Distribution of the nematodes of the genus Eustrongylides (Nematoda, Dioctophymatidae) in the world

Abstract

Eustrongylides spp. are nematodes from the Dioctophymatidae family, potentially dangerous for the health of mammals. The aim of this review is to describe the distribution of the Eustrongylides spp. nematode. Eustrongylidosis is a parasitic disease which is common in countries with a continental, tropical or subtropical climate. Eustrongylides are biohelminths with a complicated development cycle. The nematode development takes place in the aquatic environment and includes a wide range of intermediate, definitive, and accidental hosts. The purpose of this review is describe the distribution of Eustrongylides spp. nematodes in the global regions, describe the prevalence of infection in those regions, and identify intermediate, definitive, and accidental hosts. It was found that Eustrongylides spp. nematrodes are significantly widespread around the world. In part in North America the agent of eustrongylidosis is registered mostly among birds and fishes, but cases of humans being affected with the disease are noted as well. In South America the given disease was also registered among amphibians and reptiles. In Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania and countries of the Far East, the disease is registered mostly in fishes, rarely – in birds. The taxonomic identification showed that some nematode species were related to certain geographic areas. For example, Eustrongylides ignotus and Eu. tubifex were mostly registered in North America, while for Europe (including Ukraine), Near and Middle East, Eu. еxcisus is a dominant species. Analysis of scientific sources showed that continents with warmer climatic conditions (South America, Asia, etc.) are characterized with a wider range of fishes, birds and reptiles which can potentially serve as hosts for the Eustrongylides nematodes.

Low Genetic and Parasite Diversity of Invasive Pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus (Centrarchidae) Expanding in Türkiye

“…Despite primarily infecting fish-eating birds, larvae of Eustrongylides have zoonotic potential, being agents of human diseases [94]. Although rare, representatives of Eustrongylides have caused eustrongylidosis in humans in North America, the Middle East, and Africa [96], potentially having socio-economic implications. Therefore, the continued expansion of non-native pumpkinseed populations in Türkiye poses a threat not only to natural conservation efforts and fisheries but also potentially to human health.…”

Unregulated introduced fish (Perca fluviatilis Linnaeus, 1758) is host to zoonotic parasites in a small Mediterranean island

“…Eustrongylides prevalence in Padula reservoir (90%) is among the highest in P. fluviatilis in Europe, where reported prevalence ranges from 0.6% for E. tubifex and 13.9% for E. excisus in Bulgaria (Lake Srebarna) and 3.3%, 6.8%, and 10.0% for Eustrongylides spp. in Italy (Lake Bracciano, Trasimeno, and San Michele, respectively) to 72.0–100.0% and 94.0–100.0% for E. excisus in Ukraine (Zaporizhya Reservoir) and Moldova (Prut-Dniester interriveran), respectively (Branciari et al 2016 ; Menconi et al 2020b ; Honcharov et al 2022 ; Maggio et al 2024 ). There does not seem to be a clear relation between Eustrongylides prevalence and the type of habitat.…”

“…P. fluviatilis , S. lucioperca , and the European catfish Silurus glanis Linnaeus, 1758, in Eastern Europe and more recently from Southern Europe (Italy) (Shukerova et al 2010 ; Bjelić-Čabrilo et al 2013 ; Branciari et al 2016 ; Goncharov et al 2018 ; Menconi et al 2020b ; Honcharov 2020 ; Guardone et al 2021 ; Honcharov et al 2022 ). Numerous piscivorous birds are reported as final hosts for Eustrongylides Nematoda, i.e., great cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo (Linnaeus, 1758), Anatidae (wild ducks) as well as various Ciconiformes, e.g., Egretta thula (Molina, 1803) (e.g., Honcharov et al 2022 ). Moreover, Spalding and Forrester ( 1993 ) also report the occurrence of Eustrongylides from the great blue heron Ardea herodias Linnaeus, 1758.…”

The Occurrence of Freshwater Fish-Borne Zoonotic Helminths in Italy and Neighbouring Countries: A Systematic Review

“…Nematodes ascribable to the genus Eustrongylides are now widespread and reported on all continents [113]. The distribution of the dominating Eustrongylides species varies among countries; E. ignotus and E. tubifex are generally reported in North America, while E. excisus is common in Europe and the Middle East [100]. Bibliographical analysis indicates that E. excisus had never been reported in European countries prior to 2009 [34]; however, no further reports were made until 2015 [114].…”