Physiological responses to acute temperature increase in European eels Anguilla anguilla infected with Anguillicola crassus. (1/1)
The swimbladder parasite, Anguillicola crassus has infected, and spread rapidly, through European eel Anguilla anguilla (L.) populations over the past 20 to 25 yr. Our aim in the present studies was to elucidate whether the presence of A. crassus in these eels alters their rapid physiological responses to an acute temperature increase, compared to the response of uninfected fish. Both infected and uninfected fish showed significant increases in plasma cortisol after 2 h at a raised environmental temperature with increased plasma glucose after 6 h. However, infected eels exhibited a slight lag in glucose mobilisation, which may be due to the metabolic cost of harbouring a sanguiverous parasite. Both infected and uninfected fish showed a significant increase in haematocrit after 6 h of temperature elevation, but only uninfected fish exhibited a significant increase in haemoglobin at this point. However, there were no significant changes in mean erythrocyte haemoglobin concentration in either group. Our results suggest that acute temperature increase alone is unlikely to cause significant mortality of A. crassus-infected European eels; however, the effects of chronic increases in temperature in combination with other factors such as toxicants and hypoxia requires examination. (+info)Secernentea is a class of parasitic nematodes (roundworms) that includes several medically important species, such as those causing ascariasis, hookworm infections, trichuriasis, and strongyloidiasis. A Secernentea infection occurs when a person ingests or comes into contact with the larvae or eggs of one of these parasitic worms, which then mature and reproduce inside the host's body.
Symptoms of Secernentea infections can vary depending on the specific species involved, but may include gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea, as well as respiratory symptoms if the larvae migrate through the lungs. In severe cases, Secernentea infections can lead to complications such as intestinal obstruction, anemia, or malnutrition.
Treatment for Secernentea infections typically involves administration of anthelmintic drugs, which kill the parasitic worms and allow them to be expelled from the body. Preventive measures include good hygiene practices, such as washing hands thoroughly after using the bathroom or handling soil, and avoiding consumption of contaminated food or water.
Secernentea is a class within the phylum Nematoda, which includes parasitic roundworms. The defining characteristic of Secernentea is the presence of a specialized structure called the secretory-excretory system, which is used for the elimination of waste products and the secretion of enzymes or other substances. This class is further divided into several orders, including Rhabditida, Spirurida, and Ascaridida, among others. Many species within Secernentea are important pathogens in humans and animals, causing a range of diseases such as ascariasis, trichuriasis, hookworm infection, and filariasis.