Experiments involving cattle, horses, pigs and fowls are presented which are considered to give evidence that thiabendazole is highly active against the Strongyle parasites but not so active against the ascarid parasites of the digestive tract of these animals. The strongyles of cattle can be controlled with a dose of 75–100 mg./kg. and those of horses with as little as 25 mg./kg. In pigs 100 mg./kg. was very active against Oesophagostomum dentatum but this dose level was of poor efficiency against Ascaris lumbricoides. A high dose of 500 mg./kg. appeared to be necessary to control Ascaridia galli in the fowl.

Three species of genus Bychowskyella Akhmerov (1952), i.e. B. fossilisi Majumdar & Agarwal, 1989, B. tchangi Gusev, 1976 and B. wallagonia (Jain, 1959a) Gusev, 1961, were found to parasitize the gill filaments of siluriform fish in India. This redescription based on light microscopic examination of B. fossilisi, B. tchangi and B. wallagonia provides detailed taxonomic data for these species. We also amplified the 18S ribosomal RNA gene to evaluate the phylogenetic relationships of these three species. The morphological and genetic profiles confirmed the validation and taxonomical relationships of the above-mentioned species belonging to the genus Bychowskyella.

Marine limpets, Notoacmea scapha, were collected from an intertidal mud flat in Otago Harbour, New Zealand, and examined for infection with larval trematodes. Three separate species of trematode (opecoelid sp. A, Acanthoparyphium sp. A and Curtuteria australis) were identified from the limpets, based on molecular evidence. This is the first report of these three trematodes in limpets, indicating that the latter are physiologically suitable second-intermediate hosts. However, based on ecological information on the diet of the parasites' definitive hosts, we conclude that the limpet N. scapha does not contribute to the transmission of any of the trematodes. Instead, it acts as a sink for cercariae that fail to locate appropriate second-intermediate hosts.

The parasites of 484 brown trout, Salmo trutta, were studied between 2004 and 2007. An indicator value (IndVal) method was used for analysis, which combines measures of fidelity and specificity. Because of its resilience to detect changes in abundance, IndVal is an effective ecological bio-indicator. The IndVal method demonstrated that altitude, hydrographic network and season could influence the occurrence of parasite species in brown trout. A randomization test identified three parasite species as having a significant indicator value for altitude (the trematode Nicolla wisniewskii, and the nematodes Spinitectus gordoni and Rhabdochona gnedini); five parasite species for hydrographic network (the trematodes Nicolla testiobliquum, N. wisniewskii, Plagioporus stefanskii, and the nematodes S. gordoni and R. gnedini) and two parasite species for season (the nematodes S. gordoni, and R. gnedini). Data for species composition and infection levels should help to improve the monitoring and management of parasitism in salmonid populations.

A new species of Loimopapillosum Hargis, 1955 is described based on specimens collected from the gills of the diamond stingray, Hypanus dipterurus (Jordan & Gilbert, 1880) (Myliobatiformes: Dasyatidae) captured off Puerto Pizarro, Tumbes Region, northern Peru. Loimopapillosum pascuali n. sp. is distinguished mainly from the type and only species, Loimopapillosum dasyatis Hargis, 1955, by its funnel-shaped male copulatory organ, with an asymmetrical base; the superficial root of the anchor with distal knobs; the deep root of the anchor with a constriction at its base; a single testis; and the number of head organs. Available sequences for members of Monocotylidae in the GenBank as well as partial sequences for the gene 28S and 18S ribosomal DNA from L. pascuali n. sp. were included in phylogenetic analyses, suggesting that Loimoinae (represented in this study by L. pascuali n. sp. and Loimosina sp.) is nested within the Monocotylidae Taschenberg, 1879. Therefore, we confirm the rejection of Loimoidae Price, 1936 and its reincorporation as a subfamily of Monocotylidae, as previously suggested. Loimopapillosum pascuali n. sp. represents the first species of this genus in South America.

The human–animal bond is beneficial for human health, but companion animals also pose a potential threat as vectors of zoonotic parasites, especially in urban areas where both human and dog densities are high. However, the knowledge about parasitic spillover in the urban environment is relatively scarce. The aim of the present study was to reveal which factors determine parasitic contamination in Estonian towns and provide up-to-date information about intestinal parasites of the Estonian dog population. In total, 657 samples of dog excrement was collected over one year of investigation from five towns in Estonia. Generalized linear mixed models were used to evaluate factors predicting infection risk in urban areas. In general, infection risk and intensity models predicted higher infection with endoparasites for small dogs in smaller towns, especially in apartment-house districts and in potential hazard zones. Helminth eggs and Giardia/Cystoisospora oocysts were detected in 64 samples, with an overall prevalence of 9.8%.

The gross morphology and histological and cytological architecture of the lymph system of Orthocoelium scoliocoelium were studied. Each main vessel, near the intestinal bifurcation forms a spindle-shaped sinus. Lymphocytes, similar to the primitive blood cells, have been seen to form aggregates in certain regions of the lymph system. In addition, detailed histochemical observations were made on the localization and distribution pattern of various phosphatases, esterases and dehydrogenases. It is suggested that the lymph system, in addition to the functions already known, may also selectively reabsorb certain important outgoing higher fatty acids from the excretory system. Furthermore, the lymphocytes may also be involved in the defence mechanism of the worm. The nature and function of fine granules in the lymph remain speculative.

In lambs under six months of age infected with 10,000 H. contortus third stage larvae two effects were observed as a result of the treatment regimes administered: 1. Reduced adult worm burdens, indicating protection, occurred in the animals treated with combined transfer factor, adult parasitic antigen and precipitated immunoglobulin whereas other treatment combinations produced no significant effects. 2. Defined patterns of histological changes in the abomasa were associated with each treatment and cumulative effects were recognized when combined treatments were given. The responses induced by transfer factor treatment suggest the development of a hypersensitivity reaction outwith the changes seen in primary H. contortus challenge.

The growth of Philophthalmus gralli from jordan was studied experimentally by inoculating 10 excysted metacercariae around the right eye of 47 day-old chicks. The growth rate was slow in the first three days during which flukes did not exceed 0·30 mm long. Then growth become rapid reaching 2·70 mm long on day 24. This was followed by a low growth rate during which the flukes grew from 2·70 mm to 2·90 mm on day 40. The flukes started to appear in the left eye on the day 12 post-inoculation of metacercariae in the development of P.gralli from Jordan was the same as of other species of Philophthalmus. However, a sixth stage, post-maturation stage, is suggested in addition to the 5 developmental stages of Philophthalmus. The ratio of the transverse diameter of the ovary to that of testes in the post-maturation stage was 1:1·1–1:1·2.

Different types of proteoglycans (PGs) from adult worms of Schistosoma haematobium, were sequentially extracted using chaotropic agents under associative conditions (0.5 M GnCl), dissociative conditions (4 M GnCl) and detergents (Triton X-100 and SDS). The extracts were designated Fl, F2, F3 and F4, respectively. The highest amount of uronic acid and carbohydrate was detected in the associative extract (Fl) while the highest amount of protein was detected in the SDS extract (F4). Agarose polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (A-PAGE) indicated the presence of a different PG in each extract with different electrophoretic mobilities. Agarose gel electrophoresis of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) separated from GnCl, associative and dissociative extracts, and the residue suggested the presence of dermatan sulphate in the two extracts and the residue, in addition to a GAG-like material found in the associative extract only. This glycosaminoglycan showed resistance to digestion with all mucopolysaccharidases and nitrous acid treatment. Gel filtration chromatography of associative extract on Sepharose CL-6B indicated the presence of three main uronic acid peaks (P1, P2 and P3). Chondroitin sulphate was the main GAG that could be detected in peak one (P1). Peak two (P2) contains carbohydrate and uronic acid but has no protein or absorbance at 280 nm. P2 has two types of GAGs: dermatan sulphate and a GAG-like material. The role of this PG in helping the adult schistosomes in evading immobilization by the host blood clotting cascade is discussed. Antibodies to peak one and peak two were detected in hamster sera infected with S. haematobium and S. mansoni using the ELISA test. The specificity of peak two was found to be evident in its low cross-reactivity (18.9%) when confronted with S. mansoni infected sera.

The in vitro cultivation technique of Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces usually states the necessity of a biphasic medium with a solid protein substrate for strobilar development to take place; otherwise, in a monophasic medium, protoscoleces follow a vesicular development. However, in some monocphasic cultures, the development of several strobilate individuals (in different quantities and stages of development, depending on the culture) were observed. The only known diference form cultures made previously and snice, where the development was vesicular, was the batch of foetal calf serum used in the constitution of the liquid medium, and this is presumed to be the cause of this unexpected strobilar development.

Faecal egg outputs and subsequent herbage larval contamination with third stage larvae (L3) of Ostertagia spp. and Oesophagostomum spp. from a herd of naturally infected sika deer Cervus nippon were examined in the same pasture in 2001/2002 in Lithuania. Sika deer were infected with Ostertagia circumcincta, O. kolchida, O. spiculoptera, Oesophagostomum radiatum, O. columbianum and O. venulosum. Faecal egg output in adult deer peaked in the spring during the periparturient period and also in late August, compared with a peak in egg output in calves during September to November. Herbage contamination with L3 of Ostertagia spp. peaked in June but larvae were not present on pastures from the end of September. Hence the highest risk of infection was in early born calves grazed on pastures in July. Infective larvae of Oesophagostomum spp. did not survive during the winter, but the nematodes were reintroduced onto the pastures by adult deer in the spring.

1. Brevicaecum niloticum McClelland, 1957 is redescribed and differences from the original description are pointed out.

2. The characters of the genus Brevicaecum are amended.

3. A new subfamily Brevicaecinae is erected for the genus Brevicaecum.

Early third-stage larvae of Gnathostoma spinigerum were cultured in RPMI-1640 supplemented with 25mM NaHCO3,100 units/ml penicillin G, 100 μg/ml of streptomycin, 5 μg/ml of amphotericin B and 10% foetal calf serum at 37°C under 5% CO2 in air for 60 days. After 3 days of cultivation, the larvae moulted. Body sizes increased from 0.49 ± 0.09 × 0.07 ± 0.01 mm in length and width to 4.08 ± 0.48 × 0.32 ± 0.04 mm after 60 days of cultivation. The maximum body length and width of these larvae were 4.94 mm and 0.35 mm, respectively. The survival rate (67.5 %) of the worms was observed at the end of cultivation. The addition of foetal calf serum was found to be essential for growth and development.

Asymphylodora fishelsoni sp. n. is described from the cyprinodontid fish, Aphanius dispar richardsoni, an endemic subspecies from a brackish water spring flowing into the Dead Sea at Ein Fashkha, Israel. The new species is closest to A. carpiae Szidat, 1943, but differs significantly in being less than half its size, and in having the vesicular pars prostatica in the form of a distinct chamber, the caeca always inflated (rather than narrow), the seminal vesicle entirely postacetabular (rather than overlapping the acetabulum) and occupying 40 – 48% of the cirrus sac length (rather than 80%), the cirrus overlapping the acetabulum (rather than being entirely sinistral to it) and occupying 44 – 50% of the cirrus sac length (rather than 18%), and the anterior part of the terminal organ representing 35 – 54% of the total length of this organ (rather than 22%). Positive allometric growth is shown by the hindbody, posttesticular body, and gonads, whereas the forebody, suckers, and pharynx are negative.

Gemmaecaputia australis sp. nov. and Vallisiopsis australis sp. nov. are described from the gills of the striped barracuda, Sphyraena obtusata Cuvier & Valenciennes. G. australis differs from all other species in the genus by the presence of a bifurcated copulation canal and small spines on the penis. V. australis differs from the other species in the genus because of the presence of an unsclerotised penis and seven opisthaptoral clamps. The method of adhesion of V. australis is described and an account given of its adhesion on the host gills.

Eleven cestode specimens were collected from the intestine of Prinops plumata which was brought into the Department for examination. They appear to be a new species for which the name Anomotaenia prinopsia is given.

Female ICR mice, 6–8 weeks old, were exposed to 100 metacercarial cysts/host of Echinostoma trivolvis to determine the effects of this cyst dosage on worm infectivity, distribution, growth and acetabular attachment in the host small intestine, Of 42 exposed mice, 22 were infected 4 to 17 days postinfection (PI) with a mean worm recovery of 11 to 41%. Mean body area of worms increased from about 0.4 mm2 on day 4 PI to about 2.0 mm2 by day 9 PI. No consistent pattern of worm growth was seen beyond day 9. Distribution data showed that worms were found mainly in the anterior part of the small intestines on day 4 PI and then more posteriorly up to day 8 PI. Worm distribution patterns were quite variable beyond day 11 PI. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the acetabulum left a distinct ‘fingerprint’ or acetabular plug on the intestinal mucosa of the host. The ‘fingerprint’ was temporary and disappeared within 1 min after worms were removed from the intestines.

Spirocamallanus papillicaudatus n. sp. from Pomadactylus oligodon, S. partitus n.sp. from Pomacentrus partitus, S. spinicaudatus n. sp. from Holocentrus marinus and S. garnotus n.sp. from Halichoeres garnoti are described from marine fishes of Puerto Rico which is recorded as a new geographical locality for the genus Spirocamallanus. S. plumierus n.sp. is described from a marine fish, Diapterus plumieri, of the Golfo de Cariaco, Cumana, Venezuela. These new species are distinguished from the known species mainly on the basis of number and arrangement of caudal papillae and different body measurements.

Cystidicoloides vaucheri collected in the stomach of the redtail catfish Phractocephalus hemioliopterus from River Acre, State of Acre, Brazil is redescribed, including the first description of males and the first genetic characterization based upon 18S and 28S genes of the rRNA. Newly collected females were biometrically smaller than those reported in the original description, but similar morphology shared by the two samples revealed that they belong to the same species. Scanning electron micrographs showed the accurate structure of the cephalic region, described here in detail. Furthermore, the morphology of males completed the specific diagnosis, strengthening the validity of the species. The three other congeners differ from C. vaucheri mainly as follows: in C. dlouhyi the area rugosa is absent, the cephalic structures in C. fischeri are completely distinct, and in both species the spicules have membranous outgrowths, absent in C. vaucheri. Despite the dubious generic assignment of C. izecksohni, it differs from C. vaucheri in several biometrical and morphological features. Because of data availability, only sequences of the 18S were used for phylogenetic reconstructions. Results showed that the genus Ascarophis and the families Cystidicolidae and Physalopteridae are not monophyletic. Cystidicoloides vaucheri formed an independent branch clustering with representatives of Cystidicolidae, confirming its validity. The inclusion of Salmonema and Spinitectus within Cystidicolidae should be reviewed, since they formed an assemblage with species from Rhabdochonidae. In fact, current classification of some taxa belonging to Habronematoidea, Physalopteroidea and Thelazioidea need to be re-evaluated, mainly based on molecular data from different genes.