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Parasitology research2016; 115(11); 4299-4306; doi: 10.1007/s00436-016-5212-1

Description of two equine nematodes, Parascaris equorum Goeze 1782 and Habronema microstoma Schneider 1866 from the domestic horse Equus ferus caballus (Famisly: Equidae) in Egypt.

Abstract: Parasitic gastroenteritis (PGE) caused by infection of the gut with parasitic nematodes is one of the most important diseases of livestock animals from both financial and welfare perspectives. Parascaris equorum and Habronema microstoma are of the most endemic nematodes of the world which are currently the major cause of PGE of the domestic horses in Egypt. The present investigation introduced the first morphological description of these nematodes recovered from the domestic horse, Equus ferus caballus (Equidae), in Egypt by light and scanning electron microscopy. Seven P. equorum (fifth stage) and 18 adults of H. microstoma were recovered from the gastrointestinal tracts of four young domestic horses collected during the year of 2015. Microscopic examination of the isolated fifth stage P. equorum revealed that it possessed a long body with a broad anterior end equipped by large shamrock-like lips with deep transverse groove on medial surface set off from the rest of the body by a deep post-labial constriction giving the body a shouldered appearance. The total body length was 12-15 (14 ± 2) cm for males and 13-18 (16 ± 2) cm for females. Lips were three in number in the form of one dorsal and two sub-ventral surrounding the central stoma. The isolated adult worms of H. microstoma were whitish in color narrowed slightly at the anterior end. Single lateral ala in the cephalic region in both sexes was observed. The buccal vestibule was markedly thickened and equipped by two tridentate teeth. The adult worms had two bilobed lateral lips surrounding the mouth with four sub-median cephalic papillae and two amphids. The males were 14.5-18.0 (17.2 ± 0.3) mm long and 1.23-1.57 (1.42 ± 0.3) mm wide. The posterior end was spirally coiled and had wide caudal alae. The spicules were unequal. The females were 13.5-21.0 (16.2 ± 0.3) mm long and 1.55-1.75 (1.69 ± 0.3) mm wide. The anal pore had a thin upper rim and was located 177.0 μm from the posterior end.
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Publication Date: 2016-08-19 PubMed ID: 27539725DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5212-1Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

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This research provides microscopic descriptions of two specific types of nematode parasites, Parascaris equorum and Habronema microstoma, which are known causes of gastrointestinal diseases in domestic horses in Egypt.

Overview of the Study

  • The study aimed at examining the morphological features of P. equorum and H. microstoma nematodes, both of which are deemed significant causes of parasitic gastroenteritis (PGE) in domestic horses, particularly in Egypt.
  • This involved dissecting the gastrointestinal tracts of four young domestic horses to recover parasites for examination and analysis using light and scanning electron microscopy throughout 2015.

Key Findings

Parascaris equorum Examination

  • Seven P. equorum were recovered, and observed to have elongated bodies with broad anterior ends adorned by large, shamrock-like lips.
  • The lips were characterized by deep transverse grooves set apart from the rest of the body by deep post-labial constrictions. This unique characteristic lent the body a shouldered appearance.
  • Measurement details: The total body length varied between 12-15cm for males and 13-18cm for females.
  • The stoma (mouth) was surrounded by three lips: one dorsal and two sub-ventral.

Habronema microstoma Examination

  • Around 18 adults of H. microstoma were retrieved. They appeared whitish, with bodies slightly narrowed at the anterior end.
  • A single lateral ala was observable in the cephalic region of both sexes.
  • The worm’s buccal vestibule had a marked thickening and was equipped with two tridentate teeth.
  • There were two lateral lips surrounding the mouth, along with four sub-median cephalic papillae and two amphids on the H. microstoma.
  • Measurement details: Males were 14.5-18.0mm long and 1.23-1.57mm wide, with spirally coiled posterior ends and wide caudal alae, while spicules were unequal. Females were 13.5-21.0mm long and 1.55-1.75mm wide, with a thin-rimmed anal pore located 177.0µm from the posterior end.

Significance of the Study

  • This research contributes to further understanding of the pathological nematodes causing PGE in domestic horses, intensifying the importance of monitoring and controlling these parasites in efforts to maintain equine health and welfare, especially in endemic regions like Egypt.

    • Cite This Article

    APA
    Morsy K, Bashtar AR, Al Quraishy S, Adel S. (2016). Description of two equine nematodes, Parascaris equorum Goeze 1782 and Habronema microstoma Schneider 1866 from the domestic horse Equus ferus caballus (Famisly: Equidae) in Egypt. Parasitol Res, 115(11), 4299-4306. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-016-5212-1

    Publication

    Parasitology research
    ISSN: 1432-1955
    NlmUniqueID: 8703571
    Country: Germany
    Language: English
    Volume: 115
    Issue: 11
    Pages: 4299-4306

    Researcher Affiliations

    Morsy, Kareem
    • Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
    Bashtar, Abdel Rahman
    • Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt. drbashtar123@yahoo.com.
    Al Quraishy, Saleh
    • Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
    Adel, Salma
    • Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.

    MeSH Terms

    • Anal Canal / parasitology
    • Animals
    • Ascaridida Infections / veterinary
    • Ascaridoidea / classification
    • Ascaridoidea / isolation & purification
    • Duodenum / parasitology
    • Egypt
    • Female
    • Gastroenteritis / parasitology
    • Horse Diseases / parasitology
    • Horses / parasitology
    • Male
    • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
    • Spirurida Infections / veterinary
    • Spiruroidea / classification
    • Spiruroidea / isolation & purification
    • Stomach / parasitology

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    Citations

    This article has been cited 7 times.
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