Pygidiopsis macrostomum and Ascocotyle (Phagicola) pindoramensis (Digenea: Heterophyidae) parasitize guppies as intermediate hosts and, respectively, fish‐eating mammals or birds as definitive hosts. Heterophyids have zoonotic potential, and molecular studies associated with morphological and ecological aspects have helped to clarify their taxonomy and phylogeny. Poecilia vivipara naturally parasitized by metacercariae of both species (100% prevalence) exhibit no external signs of parasitism. In this work, four new sequences of P. macrostomum (18S rDNA, 28S rDNA and ITS2 rDNA) and one new sequence of A. (P.) pindoramensis (mtDNA cox‐1) are presented. Phylogeny reconstructions linked P. macrostomum to other heterophyids, but the separation of the Heterophyidae and Opisthorchiidae remains unclear. Additionally, we used indirect immunocytochemistry and the phalloidin‐fluorescence techniques allied with confocal laser scanning microscopy to describe muscular and neuronal structures of P. macrostomum. A complex arrangement of muscular fibres is associated with the tegument, suckers, gut and reproductive system. Radial fibres around the ventral sucker are thick, branched and extend to the body wall. High‐resolution confocal imaging revealed a typical digenean muscular arrangement and important heterophyid morphological traits. These data will support future control measures to reduce the parasitism in guppies reared in fish farming systems, especially for aquarium and experimental purposes.

An anisakid nematode larva found in cod sold in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil was studied by light and scanning electron microscopy and by a molecular approach. Mitochondrial cytochrome c-oxidase subunit 2 (mtDNA cox-2), 28S rRNA and ITS1, 5.8S and ITS2 regions were amplified using the polymerase chain reaction and sequenced to evaluate the phylogenetic relationships of the larva. The genetic profile confirmed that this larva belongs to the species Pseudoterranova decipiens (sensu stricto). This is the first molecular and ultrastructural study of Pseudoterranova decipiens (sensu stricto) in imported cod sold in Brazil. The health implications of these findings are discussed.Keywords: Anisakiasis, codworm, food safety, public health. ResumoUma larva de Nematoda anisakídeo encontrada em bacalhau comercializado no Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil foi estudada por microscopias de luz e eletrônica de varredura e por uma abordagem molecular. As regiões da subunidade 2 da citocromo c-oxidase mitocondrial (mtDNA cox-2), 28S rRNA e ITS1, 5.8S e ITS2 foram amplificadas usando a reação em cadeia da polimerase e sequenciadas para avaliar as relações filogenéticas da larva. O perfil genético confirmou que esta larva pertence à espécie Pseudoterranova decipiens (sensu stricto). Esse é o primeiro estudo molecular e ultraestrutural de Pseudoterranova decipiens (sensu stricto) de bacalhau importado vendido no Brasil. As implicações destes resultados para a saúde são discutidas.Palavras-chave: Anisakíase, bacalhau, segurança alimentar, saúde pública.

Bacteria of the genus Ehrlichia are Gram-negative and coccoid-shaped microorganisms that cause ehrlichiosis -a serious infectious disease that often leads to death. These bacteria present a strong zoonotic potential and primates may act as reservoir hosts. This study involved a molecular analysis to detect these microorganisms in blood samples collected from nineteen primates of the genus Callithrix living free in an Atlantic Forest fragment in the municipality of Viçosa, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. One of the 19 primates was found to be infected with Ehrlichia canis. This finding points to a new wild host of E. canis with a strong potential for transmission to humans because of its increasing contact with people. This is the first report of Ehrlichia spp. in primate of the genus Callithrix.

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Hemos probado un nuevo enfoque para describir cómo una dosis subletal del látex de Euphorbia milii Des Moul. puede afectar a las cercarias, induciendo cambios en el Schistosoma mansoni Sambon 1907 adulto. Se analizaron los efectos sobre la biología y se utilizaron herramientas proteómicas para identificar la expresión de diferentes proteínas. El tratamiento redujo el desarrollo de adultos (machos 74,1%, hembras 76,3%) y disminuyó el número de huevos liberados en 89,9%. El perfil proteico entre machos adultos de S. mansoni de los grupos control y expuestos detectó 1.020 spots, 26 se expresaron de forma diferente y 10 fueron identificados y validados. Las proteínas menos abundante después de la exposición incluyeron actina, 14-3-3 epsilon y aldehído deshidrogenasa. La hsp70 fue la única proteína que se más abundante. Los cambios en el perfil proteómico de los machos adultos de S. mansoni pueden estar relacionados con una fragilidad muscular del cuerpo. Este trabajo proporciona una nueva visión para el control de la esquistosomiasis utilizando un producto natural, soluble en agua a concentraciones subletales para moluscos. Este enfoque es barato, ecológico y eficiente como terapia indirecta para la esquistosomiasis.