Development of Turgida turgida (Rudolphi, 1819) (Nematoda: Physalopteroidea) in the opossum (Didelphis virginiana)

Abstract

Opossums given infective larvae of Turgida turgida were examined at various times after infection. Fifteen days after inoculation 13% of larvae recovered were undergoing the third moult. Thirty-five days after infection 20% of larvae found were moulting to the adult stage. The prepatent period was 89–105 days and the life span of worms was at least 360 days. The percentage of the inoculum recovered decreased with time. Also, development was asynchronous; i.e., third-, fourth-, and fifth-stage worms were found in individual opossums examined 40 and 160 days after infection. Second- and moulting second-stage larvae were not infective to opossums. Infections were successfully challenged. Attempts to infect cats (Felis catus), raccoons (Procyon lotor), and woodchucks (Marmota monax) were unsuccessful.

Clarifying prehistoric parasitism from a complementary morphological and molecular approach

“…Its broad range of host species suggests that this is a generalist parasite. From existing information, most species utilize insects such as crickets, cockroaches and beetles as the intermediate host (Alicata, 1937; Cawthorn and Anderson, 1976; Fain and Vandepitte, 1964; Gray and Anderson, 1981; Guerrero, et al, 2010; Gupta and Pande, 1970; Harrison and Hall, 1909; Hobmaier, 1941; Irwin-Smith, 1921; Lincoln and Anderson, 1972; Magnone, et al, 2007; Naem, et al, 2006; Petri, 1950; Schell, 1952). It is also possible that some species utilize snakes, frogs and possibly some rodents as paratenic hosts (Cawthorn and Anderson, 1976).…”

Turgida turgida (Nematoda: Physalopteridae) parasitic in white-bellied opossum, Didelphis albiventris (Marsupialia: Didelphidae), state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

“…Intensive parasitism of T. turgida in D. marsupialis has been associated to chronic cachexia and anemia (Nettles et al 1975). A large number of studies have been carried out in North and South America on gastric and intestinal helminthes in the species from genus Didelphis, mainly in D. aurita and D. virginiana, reporting the presence of T. turgida based on light microscopy observations (Travassos 1920, Gray & Anderson 1982, Alden 1995, Vicente et al 1997, Silva & Costa 1999, Gomes et al 2003, Richardson & Campo 2005, Nichelason et al 2008. However, according to Matey et al (2001), the features that differentiate Turgida turgida from other physalopterid species are the presence of structures associated with the tripartite teeth, as papilla like structures, groove and pores, the crescent fold on the inner side of the lips, and the presence of the 22nd broad truncated caudal papilla on the male tail, observed using scanning electron microscopy.…”

7.21 Order Spirurida

“…The excretory sinus is transverse and sclerotized, the esophagus is not well-defined anteriorly and has a posterior bulb, the intestine is long and bag-like, a single R1 mesenchymal cell is present and the tail is conical, its extremity not ornamented ( Fig. 7.211 J, K; Gray & Anderson 1982a). During the first stage, the esophagus is rhabditoid ( Fig.…”

“…Very few species are parasites of anurans (Ortlepp 1922, Lee 1957. However, worms do not seem to feed on the mucosa, and successful development depends on the presence of food in the stomach (Gray & Anderson 1982a). However, worms do not seem to feed on the mucosa, and successful development depends on the presence of food in the stomach (Gray & Anderson 1982a).…”

“…In vertebrates, adult worms attach to the stomach wall by means of their collarette and teeth. Several life cycles of parasites of mammals (Petri 1950, Schell 1952, Poinar & Quentin 1972, Lincoln & Anderson 1975, Gray & Anderson 1982a and squamates (Poinar & Vaucher 1972, Velikanov 1992, Anderson 2000 have been elucidated, as well as a highly specialized one in anurans (Lee 1957). Several life cycles of parasites of mammals (Petri 1950, Schell 1952, Poinar & Quentin 1972, Lincoln & Anderson 1975, Gray & Anderson 1982a and squamates (Poinar & Vaucher 1972, Velikanov 1992, Anderson 2000 have been elucidated, as well as a highly specialized one in anurans (Lee 1957).…”