Cuticular Morphology of Five Species of Dirofilaria: A Scanning Electron Microscope Study

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Cuticular markings of 5 spp. of Dirofilaria were examined by SEM [scanning electron microscopy]. Variations in the patterns on the en face view were observed among the species. Transverse striations were observed on the cuticles of all 5 spp., but longitudinal ridges were lacking on D. immitis, the type species of the subgenus Dirofilaria. They were present on the other 4 spp., D. repens, D. tenuis, D. corynodes and D. magnilarvatum, members of the subgenus Nochtiella. Longitudinal ridges and other cuticular structures and patterns varied among the species and with the portion and aspect of the worm examined. It is suggested that SEM would be a good tool for a detailed study of specific cuticular morphology of all species of Dirofilaria, thus contributing toward their differentiation and recognition.