Species interact and exploit one another for a number of reasons, including transportation, shelter or nutrition such as in parasitic relationships. Parasitism is an important aspect in life and is common in all taxonomic groups. Parasites are often host-specific and can be endoparasites or ectoparasites. The phylum Platyhelminthes includes the class Monogenea or monogenetic parasitic flukes. Monogeneans are mainly parasitic in fish but the family Polystomatidae, also commonly referred to as polystomes, are found on the skin and gills of the Australian lungfish, tadpole gills, kidneys and urinary bladders of frogs, gills and skin of salamanders, cloaca and phalodeum of caecileans, on the eye, in the nose, mouth or urinary bladder of freshwater turtles and on the eye of the hippopotamus. Polystomes have a cosmopolitan distribution, and are found on all hospitable continents. Polystome species were first discovered in the 1758. Between 1961 and 1980 French researchers focussed on Central and West Africa and described a large number of parasites. Polystome discovery has steadily decreased in the last 30 years, however despite this, new species are still being discovered annually. The list of currently known polystomes is most likely only a small portion of the species that exists. Wherever scientists searched for polystomes, new species were discovered. The current distribution of polystomes is not at all a true reflection of their global distribution but merely an indication of research effort. Monogenean flatworms exhibit many variations in the morphology of the intestinal tract. These parasites display two distinct diets, where one group mainly feeds on blood while the other mainly feeds on mucus and epithelial tissues. Thus the feeding habits and other factors such as the shape of the caeca, the presence/absence and number of medial and lateral diverticula as well as anastomosis may play a role in the morphology of the intestinal tract, which can be used as a classification tool to classify polystome species into specific genera. The three aims of the study were to:  Conduct a literature study to compile a species list and source of information on all valid polystome taxa.  Review the intestine shape of all polystomes and evaluate it as a taxonomic characteristic.  Conduct a species description of a new North American chelonian polystome belonging to the genus Polystomoides. / MSc (Environmental Sciences), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Made available in DSpace on 2014-08-20T14:31:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 dissertacao_luciano_avancini.pdf: 1128794 bytes, checksum: 84f53c68ac05e202ba01bcdff9c6d5cb (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-12-23 / Vanellus chilensis is a bird species of the family Charadriidae distributed across Central and South America. Despite its high abundance and broad distribution, there are few records of parasites on this species. Aiming to identify the helminths and arthropods that parasitize V. chilensis in southern Brazil, twenty eight birds were necropsied. For collection of ectoparasites, the birds were individually washed in water containing detergent. After that, they were necropsied and their organs were examined for helminths under a stereomicroscope. The helminths found and its respective prevalence, mean abundance and mean intensity were: Brevithominx asperodorsus (Enoplida, Capilariidae) 53.6%, 4.5 and 8.4; Heterakis psophiae (Oxyurida, Heterakidae) 39.3%, 1.0 and 2.55; Dispharynx nasuta (Spirurida, Acuariidae) 28.6%, 4.11 and 14.38; Echinostoma aphylactum (Echinostomida, Echinostomatidae) 17.9%, 0.64 and 3.6; Stomylotrema vicarium (Plagiorchiida, Stomylotrematidae) 10.7%, 0.25 and 2.33; Neivaia cymbium (Cyclocoeloidea, Cyclocoelidae) 7.1%, 0.14 and 2.0; Gyrocoelia perversa (Cyclophyllidea, Dioecocestidae) 60.7%. The Phthiraptera found were Actornithopilus sp. (Amblycera, Menoponidae) and Quadraceps guimaraesi (Ischnocera, Philopteridae). Another arthropod collected was the nasal mite Rhinonyssus sp. (Acarina, Rhinonyssidae). H. psophiae is cited for the first time parasitizing the order Charadriiformes in RS. B. asperodorsus, E. aphylactum, N. cymbium represent new records for Charadiidae in the State. This is the first report of natural infection in Charadriidae by the parasite S. vicarium in the region of study. The cestode G. perversa and the nematode D. nasuta are cited for the first time parasitizing V. chilensis in RS. The lice Actornithopilus sp. and Quadraceps guimaraesi are new records in RS as parasites of V. chilensis, which is also reported as a new host for the nasal mite Rhinonyssus sp / Vanellus chilensis, quero-quero, tem distribuição na América do Sul e América Central, é uma ave muito comum na região sul do RS. Há poucos relatos a respeito de parasitos nesta espécie, o que incentivou o desenvolvimento deste trabalho. Com o objetivo de conhecer os helmintos e artrópodes que ocorrem em V. chilensis foram examinadas 28 aves, as quais foram lavadas, individualmente, em água com detergente para obtenção dos ectoparasitos e após necropsiadas para a coleta de helmintos. Os helmintos encontrados e respectivas prevalências, abundância média e intensidade média foram Brevithominx asperodorsus (Enoplida, Capilariidae) 53,6%, 4,5 e 8,4; Heterakis psophiae (Oxyurida, Heterakidae) 39,3%, 1,0 e 2,55; Dispharynx nasuta (Spirurida, Acuariidae) 28,6%, 4,11 e 14,38; Echinostoma aphylactum (Echinostomida, Echinostomatidae) 17,9%, 0,64 e 3.6; Stomylotrema vicarium (Plagiorchiida, Stomylotrematidae) 10,7%, 0,25 e 2,33; Neivaia cymbium (Cyclocoeloidea, Cyclocoelidae) 7,1%, 0,14 e 2,0; Gyrocoelia perversa (Cyclophyllidea, Dioecocestidae) 60,7%. Os Phthiraptera encontrados foram Actornithopilus sp. (Amblycera: Menoponidae) e Quadraceps guimaraesi (Ischnocera, Philopteridae), e o ácaro nasal Rhinonyssus sp. (Acarina: Rhinonyssidae). B. asperodorsus, E. aphylactum, N. cymbium, tem seu primeiro registro na família Charadriidae para o RS, H. psophiae tem seu primeiro registro na ordem Charadriiformes para o RS. Este é o primeiro registro de infecção natural por S. vicarium em Charadriidae para o RS. G. perversa e D. nasuta tem seu primeiro registro em V. chilensis no RS.

<p>This thesis focuses on phylogenetic and taxonomic studies of Catenulida (Platyhelminthes). Catenulida is a group of microscopic free-living worms mainly found in freshwater habitats. The Swedish catenulid fauna was previously virtually unknown. The taxonomy of Catenulida is difficult because of the paucity of good morphological characters, which makes species identification extremely difficult. </p><p>Molecular phylogenies are inferred from DNA sequences. Based on two molecular markers, 18S rDNA and 28S rDNA, the phylogenetic position of Catenulida has now been well established as the sister group to the rest of the flatworms, Rhabditophora. Within Catenulida there is a basal split between two major clades: Retronectidae + Catenulidae and Stenostomidae. The hypothesis of the marine Retronectidae as the sister group of the limnic Catenulida is rejected. </p><p>Four molecular markers, 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, ITS-5.8S and CO1, are used as a backbone to infer phylogeny and to generate hypotheses about species delimitation in Catenulida using parsimony jackknifing and Bayesian analysis. <i>Anokkostenostomum</i> comes out non-monophyletic, and <i>Suomina</i> nested within <i>Catenula</i>, so two new synonymies are proposed: <i>Stenostomum</i> Schmidt, 1848 (<i>Anokkostenostomum</i> Noreña et al. 2005) and <i>Catenula</i> Duges, 1832 (<i>Suomina</i> Marcus, 1945) are proposed. </p><p>A first report on Swedish freshwater Catenulida are given. A total of 13 species are reported from Sweden. Four of them, all belonging to the taxon <i>Stenostomum</i> are new to science:<i> S. gotlandense</i> n.sp.; <i>S. handoelense</i> n.sp.; <i>S. heebuktense</i> n.sp. and <i>S. steveoi</i> n.sp.</p>

This thesis focuses on phylogenetic and taxonomic studies of Catenulida (Platyhelminthes). Catenulida is a group of microscopic free-living worms mainly found in freshwater habitats. The Swedish catenulid fauna was previously virtually unknown. The taxonomy of Catenulida is difficult because of the paucity of good morphological characters, which makes species identification extremely difficult. Molecular phylogenies are inferred from DNA sequences. Based on two molecular markers, 18S rDNA and 28S rDNA, the phylogenetic position of Catenulida has now been well established as the sister group to the rest of the flatworms, Rhabditophora. Within Catenulida there is a basal split between two major clades: Retronectidae + Catenulidae and Stenostomidae. The hypothesis of the marine Retronectidae as the sister group of the limnic Catenulida is rejected. Four molecular markers, 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, ITS-5.8S and CO1, are used as a backbone to infer phylogeny and to generate hypotheses about species delimitation in Catenulida using parsimony jackknifing and Bayesian analysis. Anokkostenostomum comes out non-monophyletic, and Suomina nested within Catenula, so two new synonymies are proposed: Stenostomum Schmidt, 1848 (Anokkostenostomum Noreña et al. 2005) and Catenula Duges, 1832 (Suomina Marcus, 1945) are proposed. A first report on Swedish freshwater Catenulida are given. A total of 13 species are reported from Sweden. Four of them, all belonging to the taxon Stenostomum are new to science: S. gotlandense n.sp.; S. handoelense n.sp.; S. heebuktense n.sp. and S. steveoi n.sp.

Beca JAE-Predoctoral CISC; Proyecto LARECO CTM2011-25929

Japanese yellowtail Seriola quinqueradiata has been commercially farmed in Japan since the 1940s. In comparison, sea-cage farming of yellowtail kingfish Seriola lalandi in Australia is still developing, with commercial production commencing in 1998. In Australia, S. lalandi is parasitised by Zeuxapta seriolae and Benedenia seriolae. In Japan, S. quinqueradiata is parasitised by Heteraxine heterocerca and B. seriolae. These monogeneans affect industries in both countries and management of these parasites is required to prevent impacts on fish health and commercial losses. I investigated efficacy (% reduction of mean parasite abundance) for orally administered praziquantel, fenbendzole and oxfendazole against Z. seriolae and B. seriolae on S. lalandi and the efficacy of orally administered praziquantel and febantel against H. heterocerca and B. seriolae on S. quinqueradiata. Medications were administered to fish by surface coating feed pellets or via direct intubation of the stomach. Seriola lalandi administered fenbendazole and oxfendazole by surface coating of feed had lower abundance of the gill parasite Z. seriolae. Seriola quinqueradiata intubated with febantel had lower abundance of the gill parasite H. heterocerca. Neither fenbendazole nor oxfendazole administered to S. lalandi in Australia, nor febantel administered to S. quinqueradiata in Japan resulted in a lower abundance of the skin parasite B. seriolae. Praziquantel was first administered to S. lalandi by surface coating of feed. Fish rejected medicated feed, suggesting praziquantel affected its palatability. Fish treated with feed medicated with praziquantel had fewer Z. seriolae and B. seriolae than untreated fish. Praziquantel administered to S. lalandi by intubation allowed a more accurate dose to be tested without differential feeding or reduced palatability obstructing results, and resulted in fewer Z. seriolae (99.5-100 % reduction) and B. seriolae (91 – 97.7 % reduction). Intubated praziquantel also led to fewer recruitment life stages of Z. seriolae and B. seriolae, even at low doses, but did not completely eliminate them from S. lalandi. Praziquantel administered to S. lalandi alone and combined with cimetidine had high efficacy (>99%) against Z. seriolae. In comparison, praziquantel administered alone resulted in fewer B. seriolae (68.3 – 69.7 % reduction) than the same doses of praziquantel combined with cimetidine (36.9 – 40.9 % reduction). A 90.4 -100% reduction in H. heterocerca was achieved when praziquantel was administered by intubation to S. quinqueradiata in Japan but there was only a 22-77.8 % reduction in B. seriolae. The dose of PZQ (150 mg kg⁻¹ body weight day⁻¹ for 3 days) on the label of a commercially available product used to treat B. seriolae in Japanese aquaculture resulted in a 50.9% reduction against B. seriolae, but completely eliminated H. heterocerca. In trials against Z. seriolae and B. seriolae on S. lalandi in South Australia, I also screened 27 other anthelmintics and antiparasitics from the chemical groups: amprolium derivatives, benzimidazoles, benzyl ureas, diphosphate salts, imidazothiazoles, macrocyclic lactones, nitromidazoles, organophosphates, piperazines, salicylanilides, substituted phenols and tetrahydropyrimidines. Of these, only the benzimidazole, albendazole, was effective against Z. seriolae and none appeared to have an effect against B. seriolae. / http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1459172 / Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2010

Japanese yellowtail Seriola quinqueradiata has been commercially farmed in Japan since the 1940s. In comparison, sea-cage farming of yellowtail kingfish Seriola lalandi in Australia is still developing, with commercial production commencing in 1998. In Australia, S. lalandi is parasitised by Zeuxapta seriolae and Benedenia seriolae. In Japan, S. quinqueradiata is parasitised by Heteraxine heterocerca and B. seriolae. These monogeneans affect industries in both countries and management of these parasites is required to prevent impacts on fish health and commercial losses. I investigated efficacy (% reduction of mean parasite abundance) for orally administered praziquantel, fenbendzole and oxfendazole against Z. seriolae and B. seriolae on S. lalandi and the efficacy of orally administered praziquantel and febantel against H. heterocerca and B. seriolae on S. quinqueradiata. Medications were administered to fish by surface coating feed pellets or via direct intubation of the stomach. Seriola lalandi administered fenbendazole and oxfendazole by surface coating of feed had lower abundance of the gill parasite Z. seriolae. Seriola quinqueradiata intubated with febantel had lower abundance of the gill parasite H. heterocerca. Neither fenbendazole nor oxfendazole administered to S. lalandi in Australia, nor febantel administered to S. quinqueradiata in Japan resulted in a lower abundance of the skin parasite B. seriolae. Praziquantel was first administered to S. lalandi by surface coating of feed. Fish rejected medicated feed, suggesting praziquantel affected its palatability. Fish treated with feed medicated with praziquantel had fewer Z. seriolae and B. seriolae than untreated fish. Praziquantel administered to S. lalandi by intubation allowed a more accurate dose to be tested without differential feeding or reduced palatability obstructing results, and resulted in fewer Z. seriolae (99.5-100 % reduction) and B. seriolae (91 – 97.7 % reduction). Intubated praziquantel also led to fewer recruitment life stages of Z. seriolae and B. seriolae, even at low doses, but did not completely eliminate them from S. lalandi. Praziquantel administered to S. lalandi alone and combined with cimetidine had high efficacy (>99%) against Z. seriolae. In comparison, praziquantel administered alone resulted in fewer B. seriolae (68.3 – 69.7 % reduction) than the same doses of praziquantel combined with cimetidine (36.9 – 40.9 % reduction). A 90.4 -100% reduction in H. heterocerca was achieved when praziquantel was administered by intubation to S. quinqueradiata in Japan but there was only a 22-77.8 % reduction in B. seriolae. The dose of PZQ (150 mg kg⁻¹ body weight day⁻¹ for 3 days) on the label of a commercially available product used to treat B. seriolae in Japanese aquaculture resulted in a 50.9% reduction against B. seriolae, but completely eliminated H. heterocerca. In trials against Z. seriolae and B. seriolae on S. lalandi in South Australia, I also screened 27 other anthelmintics and antiparasitics from the chemical groups: amprolium derivatives, benzimidazoles, benzyl ureas, diphosphate salts, imidazothiazoles, macrocyclic lactones, nitromidazoles, organophosphates, piperazines, salicylanilides, substituted phenols and tetrahydropyrimidines. Of these, only the benzimidazole, albendazole, was effective against Z. seriolae and none appeared to have an effect against B. seriolae. / http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1459172 / Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2010

No description available.

The evolutionary origin and the phylogeny of higher metazoan taxa is still under debate although considerable progress has been made in the past 20 years. Metazoa represents a monophyletic group of highly diverse animals including Bilateria, Cnidaria, Porifera, Ctenophores, and Placozoa. Bilateria comprises the majority of metazoans and consists of three major clades: Deuterostomia, Spiralia (= Lophotrochozoa sensu lato), and Ecdysozoa, whereas the sister group taxa Spiralia and Ecdyzozoa form the monophyletic clade Protostomia. Molecular data have profoundly changed the view of the bilaterian tree of life. One of the main questions concerning bilaterian phylogeny is the on-going debate about the evolution of complexity in Bilateria. It was assumed that the last common ancestor of Deuterostomia, Ecdysozoa and Spiralia had a segmented and coelomate body organization resembling that of an annelid. On the contrary, the traditional view is the evolution of Bilateria from a simple body organization towards more complex forms, assuming that the last common ancestor of Bilateria resembles a platyhelminth-like animal without coelomic cavities and segmentation. To resolve this question, it is necessary to unravel the phylogenetic relationships within Bilateria. By using mitogenomic and phylogenomic data, this thesis had a major contribution to clarify phylogenetic relationships within problematic metazoan taxa: (1) the phylogeny of Deuterostomia, (2) the questionable monophyly of Platyzoa, and first assumptions concerning the phylogeny of Gnathostomulida, Gastrotricha and Polycladida, (3) phylogenetic relationships within annelid taxa, especially Terebelliformia, Diurodrilidae, and Syllidae, with new insights into the evolution of mitochondrial gene order, and (4) new insights into the evolution of annelids, especially the interstitial ones, as well as the colonization of the interstitial realm.