%0 Journal Article
%T Ultrastructural Study of the Three Trematodes Plagiorchis muris, Pleurogenoides japonicus and Loxogenes liberum Collected from Dragonflies
%A Joon-Seok Chaea
%A Myeong Kyu Parkb
%A Hyeon-Cheol Kimc
%A Ju-Young Jungd
%A Hwa-Young Sond
%A Si-Yun Ryud
%A Hyun-Jin Shind
%A Cheolho Sime* and Bae-Keun Parkd*
%J International Journal of Veterinary Science
%D 2012
%I Nnamdi Azikiwe University
%X This study explains morphological differences among three trematode species collected from dragonflies in the fields. The trematodes were tentatively identified under light microscopy, and then precisely examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) on the basis of unique features at the tegumental spines, cuticles and internal organs of the worms. Despite the previous investigations regarding the ultrastructural details including the tegumental spines of the trematode Plagiorchis muris, very few efforts have been made in both the trematodes, Loxogenes liberum and Pleurogenoides japonicus, partly because the latter two species cause less damage to host animals compared to the former trematode P. muris. Since the three species of trematodes are readily found in the same dragonflies, correct identification of these species is important to predict and prevent the disease caused by these trematodes. Herein, we characterize by SEM new ultrastructural details in the three trematodes which were not previously described in P. japonicas and L. liberum. Three morphologically different spines, suckers and internal organs (ovary, vitellaria and uterus) were observed and described. Based on these results, we assert that the newly recognized morphological features should be used for species differentiation in the future.
%K Dragonfly
%K Loxogenes liberum
%K Metacercaria
%K Plagiorchis muris
%K Pleurogenoides japonicas
%K Trematodes
%U http://www.ijvets.com/wp-content/uploads/pdf-files/Volume-1-Issue-2-2012/59-63.pdf