Growth and development of Gnathostoma spinigerum (Nematoda: Gnathostomatidae) larvae in Mesocyclops aspericornis (Cyclopoida: Cyclopidae).

ABSTRACT:

Background

Gnathostoma spinigerum larva is pathogenic, causing gnathostomiasis in humans and certain animals, and is prevalent mainly in Asia. Growth and development of Gnathostoma spinigerum larvae in the cyclopoid copepod Mesocyclops aspericornis, the first intermediate host, were examined.

Results

When newly hatched, ensheathed second-stage larvae (L2) were ingested by M. aspericornis, they immediately appeared exsheathed in the stomach of M. aspericornis. They then penetrated the stomach wall and entered the body cavity, where they immediately metamorphosed to a stunted form with the body length/width ratio equal to the early third-stage larvae (EL3) up to 2 h after being ingested. During metamorphosis, the anterior spine-like structure of L2 transformed into unequal tra

SUBMITTER: Janwan P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3138441 | biostudies-literature | 2011 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature