The separation of Clinostomum complanatum Rudolphi, 1814 and Clinostomum marginatum Rudolphi, 1819 has long been unclear. Recent data confirm the validity of the junior species, C. marginatum , by ∼ 1% differences in its 18S rDNA sequences. We collected adults and metacercariae of C. complanatum and C. marginatum and found reliable morphological differences in the genital complex at both developmental stages. In addition, we identified basic morphometrics (distance between suckers, body width) in metacercariae that may be useful for discriminating the species. The morphological differences were supported by the comparison of sequences of internal transcribed spacers of ribosomal DNA and of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) from 39 specimens. In 36 specimens, the average divergence between the species was 7.3% in ITS and 19.4% in COI sequences. Two specimens from North America and 1 from Europe had sequences that did not allow them to be clearly allied with either species.

Background: Among ocular vector-borne pathogens,Onchocerca volvulus, the agent of the so-called “river blindness”, affects about 37 million people globally. OtherOnchocercaspp. have been sporadically reported as zoonotic agents. Cases of canine onchocerciasis caused byOnchocerca lupiare on the rise in the United States and Europe. Its zoonotic role has been suspected but only recently ascertained in a single case from Turkey. The present study provides further evidence on the occurrence ofO. lupiinfesting human eyes in two patients from Turkey (case 1) and Tunisia (case 2). The importance of obtaining a correct sample collection and preparation of nematodes infesting human eyes is highlighted.Methods: In both cases the parasites were identified with morpho-anatomical characters at the gross examination, histological analysis and anatomical description and also molecularly in case 1.Results: The nematode from the first case was obviouslyO. lupibased on their morphology at the gross examination, histological analysis and anatomical description. In the second case, although the diagnostic cuticular characters were not completely developed, other features were congruent with the identification ofO. lupi. Furthermore, the morphological identification was also molecularly confirmed in the Turkish case.Conclusions: The results of this study suggest thatO. lupiinfestation is not an occasional finding but it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of other zoonotic helminths causing eye infestation in humans (e.g.,D. immitisandDirofilaria repens). Both cases came from areas where no cases of canine onchocerciasis were previously reported in the literature, suggesting that an in depth appraisal of the infestation in canine populations is necessary. Physicians and ophthalmologists are advised on how to preserve nematode samples recovered surgically, to allow a definitive, correct etiological diagnosis.

Viral encephalopathy and retinopathy (VER), otherwise known as viral nervous necrosis (VNN), is a neuropathological condition affecting > 40 species of fish. Although VER affects mainly marine fish, the disease has also been detected in certain species reared in freshwater environments. There are relatively few reports concerning the disease in freshwater species, and there is not much information on clinical signs. Nevertheless, the most common clinical findings reported from affected freshwater species are consistent with the typical signs observed in marine species. In this paper we describe the main clinical signs and the laboratory results associated with the detection of a betanodavirus in hybrid striped bass x white bass (Morone saxatilis x Morone chrysops) and largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides, reared in a freshwater environment. We also detected the virus by real-time PCR and isolated it in cell culture from a batch of pike-perch Sander lucioperca farmed in the same system.