Light and scanning electron microscope studies on the nematode Aplectana macintoshii Travassos,1931(Ascaridida:Cosmocercidae) infecting the toad Bufo regularis in Egypt.

Abstract

ABSTRACTplectana macintoshii Travassos,1931 from the intestine of Bufo regularis was described and illustrated. A. macintoshii adult worms are small dieocious nematodes. Males are distinguishable from females by their smaller size, long slender curved posterior end and accessory copulatory structures with two equal spicules. Cuticle with longitudinal and circular annulations and somatic papillae. Mouth is small opening surrounded by three lips. Each lip bears two conspicuous papillae. The alimentary canal is composed of mouth that leads to oesophageal corpus, oesophageal bulb, intestine and rectum. The reproductive system of A. macintoshii is tubular. Females have two genital tubes that are distinguished into two ovaries, oviducts, uteri which join to form a single vagina which opens to the exterior through the vulva that lies near the anterior end of the body. The male genital tube consists of a blind-ending testis, seminal vesicle, vas deferens and the ejaculatory duct which opens into the rectum via the cloaca. The genital tubes of these parasitic nematoades are twisted around the intestine.