First scannig electron microscope observation on adult oesophagostomum venulosum (Rudolphi, 1809)(Nematoda: Strongylida, Chabertiidae)

Abstract

Oesophagostomum sp. belongs to the family Chabertiidae (Nematoda: Strongylida). Members of this genus have a cylindrical buccal capsule, usually narrow. The mouth of male parasites located in the anterior end is surrounded by internal and external leaf crown. The buccal capsule is shallow. There are no lateral cervical alae. The cervical papillae are present and situated behind the level of the esophagus. The external and the internal leaf-crown consist of 18 and of 36 elements, respectively. The male parasite has a large bursa and spicules long, tubular, slender and with an accessory piece present. A curved sword-shaped structure of these spicules is observed under higher magnifications. The tail of the female parasite is finely pointed.In the female parasite, the anus was seen as a fissure in shape. The vulva of the females is next to the tail and sexual cement is observed. The anus is situated on the point of the posterior end. Analysis by SEM, revealed no difference between anterior ends of male and female parasites.