John M. Kinsella

Endoparasites of Western Lowland Gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) at Bai Hokou, Central African Republic

A coprologic study of free-ranging western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) at Bai Hokou, Dzangha-Ndoki National Park, Central African Republic (2°51′34″N, 16°28′03″E) was conducted from October 1999 to November 2000. All 75 fecal samples examined were positive for endoparasites, and each contained at least two species. Parasites present included two genera of amoebae, entodiniomorph ciliates, including Prototapirella gorillae, Troglodytella spp., and Gorillophilus thoracatus, a Balantidium-like organism, strongyle/trichostrongyle eggs (including a presumptive Mammomonogamus sp. and several other genera), Strongyloides sp., Probstmayria sp., a spirurid, a trichuroid, and several unidentified trematodes. Flagellates and cestodes were not found. Despite the presence of a variety of parasite genera, in general, levels of parasitism were low. These data provide baseline parasitologic data for this population as part of a comprehensive health-monitoring program. With the advent of ecotourism in this study area, continued monitoring is indicated for insuring the health of both gorillas and humans in the Bai Hokou study area.

Growth, development, and intraspecific variation of Quinqueserialis quinqueserialis (Trematoda: Notocotylidae) in rodent hosts.

The trematode Quinqueserialis quinqueserialis (Barker and Laughlin, 1911) was established in the laboratory in 18 rodent hosts. Sixteen of these had not been recorded previously as natural hosts. Growth and development was studied in Microtus montanus, Microtus pennsylvanicus, and Ondatra zibethicus. Growth was most accelerated in M. montanus (prepatent period 15 days), slower in M. pennsylvanicus (prepatent period 18 days), and slowest in 0. zibethicus (prepatent period 28 days). In all hosts, growth was shown to continue considerably past the time of sexual maturity. Statistical analysis of worm populations of equal age from different hosts demonstrated a definite host effect on morphology. Specimens from voles of the genus Microtus were consistently larger than specimens from 0. zibethicus. Body length, body width, oral sucker width, width of the uterine coils, testis length, ovary length, cirrus sac length, and metraterm length were all found to be host-dependent to some degree. No significant differences in egg length were noted. On the basis of the variation noted and a study of comparative material, three species of the genus were considered valid: Q. quinqueserialis, Q. wolgaensis Skvortsov, 1935, and Q. floridensis Rausch, 1952. Increasing attention has been focused in recent years on the dramatic variations in a parasites structure, physiology, and behavior resulting from its development in different host species. Watertor (1967), working with Telorchis bonnerensis Waitz, 1960, demonstrated a pronounced decrease in size and delayed development in generations raised in reptilian hosts compared to those raised in amphibian hosts. Similar variation in size with differing hosts was recorded for Schistosoma mansoni Sambon, 1907, by Bruce, Llewellyn, and Sadun (1961). During a survey of the helminth parasites of arvicoline rodents in western Montana from 1964 to 1966 (Kinsella, 1967), a trematode, Quinqueserialis quinqueserialis (Barker and Laughlin, 1911), was commonly found in the cecum of the muskrat, Ondatra zibethicus (L.), and the meadow vole, Microtus pennsylvanicus (Ord). Specimens from voles appeared to be larger and thicker than specimens from muskrats, a phenomenon which had been noted Received for publication 15 May 1970. * Part of a dissertation submitted to the Graduate School, University of Montana, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Supported in part by an NIH predoctoral fellowship, 5-F1-GM-32, 786-02. t Present address: Department of Veterinary Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32601. previously by several authors (Edwards, 1949; Rausch, 1952). The purpose of this investigation was to establish the life cycle of Q. quinqueserialis in various hosts, eliminating as much as possible other sources of variation, such as parasite age, host age, and host diet, in order to evaluate the effect of the host on the development of the parasite. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eggs of Q. quinqueserialis used for experimental feedings were originally obtained from naturally infected muskrats live-trapped in the vicinity of Missoula, Montana. Fecal material was thoroughly mixed in distilled water and filtered through 4 layers of cheesecloth. After centrifugation at 1,500 rpm, the supernatant was poured off, and the resulting plug was broken up in 5 ml of distilled water. One or 2 drops were counted to obtain an approximate number of eggs per drop. The molluscan intermediate host, Gyraulus parvus Say, was collected from flooded gravel pits along Miller Creek, Missoula County, Montana. Snails were maintained in enamel pans containing pond water and washed sand, and were fed on leached maple leaves. At the time of infection, snails were placed in a large petri dish and enough of the fecal suspension added to give 4 or 5 eggs per snail. Snails were exposed to infection in the dishes for several days and then returned to the enamel pans. When snails were maintained at 25 C, cercariae first emerged at 28 days postinfection and large numbers were produced by days 30 to 35. Snails kept in total darkness did not release cercariae. To

HELMINTH AND ARTHROPOD PARASITES OF EXPERIMENTALLY INTRODUCED WHOOPING CRANES IN FLORIDA

Nine species of nematodes, unidentified larval nematodes, three species of trematodes, two species of acanthocephalans and a single species of chewing louse were collected from 1993 to 1995 from 25 introduced whooping cranes (Grus americana) in Florida (USA). In spite of a quarantine procedure involving anthelmintic therapy, three helminth parasites may have been introduced from captive populations. Other parasites acquired were similar to those found in a local congener, the Florida sandhill crane (Grus canadensis pratensis), or only occurred infrequently.

Angiostrongylus schmidti sp.n. (Nematoda: Metastrongyloidea) from the rice rat, Oryzomys palustris, in Florida, with a key to the species of Angiostrongylus Kamensky, 1905.

Angiostrongylus schmidti sp. n., from the the pulmonary arteries of Oryzomys palustris in Florida, can be distinguished from A. tateronae and A. sandarsae by its shorter spicules (215 to 279 ,u) and larger ventroventral rays. A key is given to the species of the genus Angiostrongylus. During a study of the helminth parasites of the rice rat, Oryzomys palustris (Harlan), in north-central Florida, an undescribed species of metastrongylid lungworm was found in the pulmonary arteries. The nematode occurred in six of 53 rats trapped from Paynes Prairie, Alachua County, Florida, and three of 55 rice rats trapped near Cedar Key, Levy County, Florida. The rats were collected in the months of April through August 1970. Following the opinions of Dougherty (1946) and Alicata (1968), the new species is included in the genus Angiostrongylus, despite the presence of a gubernaculum. Only three species of Angiostrongylus have been previously described from North America: A. gubernaculatus Dougherty, 1946, from the badger and striped skunk, and A. blarini Ogren, 1954, and A. michiganensis Ash, 1967, from shrews. This species is named in honor of Dr. Gerald D. Schmidt, in recognition of his contributions to helminth taxonomy. Unless otherwise indicated, all measurements are in microns. Drawings were made with the aid of a Bausch and Lomb microprojector. Angiostrongylus schmidti sp. n. (Figs. 1-5)

Endemic infections of Parastrongylus (=Angiostrongylus) costaricensis in two species of nonhuman primates, raccoons, and an opossum from Miami, Florida

Parastrongylus (=Angiostrongylus) costaricensis was first reported in the United States from cotton rats, Sigmodon hispidus, in Texas in 1979. Here, we report the findings of P. costaricensis in a siamang (Hylobates syndactylus) from the Miami MetroZoo, in 2 Mas night monkeys (Aotus nancymaae) from the DuMond Conservancy located at Monkey Jungle in Miami, in 4 raccoons (Procyon lotor) trapped near the MetroZoo, and in an opossum (Didelphis virginiana) trapped at the MetroZoo. These records are the first records of P. costaricensis from all 4 species of hosts. All of the primates were zoo-born, and the raccoons and opossum were native, indicating that this parasite is now endemic at these 2 sites.

Parasitic Helminths of Black Bear Cubs (Ursus americanus) From Florida

Twenty-two Florida black bear (Ursus americanus floridanus) cubs (≤12 mo old) from Florida were examined for endoparasites between 1998 and 2003. Eleven species of helminths were found (8 nematodes, 2 trematodes, and 1 acanthocephalan). The most prevalent helminths were Ancylostoma caninum (64%), Macracanthorhynchus ingens (36%), Strongyloides sp. (27%), Baylisascaris transfuga (23%), and A. tubaeforme (14%). New host records include A. tubaeforme and Brachylaima virginianum. This is the first report of B. transfuga in black bears from Florida.

Endoparasites of African Forest Elephants (Loxodonta africana cyclotis) from the Republic of Congo and Central African Republic

Abstract Fecal samples were collected from 6 African forest elephants, Loxodonta africana cyclotis, from the Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park, Republic of Congo, and the Dzangha-Sangha National Park, Central African Republic. One of the elephants was found freshly dead from natural causes, and 12 species of intestinal parasites (2 bot fly larvae, 1 trematode, and 9 nematodes) were collected during a complete necropsy. In addition, fecal samples revealed the presence of a schistosome, Bivitellobilharzia sp., a tracheal nematode, Mammomonagamus sp., and a complex of intestinal strongylids and ciliates. The nematode genera Decrusia and Equinurbia are reported for the first time from African elephants, and the ciliate genus Latteuria is reported for the first time from wild elephants. The parasite fauna of the African elephant is discussed in the light of recent genetic evidence that the forest and savannah elephants may be separate species.

Parasitic Helminths of the American White Pelican, Pelecanus erythrorhynchos, from Florida, U.S.A.

Abstract Thirty-three species of helminths (22 trematodes, 3 cestodes, 7 nematodes, and 1 acanthocephalan) were recovered from 29 American white pelicans, Pelecanus erythrorhynchos, collected in Florida, U.S.A., between 1982 and 2001. The number of helminth species per infected bird ranged from 3 to 17 (x̄ = 11). Three species of Contracaecum (Contracaecum rudolphii, Contracaecum multipapillatum, and Contracaecum micropapillatum) were the most prevalent and abundant helminths. One cestode species (Paradilepis longivaginosus) was considered a specialist in white pelicans, 9 species were considered generalists in pelicaniform birds, and the remainder of the species were considered true bird generalists. White pelicans shared 14 species of helminths with brown pelicans, Pelecanus occidentalis, and the most prevalent helminths appear to have been acquired in marine habitats.

Parasitic Helminths and Arthropods of Coyotes (Canis latrans) from Florida, U.S.A

Abstract Twenty-six coyotes (Canis latrans) collected in Florida, U.S.A., were examined for parasites. Nine species of helminths (1 trematode, 1 cestode, 6 nematodes, and 1 acanthocephalan), 1 species of biting louse, and 2 species of ticks were identified. Dirofilaria immitis (43%), Ancylostoma caninum (33%), Physaloptera rara (29%), and Taenia pisiformis (24%) were the most prevalent helminths. Macracanthorhynchus ingens is reported from coyotes for the first time, and Spirocerca lupi is reported in coyotes from Florida for the first time. Ectoparasites collected included the biting louse Trichodectes canis and the ticks Amblyomma maculatum and Dermacentor variabilis. A coyote infected with 66 Di. immitis had evidence of chronic pulmonary arteritis and medial hypertrophy of pulmonary aterioles.

A New Angiostrongylid (Nematoda) Species from the Pulmonary Arteries of Akodon azarae (Rodentia: Cricetidae) in Argentina

Angiostrongylus morerai n. sp. (Nematoda: Angiostrongylidae) is described from the pulmonary arteries of Azaras grass mouse Akodon azarae (Rodentia: Cricetidae) in Argentina. It is distinguished from its congeners principally by the morphology of the dorsal ray, which is as long, or longer, than the externodorsals and has 2 long branches; the spicule lengths are also greater (400–465 μm). This is the first record of a metastrongyloid from sigmodontine rodents in Argentina.