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Larval Digenean Parasitizing Amphibian Hosts from the Argentinian Chaco Region

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Abstract

Purpose

The diversity of larval digenetic trematodes can provide information on one or more intermediate hosts prior to maturation into the definitive host; on host activity and distribution; and in some cases, on environmental perturbations. In this context, the goal of the present study was to analyse the trematode larvae found in adult amphibians collected from the Argentinian Chaco Region. Few studies have been reported on the systematics of larval digeneans in amphibians.

Methods

A total of 167 specimens of frogs (Leptodactylus macrosternum, Leptodactylus latinasus, Lepidobatrachus laevis, Lepidobatrachus llanensis and Lysapsus limellum) and toads (Rhinella bergi) were examined for larval digeneans. Frogs and toads were collected in two Argentinian ecoregions (Dry Chaco and Humid Chaco); between June 2002 and December 2019. Morphology of each taxon was studied in detail using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Results

Fourteen different taxa of the families Diplostomidae (Alariinae gen sp., Didelphodiplostomum sp., Pharingostomoides sp. and Tylodelphys sp.), Proterodiplostomidae (Heterodiplostomum lanceolatum), and Strigeidae (Strigea spp.) were found infecting the body cavity, mesentery, muscle, fluid in the spinal cord canal, and cranial cavity of amphibians. All species are described and illustrated, and their life cycles are briefly discussed.

Conclusion

These infections provide new information on the morphology, morphometry, and composition of the diversity of mesocercariae and metacercariae in amphibians, thus contributing to the knowledge of potential intermediate hosts. In addition, our results serve as an indicator of parasite and host biodiversity in different ecoregions of the Gran Chaco.

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Data Availability

The data used in this study are included in the manuscript.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Dr Margarita Ostrowski de Núñez for reviewing a draft version of the manuscript and making useful suggestions. We also thank the office of the Secretary of Natural Resources of Corrientes Province and Formosa Province, Argentina in authorizing the capture of amphibians for this research.

Funding

Financial support were provided by Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) through grant PIP 11220150100119, PUE 22920180100001CO, and Secretaría General de Ciencia y Técnica (SGCyT) PI 18Q001, 21Q001.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centro de Ecología Aplicada del Litoral (CECOAL), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional del Nordeste (UNNE), Ruta 5, Km 2.5, AMD, W 3400, Corrientes, Argentina

    M. I. Hamann, M. V. Fernández & C. E. González

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  1. M. I. Hamann
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All authors collected the data and provided critical feedback and helped shape the research, analysis and manuscript.

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Correspondence to M. I. Hamann.

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We certify that anuran species reported in the study is not threatened, and all procedures were approved by the ethics committee of the institution where the study was conducted.

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Hamann, M.I., Fernández, M.V. & González, C.E. Larval Digenean Parasitizing Amphibian Hosts from the Argentinian Chaco Region. Acta Parasit. 68, 194–207 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11686-022-00650-1

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