Pathology associated with larval eustrongylides sp. (nematoda: Dioctophymatoidea) infection in galaxias maculatus (actinopterygii: Galaxiidae) from patagonia, Argentina

Publication date: Available online 8 August 2019Source: International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and WildlifeAuthor(s): Silvia Guagliardo, Gustavo Viozzi, Norma BrugniAbstractHelminth infections within tissues tend to be subjected to a host response that can include encapsulation and melanization to isolate the parasite. The effectiveness of this response depends on the host species. During a survey of parasites of the native fish, Galaxias maculatus, we found conspicuous, strongly melanized exterior cysts located in the caudal peduncle of the fish. Dissection of these cysts exposed larval nematodes whose morphometrical features allowed their identification as Eustrongylides sp. Species of this genus are distributed worldwide. Galaxias maculatus was previously reported as second intermediate host to Eustrongylides sp. larvae, and the aquatic bird Podiceps major was cited as definitive host of Eustrongylides tubifex in Andean Patagonian lakes. The site of infection in the fish, and the host's response are unique among infections by larvae of Eustrongylides sp. in fishes, so the objective of this study was to describe the histological injury caused by larvae of the genus Eustrongylides parasitizing G. maculatus. Samples of fish were taken near the shore of Gutiérrez lake, in northwestern Patagonia. Some larval morphometric features were described to confirm the identity of larvae to generic level. Histopathological analysis (tissues sectioned at 5–7 μm, stained w...
Source: International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife - Category: Parasitology Source Type: research