Early diagnosis of trichinellosis is still difficult because of the lack of specific symptoms and limited window for serological detection. Here we established an assay based on tracing phosphate ions generated during loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) to detect Trichinella spiralis DNA in rat feces during its early stage of infection. By targeting a 1.6-kb repetitive element of Tri. spiralis, the assay was able to detect Tri. spiralis DNA in the feces of all infected rats as early as 1 day postinfection (dpi). The positive detection lasted to 7 dpi in the rats infected with 250 muscle larvae, and 21 dpi in the rats infected with 5,000 larvae. The assay was highly sensitive, and could detect 1.7 femtograms (fg) of Tri. spiralis DNA with high specificity, and with no cross reactivity with the DNA from Anisakis pegreffii, Gnathostoma spinigerum, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, Enterobius vermicularis, Schistosoma japonicum, and Trypanosoma evansi. Our present study provided a reliable technique for the early diagnosis of trichinellosis with the advantages of simplicity and speed, as well as high sensitivity and specificity.

Noting lipidomic changes following the parasitism of migrating birds, the metabolic needs of which are primarily fueled by lipids, can deepen our understanding of host–parasite interactions. We identified lipids of migrating Northern saw-whet owls (Aegolius acadicus) using collision-induced dissociation mass spectrometry, compared the lipidomic signatures of hemoparasite-infected and noninfected individuals, and performed cross-validation analyses to reveal associations between parasite infection and lipid levels. We found significantly lower levels of lipid classes phosphatidic acid (PA), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylcholine (PC), and sphingomyelin (SM) in infected Northern saw-whet owls than in the noninfected individuals. Conversely, we found higher levels for certain lysoPS and lysoPE species, and variable lipid level changes for free fatty acid (FFA) species. Reporting lipidomic changes observed between hemosporidian-infected and noninfected Northern saw-whet owls can strengthen our understanding of the mechanisms governing parasite proliferation in this species. Furthermore, our analysis indicated that lipidomic signatures are better predictors of parasite infection than the log-adjusted mass/wing chord body index, a metric commonly used to assess the influence of hemosporidia infection on the health of birds. Establishing a lipidomic profile for Northern saw-whet owls that provides baseline lipid levels during fall migration may assist future studies assessing causes of reductions in breeding brought about from subtle differences in behaviors such as delayed migration.

Probstmayria gombensisFile, 1976 (Nematoda: Cosmocercoidea: Atractidae) individuals discharged in the feces of eastern chimpanzees, Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii, in Bulindi, Uganda, were examined morphologically. Adults and fourth-stage larvae, all females, found in the feces, and the third-stage larvae excised from the uterus of the gravid females were described. By close observation of the molting worms, it was considered that the uterine third-stage larvae attain molting phase, and then are laid to become fourth-stage larvae. Nutrients required for larval development in the uterus seem to be supplied by the mother after the eggshell is formed. After some growth in the host intestine, the fourth-stage larvae undergo the final molt to the adult stage. The genital primordium was very small in the early fourth-stage larvae but rapidly developed with embryonation in the pre-molt and molting phases. Such precocity suggests parthenogenetic reproduction without insemination by males. This style may enhance rapid autoinfection in the host intestine under the condition of male worm scarcity. Several ellipsoidal pseudocoelomocytes with granules of unknown function were found ventral to the intestine of the adults, fourth-stage larvae, and third-stage larvae.

Cryptosporidium species are the causative agent of cryptosporidiosis and common intracellular parasites that can infect a wide range of vertebrates, including snakes. In previous studies, Cryptosporidium species infections have been reported in snakes in Asia, Europe, and North America. However, limited information is available about the prevalence and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium in captive snakes in China. Fecal specimens from 609 captive snakes were collected from Beijing (n = 227), Chengdu (n = 12), Dazhou (n = 359), and Ziyang (n = 11). The partial small-subunit (SSU) rRNA gene was amplified by nested polymerase chain reaction to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed to assess evolutionary relationships and genetic characteristics. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium was 1.97% (12/609). BLAST and phylogenetic analysis of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene showed that the parasites belonged to Cryptosporidium serpentis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in snakes of southwestern and northern China and provides preliminary data for the control and prevention of cryptosporidiosis in the investigated areas.

Skrjabinoptera vietnamensis n. sp. is described from specimens recovered from the stomach of Eutropis macularia in north-central Vietnam. The new species is characterized by the medium-sized male worms (6.7–8.7 mm in length and 154–182 µm in width) relative to known members of the genus, 2 pointed spicules of unequal length (87–112 µm and 56–72 µm in length), and 10 pairs of caudal papillae. Female worms are larger than male worms (10.7–18.4 mm in length and 264–411 µm in width), with the vulva situated in the anterior part, and embryonated, elliptical eggs, 35–46 µm long by 20–24 µm wide. Skrjabinoptera vietnamensis n. sp. represents the ninth species assigned to the genus and the first species recorded from the Oriental region. Partial sequences of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene (rDNA), and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) are provided for the new species. The molecular phylogenetic position of the genus Skrjabinoptera is briefly discussed.

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that has a worldwide distribution and can infect almost all warm-blood animals. Serological tests are the main detection methods for T. gondii infection in animals and humans. Little is known of biological behavior, antibody responses, and virulence of T. gondii strains in mice from China. Here we document antibody responses, tissue cyst burden, and mouse virulence of T. gondii strains isolated from different hosts in China. All T. gondii strains formed tissue cysts in the brains of mice and positively correlated with the T. gondii antibody titer (R² = 0.3345). These results should aid in the diagnosis and characterization of T. gondii isolates.

Toxoplasma gondii infections are common in humans and animals worldwide. Rodents are one of the most important intermediate hosts for T. gondii because they are preyed on by cats, who in turn excrete the environmentally resistant oocysts in their feces and thus spread the infection. Information on T. gondii infections is spread in numerous reports and is not easily accessible to readers. Here, we review prevalence, persistence of infection, clinical disease, epidemiology, and genetic diversity of T. gondii infections in wild rodents worldwide. Data are tabulated by country, by each rodent species alphabetically, and chronologically. Recent genetic diversity of T. gondii strains in rodents is critically evaluated.

Peroxisome-proliferator activator receptor γ (PPARγ) has an anti-inflammatory role that inhibits the nuclear factor-jB (NF-jB) pathway and regulates the expressions of pro-inflammatory proteins, whereas its role in parasitic meningoencephalitis remains unknown. In this study we investigated the role of PPARγ and related mechanisms in eosinophilic meningoencephalitis caused by the rat lungworm Angiostrongylus cantonensis. We observed increased protein NF-jB expression in mouse brain tissue using GW9662, which is the specific antagonist of PPARγ, in a mouse model of angiostrongyliasis. Then we investigated NF-jB-related downstream proteins, such as COX-2, NOSs, and IL-1b, with Western blot or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and found that the protein expression was upregulated. The results of gelatin zymography also showed that the MMP-9 activities were upregulated. Treatment with GW9662 increased the permeability of the blood-brain barrier and the number of eosinophils in cerebrospinal fluid. These results suggested that in angiostrongyliasis, PPARγ may play an anti-inflammation role in many inflammatory mediators, including NOS-related oxidative stress, cytokines, and matrix metalloproteinase cascade by decreasing the NF-jB action.

Urocleidus sayani n. sp. is described from the gills of pirate perch (Aphredoderus sayanus) in the Wisconsin backwaters of the upper Mississippi River and was found in samples from the Southeastern United States. Urocleidus sayani n. sp. is the second monogenean described from the pirate perch and the first for this host within Dactylogyridae. The description includes a partial 18S rRNA gene sequence (623 bp), filling a void in sequence data from North American monogeneans.

A new archiacanthocephalan in the family Gigantorhynchidae, Intraproboscis sanghae n. gen., n. sp. is described from females collected from the African black-bellied pangolin Phataginus tetradactyla Linn. (Manidae) in the Central African Republic. A dichotomous key to the genera of Gigantorhynchidae is provided. The specimens presented are distinct from those of the genus Gigantorhynchus Hamann, 1892 that have only 1 or 2 circles of hooks (crowns) at the apical end of the proboscis and are found in South American mammals, except for Gigantorhynchus pesteri Tadros, 1966 from baboons in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), Africa (Amin, 2013). They superficially resemble those of the other gigantorhynchid genus Mediorhynchus Van Cleave, 1916, especially in the organization of the truncate-cone proboscis and the position of the receptacle. Species of Mediorhynchus are bird parasites. The new genus, Intraproboscis, now the third genus in Gigantorhynchidae; however, is distinguished from Mediorhynchus by having a simple proboscis receptacle that is completely suspended within the proboscis, the passage of the retractor muscles through the receptacle into the body cavity posteriorly, absence of neck, and presence of a parareceptacle structure (first finding in the Archiacanthocephala) and a uterine vesicle; among other features, including the differential dorsoventral thickness of the body wall. The receptacle in Mediorhynchus is complex, with many accessory muscles and retractor muscles passing into the body cavity dorsally and ventrally. Our specimens reached 180 mm in length and the proboscis had 34–36 rows of 6–7 ventrally lamellated, rooted hooks each anteriorly, and 15–17 spinelike hooks each posteriorly. Micropores extended into the anterior and posterior proboscis and energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDXA) of anterior hooks showed high levels of calcium and phosphorus but negligible traces of sulfur. Spinelike hooks in the posterior proboscis had lower levels of Ca and P and slightly higher levels of S. Molecular and phylogenetic analyses based on the 18S rDNA gene placed I. sanghae in a clade with the archiacanthocephalans Mediorhynchus, Moniliformis, Macracanthorhynchus, Oncicola, and Oligacanthorhynchus.

Cosmocercoides meridionalis n. sp. is described from the large and small intestines of 5 species of tree frogs belonging to the families Hylidae and Phyllomedusidae collected from 2 localities in Southern Amazonia. The new species is allocated to the genus CosmocercoidesWilkie, 1930, due to the presence of papillae in rosettes, which are complex caudal papillae surrounded by punctuations. Cosmocercoides meridionalis n. sp. differs from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: the absence of the gubernaculum, the total length of the female (twice the size of the male), and the presence of 26 rosette papillae with a unique arrangement and distribution pattern: 11 pre-cloacal pairs, 1 ad-cloacal pair, and 1 post-cloacal pair. This is the first species of the genus described from the Amazonia region.

Intraerythrocytic gamonts of at least 2 named Hepatozoon species have been reported to infect the erythrocytes of ranid frogs in Ontario, Canada. Although gamonts of both species are morphometrically similar, the cytopathological changes that 1 of these species, Hepatozoon clamatae, causes to host erythrocytes, manifested by nuclear fragmentation, was used historically to distinguish this parasite from Hepatozoon catesbianae. Molecular characterization of these 2 Hepatozoon species has been equivocal in correlating genotype with gamont morphotype. Amplification and sequencing of multiple potential genotyping loci within the nuclear (18S ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid [rDNA]; internal transcribed spacer 1), apicoplast (23S rDNA), and mitochondrial genomes (complete genomes, cytochrome c oxidase subunits I and III [COI and COIII], and cytochrome b) were conducted on Hepatozoon species that infect ranid frogs in Ontario. Sequence data were then used to evaluate the diversity of parasites present in these amphibian hosts and to assign genotypes to gamont morphotypes, if possible. Three distinct genotypes were identified at all loci; the data permitted the discovery of a third, formerly unrecognized Hepatozoon species in ranid frogs from Ontario. Although all genetic loci demonstrated differences between Hepatozoon species, mitochondrial COIII sequences were most suitable for genotypic differentiation of these parasites of frogs. Linking genotypes to gamont morphotypes proved impossible; genotypes identified as H. catesbianae and H. clamatae were found in infections with or without nuclear fragmentation of their host erythrocytes. This suggests that differentiating these species must rely on suitable genotyping methods for identification in the blood of their amphibian intermediate hosts.

A recent paper in this journal concerning parasites of rock pigeons (Columba livia) published by Ali and colleagues exemplifies a growing trend of misidentified parasites in the literature, despite increased online resources that should help facilitate accurate identification. In the Ali et al. paper, a pigeon louse in the genus Columbicola (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera) is misidentified as Menopon gallinae, which is a parasite of chickens (Gallus gallus) and their relatives; moreover, this louse is from an entirely different suborder of lice (Phthiraptera: Amblycera). Another louse is misidentified as Goniodes dissimilis, another parasite of chickens and junglefowl. In addition, photographs of cestodes from pigeons in the same paper are not sufficient to confirm identification. Misidentifications are fueled, in part, by increasing pressure to publish coupled with a decrease in taxonomic expertise. We consider the downstream consequences of misidentification and suggest guidelines for authors, reviewers, and editors that could help to improve the reliability of specimen-based research.

The hawksbill turtle Eretmochelys imbricata is a critically endangered species with a worldwide distribution. Limited information is available about the naturally occurring intestinal parasites of this species and what impact these parasites may have on the health of the hawksbill turtle. Diaschistorchis pandus was identified postmortem in 5 hawksbill turtles from Grenada, West Indies, using morphologic characterization. Sanger sequencing was performed for conserved ribosomal regions (5.8S, ITS2, 28S) and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (COI). Phylogenetic analysis of the 28S rRNA gene sequence data shows D. pandus clustering with other trematodes in the family Pronocephalidae, corroborating morphological classification. No genetic sequences have been previously reported for this trematode species, which has limited the collection of objective epidemiological data about this parasite of marine turtles.

Parasitism is inherent to life and observed in all species. Extinct animals have been studied to understand what they looked like, where and how they lived, what they fed on, and the reasons they became extinct. Paleoparasitology helps to clarify these questions based on the study of the parasites and microorganisms that infected those animals, using as a source material coprolites, fossils in rock, tissue, bone, mummy, and amber, analyses of ancient DNA, immunodiagnosis, and microscopy.

Malaria remains one of the most important infectious diseases in the world. In 2017 alone, approximately 219 million people were infected with malaria, and 435,000 people died of this disease. Plasmodium falciparum, which causes falciparum malaria, is becoming resistant to artemisinin (ART) in Southeast Asia; therefore, new antimalarial drugs are urgently needed. Some excellent antimalarial drugs, such as quinine and ART, were originally obtained from plants. Hence, we analyzed the antimalarial effects of marine natural products to find new antimalarial agents. We used a malaria growth inhibition assay to determine the antimalarial ability and half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values of the marine organism–derived compounds. Three compounds (kapakahine A, kapakahine B, and kulolide-1) showed antimalarial effects, and one (kapakahine F) showed selective antimalarial effects on the Dd2 clone. Although the IC₅₀ values obtained for these compounds were greater than that of ART, their potency against P. falciparum is sufficient to warrant further investigation of these compounds as possible drug leads.

Members of the flea family Pulicidae have been the focus of many studies due to their significance as diseases vectors of medical and veterinary importance and their cosmopolitan distribution. They often exhibit variation in morphological features that can make correct species identification and management challenging. This may also apply to Xenopsylla brasiliensis (Baker, 1904), an important plague vector. In the current study, we aimed to provide genetic tools for reliable species identification using a DNA barcoding approach. A total of 73 flea specimens was collected from a native host (Namaqua rock mouse, Micaelamys namaquensis) in South Africa and identified morphologically. In addition, we took measurements of 7 morphological characteristics. Subsequently, we successfully generated barcodes of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene for X. brasiliensis. We validated this approach by comparing our data to COI sequences from Rwandan X. brasiliensis. While sequences from both regions suggested a close relationship between the 2 X. brasiliensis populations, both haplotype and nucleotide diversity were substantially larger for the South African specimens. This may be attributed to human-assisted spread, differences in habitat, and/or host species sampled and merits further study in the future.

Anaplasmosis is a widespread vector-borne disease affecting dogs, and Anaplasma platys is the major etiological agent of the disease. The study examines anaplasmosis molecular prevalence, related risk factors, and alteration of hematological variables in Anaplasma-affected dogs. A total of 150 blood samples were collected from dogs in the district of Lahore, Pakistan. The samples were screened with PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene of Anaplasma. Sequencing of samples that were found positive after performing PCR was conducted. A questionnaire was developed to collect epidemiological data on subject dogs, and the information was analyzed with a logistic regression model using SPSS. The current study revealed an 11.34% (17/150) prevalence of anaplasmosis in dogs based on PCR detection. Tick infestation, previous tick history, house hygiene, and tick control status were major risk factors linked with disease occurrence. Red blood cell count, packed cell volume, hemoglobin, and platelet count were decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in Anaplasma-infected dogs. Phylogenetically, the 2 isolates of the current study clustered together, and that cluster was very similar to A. platys isolates from India, Malaysia, and Thailand.

Rearing hematophagous amblyceran lice in vitro is a challenging task. The hematophagous nature and active habits of amblycerans are distinct hurdles to in vitro rearing. The literature indicates only limited success in rearing the hematophagous amblyceran avian louse. Herein we report on the results of in vitro experimentation on an amblyceran pigeon louse, Hohorstiella lata. The incubation period of eggs was 5.47 ± 0.52 days. The durations of first, second, and third nymphal instars were 5.14 ± 0.55, 5.65 ± 0.83, and 6.35 ± 0.82 days, respectively. The average lifespan of adult females (7.45 ± 5.88 days) was higher than adult males (4.61 ± 3.57 days). Adult females laid a lifetime average of 3.73 eggs at a rate of 0.45 eggs/female/day under in vitro conditions (35 ± 1 C, 75–82% relative humidity, feather diet).

Toxoplasma gondii infections are common in humans and animals worldwide. The ingestion of food or water contaminated with oocysts excreted by infected cats or ingestion of uncooked or undercooked meat containing tissue cysts of T. gondii are the 2 major modes of transmission of T. gondii. Deer are a popular game. Recently, outbreaks of clinical toxoplasmosis were reported in humans in North America linked to ingestion of undercooked venison. Here, we review prevalence, persistence of infection, clinical disease, epidemiology, and public health risks of T. gondii infections in deer and other cervids for the past decade. Estimates of worldwide serological prevalence are summarized individually for each species of deer, elk, moose, and caribou. Genetic diversity of 112 viable isolates of T. gondii from cervids is discussed, including its public health significance. Prevalence of T. gondii in deer is very high. Any part of a deer, including liver, spleen, and muscles, should be cooked thoroughly before human consumption.

The genus LitomosoidesChandler, 1931, includes species that as adults occur in the thoracic and abdominal cavity of mammalian hosts and are presumably vectored by mites. The vertebrate hosts include a variety of Neotropical mammals such as phyllostomid and mormoopid bats; cricetid, sciurid, and hystricognath rodents; and didelphid marsupials. It has been suggested that Litomosoides is not a monophyletic group and that rampant horizontal transfer explains their presence in disparate groups of mammals. Herein we present a phylogenetic reconstruction including mitochondrial genes of 13 vouchered species. This phylogeny is used to reconstruct the evolutionary history of these parasites and the ancestral states of key characters used in species classification, namely, the configuration of the spicules. The historical association of these filarioids with 6 groups of mammals, as well as their ancestral geographic distributions, were reconstructed using Bayesian statistical approaches comparing alternative models of biogeography and evolution and fossil states in selected nodes of the phylogeny. The optimal reconstruction suggests a model of dispersal, extinction, and cladogenesis (DEC) driving the evolution of Litomosoides; the results suggest an origin of Litomosoides in South America and association of ancestors with phyllostomids, and strong evidence of at least 2 host-switching events: 1 of these involving cricetid rodents and the other mormoopid bats. The latter event included a simultaneous geographic expansion of the parasite lineage across South and North America. The host-switching event from phyllostomid bats into cricetid rodents occurred once these rodents diversified across South America; subsequent diversification of the latter clade resulted in 2 branches, each showing expansion of the parasites back into North America. This result suggests that both parasites and cricetid rodents established an association in South America, underwent diversification, and then dispersed into North America. Further, this clade of cricetid-dwelling species includes parasites featuring the “sigmodontis” spicule type. The identification of a single host-switching event involving the disparate lineages of Chiroptera and Rodentia offers a framework to reconstruct the gene evolution and diversification of this lineage after the host-switching event. This will help in predicting the ability of these parasites to infect sympatric mammals.

Philophthalmus is a genus of globally distributed parasitic eye flukes with some members of the genus found in disparate locales. In particular, Philophthalmus gralli, a zoonotic trematode, appears to be a relatively new introduction to the Americas, facilitated by spillover from the invasive snails Melanoides tuberculata (red-rimmed melania) and Tarebia granifera (quilted melania), which were introduced via the aquarium trade, and perhaps furthered by avian dispersal. Given that two known intermediate hosts of Philophthalmus flukes are actively expanding their range as a result of human activities, we hypothesize that this spread is also associated with the spread of Philophthalmus flukes. To address this, we systematically reviewed the literature and examined whether the global expansion of P. gralli flukes is associated with the spread of invasive snails M. tuberculata and T. granifera. Here, we show that (1) specimens of P. gralli are only found in intermediate snail hosts M. tuberculata or T. granifera, suggesting intermediate host specificity for these 2 species, and (2) specimens of P. gralli have rarely been found outside the ranges (native and introduced) of M. tuberculata or T. granifera. Given the importance of distribution information of parasites in the role of identifying parasite invasions, we also review the known distribution of all Philophthalmus species. Considering recent outbreaks in humans and wild and domestic animal species, the continued spread of Philophthalmus presents a potential threat to veterinary and public health and conservation.

Schistosoma mansoni, which causes human intestinal schistosomiasis, continues to be a major public health concern in the Lake Victoria basin in western Kenya, with Biomphalaria sudanica (a shoreline inhabiting snail) and Biomphalaria choanomphala (a deep-water snail) playing roles in transmission. A recent study showed that B. sudanica was abundantly present near all study villages on the lakeshore, but B. choanomphala was significantly more abundant near villages known to be persistent transmission hotspots. The present study investigated the relative compatibility of B. sudanica and B. choanomphala with S. mansoni. A reciprocal cross-infection experiment used young adult F1 generation B. sudanica and B. choanomphala that were exposed to either 1, 5, or 10 sympatric or allopatric human-derived S. mansoni miracidia. Three weeks post-exposure (PE) and weekly thereafter, the snails were counted and screened for schistosome cercariae, and at 7 wk PE, total cercariae shed during a 2 hr period by each infected snail was determined. Pre-patent periods for S. mansoni in both B. sudanica and B. choanomphala were similar, and most snails in all exposure combinations started shedding cercariae 5 wk PE. Prevalences were significantly higher in B. choanomphala (12.2–80.9%) than in B. sudanica (5.2–18.6%) at each dose, regardless of whether miracidia were of an allopatric or a sympatric source (P < 0.0001). Overall, the odds of a snail becoming infected with 5 or 10 miracidia were significantly higher than the odds of being infected with 1 miracidium, (P < 0.0001), and fewer cercariae were produced by snails exposed to single as compared to 5 or 10 miracidia. On average, B. choanomphala produced more cercariae (x̄ = 458, SD = 414) than B. sudanica (x̄ = 238, SD = 208) (P < 0.0001). These results suggest that B. choanomphala is more compatible with S. mansoni than B. sudanica. Though B. choanomphala can be found in shallow shoreline waters, it is, for the most part, a deeper-water taxon. Because dredging is a relatively inefficient means of sampling, B. choanomphala is likely underestimated with respect to its population size, the number of S. mansoni–positive snails, and its role in maintaining transmission.

The life cycle of Dioctophyma renale involves an intermediate host (oligochaete), a paratenic hosts (fish and frogs), and a definitive host (mustelids and canids). Dogs are at risk of infection with D. renale when they consume paratenic hosts infected with the larval form of D. renale. Water containing the oligochaete intermediate host cannot be disregarded as another source of infection. Infections occur mainly in the right kidney, but worms have also been found in the abdominal cavity as well as other organs. Most dogs appear asymptomatic and infections are usually noted as incidental findings on necropsy. Recently, the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and Humane Society conducted transports of dogs located in northern remote communities. In 2016, some female dogs were found to be infected with D. renale upon ovariohysterectomy. In response to this discovery, we developed a screening protocol to screen for D. renale infections. In 2018, a total of 130 intact dogs were transferred from 2 northern communities in the provinces of Ontario and Manitoba. A prevalence of 7.94% (95% confidence interval 3.87–14.11%) was found from dogs from the northern communities. The screening protocol we developed provides a method of screening for dogs that are transported from communities that could be at risk of infection with D. renale.

A helminthological analysis was performed on 91 specimens of the porkfish, Anisotremus virginicus (Linnaeus) (Haemulidae), captured in coral reef habitats of the Parque Nacional Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano (PNSAV) (Veracruz Reef System National Park), in Veracruz, Mexico. A total of 22 helminth taxa were recorded: 9 digeneans, 6 monogeneans, 1 cestode, 4 nematodes, and 2 acanthocephalans. From the 22 taxa, 11 are new host records and 7 are new geographic records. The highest prevalence was found for Monorchis latus Manter, 1942 (69%), and Mexicana anisotremumCezar, Paschoal and Luque, 2012 (68%), and the highest mean intensity was found for M. anisotremum (19.6), M. latus (18.9), and Dollfusentis chandleri Golvan, 1969 (10.8). Other important values were the component community richness (S = 22), diversity (Shannon index H′ = 1.6), and infracommunity level (S = 3.1 ± 1.4; Brillouin index, H = 0.52 ± 0.3), which were similar to those found in other marine fish at the same study site. Our result represents a significant range extension for several helminth taxa. The parasite communities of A. virginicus rank among the richer parasite communities of neotropical marine fishes. In addition, the results reveal the PNSAV is a diverse area for the parasite assemblage of neotropical reef marine fishes, particularly of haemulids but also for other fish families.