A new species of trichostrongyloid in African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) (Artiodactyla: Bovinae) from Uganda

Authors: Hoberg, Eric; Abrams, Arthur; Pilitt, Patricia

Submitted to: Journal of Parasitology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/20/2009
Publication Date: 2/1/2010
Citation: Hoberg, E.P., Abrams, A., Pilitt, P.A. 2010. A new species of trichostrongyloid in African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) (Artiodactyla: Bovinae) from Uganda. Journal of Parasitology. 96:129-136.

Interpretive Summary: Medium stomach worms in both domestic and free-ranging ungulates continue to represent a substantial burden for animal health and agricultural production globally. One cornerstone of addressing threats to food resources and animal productivity is in understanding the diversity of pathogens that occur in ungulate hosts. In this regard, the global and North American fauna continues to be incompletely understood, and previously unrecognized species of parasites are being discovered. We describe and characterize a new species of abomasal nematode, Africanastrongylus giganticus which occurs in African buffalo from Uganda. Our research, and this study in particular, serve to continue the definition of parasite diversity in regions that may represent the source of animals translocated into North America. Basic biodiversity research, focusing on systematics, taxonomy, and the development of synoptic museum collections are essential steps in providing the foundations for eventual control of parasites and parasitism in ungulates.

Technical Abstract: Africanastrongylus giganticus n. sp. is described based on large ostertagiine nematodes occurring in the abomasum of African buffalo, Syncerus caffer, from Uganda; this represents the second species recognized in the genus. Specimens of A. giganticus are characterized by large size (15-19 mm in total length), a strongly tapering synlophe in the cervical region, and a great number of ridges at all levels of the body (maximum 72 attained in the third quarter); numbers of ridges exceed that reported among any known genera and species of the Ostertagiinae. We refer A. giganticus to this genus based on a strongly tapering lateral synlophe, relatively large numbers of ridges at all levels of the body, miniscule cervical papillae, poorly demarcated divisions of the ovejector, absence of vulval cuticular inflations, and presence of slightly protruding lips at the vulva. It is distinguished from its congener, A. buceros, in total length, maximum number of ridges (68-72 versus 53), structure and disposition of the synlophe, presence of strongly spiraled ovarian tracks, and eggs which are distributed in 3 or more rows in the uterus. A superficial resemblance to Longistrongylus meyeri, the only other large ostertagiine in the African fauna is evident; these species, however, are distinct based on the synlophe and other characters. Recognition of a second species of Africanastrongylus represented by nematodes of large size suggests that prior reports of L. meyeri in Syncerus caffer may be attributable to A. giganticus.