Proteomic analysis of Ascocotyle longa (Trematoda: Heterophyidae) metacercariae

Ascocotyle longa is parasitic trematode with wide distribution throughout America, Europe, Africa, and Middle East. Despite the fact that this fish-borne pathogen has been considered an agent of human heterophyiasis in Brazil, the molecules involved in the host-parasite interaction remain unknown. The present study reports the proteome profile of A. longa metacercariae collected from the fish Mugil liza from Brazil. This infective stage for humans, mammals and birds was analyzed using nLC-MS/MS approach. We identified a large repertoire of proteins, which are mainly involved in energy metabolism and cell structure. Peptidases and immunogenic proteins were also identified, which might play roles in host-parasite interface. Our data provided unprecedented insights into the biology of A. longa and represent a first step to understand the natural host-parasite interaction. Moreover, as the first proteome characterized in this trematode, it will provide an important resource for future studies.

Molecular characterization and confocal laser scanning microscopic study of Pygidiopsis macrostomum (Trematoda: Heterophyidae) parasites of guppies Poecilia vivipara

Pygidiopsis macrostomum and Ascocotyle (Phagicola) pindoramensis (Digenea: Heterophyidae) parasitize guppies as intermediate hosts and, respectively, fish-eating mammals or birds as definitive hosts. Heterophyids have zoonotic potential, and molecular studies associated with morphological and ecological aspects have helped to clarify their taxonomy and phylogeny. Poecilia vivipara naturally parasitized by metacercariae of both species (100% prevalence) exhibit no external signs of parasitism. In this work, four new sequences of P. macrostomum (18S rDNA, 28S rDNA and ITS2 rDNA) and one new sequence of A. (P.) pindoramensis (mtDNA cox-1) are presented. Phylogeny reconstructions linked P. macrostomum to other heterophyids, but the separation of the Heterophyidae and Opisthorchiidae remains unclear. Additionally, we used indirect immunocytochemistry and the phalloidin-fluorescence techniques allied with confocal laser scanning microscopy to describe muscular and neuronal structures of P. macrostomum. A complex arrangement of muscular fibres is associated with the tegument, suckers, gut and reproductive system. Radial fibres around the ventral sucker are thick, branched and extend to the body wall. High-resolution confocal imaging revealed a typical digenean muscular arrangement and important heterophyid morphological traits. These data will support future control measures to reduce the parasitism in guppies reared in fish farming systems, especially for aquarium and experimental purposes.

Molecular studies on larvae of Pseudoterranova parasite of Trichiurus lepturus Linnaeus, 1758 and Pomatomus saltatrix (Linnaeus, 1766) off Brazilian waters

Pseudoterranova larvae parasitizing cutlassfish Trichiurus lepturus and bluefish Pomatomus saltatrix from Southwest Atlantic coast of Brazil were studied in this work by morphological, ultrastructural and molecular approaches. The genetic analysis were performed for the ITS2 intergenic region specific for Pseudoterranova decipiens, the partial 28S (LSU) of ribosomal DNA and the mtDNA cox-1 region. We obtained results for the 28S region and mtDNA cox-1 that was amplified using the polymerase chain reaction and sequenced to evaluate the phylogenetic relationships between sequences of this study and sequences from the GenBank. The morphological profile indicated that all the nine specimens collected from both fish were L3 larvae of Pseudoterranova sp. The genetic profile confirmed the generic level but due to the absence of similar sequences for adult parasites on GenBank for the regions amplifyied, it was not possible to identify them to the species level. The sequences obtained presented 89% of similarity with Pseudoterranova decipiens (28S sequences) and Contracaecum osculatum B (mtDNA cox-1). The low similarity allied to the fact that the amplification with the specific primer for P. decipiens didn't occur, lead us to conclude that our sequences don't belong to P. decipiens complex.

A checklist of the aspidogastrea (platyhelminthes: trematoda) of the world

A checklist of records of aspidogastrean trematodes (Aspidogastrea) is provided on the basis of a comprehensive survey of the literature since 1826, when the first aspidogastrean species was reported, until December 2014. We list 61 species representing 13 genera within 4 families and 2 orders of aspidogastreans associated with 298 species of invertebrate and vertebrate hosts. The majority of records include bivalves (44% of the total number of host-parasite associations), whereas records from bony fishes represent 32% of host-parasite associations. The aspidogastreans have worldwide distribution, with the highest number of records in the Neartic Region for freshwater hosts and the North Atlantic Ocean for marine ones. The checklist includes a parasite-host list with data on host habitat, site of infection and distribution area of parasites, and a host-parasite list. A limited number of molecular studies on aspidogastreans does not allow us to unravel phylogenetic relationships within the Aspidogastrea.

Development and characterization of novel microsatellite markers in Hyptis pectinata (Lamiaceae)

A microsatellite-enriched library was constructed and a set of 19 SSR markers were developed to characterize a germplasm collection of Hyptis pectinata (L.) Poit., maintained at the Universidade Federal de Sergipe (UFS). Fifteen markers of 19 ranged from moderately to highly polymorphic. A total of 113 alleles were identified, with a mean of 7.52 alleles per locus. The mean HO and HE were 0.582 and 0.657, respectively. The primers developed were efficient tools for accessing the genetic diversity of the germplasm collection analyzed and may also be useful for other studies involving this species and other species in the genus Hyptis.

Interplay between apoptosis and autophagy, a challenging puzzle: new perspectives on antitumor chemotherapies

Autophagy is a mechanism of protection against various forms of human diseases, such as cancer, in which autophagy seems to have an extremely complex role. In cancer, there is evidence that autophagy may be oncogenic in some contexts, whereas in others it clearly contributes to tumor suppression. In addition, studies have demonstrated the existence of a complex relationship between autophagy and cell death, determining whether a cell will live or die in response to anticancer therapies. Nevertheless, we still need to complete the autophagy-apoptosis puzzle in the tumor context to better address appropriate chemotherapy protocols with autophagy modulators. Generally, tumor cell resistance to anticancer induced-apoptosis can be overcome by autophagy inhibition. However, when an extensive autophagic stimulus is activated, autophagic cell death is observed. In this review, we discuss some details of autophagy and its relationship with tumor progression or suppression, as well as role of autophagy-apoptosis in cancer treatments.

Acid phosphatase activity during the interaction of the nematophagous fungus Duddingtonia flagrans with the nematode Panagrellus sp

The use of Duddingtonia flagrans, a nematode-trapping fungus, has been investigated as a biological control method against free living larvae of gastrointestinal nematodes of livestock animals. This fungus captures and infects the nematode by cuticle penetration, immobilization and digestion of the internal contents. It has been suggested that this sequence of events occurs by a combination of physical and enzymatical activities. This report characterizes the acid phosphatase activity during the interaction of D. flagrans with the free-living nematode Panagrellus sp. The optimum pH for the hydrolysis of the acid phosphatase substrate p-nitrophenyl phosphate was 2.2, 2.8 and 5.4 from D. flagrans alone and 2.2 and 5.4 for Panagrellus sp alone, fungus-nematode interaction in liquid medium and fungus-nematode interaction in solid medium. Different acid phosphatase activity bands were detected by SDS-PAGE. Maximum acid phosphatase activity of the fungus or nematode alone and of the fungus-nematode interaction occurred within 70min of incubation in the presence of the substrate 4-methylumbelliferyl phosphate. The activity of this enzyme was significantly higher for the fungus-nematode interaction when compared to the organisms alone, indicating a synergistic response. Furthermore, structures appeared in the hyphae after 30min, nematodes were observed adhered after 40min and many were captured by the typical fungus traps after 70min of interaction. The participation of acid phosphatase activity and its importance during the interaction of the fungus with the nematode were discussed.

Dracunculus brasiliensis sp. n. (Nematoda: Dracunculidae) from the anaconda, Eunectes murinus (Ophidia: Boidae)

Dracunculus brasiliensis sp. n. (Dracunculidae), is described based on a single female specimen found in the body cavity of the anaconda, Eunectes murinus (L.) (Ophidia: Boidae), from the Mexiana Island, Amazon River delta, Brazil and one female previously recorded from the subcutaneous tissue of this host species imported from South America into Europe (ZOO in the Czech Republic). The new species is characterised mainly by markedly large, anteriorly protruding dorsal and ventral double papillae of the internal circle and small lateral papillae of the same circle, a widely rounded caudal end, the excretory pore situated just posterior to the nerve ring, a distinctly transversely striated cuticle and by the length (396-429 mum) of larvae from uterus. This is the first species of Dracunculus described from reptiles in South America.

REDESCRIPTION AND SURFACE ULTRASTRUCTURE OF PYGIDIOPSIS MACROSTOMUM (DIGENEA: HETEROPHYIDAE)

Pygidiopsis macrostomum Travassos, 1928, a poorly known species originally described from a single specimen from Rattus norvegicus (Erxleben, 1777) in Brazil, is redescribed on the basis of metacercariae from the mesenteries of naturally infected guppies Poecilia vivipara Bloch and Schneider, 1801 (Poeciliidae), and adults obtained from an experimental infection of hamsters. Pygidiopsis macrostomum is characterized by the absence of oral spines, vitellaria extending forward to ventral sucker, uterus reaching pharyngeal level, X-shaped excretory vesicle, and an oral sucker/acetabulum ratio of 1:0.8. The surface ultrastructure shows that the tegument of the metacercaria does not strongly differ from that of adults. The brush-shaped spines of P. macrostomum are similar to those reported for Pygidiopsis summa and Pygidiopsis ardeae, but no differences in spine shape were observed throughout the body.

Caballerocotyla lenti n. sp., a capsalid monogenean from Auxis thazard (Scombridae) from off the southeastern coast of Brazil

Caballerocotyla lenti n. sp. (Monogenea: Capsalidae), recovered from the gills of Auxis thazard (Lacépède) captured off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is described using light and scanning electron microscopy. The new species is characterized by: a tegument with 2-5 rows of dorso-marginal, unicuspid spines; 53-54 round testes; a constricted pharynx with numerous papillae on its border; and a haptor with a plicate marginal border, a central polygonal area and seven complete septa. C. manteri (Price, 1951) and C. gouri Chauhan, 1953 sensu Murugesh (1995) are figured and commented upon.

Diplectanum squamatum n.sp. (Monogenea:Diplectanidae) fro the gills of Cynoscion guatucupa (Sciecidae) in southwest Atlantic waters

Diplectanum squamatum n. sp. is described from the gills of the sciaenid Cynoscion guatucupa collected off Mar del Plata, Argentina. The new species is distinguished from other species of the genus by the morphology of the hamuli and the male copulatory organ, and presence of scales on the haptor and body. This is the first species of Diplectanum to be reported from southwest Atlantic waters and, with the possible exception of D. cayennense Euzet & Durette-Desset, 1974, the only species from the Atlantic coast of South America.

Pseudempleurosoma gibsoni n. sp., a new ancyrocephalid monogenean from Paralonchurus brasiliensis (Sciaenidae) from off the southeastern coast of Brazil

Pseudempleurosoma gibsoni n. sp. (Monogenea: Ancyrocephalidae) is described from the oesophagus of Paralonchurus brasiliensis (Steindachner) from off the coast of Brazil. The type-species of Pseudempleurosoma Yamaguti, 1965, P. carangis Yamaguti, 1965, is redescribed and the diagnosis of the genus is amended. Metadiplectanotrema Gerasev et al. 1987 is considered synonym of Pseudempleurosoma. This genus now contains four species, including P. carangis, P. caranxi Gerasev et al., 1987 n. comb., P. myripristi Gerasev et al., 1987 n. comb. and the one new species.

[Morbidity among job applicants in the Metropolitan Region of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil]

This cross-sectional study evaluates the pre-employment health status of job applicants, based on prevalence estimates of abnormal laboratory test results, clinical diagnosis, and a physician-signed fit-for-work assessment, which is mandatory in Brazil. The study population was a random sample of 1,237 male workers selected from medical records (1988-1996) from an Occupational Medical Center located in Salvador, the capital of Bahia State, Brazil. The data were from a single pre-employment medical assessment for each individual. The most common diseases were intestinal parasites (51.7%), anemia (12.8%), and hypertension (12.7%). Drivers showed a high prevalence of overweight (38.2%) and hypertension (16.2%). In addition to work-related risks and diseases, occupational hygiene and safety programs need to address prevailing illnesses and risk factors, which in this population are typical of poor living conditions. Special attention should to be given to drivers, who are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Ultrastructure and cytochemistry of the tegument of Atriaster heterodus (Platyhelminthes: Monogenea)

The tegument of the polyopisthocotylean monogenean Atriaster heterodus Lebedev & Parukhin, 1969 was studied using transmission electron microscopy. The outer syncytial layer of the tegument is connected to the internal cell bodies by cytoplasmic extensions which interweave between the muscular fibres. The free surface of the syncytium has projections of the external membrane which are similar to microvilli. The undulating basal membrane, with numerous narrow elongate projections, is associated with the basal lamina situated between the syncytial and muscular layers. The cell bodies and syncytial layer of the tegument exhibit two types of vesicles, one with fibrous contents and one with electron-dense contents; these were analysed using two cytochemical tests, the E-PTA and alcian blue methods, used for the first time on monogeneans.

Amapacanthus amazonicus n. g., n. sp. (Acanthocephala: Diplosentidae: Allorhadinorhynchinae) from Arius passany and Anableps microleps (Pisces) at Maraca Island off northern Brazil

Amapacanthus amazonicus n. g., n. sp. is described from the intestine of Arius passany (Valenciennes) and Anableps microleps Müller. The most important diagnostic features are: a small globular proboscis armed with 6 diagonal rows of 3 stout hooks; middle hooks conspicuously stouter and larger than anterior ones; terminal hooks as long as middle hooks but straighter and more slender; a double-walled proboscis receptacle; a trunk bearing spines anteriorly; and two tubular cement glands in the males. Amapacanthus n. g. is differentiated from Allorhadinorhynchus, Golvanorhynchus and Slendrorhynchus, the other genera of the Allorhadinorhynchinae, by the presence of a globular proboscis armed with a small number (18) of hooks. A key to the species of the Allorhadinorhynchinae is presented.

Pseudorhabdosynochus spp. (Monogenea: Diplectanidae) from the gills of Epinephelus spp. in Brazilian waters

Pseudorhabdosynochus sulamericanus n. sp. from the gills of Epinephelus niveatus has a reniform proximal region of the cirrus-bulb which is divided in four chambers and contains a large, round reservoir of the male accessory glands, a partly sclerotised vagina which is enclosed in a muscular funnel cap and squamodiscs with 15-16 open concentric rows of elements. P. beverleyburtonae (Oliver, 1984) is redescribed from E. marginatus with additional morphological data. These are the first reports of Pseudorhabdosynochus spp. in South American Atlantic waters, where the potentiality for the mariculture of Epinephelus spp. is currently being evaluated. Pseudorhabdosynochus hargisi (Oliver & Paperna, 1984) n. comb. is proposed for Diplectanum hargisi.

Genetic markers in ribosomal DNA for the identification of members of the genus Anisakis (Nematoda: ascaridoidea) defined by polymerase-chain-reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism

Polymerase-chain-reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis was performed to establish genetic markers in rDNA, for the identification of the three sibling species of the Anisakis simplex complex and morphologically differentiated Anisakis species, i.e. Anisakis physeteris, Anisakis schupakovi, Anisakis typica and Anisakis ziphidarum. Different restriction patterns were found between A. simplex sensu stricto and Anisakis pegreffii with two of the restriction endonucleases used (HinfI and TaqI), between A. simplex sensu stricto and A. simplex C with one endonuclease (HhaI), and between A. simplex C and Aniskis pegreffii with three endonucleases (HhaI, HinfI and TaqI), while no variation in patterns was detected among individuals within each species. The species A. physeteris, A. schupakovi, A. typica and A. ziphidarum were found to be different from each other and different from the three sibling species of the A. simplex complex by distinct fragments using 10-12 of the endonucleases tested. The polymorphisms obtained by restriction fragment length polymorphisms have provided a new set of genetic markers for the accurate identification of sibling species and morphospecies.

Studies on Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) Pereirai annereaux, 1946 (Nematoda: Camallanidae), with new host records and new morphological data on the larval stages

Larval stages and adults of Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) pereirai Annereaux, 1946 are described from naturally infected Paralonchurus brasiliensis (Steindachner) (Sciaenidae) from the coast of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The translucent first-stage larvae have a denticulate process at the anterior end, no buccal capsule or esophagus undifferentiated into anterior muscular and posterior glandular parts and an elongate tail; third-stage larvae have a tail with three terminal projections, a buccal capsule divided into an anterior portion with 12-20 ridges running to the left and a posterior smooth portion, and an esophagus with muscular and glandular regions. Fourth-stage larvae exhibit a buccal capsule lacking a distinct basal ring with ridges running to the right and a tail with two terminal processes, as in adults. New host records are reported and their role in its life-cycle are discussed.

The ultrastructure of the gastrodermis and the nutrition of the gill parasitic Atriaster heterodus Lebedev and Paruchin, 1969 (Platyhelminthes: Monogenea)

The gastrodermis of Atriaster heterodus Lebedev & Paruchin, 1969 (Polyopisthocotylea), a gill parasite from Diplodus argenteus (Valenciennes, 1930), is composed of "U"-shape hematin cells and a connecting syncytium, both having cytoplasmic lamellae. These cells show outgrowths and bent folds which were sent to enclose lumen material. The trapped material was then subjected to endocytosis. The nature of ingested food material was comparatively analyzed by cytochemical and histochemical test. Blood residue were detected in the gut but tests for mucins were negative. No intact erythrocytes were observed in the gut lumen.

Ultrastructure of spermatogenesis of Atriaster heterodus (Platyhelminthes, Monogenea, Polypisthocotylea)

The development of spermatozoa in the Polyopisthocotylea Atriaster heterodus was studied by transmission electron microscopy. Spermatogonia were undifferentiated, with irregular nuclei and little cytoplasm. Primary spermatocytes had sparse chromatin and typical synaptonemal complexes. The nuclear chromatin of secondary spermatocytes was in patches along the nuclear envelope and throughout the nucleoplasm. The complete process of fusion of the early spermatids to a common cytoplasmic mass forming a rosette was elucidated. Nuclei migrated to the center of the mass and changed from round to lamellar or tubular in shape. At the borders of the common cytoplasmic mass, the irregular zones of differentiation had microtubules, mitochondria, nuclei, centrioles, and intercentriolar bodies that give rise to 2 flagella. The spermatozoa presented a continuous row of cortical microtubules surrounding 2 parallels axonemes of the 9+1 type.

[The effectiveness of the Program of Communication and Education in Health on the control of S. mansoni infection in some areas of the state of Bahia]

The Program for S. mansoni Control (PCE) has been developed in some areas of the State of Bahia by the Fundação Nacional de Saúde (FNS). In 1989, activities on Information, Education, Communication and Community Mobilization (IEC/MC) were initiated. This study evaluates the epidemiological impact of the IEC/MC, using a quasi-experimental study design strategy, comparing the prevalences of infection for S. mansoni in areas of IEC/MC and estimates of other areas. The data used were routinely collected by the local staff of the FNS. A decrease on the prevalence of S. mansoni infection was found in all study areas, specially in those of IEC/MC activities. Findings indicate that PCE activities are more effective among school-age individuals and male adults, although IEC/MC allows for higher epidemiological impact among women, reflecting the differences among the strategies. These findings point out the need for qualitative evaluation research, as well as cost benefit and cost effectiveness analyses, that are more appropriate for decision making processes.

Um nematodeo parasito do pinguim Spheniscus magellanicus (Forster) (Ascaridoidea, Anisakidae)

O material estudado foi coletado no "pinguim naufragado", Sphenicus magellanicus (Forster), na baia de Guanabara, Rio de Janeiro e cedido pela bióloga Carla Chediak. Foram examinadas onze fêmeas e três machos, sendo depositados na coleção do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC) sob o numero 31.639. Foi ainda examinado o material pertencente a coleção do IOC, ainda não identificado, tambem coletado do mesmo hospedeiro no Rio de Janeiro, de numeros 20.986 e 30.257.