Development of Spinitectus inermis (Nematoda: Cystidicolidae), a parasite of eel, Anguilla anguilla, in Europe

0157552 - PAU-O 20023012 RIV CZ eng J - Journal Article
Saraiva, A. - Moravec, František - Pereira, A. - Cruz, C.
Development of Spinitectus inermis (Nematoda: Cystidicolidae), a parasite of eel, Anguilla anguilla, in Europe.
Folia Parasitologica. Roč. 49, č. 2 (2002), s. 118-126. ISSN 0015-5683. E-ISSN 1803-6465
R&D Projects: GA AV ČR IAA6022901
Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z6022909
Keywords : nematodes * Spinitectus inermis * development
Subject RIV: EG - Zoology
Impact factor: 0.515, year: 2002

The development of the nematode Spinitectus inermis (Zeder, 1800), a parasite of the stomach of eels, Anguilla anguilla (L.) in Europe, was experimentally studied. Mayfly nymphs Caenis macrura, Ecdyonurus dispar, Heptagenia sulphurea, Potamanthus luteus and Seratella ignita from Portugal and the Czech Republic were found to serve as experimental intermediate hosts. After ingestion of the nematode eggs by the mayfly nymphs, the toothed first-stage larvae were released and penetrated into the body cavity of the intermediate host. There they moulted twice (on day 4 and 6 post infection [p.i.] at water temperatures of 20-25°C), attaining the third infective stage. The definitive host, A. anguilla, undoubtedly acquires infection by feeding on mayfly nymphs harbouring infective-stage larvae. In an experimentally infected eel, the fourth-stage larva undergoing the third moult was observed 28 days p.i. at water temperature of 20ºC. The larval stages, including moulting forms, are described and illustrated. The prepatent period of S. inermis is estimated to be about two months.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0054990