scholarly journals MORTALITY OF FISH FRY AS A RESULT OF SPECIFIC AND ASPECIFIC CERCARIAL INVASION UNDER EXPERIMENTAL CONDITIONS

1999 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 433-450 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Majoros

Although the effect exerted on fish by fluke cercariae developing in fish as intermediate hosts is fairly well known, cercariae of flukes requiring intermediate hosts other than fish occur in fish ponds in much higher numbers. To study the effect of these latter cercariae on fish fry, a few days old common carp fry (Cyprinus carpio) were exposed to cohorts of xiphidiocercariae or echinocercariae shed by one or two snails acting as intermediate hosts. The observed pathogenicity of these cercariae was compared to the well-known pathogenic effect ofDiplostomumcercariae. AlthoughDiplostomumcercariae proved to be the most pathogenic, occasionally also the other two types of cercariae could kill the common carp fry by invading their body. Xiphidiocercariae ingested by the fish penetrated the intestinal wall and developed into metacercariae within the body of the fry. They could also get into the musculature through the skin. The much larger echinocercariae invaded the gill cavity where they became encapsulated, thus hampering gill function and leading to fish mortality due to oxygen deficiency.Diplostomumcercariae were more pathogenic than the cercariae of the other two flukes in that they were shed by the intermediate host in very large numbers. Although much less xiphidiocercariae and echinocercariae emerged from the intermediate host snails thanDiplostomumcercariae, the former could kill the fish fry already in lower numbers. These findings prove that fluke cercariae nonspecific to fish may exert pathogenic effects on fish, and presumably contribute to the early mortality of young fry placed out into fish ponds.

limited data for the greater Townsville area (Kay et al.1996). Based on the prevalence of key vector species and their abundance and that of the viruses recovered, it was concluded that Big Bay, originally recommended as a prime site for recreational development by the Department of Local Government in 1985, actually presented lower risk than any other locality. Antill Creek also proved relatively safe in terms of mosquito-borne infections, whereas Toonpan during the wet season was a place to be avoided. Both Ross River and the environs of Townsville offered intermediate risk, the latter due to large numbers of saltmarsh mosquitoes breeding in intertidal wetlands. 9.5 Snails and swimmer’s itch Schistosome dermatitis, known as swimmer’s itch, is a common global problem for users of recreational swimming areas in water resource developments. The rash is caused by free living larvae called cercariae (Figure 9.4) of parasitic flukes which burrow into exposed parts of the body. Normally the life-cycle involves water birds such as ducks and pulmonate snails, so infection of humans is accidental. A large number of cercariae may penetrate the skin where they die but cause a localized allergic reaction in sensitized persons. In northern Australia, swimmer’s itch (Trichobilharzia) has been traditionally associated with Austropeplea (= Lymnaea) lessoni (= vinosa) although two planorbid snails, Amerianna carinata and Gyraulus stabilis, have also been identified as intermediate hosts in Lake Moondarra near Mt Isa, Queensland. Our recent data implicates Gyraulus gilberti at the Ross River dam. Snails are also commonly infected with other trematode cercariae, mainly echinostomes, strigeids/diplostomids and clinostomids.

1998 ◽  
pp. 148-148

Parasitology ◽  
1929 ◽  
Vol 21 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 189-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. F. Harper

A large number of fresh-water Invertebrates has been examined and the parasites obtained from them include examples of the commoner groups to be met with in any area surveyed. Six larval Trematodes have been described in detail, and by means of direct animal experiment two of them have been definitely related to known adults. Of these two one is the larva of Notocotylus seineti Fuhr., and is doubtfully Cercaria monostomi v. Linst., while the other is the larva of Echinoparyphium recurvatum v. Linst., and is described here in detail for the first time. The four xiphidiocercariae described are new. Data relating to the activity, duration of free life, and process of encystment of cercariae within the bodies of secondary intermediate hosts is also given.Effect of the parasite on the host. The disruption of the tissues brought about by the presence of sporocysts or rediae in the liver of a mollusc injures the host, and in many cases brings about its death. The gonads also are often attacked and completely destroyed. This latter feature of parasitic castration has been observed by Giard (1888) among certain species of Limnaea, Planorbis and Paludina attacked by sporocysts. Brown (1926) states that the gonads are rarely infected. As regards the encysted stages of cercariae these appear to do very little harm to their hosts even when present in large numbers. These observations are in agreement with those of Lebour (1912) for the sporocyst, rediae, and encysted stages of marine Trematodes.Double infection. I have found no instance of a double infection among the species described. In the literature, several records show the parasitism of two or more species of cercariae, within one and the same host. The occurrence of two species is most commonly met with, and as a rule one is in predominance. Sewell (1922) states that double infection is not common in India. Faust (1917), on the other hand, has found as many as four trematode species within the same host individual (Planorbis trivolis). Hesse (1923) states that “every large Limnaea peregra examined was heavily infected with sporocysts of either of the two species, but it was rare to find both together.” Brown (1926) in the neighbourhood of Birmingham has found three examples of associated xiphidiocercariae and furcocercariae, one example of xiphidiocercariae and echinostome cercariae, and two examples of echinostome cercaria, all from Limnaea stagnalis L.


1999 ◽  
Vol 73 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Scholz

The life cycles of species of Proteocephalus Weinland, 1858 (Cestoda: Proteocephalidea) parasitizing fishes in the Palearctic Region are reviewed on the basis of literary data and personal experimental observations, with special attention being paid to the development within the intermediate and definitive hosts. Planktonic crustaceans, diaptomid or cyclopid copepods (Copepoda), serve as the only intermediate hosts of all Proteocephalus species considered. A metacestode, or procercoid, develops in the body cavity of these planktonic crustaceans and the definitive host, a fish, becomes infected directly after consuming them. No previous reports of the parenteral location of metacestodes within the second intermediate host as it is in the Nearctic species P. ambloplitis have been recorded. Thus, the life cycles of Proteocephalus tapeworms resemble in their general patterns those of some pseudophyllidean cestodes such as Eubothrium or Bothriocephalus, differing from the latter in the presence of a floating eggs instead of possessing an operculate egg from which a ciliated, freely swimming larva, a coracidium, is liberated. The scolex of Proteocephalus is already formed at the stage of the procercoid within the copepod intermediate host; in this feature, proteocephalideans resemble caryophyllidean rather than pseudophyllidean cestodes. The morphology of procercoids of individual species is described with respect to the possibility of their differentiation and data on the spectrum of intermediate hosts are summarized. Procercoids of most taxa have a cercomer, which does not contain embryonic hooks in contrast to most pseudophyllidean cestodes. The role of invertebrates (alder-fly larvae — Megaloptera) and small prey fishes feeding upon plankton in the transmission of Proteocephalus tapeworms still remains unclear but these hosts are likely to occur in the life cycle. Data on the establishment of procercoids in definitive hosts, morphogenesis of tapeworms within fish hosts, and the length of the prepatent period are still scarce and new observations are needed. Whereas extensive information exists on the development of P. longicollis (syns. P. exiguus and P. neglectus), almost no data are available on the ontogeny of other taxa, in particular those occurring in brackish waters (P. gobiorum, P. tetrastomus). The morphology of P. cernuae and P. osculatus procercoids from experimentally infected intermediate hosts is described for the first time.


1989 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Irshadullah ◽  
W. A. Nizami ◽  
C. N. L. Macpherson

ABSTRACTThe present study investigated the suitability and importance of buffaloes, camels, sheep, goats and pigs in maintaining the life-cycle of Echinococcus granulosus in Aligarh, India. A total of 565 (36%) of 1556 buffaloes, 20 (2%) of 1208 goats, 5 (1%) of 559 pigs, 6 (6%) of 109 sheep and two of three camels were found to harbour hydatid cysts. The frequency distribution of the hydatid cysts in each intermediate host species was over-dispersed and in buffaloes cyst fertility increased with increasing cyst size. Of 2171, 95 and four buffalo, goat, and camel cysts examined 327 (15%), two (2%) and three cysts respectively were fertile. No pig or sheep cysts were found to contain protoscoleces. The unfenced buffalo abattoir and the large number of dogs allowed access to the abattoir coupled to the number of buffaloes slaughtered in comparison to the other potential hosts, indicates that the buffalo is the most significant host for maintaining the life-cycle of the parasite in this area of India. Applicable control measures for the region are suggested.


Parasitology ◽  
1960 ◽  
Vol 50 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 551-575 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Nasir

1. The life cycle of Cotylurus brevis Dubois and Rausch, from the cercaria to the adult, has been investigated for the first time by using laboratory-bred primary, secondary and definitive hosts. The holometabolic metamorphosis with the formation of a tetracotyle stage in a second intermediate host has been described in detail.2. The cercaria of C. brevis obtained from Lymnaea stagnalis in Edgbaston Pool has been found to be identical with Cercaria helvetica XXXIV Dubois from Lake Neuchâtel. The total number of flame cells in the cercaria is twenty, as opposed to the fourteen in the cercaria of Cotylurus cornutus Rudolphi (= ‘Strigea tarda’ described by Mathias (1925), Harper (1929, 1931) and Wesenberg-Lund (1934)).3. In nature the second intermediate host of Cotylurus brevis is Lymnaea stagnalis. Under experimental conditions L. pereger and L. auricularia were also found to act as second intermediate hosts, but neither Planorbis corneus, P. carinatus nor various leeches could act as second intermediate hosts.4. The tetracotyle stage of Cotylurus brevis is morphologically indistinguishable from the corresponding stage of other species of Cotylurus.


1998 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 289-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vera Cristina Brandão Diniz de Oliveira Bonetti ◽  
Carlos Graeff-Teixeira

Human accidental infection with Angiostrongylus costaricensis may result in abdominal disease of varied severity. Slugs from the Veronicellidae family are the main intermediate hosts for this parasitic nematode of rodents. Phyllocaulis variegatus, Phyllocaulis soleiformis and Phyllocaulis boraceiensis were experimentally infected to describe the kinetics of L3 elimination in the mucus secretions of those veronicelid species. A maximum of 2 L3/g/day was found in the mucus, while the number of L3 isolated from the fibromuscular tissues varied from 14 to 448. Productive infection was established by inoculations in the hyponotum or in the body cavity, through the tegument. Intra-cavity injection is a less complex procedure and permits a better control of inocula. A preliminary trial to titrate the infective dosis for P. variegatus indicated that inocula should range between 1000 and 5000 L1. The data also confirmed the importance of P. variegatus as an intermediate host of A. costaricensis.


Author(s):  
S. Mukaratirwa ◽  
I.F. Munjere ◽  
M. Takawira ◽  
G. Chingwena

Gastrodiscosis outbreaks due to Gastrodiscus aegyptiacus were recorded in horses in the vicinity of Harare, Zimbabwe, in the absence of Bulinus forskalii, B. senegalensis and Cleopatra sp. which are considered to be the only intermediate host snails. This suggested the possibility of other snail species acting as intermediate hosts in the life cycle of the trematode. A study was carried out to determine the susceptibility of 7 freshwater snail species to infection with G. aegyptiacus. First generation (F-1) of 5 freshwater pulmonate snail species, Bulinus tropicus, Bulinus globosus, Biomphalaria pfeifferi, Helisoma dyuri and Physa acuta that were bred in the laboratory, and 2 prosobranch snail species, Melanoides tuberculata and Cleopatra sp. that were collected from the field were used in this study. Data pertaining to mortalities and cercariae shedding were recorded throughout the experimental period. The prosobranch snails, M. tuberculata and Cleopatra sp. were susceptible to G. aegyptiacus with a minimum prepatent period of 45 days and 54 days, respectively. Bulinus tropicus, P. acuta and H. duryi were susceptible as evidenced by the presence of different generations of rediae and mature cercariae on dissection at 59 days post-infection although attempts to induce the snails to shed from 28 days post-infection did not produce cercariae. Bulinus globosus and Bio. Pfeifferi were refractory to infection. The results revealed the ability of G. aegyptiacus to infect M. tuberculata, Cleopatara sp., B. tropicus, P. acuta and H. duryi under experimental conditions and this may explain the recorded outbreaks of gastrodiscosis in equine populations in Zimbabwe in the absence of the known intermediate hosts. Bulinus tropicus is considered as the most likely major intermediate host of G. aegyptiacus because of its wide distribution in Zimbabwe and is well adapted to a wide variety of environments.


1957 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 203-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roy C. Anderson

The evolution of the life cycles of the members of the family Dipetalonematiidae Wehr, 1935 (Filarioidea) is considered in the light of existing knowledge of spirurid nematodes. The hypothesis that the life cycles of the dipetalonematids originated from life cycles similar to those of Draschia megastoma, Habronema muscae and H. microstoma is considered to be incorrect. Alternatively, it is pointed out that in the primitive subfamily Thelaziinae Baylis and Daubney, 1926 there are forms with typical spiruroid life cycles (Rhabdochona ovifilamenta), forms with life cycles approaching those of the dipetalonematids (Thelazia spp.), and forms with life cycles intermediate between these two (Oxyspirura spp.). It is suggested that intestinal species similar to Rhabdochona gave rise to the more specialized spiruroids and forms that left the gut (Oxyspirura, Thelazia) gave rise to the dipetalonematids.The dipetalonematids are believed to have originated from nematodes resembling the species of Thelazia and having life cycles like those of T. rhodesii, T. skrjabini and T. gulosa. Some of these worms established themselves in subcutaneous tissues. Like Parafilaria multipapillosa, they released their eggs through a break in the skin of the definitive host, thus causing a skin lesion that attracted various haematophagous arthropods which finally became involved as intermediate hosts in the life cycle. Certain species like the members of Parafilaria and Stephanofilaria (?) came to rely upon intermediate hosts that were unable to break the skin of the definitive host (Musca) and cutaneous lesions became permanent features of their life cycles. Other species became dependent upon intermediate hosts that could puncture the skin (mosquitoes, simuliids etc.) and skin lesions became unnecessary to the life cycle. The larvae of these worms then began to spread into the tissues of the skin, as found in Stephanofilaria, Onchocerca, and some species of Dipetalonema, and the infective larvae developed the ability to penetrate into the wound made by the intermediate host and perhaps, in some cases, the intact skin. Ultimately the larvae of some species habitually entered, or were deposited into, the blood stream and the adult worms were then free to colonize the vertebrate body as their larvae would then be available to the intermediate host no matter where the latter fed on the body of the definitive host; this group of worms gave rise to the many members of the family Dipetalonematidae.The family Filariidae Claus, 1883 is briefly reviewed in the light of the above hypothesis. It is pointed out that many species, e.g. Diplotriaeninae Skrjabin, 1916, live in the air sacs of reptiles and birds and probably have life cycles similar to that of Diplotriaenoides translucidus, i.e. the eggs pass through the lungs, up the trachea and out in the faeces. It is thought that these forms may represent a separate line of evolution from that which gave rise to the Dipetalonematidae. Certain genera (Lissonema, Aprocta), occurring in the orbits of birds, probably have life cycles like Thelazia or Oxyspirura. Many other genera occurring in superficial muscles and subcutaneous tissues (Squamofilaria, Ularofilaria, Tetracheilonema, Pelecitus, Monopetalonema) may release their eggs through some sort of skin lesion. Studies on these forms are urgently needed as the details of their life cycles may shed fresh light on the origins of the more specialized filarioids.


1989 ◽  
Vol 63 (3) ◽  
pp. 231-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Cleveland ◽  
G. C. Kearn

ABSTRACTAn echinostome cercaria (? Cercaria spinifera La Valette, 1855) with 37 collar spines and paraoesophageal glands has been recorded for the first time in Britain from the gastropod Planorbarius corneus. The cercariae penetrate into and encyst in planarians. Observations made on cercariae during penetration indicate that the paraoesophageal glands are used to enter the body of the planarian and that the so-called penetration glands have some other function. Gastropod molluscs may also serve as second intermediate hosts, but there is evidence to indicate that anatomically similar cercariae from different host individuals vary in their second intermediate host preferences.


1999 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louis Trabaud ◽  
Philippe Renard

After a major disturbance (such as fire or soil upsetting), large numbers of Cistus spp. seedlings may appear and ensure population recruitment, but in the absence of such disturbances seedlings are rare or nonexistent in mature Cistus stands. What are the causes? Two factors, little studied until now, have been examined: the influence of litter and of light reaching the soil surface. In two types of stands, one dominated by C. monspeliensis and the other by C. albidus, an experiment was undertaken by removing the vegetation cover and by the presence or absence of litter to examine the establishment of seedlings. The seed bank in the soil was also studied to determine its size. Seeds were also subjected to a temperature of 52 °C to simulate exposure to full sunlight in summer and determine whether this had any affect on their germination rate. Light and litter had no effect on the germination, irrespective of the quality or intensity of light reaching the soil or the presence or absence of litter; there were always few seedlings and there was no significant difference in numbers between treatments. There was a large seed bank in the soil and these seeds were capable of germinating following experimental conditions: the heat stress applied proved to be too slight to break seed dormancy, although they were viable because they germinated after scarification. In existing Cistus spp. stands, Cistus spp. seeds germinate with difficulty, and lack of recruitment could lead to disappearance of local communities unless they are subjected to disturbances.


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