Astyanax mexicanus has repeatedly colonized cave environments,displaying evolutionary parallelisms in many troglobitic traits.Despite being a model system for the study of adaptation to life in perpetual darkness,the ...Astyanax mexicanus has repeatedly colonized cave environments,displaying evolutionary parallelisms in many troglobitic traits.Despite being a model system for the study of adaptation to life in perpetual darkness,the parasites that infect cavefish are practically unknown.In this study,we investigated the macroparasite communities in 18 cavefish populations from independent lineages and compared them with the parasite diversity found in their sister surface fish populations,with the aim of better understanding the role that parasites play in the colonization of new environments.Within the cavefish populations,we identified 13 parasite taxa,including a subset of 10 of the 27 parasite taxa known for the surface populations.Parasites infecting the cavefish belong to five taxonomic groups,including trematodes,monogeneans,nematodes,copepods,and acari.Monogeneans are the most dominant group,found in 14 caves.The macroparasites include species with direct life cycles and trophic transmission,including invasive species.Surprisingly,paired comparisons indicate higher parasite richness in the cavefish than in the surface fish.Spatial variation in parasite composition across the caves suggests historical and geographical contingencies in the host-parasite colonization process and potential evolution of local adaptations.This base-line data on parasite diversity in cavefish populations of A.mexicanus provides a foundation to explore the role of divergent parasite infections under contrasting ecological pressures(cave vs.surface environments)in the evolution of cave adaptive traits.展开更多
A theoretical methodology is suggested for finding the malaria parasites’presence with the help of an intelligent hyper-parameter tuned Deep Learning(DL)based malaria parasite detection and classification(HPTDL-MPDC)...A theoretical methodology is suggested for finding the malaria parasites’presence with the help of an intelligent hyper-parameter tuned Deep Learning(DL)based malaria parasite detection and classification(HPTDL-MPDC)in the smear images of human peripheral blood.Some existing approaches fail to predict the malaria parasitic features and reduce the prediction accuracy.The trained model initiated in the proposed system for classifying peripheral blood smear images into the non-parasite or parasite classes using the available online dataset.The Adagrad optimizer is stacked with the suggested pre-trained Deep Neural Network(DNN)with the help of the contrastive divergence method to pre-train.The features are extracted from the images in the proposed system to train the DNN for initializing the visible variables.The smear images show the concatenated feature to be utilized as the feature vector in the proposed system.Lastly,hyper-parameters are used to fine-tune DNN to calculate the class labels’probability.The suggested system outperforms more modern methodologies with an accuracy of 91%,precision of 89%,recall of 93%and F1-score of 91%.The HPTDL-MPDC has the primary application in detecting the parasite of malaria in the smear images of human peripheral blood.展开更多
Helminthiases are neglected parasites that induce changes in the host’s immune response. The study assayed some immunological markers in helminth infections in children and adolescents. Stool and blood samples were c...Helminthiases are neglected parasites that induce changes in the host’s immune response. The study assayed some immunological markers in helminth infections in children and adolescents. Stool and blood samples were collected from 276 subjects resident in three rural communities of Rivers and Imo States. Of these, 98 (35.5%) were infected with one or more of 3 parasitic species, of which Ascaris lumbricoides 39 (39.8%), Ancylostoma duodenale 30 (30.6%) and Trichuris trichiura 29 (29.6%) were recovered. Intestinal helminth parasites were identified using formol-ether concentration. Of the infected subjects, 66 had single species infections and 32 had multiple infections with two or three helminth species and children of the 6 - 10 years age group had the highest incidence. Sera of 60 infected subjects and 30 controls were evaluated to define immunological serum levels of IgE, IL-5, IFN-γ and C3 using the ELISA technique, while white blood cell differential counts and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were evaluated using haematology auto-analyser. Elevation of IL-5, IgE, WBC and eosinophil levels were demonstrated in the infected groups (p < 0.01), higher in the multiple infected groups, compared to the control. Their concentrations across the different age groups were also significantly different (p = 0.0001), the highest in 6 - 5 years and the lowest in 0 - 5 years. Differences in IFN-γ and C3 levels among non-parasitized, single-parasitized and poly-parasitized groups were not statistically significant. Neutrophil, lymphocyte and NLR levels between control and helminth infected subjects were not significantly different. The result suggested that IgE, IL-5, total WBC and eosinophil increased in helminth infections, more in poly-parasitized and 6 - 10 years children.展开更多
Objective:To determine the frequency of malaria parasite detection from the buffy coal blood films by using capillary tube in falciparum malaria patients with negative conventional thick films.Methods:Thirty six uncom...Objective:To determine the frequency of malaria parasite detection from the buffy coal blood films by using capillary tube in falciparum malaria patients with negative conventional thick films.Methods:Thirty six uncomplicated falciparum malaria patients confirmed by conventional thick and thin films were included in the study.The patients were treated with artemisinin combination therapy at Hospital for Tropical Diseases,Bangkok,Thailand for 28 day.Fingerpricks for conventional blood films were conducted every 6 hours until negative parasitemia,then daily fingerpricks for parasite checks were conducted until the patients were discharged from hospital. Blood samples were also concurrently collected in 3 heparinized capillary tubes at the same time of fingerpricks for conventional blood films when the prior parasitemia was negative on thin films and parasitemia was lower than 50 parasites/200 white blood cells by thick film.The first negative conventional thick films were compared with buffy coat thick films for parasite identification. Results:Out of 36 patients with thick films showing negative for asexual forms of parasites, buffy coat films could detect remaining 10 patients(27.8%) with asexual forms of Plasmodium falciparum.Conclusions:The study shows that buffy coat thick films are useful and can detect malarial parasites in 27.8%of patients whose conventional thick films show negative parasitemia.展开更多
This paper records the first occurrence of Epistylis sp. on the body surface of Argulus sp. parasitizing Hoplias aimara from the upper Araguari River, in the eastern Amazon region, in the north of Brazil. Of the 16 sp...This paper records the first occurrence of Epistylis sp. on the body surface of Argulus sp. parasitizing Hoplias aimara from the upper Araguari River, in the eastern Amazon region, in the north of Brazil. Of the 16 specimens of H. aimara examined, 93.7% had their pelvic, caudal and pectoral fins and tegument infested by Argulus sp. (n = 73), which in turn were infested by Epistylis sp. The specimens of Epistylis sp. from the body surface of Argulus sp. were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The present study also identified a widening of the geographic distribution of these two species of ectoparasites to the eastern Amazon region of Brazil.展开更多
Gastrointestinal（GI） parasitism is the most serious constraint throughout the world in small ruminants which causes significant production loss in animals.GI parasites are major contributor to reduce productivity in...Gastrointestinal（GI） parasitism is the most serious constraint throughout the world in small ruminants which causes significant production loss in animals.GI parasites are major contributor to reduce productivity in terms of meat,milk and wool in animals.Control of GI parasite is done primarily by anthelmintic treatment where choice and schedule of treatment is done after identification and quantitation of individual parasite.Identification of GI parasites is done through microscopic method by identifying specific morphological characteristics of egg and larva（L<sub>3</sub>）.Since most of parasite eggs are having similar morphological characteristics, identification up to species level through microscopy is not possible in most of cases.To address this issue,molecular techniques are the viable alternative for identification of species as well as molecular level differences within a species（isolates） of parasites.Different DNA based molecular techniques viz.PCR,AFLP,RAPD,RFLP,PCR-SSCP,real time PCR,DNA microarray etc.have been used for identification and to assess the genetic diversity among parasite population.For identification of species,the characteristic sequence of genomic DNA of different species should differ to allow the delineation of species,but at the same time,no/minor variation within the species should exist.In contrast,for purpose of identifying population variants（strains/isolates）, a considerable degree of variation in the sequence should exist within a species.Various target regions,including nuclear ribosomal DNA（rDNA）,mitochondrial DNA（mtDNA） or repetitive DNA elements（microsatellite loci）,which show considerable variation in the number of repeats within individuals have been employed to achieve the identification of parasites species or strain.展开更多
Objective:To determine the magnitude of opportunistic and non-opportunistic intestinal parasitic infections among HTV/AIDS patients in Bahir Dar.Methods:Cross-sectional study was conducted among HIV/ AIDS patients att...Objective:To determine the magnitude of opportunistic and non-opportunistic intestinal parasitic infections among HTV/AIDS patients in Bahir Dar.Methods:Cross-sectional study was conducted among HIV/ AIDS patients attending Gambi higher clinic from Aprill- May 30,2009. Convenient sampling technique was employed to identify the study subjects and hence a total of 248 subjects were included.A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data of patients.Stool samples were examined by direct saline,iodine wet mount, formol-ether sedimentation concentration and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique. Results:Out of 248 enrolled in the study,171(69.0%)(90 males and 81 females) were infected with one or more intestinal parasites.The highest rate of intestinal parasites were observed among HIV/AIDS patients(80.3%,151/188),and the infection rate of HIV negative individuals was 33.3%(20/60).Cryptosporidum parvum(43.6%),Isospora belli(15.5%) and Blastocystis hominis (10.5%) were opportunistic parasites that were found only in HIV/AIDS patients.Conclusions: Opportunistic parasite infections are common health problem among HIV/ AIDS patients in the study area.Therefore,early detection and treatment of these parasites are important to improve the quality of life of HIV/AIDS patients.展开更多
Objective:To evaluate parasite distribution and tissue tropism of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites in experimentally infected mice using real time QPCR.Methods:In this survey 16 Balb/c mice were inoculated with 1×10...Objective:To evaluate parasite distribution and tissue tropism of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites in experimentally infected mice using real time QPCR.Methods:In this survey 16 Balb/c mice were inoculated with 1×10~4 alive tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii RH strain.After 1,2,3 days post infection and the last day(before death),different tissues of mice including blood,brain,eye,liver,spleen,kidney,heart and muscle were harvested.Following tissues DNA extraction,the parasite burden was quantified using real time QPCR targeting the B1 gene(451 bp).Results:It showed that Toxoplasma after intraperitoneal injection was able to movement to various tissues in24 hours.Parasite burden was high in all tissues but the most number of parasites were observed in kidney,heart and liver,respectively.Conclusions:These data provide significant baseline information about Toxoplasma pathogenesis,vaccine monitoring and drug efficiency.展开更多
Objective:To evaluate the presence of gastrointestinal parasites on cattle in Indonesia because the prevalence of parasites varies between counlries depending on the terrain surrounding livestock farms and investigati...Objective:To evaluate the presence of gastrointestinal parasites on cattle in Indonesia because the prevalence of parasites varies between counlries depending on the terrain surrounding livestock farms and investigations in Indonesia have never been performed.Methods:Fecal samples from cattle at 35 farms in 7 districts in West Java,Indonesia,has been examined using the floatation or sedimentation methods,and a immunofluorescence assay and experimentally inoculation to mice for Cryptosporidium or Giardia spp.Results:153 of 394 examined cattle(38.8%)were infected with gastrointestinal parasites.The prevalence of Eimeria spp.,Nematoda spp.(including Oesophagustomum and Bunostomum-like),Fasciola gigantica and Paramphistomum spp.was 22.4%,11.2%,12.5%and 3.8%,respectively.Cryptosporidium andersoni(C.andersoni)was also found in two samples.One isolate of this parasite was confirmed to be transmitted to mice,in contrast to the isolates from other countries.Conclusions:although this survey is preliminary,the results shows that the infection of gastrointestinal parasites in Indonesia was not high,but these infected cattle could be as a potential source leading to economic losses in livestock production.展开更多
Background: Parasites have adverse effects on the life and survival of many migratory waterbirds, especially birds on the endangered species list. Hooded Cranes are large migratory colonial waterbirds wintering in wet...Background: Parasites have adverse effects on the life and survival of many migratory waterbirds, especially birds on the endangered species list. Hooded Cranes are large migratory colonial waterbirds wintering in wetlands,which are prone to parasite infection, thus monitoring the diversity of parasites is important for sound wetland management and protection of this species.Methods: From November 2012 to April 2013, we collected 821 fresh faecal samples from the three lakes(Poyang,Caizi and Shengjin Lake) in the lower and middle Yangtze River floodplain, and detected with saturated brine floating and centrifugal sedimentation methods. Parasite eggs were quantified with a modified Mc Master's counting method.Results: In this study, 11 species of parasites were discovered, i.e., two coccidium(Eimeria gruis, E. reichenowi), five nematodes(Capillaria sp., Strongyloides sp., Ascaridia sp., Trichostrongylus sp., Ancylostomatidae), three trematodes(Echinostoma sp., Echinochasmus sp., Fasciolopsis sp.) and one cestode(Hymenolepis sp.). About 57.7% of the faecal samples showed parasitic infection. All species of parasites were found at the three sites except Hymenolepis which was not found at Poyang Lake. While most samples were affected by only one or two species of parasites, infection by Eimeria spp. was the most common(53.1%). From One-Way ANOVA analysis of the three lakes, parasite species richness index(p = 0.656), diversity index(p = 0.598) and evenness index(p = 0.612) showed no significant difference. According to the statistical analysis of our data, there were no significant difference in parasite species richness index(p = 0.678) and evenness index(p = 0.238) between wintering periods, but a strong difference in diversity index(p < 0.05).Conclusions: Our study suggests that in the wintering Hooded Crane populations, parasite diversity is more sensitive to changes in the overwintering periods than to locations. This also indicates that with the limitations of migration distance, the parasites may not form the differentiation in Hooded Crane populations of the three lakes.展开更多
Objective:To find out the prevalence of intestinal parasites among primary school population(the most vulnerable group) in rural and urban areas in south Jordan.Methods:During a medical civic action in the south of Jo...Objective:To find out the prevalence of intestinal parasites among primary school population(the most vulnerable group) in rural and urban areas in south Jordan.Methods:During a medical civic action in the south of Jordan in summer 2000,stool specimens were collected from 2400 primary school children,aged from 6-12 years,and examined for the detection of intestinal parasitic infection from both urban(1 100 samples) and rural(1 300 samples) areas in south Jordan.Results:The results indicated that the overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 28.5%.It was more in rural(33.2%) than in urban(23.0%) areas,but no sex difference was found.As regard to the type of infection,Giardia lamblia was the commonest intestinal protozoa, with a rate of 42.6%,while Enterobious vermicularis was the commonest helminth recorded in our study with a rate of 5.9%.Conclusions:Health education by health and school authorities is recommended,particular attention should be paid to repairing the sewage disposal system as well as water supply,which acts as main source of water pollution.展开更多
Parasites can increase infection rates and pathogenicity in immunocompromised human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) patients. However, in vitro studies and epidemiological investigations also suggest that parasites might ...Parasites can increase infection rates and pathogenicity in immunocompromised human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) patients. However, in vitro studies and epidemiological investigations also suggest that parasites might escape immunocompromised hosts during HIV infection.Due to the lack of direct evidence from animal experiments, the effects of parasitic infections on immunocompromised hosts remain unclear. Here,we detected 14 different parasites in six northern pig-tailed macaques(NPMs) before or at the 50 th week of simian immunodeficiency virus(SIV) infection by ELISA. The NPMs all carried parasites before viral injection. At the 50 th week after viral injection, the individuals with negative results in parasitic detection(i.e., 08247 and 08287) were characterized as the Parasites Exit(PE) group, with the other individuals(i.e., 09203, 09211, 10205, and 10225) characterized as the Parasites Remain(PR) group. Compared with the PR group, the NPMs in the PE group showed higher viral loads, lower CD4^+T cells counts, and lower CD4/CD8 rates. Additionally, the PE group had higher immune activation and immune exhaustion of both CD4^+and CD8^+T cells. Pathological observation showed greater injury to the liver, cecum, colon,spleen, and mesenteric lymph nodes in the PE group.This study showed more seriously compromised immunity in the PE group, strongly indicating that parasites might exit an immunocompromised host.展开更多
Objective:To evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasites among patients in Hail,Northwestern Saudi Arabia.Methods:Stool samples were collected from 130 patients(69females and 61 males) in Hail General Hospital.Eac...Objective:To evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasites among patients in Hail,Northwestern Saudi Arabia.Methods:Stool samples were collected from 130 patients(69females and 61 males) in Hail General Hospital.Each sample was examined by direct wet mount microscopic examination using both normal saline and Lugol's iodine preparation and concentration techniques using salt and formol-ether solutions.Permanent stained smears were performed for intestinal coccidian using modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique.Results:The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 45.38%(59 cases).Forty-four(33.84%)were found to be infected with one or more intestinal protozoa.5(3.84%) were infected with helminthes and 10(7.69%) had mixed infection with both helminthes and protozoa.The most common intestinal helminth detected was Ancyloxtoma duvdenale(n=5.3.84%),followed by Ascaris lumlmcnidex.Taenia sp.and Trichuris trichiura(n=2 for each species,1.5%).For intestinal protozoa,the coccidian Cryptosporidium parvum(n=25,19.23%) was the most common followed by Entamoeba histolytica/dispur(n=21,16.15%),Giurdia lamblia(n=15,11.54%),Entamoeba coli(n=5.3.85%) and Blastocysts hominis(n=3,2.30%).The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in females was significantly higher than in males(P<0.05).Conclusions:This is the first study highlighting that intestinal parasites are still an important public health problem in Northwestern Saudi Arabia Therefore,health education would be the best way to prevent from intestinal parasite infections which are mainly food borne diseases.展开更多
A cross sectional study was conducted from October 2010 to June 2011 in and around Gondar town to identify the species and determine prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in donkeys and horses. Gross examination, d...A cross sectional study was conducted from October 2010 to June 2011 in and around Gondar town to identify the species and determine prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in donkeys and horses. Gross examination, direct fecal smear, sedimentation and floatation techniques were utilized to identify the eggs and larvae of parasites in feces. A total of 384 horses and donkeys were examined for gastrointestinal parasites. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 92.71% (356 from 384) with 80.95% (85 from 105) and 97.13% (271 from 279) in horses and donkeys, respectively. Prevalence of Strongyle, Parascaris equorum, Oxyuris equi, Gastrodiscus aegyptiacus and Gastrophilus intestinalis was 66.67%, 43.8%, 0.95%, 2.86%, and 0.95%, respectively in horses. Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 87.81%, 42.29%, 4.30%, 5.73%, 1.43%, 3.58% and 0.72% for Strongyles, Parascaris equorum, Oxyuris equi, Fasciola, Tricuris, Gastrodiscus aegyptiacus and Gastrophilus intestinalis in donkeys, respectively. There was a statisticcally significant difference between species, housing and among feed types in prevalence of equine gastrointestinal parasites展开更多
AIM To investigate the putative role of protozoan parasites in the development of irritable bowel syndrome(IBS).METHODS The study included 109 IBS consecutive adult patients fulfilling the Rome Ⅲ criteria and 100 hea...AIM To investigate the putative role of protozoan parasites in the development of irritable bowel syndrome(IBS).METHODS The study included 109 IBS consecutive adult patients fulfilling the Rome Ⅲ criteria and 100 healthy control subjects. All study subjects filled a structured questionnaire, which covered demographic information and clinical data. Fresh stool samples were collected from patients and control subjects and processed within less than 2 h of collection. Iodine wet mounts and Trichrome stained smears prepared from fresh stool and sediment concentrate were microscopically examined for parasites. Blastocystis DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction, and Cryptosporidium antigens were detected by ELISA.RESULTS A total of 109 IBS patients(31 males, 78 females) with a mean age ± SD of 27.25 ± 11.58 years(range: 16-60 years) were enrolled in the study. The main IBS subtype based on the symptoms of these patients was constipation-predominant(88.7% of patients). A hundred healthy subjects(30 males, 70 females) with a mean ± SD age of 25.0 ± 9.13 years(range 18-66 years) were recruited as controls. In the IBS patients, Blastocystis DNA was detected in 25.7%, Cryptosporidium oocysts were observed in 9.2%, and Giardia cysts were observed in 11%. In the control subjects, Blastocystis, Cryptosporidium and Giardia were detected in 9%, 0%, and 1%, respectively. The difference in the presence of Blastocystis(P = 0.0034), Cryptosporidium(P = 0.0003), and Giardia(P = 0.0029) between IBS patients and controls was statistically significant by all methods used in this study.CONCLUSION Prevalence of Blastocystis, Cryptosporidium and Giardia is higher in IBS patients than in controls. These parasites are likely to have a role in the pathogenesis of IBS.展开更多
Twenty-six stocker cattle (286.1 ± 25.7 kg) were used to quantify the effect of commercial plant tannin extracts (control vs. mimosa and chestnut tannins) on animal performance, gastrointestinal parasites control...Twenty-six stocker cattle (286.1 ± 25.7 kg) were used to quantify the effect of commercial plant tannin extracts (control vs. mimosa and chestnut tannins) on animal performance, gastrointestinal parasites control and plasma metabolite changes in heifers grazing winter wheat forage (Triticum aestivum L. var. “cutter”). The forage biomass and crude protein content were generally similar among treatments. Initial live-weight (LW) was similar among treatments, although final LW (P = 0.1) and average daily gain (ADG;P P Ostertagia was lower (P P P < 0.02) for chestnut tannins group than for control, and intermediate for mimosa tannins. However, cholesterol level was similar among treatment after 20 days cessation of tannins treatments. Our data suggest that heifers grazing winter wheat forage supplemented with plant tannins rather than control (non-tannins group) increased ADG (8% to 19%) for mimosa and chestnut tannins groups, respectively with no detectable detrimental effects on animal health. The increase in ADG may be due to decrease fecal parasites infections.展开更多
Nowadays, the fast development of nanobiotechnology, has led to rapid diagnosis of important infectious diseases such as arboviruses-borne diseases, vector-borne infections and waterborne parasites diseases and others...Nowadays, the fast development of nanobiotechnology, has led to rapid diagnosis of important infectious diseases such as arboviruses-borne diseases, vector-borne infections and waterborne parasites diseases and others in order to reduce and avoid further dissemination of the infections within the general population. Furthermore, new nanomedicines based on the application of silver and gold nanoparticles which are less toxic, more effective, and that does not generate resistance could help to solve the problems of parasitic disease like leishmaniasis and chagas disease. It turns out that the combination of nanoparticles with antibiotics not only reduces the toxicity of both agents towards human cells but also enhances their ability to destroy bacteria by facilitating the binding of antibiotics to the microbes. Moreover, combining nanoparticles with antimicrobial peptides and essential oils with nanoparticles generates genuine synergy against microbial resistance.展开更多
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic,a tripartite blanket of disease/containment/return to normality has crystallized around the virus.But is it possible to grasp the frayed shirt of this blanket and gradually...Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic,a tripartite blanket of disease/containment/return to normality has crystallized around the virus.But is it possible to grasp the frayed shirt of this blanket and gradually try to undo it?This is the attempt that this contribution makes.And that,drawing on a toolbox made up of the reflections,in this case converging between them,of Michel Serres and the posthuman on the dynamics inventive of new homination horizons,which the virus,beyond the contingency of its pathogenicity,as a hopeful monster parasite,can trigger.展开更多
This paper deals with the proportional distribution, niche breadth and niche overlap of two metazoan parasites(copepods species, Ergasilus anchoratus Markewitsch, 1946 and Pseudergasilus parasiluri Yamaguti, 1936) and...This paper deals with the proportional distribution, niche breadth and niche overlap of two metazoan parasites(copepods species, Ergasilus anchoratus Markewitsch, 1946 and Pseudergasilus parasiluri Yamaguti, 1936) and monogeneans (in the genus Silurodiscoides Gussev, 1976) found on gills of the fish, Silurus asotus L. from Jiangkou Reservoir in Jiangxi Province,China. E.anchoratus was the common and dominant metazoan parasite on gills of the fish in this locality as indicated by the higher infection levels, and distributed almost evenly on gill arches without any observed gill arch preference, as shown by the wide proportional distribution and broad niche breadth. P. parasiluri and monogeneans in Silurodiscoides were found also without any significant gill arch preference although they had a rather narrow niche breadth. The observed significant overlap between P. parasiluri and Silurodiscoides spp. may be simply due to the lower infection levels of the parasites. The observed pattern of unrestricted distributions of the parasitic copepods on gills of the fish may be accounted for, at least in part, by the moving ability of the copepods, and may also indicate that the parasite does not exhibit any feature of gill arch preference. However, further experimental research is needed to verify the microhabitat distribution of the parasites.展开更多
Objective:To observe morphology of Auchenacantha galeopteri(A.galeopteri),Auchenacantha spinosa(A.spinosa) and Auchenacantha parva(A.parva) from Sukabumi and Ujung Kulon, Indonesia using scanning electron microscopy(S...Objective:To observe morphology of Auchenacantha galeopteri(A.galeopteri),Auchenacantha spinosa(A.spinosa) and Auchenacantha parva(A.parva) from Sukabumi and Ujung Kulon, Indonesia using scanning electron microscopy(SEM).Methods:Specimens for light microscopy examination were fixed with warm 70%alcohol,cleared and mounted in lactophenol for wet mounting.Drawings were made with the aid of a drawing tube attached to a Nikon compound microscope.Specimens for SEM examination were processed according to Bozzola.Measurements were given in micrometers(μ m) as the average of findings,followed by the range in parentheses, unless otherwise stated.Results:The measurements of Auchenacantha spp are same with those of previously described.The striatums of male and female A.galeopteri are widen towards outside and wavy.The mouth of female with 6 lips,each of them is wider at base than distal end in A.galeopteri and rectangular in A.spinosa.Both species have dentiform protrusion from inner surface of lips,such structure absent in A.parva,but the lips with transverse festoon like pattern at anterior end of each lip.Conclusions:Using SEM,the lip and the striation pattern of three species of Auchenacantha can be clearly distinguished.Sukabumi and Ujung Kulon are new locality of A.galeopteri and A.spinosa,and A.parva is the new record in Indonesia.展开更多
基金supported by the Project No. 191986,Fronteras de la Ciencia–CONACyTthe Programa de Apoyo a Proyectos de Investigación e Innovación Tecnológica (PAPIIT),UNAM No.IN212419
文摘Astyanax mexicanus has repeatedly colonized cave environments,displaying evolutionary parallelisms in many troglobitic traits.Despite being a model system for the study of adaptation to life in perpetual darkness,the parasites that infect cavefish are practically unknown.In this study,we investigated the macroparasite communities in 18 cavefish populations from independent lineages and compared them with the parasite diversity found in their sister surface fish populations,with the aim of better understanding the role that parasites play in the colonization of new environments.Within the cavefish populations,we identified 13 parasite taxa,including a subset of 10 of the 27 parasite taxa known for the surface populations.Parasites infecting the cavefish belong to five taxonomic groups,including trematodes,monogeneans,nematodes,copepods,and acari.Monogeneans are the most dominant group,found in 14 caves.The macroparasites include species with direct life cycles and trophic transmission,including invasive species.Surprisingly,paired comparisons indicate higher parasite richness in the cavefish than in the surface fish.Spatial variation in parasite composition across the caves suggests historical and geographical contingencies in the host-parasite colonization process and potential evolution of local adaptations.This base-line data on parasite diversity in cavefish populations of A.mexicanus provides a foundation to explore the role of divergent parasite infections under contrasting ecological pressures(cave vs.surface environments)in the evolution of cave adaptive traits.
文摘A theoretical methodology is suggested for finding the malaria parasites’presence with the help of an intelligent hyper-parameter tuned Deep Learning(DL)based malaria parasite detection and classification(HPTDL-MPDC)in the smear images of human peripheral blood.Some existing approaches fail to predict the malaria parasitic features and reduce the prediction accuracy.The trained model initiated in the proposed system for classifying peripheral blood smear images into the non-parasite or parasite classes using the available online dataset.The Adagrad optimizer is stacked with the suggested pre-trained Deep Neural Network(DNN)with the help of the contrastive divergence method to pre-train.The features are extracted from the images in the proposed system to train the DNN for initializing the visible variables.The smear images show the concatenated feature to be utilized as the feature vector in the proposed system.Lastly,hyper-parameters are used to fine-tune DNN to calculate the class labels’probability.The suggested system outperforms more modern methodologies with an accuracy of 91%,precision of 89%,recall of 93%and F1-score of 91%.The HPTDL-MPDC has the primary application in detecting the parasite of malaria in the smear images of human peripheral blood.
文摘Helminthiases are neglected parasites that induce changes in the host’s immune response. The study assayed some immunological markers in helminth infections in children and adolescents. Stool and blood samples were collected from 276 subjects resident in three rural communities of Rivers and Imo States. Of these, 98 (35.5%) were infected with one or more of 3 parasitic species, of which Ascaris lumbricoides 39 (39.8%), Ancylostoma duodenale 30 (30.6%) and Trichuris trichiura 29 (29.6%) were recovered. Intestinal helminth parasites were identified using formol-ether concentration. Of the infected subjects, 66 had single species infections and 32 had multiple infections with two or three helminth species and children of the 6 - 10 years age group had the highest incidence. Sera of 60 infected subjects and 30 controls were evaluated to define immunological serum levels of IgE, IL-5, IFN-γ and C3 using the ELISA technique, while white blood cell differential counts and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were evaluated using haematology auto-analyser. Elevation of IL-5, IgE, WBC and eosinophil levels were demonstrated in the infected groups (p < 0.01), higher in the multiple infected groups, compared to the control. Their concentrations across the different age groups were also significantly different (p = 0.0001), the highest in 6 - 5 years and the lowest in 0 - 5 years. Differences in IFN-γ and C3 levels among non-parasitized, single-parasitized and poly-parasitized groups were not statistically significant. Neutrophil, lymphocyte and NLR levels between control and helminth infected subjects were not significantly different. The result suggested that IgE, IL-5, total WBC and eosinophil increased in helminth infections, more in poly-parasitized and 6 - 10 years children.
基金financially supported by Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine,Faculty of Tropical Medicine,Mahidol University,Thailand(grant No.CTM-2553-01)
文摘Objective:To determine the frequency of malaria parasite detection from the buffy coal blood films by using capillary tube in falciparum malaria patients with negative conventional thick films.Methods:Thirty six uncomplicated falciparum malaria patients confirmed by conventional thick and thin films were included in the study.The patients were treated with artemisinin combination therapy at Hospital for Tropical Diseases,Bangkok,Thailand for 28 day.Fingerpricks for conventional blood films were conducted every 6 hours until negative parasitemia,then daily fingerpricks for parasite checks were conducted until the patients were discharged from hospital. Blood samples were also concurrently collected in 3 heparinized capillary tubes at the same time of fingerpricks for conventional blood films when the prior parasitemia was negative on thin films and parasitemia was lower than 50 parasites/200 white blood cells by thick film.The first negative conventional thick films were compared with buffy coat thick films for parasite identification. Results:Out of 36 patients with thick films showing negative for asexual forms of parasites, buffy coat films could detect remaining 10 patients(27.8%) with asexual forms of Plasmodium falciparum.Conclusions:The study shows that buffy coat thick films are useful and can detect malarial parasites in 27.8%of patients whose conventional thick films show negative parasitemia.
文摘This paper records the first occurrence of Epistylis sp. on the body surface of Argulus sp. parasitizing Hoplias aimara from the upper Araguari River, in the eastern Amazon region, in the north of Brazil. Of the 16 specimens of H. aimara examined, 93.7% had their pelvic, caudal and pectoral fins and tegument infested by Argulus sp. (n = 73), which in turn were infested by Epistylis sp. The specimens of Epistylis sp. from the body surface of Argulus sp. were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The present study also identified a widening of the geographic distribution of these two species of ectoparasites to the eastern Amazon region of Brazil.
基金the Director of Indian Veterinary Research Institute(Deemed University),Bareilly, Izatnagar,UP for providing financial support to conduct the research work
文摘Gastrointestinal（GI） parasitism is the most serious constraint throughout the world in small ruminants which causes significant production loss in animals.GI parasites are major contributor to reduce productivity in terms of meat,milk and wool in animals.Control of GI parasite is done primarily by anthelmintic treatment where choice and schedule of treatment is done after identification and quantitation of individual parasite.Identification of GI parasites is done through microscopic method by identifying specific morphological characteristics of egg and larva（L<sub>3</sub>）.Since most of parasite eggs are having similar morphological characteristics, identification up to species level through microscopy is not possible in most of cases.To address this issue,molecular techniques are the viable alternative for identification of species as well as molecular level differences within a species（isolates） of parasites.Different DNA based molecular techniques viz.PCR,AFLP,RAPD,RFLP,PCR-SSCP,real time PCR,DNA microarray etc.have been used for identification and to assess the genetic diversity among parasite population.For identification of species,the characteristic sequence of genomic DNA of different species should differ to allow the delineation of species,but at the same time,no/minor variation within the species should exist.In contrast,for purpose of identifying population variants（strains/isolates）, a considerable degree of variation in the sequence should exist within a species.Various target regions,including nuclear ribosomal DNA（rDNA）,mitochondrial DNA（mtDNA） or repetitive DNA elements（microsatellite loci）,which show considerable variation in the number of repeats within individuals have been employed to achieve the identification of parasites species or strain.
文摘Objective:To determine the magnitude of opportunistic and non-opportunistic intestinal parasitic infections among HTV/AIDS patients in Bahir Dar.Methods:Cross-sectional study was conducted among HIV/ AIDS patients attending Gambi higher clinic from Aprill- May 30,2009. Convenient sampling technique was employed to identify the study subjects and hence a total of 248 subjects were included.A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data of patients.Stool samples were examined by direct saline,iodine wet mount, formol-ether sedimentation concentration and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique. Results:Out of 248 enrolled in the study,171(69.0%)(90 males and 81 females) were infected with one or more intestinal parasites.The highest rate of intestinal parasites were observed among HIV/AIDS patients(80.3%,151/188),and the infection rate of HIV negative individuals was 33.3%(20/60).Cryptosporidum parvum(43.6%),Isospora belli(15.5%) and Blastocystis hominis (10.5%) were opportunistic parasites that were found only in HIV/AIDS patients.Conclusions: Opportunistic parasite infections are common health problem among HIV/ AIDS patients in the study area.Therefore,early detection and treatment of these parasites are important to improve the quality of life of HIV/AIDS patients.
基金prepared from Yousef Dadimoghaddam's MScthesis and supported by grant(no.90-31) from Deputy of Research,Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences.Sari,IranThe spousor or Junding organization had norole in the design or conduct of this research
文摘Objective:To evaluate parasite distribution and tissue tropism of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites in experimentally infected mice using real time QPCR.Methods:In this survey 16 Balb/c mice were inoculated with 1×10~4 alive tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii RH strain.After 1,2,3 days post infection and the last day(before death),different tissues of mice including blood,brain,eye,liver,spleen,kidney,heart and muscle were harvested.Following tissues DNA extraction,the parasite burden was quantified using real time QPCR targeting the B1 gene(451 bp).Results:It showed that Toxoplasma after intraperitoneal injection was able to movement to various tissues in24 hours.Parasite burden was high in all tissues but the most number of parasites were observed in kidney,heart and liver,respectively.Conclusions:These data provide significant baseline information about Toxoplasma pathogenesis,vaccine monitoring and drug efficiency.
基金partly supported by the JICA Project of Capacity Development of Animal Health Laboratory and Grants-in-Aid for Scientifie Research from the Ministry of Education.Culture.Sports.Science and Technology.Japan(No.22700773 to M.M.)
文摘Objective:To evaluate the presence of gastrointestinal parasites on cattle in Indonesia because the prevalence of parasites varies between counlries depending on the terrain surrounding livestock farms and investigations in Indonesia have never been performed.Methods:Fecal samples from cattle at 35 farms in 7 districts in West Java,Indonesia,has been examined using the floatation or sedimentation methods,and a immunofluorescence assay and experimentally inoculation to mice for Cryptosporidium or Giardia spp.Results:153 of 394 examined cattle(38.8%)were infected with gastrointestinal parasites.The prevalence of Eimeria spp.,Nematoda spp.(including Oesophagustomum and Bunostomum-like),Fasciola gigantica and Paramphistomum spp.was 22.4%,11.2%,12.5%and 3.8%,respectively.Cryptosporidium andersoni(C.andersoni)was also found in two samples.One isolate of this parasite was confirmed to be transmitted to mice,in contrast to the isolates from other countries.Conclusions:although this survey is preliminary,the results shows that the infection of gastrointestinal parasites in Indonesia was not high,but these infected cattle could be as a potential source leading to economic losses in livestock production.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31172117)the Graduate Student Innovation Research Projects of Anhui University (YQH100611)
文摘Background: Parasites have adverse effects on the life and survival of many migratory waterbirds, especially birds on the endangered species list. Hooded Cranes are large migratory colonial waterbirds wintering in wetlands,which are prone to parasite infection, thus monitoring the diversity of parasites is important for sound wetland management and protection of this species.Methods: From November 2012 to April 2013, we collected 821 fresh faecal samples from the three lakes(Poyang,Caizi and Shengjin Lake) in the lower and middle Yangtze River floodplain, and detected with saturated brine floating and centrifugal sedimentation methods. Parasite eggs were quantified with a modified Mc Master's counting method.Results: In this study, 11 species of parasites were discovered, i.e., two coccidium(Eimeria gruis, E. reichenowi), five nematodes(Capillaria sp., Strongyloides sp., Ascaridia sp., Trichostrongylus sp., Ancylostomatidae), three trematodes(Echinostoma sp., Echinochasmus sp., Fasciolopsis sp.) and one cestode(Hymenolepis sp.). About 57.7% of the faecal samples showed parasitic infection. All species of parasites were found at the three sites except Hymenolepis which was not found at Poyang Lake. While most samples were affected by only one or two species of parasites, infection by Eimeria spp. was the most common(53.1%). From One-Way ANOVA analysis of the three lakes, parasite species richness index(p = 0.656), diversity index(p = 0.598) and evenness index(p = 0.612) showed no significant difference. According to the statistical analysis of our data, there were no significant difference in parasite species richness index(p = 0.678) and evenness index(p = 0.238) between wintering periods, but a strong difference in diversity index(p < 0.05).Conclusions: Our study suggests that in the wintering Hooded Crane populations, parasite diversity is more sensitive to changes in the overwintering periods than to locations. This also indicates that with the limitations of migration distance, the parasites may not form the differentiation in Hooded Crane populations of the three lakes.
文摘Objective:To find out the prevalence of intestinal parasites among primary school population(the most vulnerable group) in rural and urban areas in south Jordan.Methods:During a medical civic action in the south of Jordan in summer 2000,stool specimens were collected from 2400 primary school children,aged from 6-12 years,and examined for the detection of intestinal parasitic infection from both urban(1 100 samples) and rural(1 300 samples) areas in south Jordan.Results:The results indicated that the overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 28.5%.It was more in rural(33.2%) than in urban(23.0%) areas,but no sex difference was found.As regard to the type of infection,Giardia lamblia was the commonest intestinal protozoa, with a rate of 42.6%,while Enterobious vermicularis was the commonest helminth recorded in our study with a rate of 5.9%.Conclusions:Health education by health and school authorities is recommended,particular attention should be paid to repairing the sewage disposal system as well as water supply,which acts as main source of water pollution.
基金partly supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(8147162081671627+7 种基金815716068160180881172876U0832601)the National Basic Research Program of China(2012CBA01305)the 13th Five-Year Key Scientific and Technological Program of China(2017ZX10304402-002-0042017ZX10202102-001-005)the National Key Research & Development(R&D)Plan(2016YFC1201000)
文摘Parasites can increase infection rates and pathogenicity in immunocompromised human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) patients. However, in vitro studies and epidemiological investigations also suggest that parasites might escape immunocompromised hosts during HIV infection.Due to the lack of direct evidence from animal experiments, the effects of parasitic infections on immunocompromised hosts remain unclear. Here,we detected 14 different parasites in six northern pig-tailed macaques(NPMs) before or at the 50 th week of simian immunodeficiency virus(SIV) infection by ELISA. The NPMs all carried parasites before viral injection. At the 50 th week after viral injection, the individuals with negative results in parasitic detection(i.e., 08247 and 08287) were characterized as the Parasites Exit(PE) group, with the other individuals(i.e., 09203, 09211, 10205, and 10225) characterized as the Parasites Remain(PR) group. Compared with the PR group, the NPMs in the PE group showed higher viral loads, lower CD4^+T cells counts, and lower CD4/CD8 rates. Additionally, the PE group had higher immune activation and immune exhaustion of both CD4^+and CD8^+T cells. Pathological observation showed greater injury to the liver, cecum, colon,spleen, and mesenteric lymph nodes in the PE group.This study showed more seriously compromised immunity in the PE group, strongly indicating that parasites might exit an immunocompromised host.
文摘Objective:To evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasites among patients in Hail,Northwestern Saudi Arabia.Methods:Stool samples were collected from 130 patients(69females and 61 males) in Hail General Hospital.Each sample was examined by direct wet mount microscopic examination using both normal saline and Lugol's iodine preparation and concentration techniques using salt and formol-ether solutions.Permanent stained smears were performed for intestinal coccidian using modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique.Results:The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 45.38%(59 cases).Forty-four(33.84%)were found to be infected with one or more intestinal protozoa.5(3.84%) were infected with helminthes and 10(7.69%) had mixed infection with both helminthes and protozoa.The most common intestinal helminth detected was Ancyloxtoma duvdenale(n=5.3.84%),followed by Ascaris lumlmcnidex.Taenia sp.and Trichuris trichiura(n=2 for each species,1.5%).For intestinal protozoa,the coccidian Cryptosporidium parvum(n=25,19.23%) was the most common followed by Entamoeba histolytica/dispur(n=21,16.15%),Giurdia lamblia(n=15,11.54%),Entamoeba coli(n=5.3.85%) and Blastocysts hominis(n=3,2.30%).The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in females was significantly higher than in males(P<0.05).Conclusions:This is the first study highlighting that intestinal parasites are still an important public health problem in Northwestern Saudi Arabia Therefore,health education would be the best way to prevent from intestinal parasite infections which are mainly food borne diseases.
文摘A cross sectional study was conducted from October 2010 to June 2011 in and around Gondar town to identify the species and determine prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in donkeys and horses. Gross examination, direct fecal smear, sedimentation and floatation techniques were utilized to identify the eggs and larvae of parasites in feces. A total of 384 horses and donkeys were examined for gastrointestinal parasites. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 92.71% (356 from 384) with 80.95% (85 from 105) and 97.13% (271 from 279) in horses and donkeys, respectively. Prevalence of Strongyle, Parascaris equorum, Oxyuris equi, Gastrodiscus aegyptiacus and Gastrophilus intestinalis was 66.67%, 43.8%, 0.95%, 2.86%, and 0.95%, respectively in horses. Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 87.81%, 42.29%, 4.30%, 5.73%, 1.43%, 3.58% and 0.72% for Strongyles, Parascaris equorum, Oxyuris equi, Fasciola, Tricuris, Gastrodiscus aegyptiacus and Gastrophilus intestinalis in donkeys, respectively. There was a statisticcally significant difference between species, housing and among feed types in prevalence of equine gastrointestinal parasites
基金Supported by Deanship of Research,Jordan University of Science and Technology,No.214/2013
文摘AIM To investigate the putative role of protozoan parasites in the development of irritable bowel syndrome(IBS).METHODS The study included 109 IBS consecutive adult patients fulfilling the Rome Ⅲ criteria and 100 healthy control subjects. All study subjects filled a structured questionnaire, which covered demographic information and clinical data. Fresh stool samples were collected from patients and control subjects and processed within less than 2 h of collection. Iodine wet mounts and Trichrome stained smears prepared from fresh stool and sediment concentrate were microscopically examined for parasites. Blastocystis DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction, and Cryptosporidium antigens were detected by ELISA.RESULTS A total of 109 IBS patients(31 males, 78 females) with a mean age ± SD of 27.25 ± 11.58 years(range: 16-60 years) were enrolled in the study. The main IBS subtype based on the symptoms of these patients was constipation-predominant(88.7% of patients). A hundred healthy subjects(30 males, 70 females) with a mean ± SD age of 25.0 ± 9.13 years(range 18-66 years) were recruited as controls. In the IBS patients, Blastocystis DNA was detected in 25.7%, Cryptosporidium oocysts were observed in 9.2%, and Giardia cysts were observed in 11%. In the control subjects, Blastocystis, Cryptosporidium and Giardia were detected in 9%, 0%, and 1%, respectively. The difference in the presence of Blastocystis(P = 0.0034), Cryptosporidium(P = 0.0003), and Giardia(P = 0.0029) between IBS patients and controls was statistically significant by all methods used in this study.CONCLUSION Prevalence of Blastocystis, Cryptosporidium and Giardia is higher in IBS patients than in controls. These parasites are likely to have a role in the pathogenesis of IBS.
文摘Twenty-six stocker cattle (286.1 ± 25.7 kg) were used to quantify the effect of commercial plant tannin extracts (control vs. mimosa and chestnut tannins) on animal performance, gastrointestinal parasites control and plasma metabolite changes in heifers grazing winter wheat forage (Triticum aestivum L. var. “cutter”). The forage biomass and crude protein content were generally similar among treatments. Initial live-weight (LW) was similar among treatments, although final LW (P = 0.1) and average daily gain (ADG;P P Ostertagia was lower (P P P < 0.02) for chestnut tannins group than for control, and intermediate for mimosa tannins. However, cholesterol level was similar among treatment after 20 days cessation of tannins treatments. Our data suggest that heifers grazing winter wheat forage supplemented with plant tannins rather than control (non-tannins group) increased ADG (8% to 19%) for mimosa and chestnut tannins groups, respectively with no detectable detrimental effects on animal health. The increase in ADG may be due to decrease fecal parasites infections.
文摘Nowadays, the fast development of nanobiotechnology, has led to rapid diagnosis of important infectious diseases such as arboviruses-borne diseases, vector-borne infections and waterborne parasites diseases and others in order to reduce and avoid further dissemination of the infections within the general population. Furthermore, new nanomedicines based on the application of silver and gold nanoparticles which are less toxic, more effective, and that does not generate resistance could help to solve the problems of parasitic disease like leishmaniasis and chagas disease. It turns out that the combination of nanoparticles with antibiotics not only reduces the toxicity of both agents towards human cells but also enhances their ability to destroy bacteria by facilitating the binding of antibiotics to the microbes. Moreover, combining nanoparticles with antimicrobial peptides and essential oils with nanoparticles generates genuine synergy against microbial resistance.
文摘Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic,a tripartite blanket of disease/containment/return to normality has crystallized around the virus.But is it possible to grasp the frayed shirt of this blanket and gradually try to undo it?This is the attempt that this contribution makes.And that,drawing on a toolbox made up of the reflections,in this case converging between them,of Michel Serres and the posthuman on the dynamics inventive of new homination horizons,which the virus,beyond the contingency of its pathogenicity,as a hopeful monster parasite,can trigger.
文摘This paper deals with the proportional distribution, niche breadth and niche overlap of two metazoan parasites(copepods species, Ergasilus anchoratus Markewitsch, 1946 and Pseudergasilus parasiluri Yamaguti, 1936) and monogeneans (in the genus Silurodiscoides Gussev, 1976) found on gills of the fish, Silurus asotus L. from Jiangkou Reservoir in Jiangxi Province,China. E.anchoratus was the common and dominant metazoan parasite on gills of the fish in this locality as indicated by the higher infection levels, and distributed almost evenly on gill arches without any observed gill arch preference, as shown by the wide proportional distribution and broad niche breadth. P. parasiluri and monogeneans in Silurodiscoides were found also without any significant gill arch preference although they had a rather narrow niche breadth. The observed significant overlap between P. parasiluri and Silurodiscoides spp. may be simply due to the lower infection levels of the parasites. The observed pattern of unrestricted distributions of the parasitic copepods on gills of the fish may be accounted for, at least in part, by the moving ability of the copepods, and may also indicate that the parasite does not exhibit any feature of gill arch preference. However, further experimental research is needed to verify the microhabitat distribution of the parasites.
基金Supported by DIPA.Project/2010 of Research Centre on Biology-LIPI
文摘Objective:To observe morphology of Auchenacantha galeopteri(A.galeopteri),Auchenacantha spinosa(A.spinosa) and Auchenacantha parva(A.parva) from Sukabumi and Ujung Kulon, Indonesia using scanning electron microscopy(SEM).Methods:Specimens for light microscopy examination were fixed with warm 70%alcohol,cleared and mounted in lactophenol for wet mounting.Drawings were made with the aid of a drawing tube attached to a Nikon compound microscope.Specimens for SEM examination were processed according to Bozzola.Measurements were given in micrometers(μ m) as the average of findings,followed by the range in parentheses, unless otherwise stated.Results:The measurements of Auchenacantha spp are same with those of previously described.The striatums of male and female A.galeopteri are widen towards outside and wavy.The mouth of female with 6 lips,each of them is wider at base than distal end in A.galeopteri and rectangular in A.spinosa.Both species have dentiform protrusion from inner surface of lips,such structure absent in A.parva,but the lips with transverse festoon like pattern at anterior end of each lip.Conclusions:Using SEM,the lip and the striation pattern of three species of Auchenacantha can be clearly distinguished.Sukabumi and Ujung Kulon are new locality of A.galeopteri and A.spinosa,and A.parva is the new record in Indonesia.
