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Sex ratio, weight, length and numbers of Labiostrongylus longispicularis (Wood), the large stomach worm of the Red Kangaroo (Megaleia rufa(Desmarest)), in relation to age of the host and season

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 April 2009

R. Mykytowycz  and
M. L. Dudzinski
R. Mykytowycz
Affiliation:
C.S.I.R.O.Division of Wildlife Research, Canberra, A.C.T.
M. L. Dudzinski
Affiliation:
C.S.I.R.O.Division of Mathematical Statistics, Canberra, A.C.T.
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Extract

The study involved observations of only the macroscopically visible forms (immature and mature adults) of the parasite Labiostrongylus longispicularis (Wood) in the stomachs of Red Kangaroos, Megaleia rufa (Desmarest).

The large size of the worm (females 30–60 mm long and males 25–40 mm) facilitated the study.

The life-cycle of the species is not yet known but some information is given on the hatching of eggs, survival of larvae, and the results of experimental infections of rabbits.

Reproducing adult worms were found in samples of kangaroos from two geographically widely separated areas only during the period March–August, namely autumn and winter in Australia. During this period immature macroscopically visible forms were absent or present only in very small numbers. The size of the immature adults increased gradually from August onwards.

The proportion of female worms in the samples averaged 71% in those containing immature forms and 74% in samples containing only mature worms.

The relationship between weight and length of worms at different stages of development was determined. Male and female worms differed both in size and rate of growth.

The level of infection with immature and reproducing adult worms was correlated with the length of tibia of the host. Kangaroos approximately 18 months old with tibia approximately 400 mm long were infected on average with 3000 immature or 150 mature worms, while kangaroos with tibia 480 mm long carried on average twenty immature or three mature worms.

The reduction in the mean level of infection with increasing age (tibia length) was found to be statistically greater for immature than for mature worms.

Seasonal variations in the relation between the length and weight of the worms and the age of the host were demonstrated and a possible connexion with physiological changes within the parasite was suggested.

The age of the host had the strongest negative effect upon the growth rate of the worms at the time when marked increase in the weight of worms, particularly females, took place.

Thanks are due to Mr G. A. McIntyre of the Division of Mathematical Statistics, C.S.I.R.O., Dr J. D. Dunsmore and Mr B. V. Fennessy of the Division of Wildlife Research, Mr P. I. Sommerville of the Division of Animal Health, McMaster Laboratory, C.S.I.R.O., and Dr W. L. Nicholas of the Australian National University, Canberra, for reading and criticizing the manuscript. Messrs E. R. Hesterman and C. Kogon of the Division of Wildlife Research provided valuable technical assistance.

Type
Research Article
Information
Parasitology , Volume 55 , Issue 3 , August 1965 , pp. 527 - 541
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1965

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