Description and development of the early third-stage larva of Gnathostoma turgidum Stossich, 1902 (Nematoda: Gnathostomatidae) and contributions to its life cycle.
The egg and larval stages of Gnathostoma turgidum were examined using light microscopy. Fertilized uterine eggs are 65.97 long and 32.28 wide, oval, brownish, with two cap-like thickenings. The eggshell surface is covered with numerous irregularly shaped pits of various sizes and depths. A sheathed second-stage larva emerges from the egg, measures 178 x 9; the sheath measures 243 x 21. Development to early third-stage larva in the coelomic cavity of cyclopoid copepods is similar to that described for other gnathostome species. After 10 days at 27 degrees C, the larvae undergo a molt (the second for gnathostomes) and develop to early third stage. The body of this stage measures 412.3 x 40.1, with evident hemispherical cephalic bulbs. Cephalic bulbs measure 25 x 40, armed with four transverse rows of sharp hooklets. The average number of hooklets in each row is 31, 34, 37, and 42, respectively. The whole body is covered with 193 transverse rows of small single-pointed cuticular spines. One pair of cervical papillae and an excretory pore are present on the anterior part of the body. On the other hand, potential species-specific features regarding the latter larval stage are discussed. Finally, some G. turgidum life cycle considerations are portrayed.
Departamento El Hombre y su Ambiente, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Xochimilco, Calzada del Hueso No 1100, Col Villa Quietud, Delegación Coyoacán, 04960 México DF, Mexico. zitzitl@correo.xoc.uam.mx
Miguel Angel
MA
Mosqueda-Cabrera
Roberto Javier
RJ
Almeyda-Artigas
Elizabeth
E
Sánchez-Miranda
Laura
L
Carranza-Calderón
Edmundo
E
Sánchez-Núñez
D000818:Animals; D006039:Gnathostoma / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000254:growth & development*; D007814:Larva / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000254:growth & development; D008018:Life Cycle Stages; D008853:Microscopy