In each cohort of each of the three leeches, prevalence was low in young individuals, rose to a peak in autumn/winter, and then declined until the cohort had almost died out; in E. octoculata and H. stagnalis a final brief increase occurred. Mean intensity and relative density values followed a similar seasonal pattern of change to that of prevalence in these last two species, but in G. complanata values fluctuated irregularly with no distinct pattern. The frequency distribution of the parasite in G. complanata was highly over-dispersed, but less so in the other two species. Infected E. octoculata reached sexual maturity. The parasite reduced egg production in G. complanata and H. stagnalis, but only by maximum values of 2·5 and 9% respectively. This reduction in fecundity is low compared to the subsequent high mortality, at 95% or more, of newly recruited young from as yet unidentified causes. Parasite-related host mortality was difficult to assess in young leeches, but there was some evidence for its occurrence in older leeches of E. octoculata and H. stagnalis. However, this is unlikely to play a prominent role in the control and regulation of lacustrine leech populations.
Physiological and behaviour changes in common lizards parasitized by haemogregarines
Authors: Oppliger A. , Célérier M. L. , Clobert J.
Published: June 2009

The effect of haemoparasites on the physiology and behaviour traits of their hosts was examined using Haemogregarina sp., a parasite of the common lizard, Lacerta vivipara, from the south of France. Infection with haemogregarines was associated with a reduced haemoglobin concentration and an increased number of immature red blood cells. Parasitized individuals also showed a reduced oxygen consumption at rest and a lower locomotor speed. We also found that the multiplication rate of the parasite depended on the temperature at which the lizard was maintained. Between 21 and 28 °C the multiplication rate of the parasite was significantly lower than between 29 and 35 °C. This suggests that the parasites may suffer reproductive costs when hosts reduce their body temperature.
Use of species-specific satellite DNAs as diagnostic probes in the identification of Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae entomopathogenic nematodes
Authors: Grenier E. , Bonifassi E. , Abad P. , Laumond C.
Published: June 2009

Three satellite DNAs previously isolated from the entomopathogenic nematodesSteinernema carpocapsae, Heterorhabditis bacteriophoraandHeterorhabditis indicusgive hybridization signals only with theS. carpocapsae, H. bacteriophoraandH. indicuspopulations tested, indicating that these satellite sequences are species-specific. Because of their reiteration and their variabilities, we have shown that these sequences are able to discriminate at the interspecific level between theSteinernemaandHeterorhabditisspecies, but also at the intraspecific level betweenS. carpocapsaestrains. Furthermore, in simple squashed nematode experiments, we are able to unambiguously identifyS. carpocapsae,H. bacteriophoraandH. indicuspopulations. This last procedure is effective even on a single infective juvenile, with the main advantage that it avoids time-consuming DNA extractions.
Schistosoma mansoni: evidence that eosinophils and/or macrophages contribute to skin-phase challenge attrition in vaccinated CBA/Ca mice
Authors: Ward Rosalind E. M. , McLaren Diane J.
Published: June 2009

Naive CBA mice and mice vaccinated 4 weeks previously with gamma-irradiated cercariae were challenged percutaneoualy with normal cercariae and the skin site of challenge removed at various times to provide samples for histological examination. Neutrophil abscesses surrounding schistosomula as well as cast cercarial tails were identified at the skin surface in both naive/challenged and vaccinated/challenged mice. The dermis in both groups of animals became infiltrated with mononuclear cells and granulocytes. Neutrophils were the predominant granulocyte in naive/challenged skin but eosinophils replaced neutrophils by 48 h post-challenge in skin from vaccinated mice. Schistosomula with adherent mononuclear cells and granulocytes were identified preferentially in the dermis of vaccinated mice; such larvae frequently exhibited subtegumental vacuolation. A further major characteristic of vaccinated/challenged skin was the formation, from 18 h, of extensive subdermal inflammatory foci, consisting of up to 50% mononuclear cells and 50% eosinophils. These foci invariably surrounded one or more larval parasites which were seen by both optical and scanning electron microscopy to have a morphology typical of lung stage rather than skin stage schistosomula. Dead, infiltrated parasites were also recognized within the subdermal foci. Our data support the view that vaccine immunity in this mouse model is mediated primarily in the skin and indicate that challenge attrition involves immobilization and killing of larval parasites by effector cells within subdermal inflammatory foci.
Antibody isotype responses to antigens ofAscaris lumbricoidesin a case-control study of persistently heavily infected Bangladeshi children
Authors: Palmer D. R. , Hall A. , Haque R. , Anwar K. S.
Published: June 2009

Antibody responses toAscaris lumbricoidesworm antigens were examined by ELISA in a case-control study of 2 groups of Bangladeshi children, one of which had been shown over a period of 12 months to be consistently lightly infected (controls) and the other consistently heavily infected (cases). The children showed a wide range in intensity of infection; children identified as cases were on average 4 times more heavily infected than the controls. There were no significant differences in weight, height, mid-upper arm circumference and skinfold thickness between the case or control subjects at the time blood samples for analyses by ELISA were collected. Children with repeatedly heavy infections withA. lumbricoideshad higher concentrations of antibody isotypes to the antigens ofA. lumbricoidesthan children who are repeatedly lightly infected. IgG1, IgG4 and IgE to worm antigens occurred in significantly higher concentrations in heavily infected subjects. This suggests that these antibody responses simply reflect the intensity of infection and may not play a significant role in protecting against heavy infections.
Migration and development of the blood fluke Sanguinicola inermis Plehn, 1905 (Trematoda: Sanguinicolidae) in carp, Cyprinus carpio L
Authors: Kirk R. S. , Lewis J. W.
Published: June 2009

The migration and development of Sanguinicola inermis in carp fingerlings were investigated by quantitative analysis of serial sections of fish and examination of flukes from hosts up to 90 days p.i. Cercariae penetrated through the epidermis and migrated through connective tissue and muscle to establish in the blood system and commence egg production within 28 days p.i. Most flukes established in the ventral blood system and released eggs which accumulated in gill epithelial tissue. A minority of flukes inhabited dorsal blood vessels and shed eggs which lodged in connective tissue and visceral sites. Maximum life-span of the parasite is between 56 and 70 days p.i. and egg production peaked at day 42 p.i.
The number of niches in intestinal helminth communities of Anguilla anguilla: are there enough spaces for parasites?
Authors: Kennedy C. R. , Guégan J.-F.
Published: June 2009

The suggestion that there may be a limit to the number of niches available to helminth species in the intestine of Anguilla anguilla was investigated by examining the frequency distributions of the number of helminth species per eel and the relationships between maximum and mean infracommunity richness and component community richness in 1 locality over 17 years and in 64 localities throughout Ireland and England. The maximum number of species per eel did not exceed 4 in the 1 locality, or 3 in the 64 localities. In both the single and the several localities, the relationship between maximum and mean infracommunity richness and component community richness was curvilinear and best described by a power or polynomial function. This was interpreted to mean that infracommunity richness became increasingly independent of component community richness, and that infracommunities were saturated at values well below the higher level of helminth richness immediately available for colonization i.e. component community richness. It is argued that these findings cannot be explained by supply-side ecology, pool exhaustion or transmission rates, but only by infracommunity processes acting to impose a fixed limit to the number of species in an infracommunity. Most infracommunities are species poor, and the limiting factors will only operate as species richness rises to determine a maximum. Acceptance of a limit to the number of niches available also resolves the apparent inconsistency between the occurrence and importance of interspecific competition and the nature of isolationist communities.
The precise estimation of the effects of extrinsic factors on the egg production and egg hatch rates of ixodid ticks
Authors: Sutherst R. W.
Published: June 2009

The aim of the present contribution has been to draw attention to the technique of covariance analysis in the study of factors influencing the oviposition of ixodid ticks.

The example given as an illustration shows the high degree of sensitivity of the technique and its effectiveness in removing the bias due to the sample differences in the mean female weights of different treatment groups. This bias has not been removed in any published work on egg-production studies of ticks, so preventing precise comparisons of different conditions to be made.

My thanks are due to Dr D. E. Moorhouse for helpful advice and to the Australian Meat Research Committee for generous financial support. The cooperation and assistance of Mr W. J. Roulston and his staff of the Division of Entomology, C.S.I.R.O. is gratefully acknowledged.
Nematode parasites of Oceanica
Authors: Schmidt Gerald D. , Kuntz Robert E.
Published: June 2009

Camallanus marinus sp.nov. is described from eleven specimens recovered from a variety of marine fishes. It is the only species in Camallanus s.s. with a single spicule. Spinitectus palawanensis sp.nov. is described from two males and one female found in a scombrid fish. It is characterized by having 12–17 rings of 60–65 spines, a spicule ratio of 5:1, and ten pairs of caudal papillae. Cucullanus lutjani, sp.nov. is described from two specimens from lutjanid fishes. It is distinct in lacking a preanal sucker, in possessing a gubernaculum and eight pairs of cloacal papillae.Oceanicucullanus padfica gen. et sp.nov. is described from two specimens found in cyprinid fish. It is most similar to Indocucullanus, differing from it in the absence of a gubernaculum, and in possessing three pairs of teeth in the radii of the oesophagus. Philometra (Philometra) lateolabracis Yamaguti, 1935; Terranova sp.; and Procamallanus spp. are reported for the first time in the Philippines.

We wish to thank Dr D. S. Rabor, Silliman University, Damageute, Negros Oriental, Republic of the Philippines, for general support in field activities, and Dr Loren Wood, Curator of Fishes, and Dr Robert F. Inger, Curator of Reptiles, Chicago Museum of Natural History, for identification of hosts. Acknowledgement is also made to Dr Betty June Myers for technical assistance and advice in handling materials.
Physiological studies on trematodes: calcium, magnesium and phosphorus content
Authors: Goil Madan M.
Published: June 2009

1. Four trematodes,Gastrothylax crumenifer, Cotylophoron cotylophorum, Paramphistomum explanatumandFasciola giganticahave been used for quantitative analysis of their inorganic constituents.

2. Calcium, magnesium and phosphorus content have been determined.

3. All the four trematodes contain large amounts of phosphorus (0·61–1·05%); but the amounts of calcium (0·025–0·045%) and magnesium (0·029–0·065 %) are small.
A survey of the endoparasites of the Red Kangaroo Megaleia rufa (Desmarest)
Authors: Mykytowycz R.
Published: June 2009

A survey of endoparasites of the Red Kangaroo (Megaleia rufa (Desmarest)) has been carried out in three geographically distinct areas of south-eastern Australia.

During a period covering 22 months, 464 kangaroos of different sexes and ages were collected. Alimentary canals and tracheae of all of them and blood and organ smears from 333 were examined for parasites.

A list of endoparasites of the Red Kangaroo encountered during the study and of others reported earlier is given. This includes three species of blood protozoa, two species of coccidia (Eimeria spp.), two species of cestode and twenty-one species of nematodes.

The numbers of some nematode species are analysed in relation to season, sex of host and age of host as expressed by length of tibia.

Two different patterns of age susceptibility of the Red Kangaroo to nematodes are recorded and it is suggested that these may be dependent upon the presence or absence of direct contact of the parasite with host tissue.

Distribution of nematodes in the stomach of the Red Kangaroo has been studied. Different species were found to occupy separate niches within the stomach.

A statistical test aimed at showing the correlation between severity of infection with some nematodes and condition of host expressed by the ratio: body weight — stomach content/tibia length showed only a very weak negative correlation.

Alimentary canals of 100 sheep and thirty-five wild rabbits sampled simultaneously in the same area were found to be infected with only small numbers of worms.

No parasites injurious to domestic stock were found in the kangaroos examined.
Remarks on the diplomastigine flagellates from the intestine of fishes
Authors: Kulda Jaroslav , Lom Jiří
Published: June 2009

In the intestine of freshwater fishes, two morphologically different types of diplomastigine flagellates have so far been found to exist: Hexamita salmonis (Moore, 1920) specific for fishes, and Spironucleus elegans Lavier, 1936, identical with the flagellate from amphibia.

The identity of the Spironucleus from fishes and amphibia has been demonstrated by infecting Pterophyllum scalare with flagellates from newts per os, per rectum and with contaminated food.

A redescription of motile stages of both Hexamita salmonis and Spironucleus elegans is presented, together with a list of existing findings of fish diplomastigines, and a brief discussion.
Trypanosome sociology and antigenic variation
Authors: Vickerman K.
Published: June 2009

Survival of the trypanosome (Trypanosoma brucei) population in the mammalian body depends upon paced stimulation of the host's humoral immune response by different antigenic variants and serial sacrifice of the dominant variant (homotype) so that minority variants (heterotypes) can continue the infection and each become a homotype in its turn. New variants are generated by a spontaneous switch in gene expression so that the trypanosome puts on a surface coat of a glycoprotein differing in antigenic specificity from its predecessor. Homotypes appear in a characteristic order for a given trypanosome clone but what determines this order and the pacing of homotype generation so that the trypanosome does not quickly exhaust its repertoire of variable antigens, is not clear. The tendency of some genes to be expressed more frequently than others may reflect the location within the genome and mode of expression of the genes concerned and may influence homotype succession. Differences in the doubling time of different variants or in the rate at which trypanosomes belonging to a particular variant differentiate into non-dividing (vector infective) stumpy forms have also been invoked to explain how a heterotype's growth characteristics may determine when it becomes a homotype. Recent estimations of the frequency of variable antigen switching in trypanosome populations after transmission through the tsetse fly vector, however, suggest a much higher figure (0·97–2·2 × 10−3switches per cell per generation) than that obtained for syringe-passed infections (10−5–10−7switches per cell per generation) and it seems probable that most of the variable antigen genes are expressed as minority variable antigen types very early in the infection. Instability of expression is a feature of trypanosome clones derived from infective tsetse salivary gland (metacyclic) trypanosomes and it is suggested that high switching rates in tsetse-transmitted infections may delay the growth of certain variants to homotype status until later in the infection.
The ecology of the sheep tick, Ixodes ricinus L. Host relationships of the tick: Part 2. Observations on hill and moorland grazings in northern England
Authors: Milne A.
Published: June 2009

Although three other Ixodes species were found, Ixodes ricinus L., when it occurs, is by far the most important tick parasite of wild and domestic animals on hill and moorland grazings in northern England. In the following, ‘tick’ or ‘ticks’ refer to I. ricinus.

The previous list of British mammal hosts, wild and domestic, to the tick (any stage) is largely confirmed, and increased approximately from twenty-three to twenty-nine species; and birds, similarly, from twenty-one to thirty-nine species. The preponderance of small mammals and birds among the twenty-four new-recorded host species confirms the impression that previous workers tended to confine their attentions to the larger animals. The host list is still incomplete, and the suggestion that the tick will parasitize any bird or mammal it may meet is strongly reinforced.

No host occurs below the reptile level among vertebrates; and among British reptiles, only the common lizard is a host—rarely. There appear to be no hosts among invertebrates.

All the farm and domestic mammals from horse down to cat are hosts to female ticks, but poultry have never been recorded—probably because they do not much frequent the tick-infested pastures.

Only the larger wild mammals and birds are hosts to female ticks. In northern England these include eight mammals and three birds. For Britain as a whole two other mammals are known, while a further four mammals and one bird are likely hosts.

With or without the inclusion of domestic animals, proportionately more mammal than bird species are hosts to female ticks. This is because there are more mammal than bird species large enough to be hosts.

All the recorded British hosts, except shrew and possibly mole, are hosts in some degree to nymphs, and all, without exception, are hosts to larvae.

A certain amount of self-deticking is practised by birds, and very probably by some of the smaller mammals. Birds never have ticks attached within beak-reach.
The phylogeny of the nematode family Metastrongylidae Leiper, [1909]: a correlation of host and symbiote evolution
Authors: Dougherty Ellsworth C.
Published: June 2009

1. History of the classification of the family Metastrongylidae is briefly reviewed.

2. The probable origin of the family is discussed. It is believed that the metastrongylids arose, in common with the family Strongylidae, from a primitive group of eustomatous, cloacinin-like, gastro-intestinal strongylines that were symbiotic with an ancestral mammalian group, possibly the pantotheres. One group of these symbiotes established itself in the mammalian respiratory tract and originated the metastrongylid line.

3. The family Trichostrongylidae is regarded as of common origin with the family Ancylostomatidae from eustomatous ancestors. Thus meiostomy in the metastrongylids and trichostrongylids is convergent.

4. The Metastrongylidae consist of three main lines, each characteristic of a placentate order: the Filaroidinae in the Carnivora, the Pseudaliinae in the Cetacea, and the Protostrongylinae in the Artiodactyla. These lines probably have evolved from a common ancestor, symbiotic with a host at the base of the carnivore-cetacean-ariodactyl radiation. Certain forms have become secondarily adapted to symbiosis with members of other placentate orders.

5. Morphological and biological evidence is given for each of the foregoing phylogenetic conclusions.

6. Metastrongylus Molin, 1861, is regarded as a relict genus. With it, in a subfamily Metastrongy-linae, is placed the genus Heterostrongylus Travassos, 1925.

7. Heterostrongylus is represented by a single known species, H. heterostrongylus Travassos, 1925, from an opossum (order Marsupialia). Morphologically it is primitive with cloacinin-like cephalic features. In view of the phylogenetic status of its host it may well represent an ancestral type that has evolved along with the Marsupialia from a common ancestry with the other metastrongylids, probably in the panthotheres. As yet unknown lungworms of marsupials may shed light on this interesting point.

8. Diagnoses are given for the family Metastrongylidae and its subfamilies; the twenty-two component genera are listed under the latter. New synonymies are made: Neometastrongylus Kreis, 1944, a synonym of Neostrongylus Gebauer, 1932; Neometastrongylus buechii Kreis, 1944, of Neostrongylus linearis (Marotel, 1913) Gebauer, 1932; and Otophocaenurus Skriabin, 1942, of Pharurus Leuckart, 1848. Otophocaenurus oserskoi Skriabin, 1942, becomes Pharurus oserskaiaae (Skriabin, 1942, n.emend.) n.comb.; Metathelazia massino becomes M. massinoi (Davtian in Skriabin, 1933, n.emend.) Dougherty, 1943.