Site adaptations of Acanthogyrus (Acanthosentis) tilapiae: Observations through light and scanning electron microscopy
Mahmoud E. Bayoumy*, Osman K. Abd El-Hady, Hussein A.M. Osman
Hydrobiology Department, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt. bayoumy2004@yahoo.com
Acanthogyrus (Acanthosentis) tilapiae parasites were
collected from the intestines of 300 fish belonging to three
tilapia species sourced at the River Nile, Giza, Egypt. The
proboscis of the parasite was characterized by three rows
of hooks that curved towards the posterior of the body.
The first row is supported by unmodified hooks. The
parasite tegument has a series of alternative folds and a
large number of pores. Sensory ganglia are located on the
surface of the proboscis and body. Acanthogyrus (Acanthosentis)
tilapiae provokes an aggressive host response indicated by
hyperplasia of the intestinal goblet cells and focal eosinophil
infiltrations. This acanthocephalan parasite shows a highly
modified adaptation to its site of host infection.