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Home / Equine Research Bank / Parasitol Res / Fecundity of various species of strongylids (Nematoda: Stron...
Parasitology research2012; 111(6); 2265-2271; doi: 10.1007/s00436-012-3077-5

Fecundity of various species of strongylids (Nematoda: Strongylidae)–parasites of domestic horses.

Abstract: The aims of the study were to determine fecundity of several strongylid species parasitizing domestic horses and analyze possible relations between numbers of eggs in female uteri and size of both the eggs and the nematodes as well as the influence of fecundity on proportion of species in the strongylid community. Twenty-five specimens from each of 15 strongylid species (Strongylus vulgaris, Strongylus edentatus, Triodontophorus serratus, Triodontophorus brevicauda, Triodontophorus tenuicollis, Cyathostomum catinatum, Coronocyclus coronatus, Cylicocyclus nassatus, Cylicocyclus insigne, Cylicocyclus leptostomus, Cylicostephanus calicatus, Cylicostephanus goldi, Cylicostephanus longibursatus, Cylicostephanus minutus, and Poteriostomum imparidentatum) collected after necropsy were studied. The reproductive system was extracted from the female body; all eggs were removed, counted, and measured under a light microscope. Significant differences in number of eggs in female uteri of various strongylid species were observed (Kruskal-Wallis test, p < 0.001); the least numbers of eggs were registered in C. longibursatus (average = 49) and C. leptostomus (63) and the largest number in S. edentatus (5,918). Significant correlation between nematode body size and number of eggs was observed (p < 0.001). Correlation between size of eggs and body size was insignificant (Spearman R = 0.11, p = 0.70). Negative correlation was observed between number of eggs in female uteri and proportion of these species in strongylid community (Spearman R = -0.78, p 0.05). However, the question on influence of fecundity on proportion of species in strongylid community needs further studies.
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Publication Date: 2012-08-19 PubMed ID: 22903448DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-3077-5Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This study researched the number of eggs produced (fecundity) by various species of strongylid parasites in domestic horses, and how this might be connected to their size and prevalence in the host community. The results indicated significant differences in the number of eggs among different species, with potential links between parasite size and egg production, but no significant connection between egg size and body size.

Methodology

  • The analysis involved fifteen species of strongylid parasites, commonly found in domestic horses. Twenty-five specimens from each species were collected post-necropsy.
  • The reproductive system of each female parasite was studied by removing and counting all eggs under a light microscope. The eggs and parasites were also measured for size.

Key Findings

  • The researchers observed significant differences in the number of eggs in the uterine tract of various strongylid species. For instance, the species C. longibursatus and C. leptostomus produced relatively fewer eggs (average of 49 and 63 respectively), while S. edentatus had the highest number of eggs (5,918).
  • A significant correlation between the body size of the parasite and the number of eggs produced was found (p<0.001). That is, larger parasites tend to produce more eggs.
  • In contrast, there was no significant correlation between the size of the eggs and the body size of the nematodes, indicating that larger parasites don’t necessarily produce larger eggs.
  • A negative correlation was observed between the number of eggs in female uteri and the prevalence (proportion) of these species in the strongylid community. This implies that species with a high egg count are less prevalent in the community.
  • A multiple linear regression was carried out to analyze the influence of fecundity on the prevalence of the species in the horse community, using three predictors: number of eggs, body size, and egg size. The regression was not found to be significant (p > 0.05), suggesting that the predictors didn’t provide a solid basis for understanding species prevalence. Further studies are required to clarify this relationship.

Conclusion

  • The study sheds light on the fecundity of different strongylid species parasitizing horses and uncovers some interesting patterns. However, more research is needed to better understand the relationship between fecundity and species prevalence in the community.

Cite This Article

APA
Kuzmina TA, Lyons ET, Tolliver SC, Dzeverin II, Kharchenko VA. (2012). Fecundity of various species of strongylids (Nematoda: Strongylidae)–parasites of domestic horses. Parasitol Res, 111(6), 2265-2271. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-012-3077-5

Publication

Parasitology research
ISSN: 1432-1955
NlmUniqueID: 8703571
Country: Germany
Language: English
Volume: 111
Issue: 6
Pages: 2265-2271

Researcher Affiliations

Kuzmina, T A
  • Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology NAS of Ukraine, vul B Khmelnytskogo 15, Kyiv 01601, Ukraine. taniak@izan.kiev.ua
Lyons, E T
    Tolliver, S C
      Dzeverin, I I
        Kharchenko, V A

          MeSH Terms

          • Animals
          • Female
          • Fertility
          • Genitalia / anatomy & histology
          • Horse Diseases / parasitology
          • Horses / parasitology
          • Microscopy
          • Parasite Egg Count
          • Strongylida Infections / parasitology
          • Strongylida Infections / veterinary
          • Strongyloidea / anatomy & histology
          • Strongyloidea / isolation & purification
          • Strongyloidea / physiology

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          Citations

          This article has been cited 11 times.
          1. Courtot É, Boisseau M, Dhorne-Pollet S, Serreau D, Gesbert A, Reigner F, Basiaga M, Kuzmina T, Lluch J, Annonay G, Kuchly C, Diekmann I, Krücken J, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G, Mach N, Sallé G. Comparison of two molecular barcodes for the study of equine strongylid communities with amplicon sequencing.. PeerJ 2023;11:e15124.
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          2. Boisseau M, Mach N, Basiaga M, Kuzmina T, Laugier C, Sallé G. Patterns of variation in equine strongyle community structure across age groups and gut compartments.. Parasit Vectors 2023 Feb 11;16(1):64.
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