Morphological and molecular characterization of adults and larvae of crassicauda spp. (Nematoda: Spirurida) from mediterranean fin whales Balaenoptera physalus (linnaeus, 1758)

Publication date: Available online 7 June 2019Source: International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and WildlifeAuthor(s): F. Marcer, E. Negrisolo, G. Franzo, C. Tessarin, M. Pietrobelli, E. MarchioriAbstractCrassicauda boopis is known to infect the kidneys and vascular system of mysticetes included Balaenoptera physalus and has been recently reported in Mediterranean waters. Identification at the species level relies on the observation of morphological features of the adult parasites, but field conditions during necropsy and the massive reaction of the host's immune system often prevent optimal conservation of the extremities. Moreover, larval stages of Crassicauda have never been described and no sequences are available in public databases to help such identification. Adult and larvae of Crassicauda were isolated from four specimens of B. physalus and studied with morphological and molecular techniques. Specimens of C. anthonyi, C. grampicola and Crassicauda sp. isolated from Ziphius cavirostris, Grampus griseus, Stenella coeruleoalba and Tursiops truncatus respectively were studied as well. Sequences of nuclear markers 18S and ITS-2 and of mitochondrial gene cox1 were obtained and phylogenetic relationships within the genus Crassicauda were analysed. Analysis of the ITS2 grouped the different species in accordance with morphological identification, as already evidenced in literature for other Spirurida. A higher intra-specific variability was observed for the cox1 gene...
Source: International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife - Category: Parasitology Source Type: research