Anna Okulewicz

Toxocara canis, Toxocara cati and Toxascaris leonina in wild and domestic carnivores

SummaryAscarididae nematodes of genera Toxocara and Toxascaris are of significant epizootic relevance among predatory mammals from families Canidae and Felidae. Localization of these nematodes in the definitive hosts, their morphology, as well as the measurements of eggs and adult worms are similar. Recently, molecular techniques have provided alternative approaches for the identification of ascarid species. A common feature of the life cycles of these generally monoxenous nematodes is the significant participation of small rodents. In case of Toxocara spp., the rodent plays the role of paratenic host but optional intermediate host for T. leonina. Several studies indicate co-occurence of both T. canis and T. leonina in domestic and wild canids as well as T. cati and T. leonina in felids. Although the infections of humans with T. canis and T. cati are common worldwide, larvae of T. leonina has the potential to cause human disease as emerging zoonosis.

First Case of Heterochthonous Subconjunctival Dirofilariasis Described in Poland

A 55-year-old Polish male presented with discomfort, redness, itching, and swelling in the left eye that had begun three days before seeking medical help. Slit-lamp examination revealed an actively moving subconjunctival worm located inferotemporally (Figure 1). A complete, live, moving nematode was removed under local anesthesia, and it was first stored in physiological saline for microscopic examination and then, put into 70% alcohol with glycerin and submitted for parasitological identification. The diagnosis was based on the following morphological features of the parasite: body length = 85.1 mm; maximum body width = 0.545 mm; esophagus = 0.895 mm long; vulva a little behind the esophagus; tail = 0.10 mm long, almost terminal; and cuticle with longitudinal combs on the surface (Figure 2). The worm was identified as an immature female nematode of the species Dirofilaria repens (Onchocercidae). The patients blood tests were within the normal limits. Neither eosinophilia nor microfilaremia were detected.

Preliminary studies on the zoonotic importance of rodents as a reservoir of toxocariasis from recreation grounds in Wroclaw (Poland)

SummaryDue to their specific biology and behaviour, rodents could play a role as an intermediate, definitive or paratenic host for many helminth species, as well as for species of zoonotic significance such as Toxocara spp. or Echinococcus multilocularis. The aim of our preliminary study was to investigate the nematode fauna of rodents collected from recreation grounds located in the vicinity of Wroclaw, and to determine their role in the transmission of toxocariasis in this area. During a one-year period, 90 individuals belonging to three rodent species, i.e. Apodemus agrarius, A. flavicollis and Myodes glareolus, were collected. The overall prevalence of infection with nematodes amounted to 63.33 ± 10.15 % and differed between hosts. Toxocara spp. larvae were located in livers and brains of A. agrarius (12.9 %). Our results indicate a role of rodents in the circulation of toxocariasis in sub-urban areas, which serve as recreation grounds for the city of Wroclaw.

New data on straggled eyeworm Oxyspirura chabaudi (Baruš, 1965) (Nematoda, Thelaziidae) in Europe

Three male specimens of the eyeworm, Oxyspirura chabaudi, were found during the post mortem examination of one individual of Turdus merula L. (Passeriformes). This is the first record of Turdus merula as a host for O. chabaudi.

Dentostomella translucida Schulz et Krepkorgorskaya, 1932 (Nematoda, Heteroxynematidae), a new species for the European nematofauna

A nematode Dentostomella translucida was found during parasitological examination of a pet Mongolian gerbil Meriones unguiculatus. Gerbils in the wild are known as hosts of this parasite in Asia, pet gerbils — in the USA and Brazil. Our record is the first in Europe. Complete descriptions of male and female individuals are given.

The presence of Syphacia obvelata in laboratory mice (BALB/c) - parasite antigens in immune response

SummaryIn conventional mice colonies, mouse pinworm, Syphacia obvelata is found very often. Several studies indicate that infection with this parasite can modulate the immune system of the host and can affect experimental final results. The aim of our study was to investigate the most immunogenic proteins of S. obvelata inducing both local and systemic immune response in naturally infected laboratory mice. Protein extracts of S. obvelata were analysed by Western blotting to examine their antigenic character. The antigens were probed with serum and mucosa of S. obvelata naturally infected mice. Surface and somatic antigens were recognized by serum and mucosal IgG, IgA and IgM antibodies. The most immunogenic and dominant proteins were observed. Proteins of Mw ∼ 70, 65 and 48 kDa showed the most evident reaction with serum and mucosa antibodies of infected animals. Surface and somatic antigens of nematode S. obvelata eliciting immune response in laboratory mice may be useful in development of a diagnostic test which could be applied for the infection control prior the experiments.

First report of Syphacia vanderbrueli Bernard, 1961 (Oxyuridae) from Micromys minutus in Poland

SummaryDuring the parasitological examination of wild rodents from Wroclaw vicinity 11 female nematodes were isolated from the harvest mouse (Micromys minutus). The helminths were determined as Syphacia vanderbrueli. This is the first report of this parasite in Poland. Complete descriptions of the female individuals are given.