Dujardinascaris gigantea sp. n. (Nematoda: Ascaridida) from the critically endangered crocodile Alligator sinensis Fauvel (Reptilia: Crocodylia)

Parasitol Res. 2015 Mar;114(3):801-8. doi: 10.1007/s00436-014-3980-z. Epub 2014 Jun 13.

Abstract

The Chinese alligator Alligator sinensis Fauvel (Reptilia: Crocodylia) is considered as one of the most critically endangered species of the 23 extant crocodiles. However, our knowledge of the helminth parasites of this rare animal is completely lacking. During a helminthological survey of reptiles in China, we found a new ascaridoid nematode, Dujardinascaris gigantea sp. n. from A. sinensis. The morphology of D. gigantea sp. n. was studied using light and scanning electron microscopy. The new species was also characterised using molecular methods by sequencing and analysing the small ribosomal DNA (18S) and the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS-2).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alligators and Crocodiles / parasitology*
  • Animals
  • Ascaridida / classification*
  • Ascaridida / isolation & purification
  • Ascaridida / ultrastructure*
  • Ascaridida Infections / epidemiology
  • Ascaridida Infections / parasitology
  • Ascaridida Infections / veterinary*
  • China / epidemiology
  • Endangered Species
  • Female
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning