Development of Gnathostoma procyonis Chandler, 1942, in the First and Second Intermediate Hosts

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Abstract
In laboratory experiments it was found that at least 2 intermediate hosts are involved in the life cycle of Gnathostoma procyonis. Cyclopoid copepods serve as the first intermediate hosts. Development to the early third stage takes place in the body cavity of these hosts within 7 to 8 days following ingestion of second-stage larvae. Guppies were successfully infected with early third-stage larvae but snakes were not. Larvae recovered from a guppy 2 weeks following infection developed into typical encapsulated, advanced third-stage larvae when fed to a snake. Snakes, turtles, alligators and fish were found naturally infected with the advanced third-stage larvae in Louisiana. It was found that the advanced third-stage larvae of the gnathostome species can be identified on the basis of the number and arrangement of the hooklets on the head-bulb.

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