Note on morphology of two nematode species Ascaridia hermaphrodita and Ascaridia platyceri (Nematoda): scanning electron microscope study

Abstract

SummaryMorphological features of adult specimens of Ascaridia hermaphrodita and A. platyceri (Nematoda: Ascaridida), parasitizing parrots (Psittaciformes), were studied for the first time using scanning electron microscopy. The morphology of A. hermaphrodita, the type species of Ascaridia, coincides fully with the generic diagnosis. The shape of the labial inner structure (two spoon-like projections), cervical alae and spicule with cuticular wings were typical for this species. A. hermaphrodita has been found in the Czech Republic for the first time in a new host, Amazona pretrei, from Brazil. The morphology of Ascaridia platyceri does not correspond with the generic diagnosis in all aspects, as some variation was found, mainly in the presence of interlabia, small teeth in the inner ribbon of the lips and long lateral alae. These morphological characteristics in other species of Ascaridia are discussed. The generic diagnosis is to include the statement "interlabia very rarely present".

Gastrointestinal and external parasites of Enicognathus ferrugineus and Enicognathus leptorhynchus (Aves, Psittacidae) in Chile

“…Seven species of the genus Ascaridia Dujardin, 1845 (Nematoda: Ascaridiidae) have been reported from the order Psittaciformes. Among these, A. hermaphrodita is one of the most frequently reported in these birds (HODOVÁ et al, 2008). Previously, heavy infections of A. hermaphrodita were found in two female slender-billed parakeets that died at the Chilean National Zoo in Santiago (GONZÁLEZ-ACUÑA et al, 2007).…”

“…Previously, heavy infections of A. hermaphrodita were found in two female slender-billed parakeets that died at the Chilean National Zoo in Santiago (GONZÁLEZ-ACUÑA et al, 2007). This parasite is considered one of the most common parasites found among parrots in captivity (HODOVÁ et al, 2008), likely due to the characteristics of this parasite's life cycle (direct cycles) and the high resistance of its eggs (ATKINSON et al, 2008). Hartwich & Tscherner (1979) also recorded A. platyceri in a captive Austral parakeet in Germany.…”

Parasites of Psittaciformes and Accipitriformes in Paraíba state, northeastern Brazil

“…hermaphrodita was the most frequent parasite. Hodová et al (2008) reported that five species of Ascaridia are frequent in Psittaciformes; A. platyceri and A. hermaphrodita are the most common. In Brazil, Pinto et al (1993) reported A. hermaphrodita as specific of psittacines of genuses Amazona, Anodorhynchus, Ara, Aratinga, Brotogeris, Conurus, Pyrrhura, Psittacus and Pionus; this fact corroborates studies on psittacines in Argentina, Chile and Peru (MARTÍNEZ et al, 2003;MASELLO et al, 2006;GONZÁLEZ-ACUÑA et al, 2007;GÓMEZ-PUERTA et al, 2008).…”

“…Ritchie et al (1994) reported that ascariasis stands out as one of the most common gastrointestinal parasitic infections in psittacines and is associated with clinical signs such as weight loss, anorexia and, in severe cases, death. González-Acuña et al (2007) and Hodová et al (2008) reported intestinal obstruction by A. hermaphrodita as a cause of death in parrots. Hodová et al (2008) obtained 242 specimens of helminths in necropsied psittacines.…”

“…González-Acuña et al (2007) and Hodová et al (2008) reported intestinal obstruction by A. hermaphrodita as a cause of death in parrots. Hodová et al (2008) obtained 242 specimens of helminths in necropsied psittacines. González-Acuña et al (2007) observed severe lesions, with congestion of the intestinal mucosa and increased mucus production.…”