Description and circadian rhythms ofLi, 1933 (Nematoda; Onchocercidae), with remarks of microfilariae effects on the host health.

Abstract

During investigation of common linnetblood using the buffy coat method one bird with microfilariae in the blood was found. The morphometric description of adult worms corresponded to theThis species was found for the first time in common linnets. DNA sequences ofandgene fragments of adult worm recovered during necropsy was identical to that from the microfilariae in the bird blood. Phylogenetic analysis of thegene fragment clustered this parasite with. Histological examination revealed the presence of microfilariae in the lumen of small capillaries and other blood vessels in different organs, but no inflammations were notice. The greatest number of microfilariae was in the lungs. Even if there was no inflammation, but vessels associated with the lungs were markedly distended with blood, parabronchial walls were thickened and, in some cases, almost completely obstructing the lumen. The large number of microfilariae in lungs indicates possible disturbance of gas exchange in the lungs adversely affected the ability of the bird to exercise and made breathing difficult at rest. The investigation of circadian rhythm of the microfilariae showed thatmicrofilariae in blood of common linnet were more numerous at night and morning and less numerous at midday. The survival rate of mosquitoes infected withmicrofilariae was significantly lower than that of uninfected mosquitoes.