Natural life cycle of Versteria cuja (Taeniidae) in Argentina and histopathology of metacestodiasis in intermediate hosts.

ABSTRACT: Using morphological and molecular studies, the life cycle of Versteria cuja (Cestoda: Taeniidae) was elucidated, involving subterranean rodents (Ctenomyidae) as intermediate hosts, and the lesser grison, Galictis cuja (Mustelidae), as definitive host. Metacestodes (cysticerci and polycephalic larvae) were found mainly in the liver but also in spleen, pancreas, lungs and small intestine of 2 species of tuco-tucos (Ctenomys spp.) from Chubut, Argentina. Identity of the metacestodes with the adult was based primarily on the number, size and shape of rostellar hooks: 40–48 hooks in 2 rows, particularly small (10–16 μm total length by 6–10 μm wide), composed of handle, blade and guard with characteristic shapes. Genetic analysis (cox1 gen mtDNA) performed on m

SUBMITTER: Bagnato E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10260299 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature