Dirofilaria aethiops Webber, 1955, a filarial parasite of monkeys I. The morphology of the adult worms and microfilariae

Abstract

1. Dirofilaria aethiops Webber, 1955 has been discovered in African monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops). Adult worms were found in the interfascicular connective tissue, especially in the thighs; microfilariae were found in the blood.2. The adult worms are morphologically similar to other members of the genus, from which they differ principally in the structure of the spicules of the male worms. The thickening of the left spicule is complex at the twist; the latter is nearer to the proximal than to the distal end. The right spicule is robust and ends in a cap-like structure.3. The microfilariae are indistinguishable from those of other members of the genus.4. In Dirofilaria schoutedeni Vuylsteke & Rodhain, 1938 the left spicule is simpler in structure than the left spicule of D. aethiops, and the twist is nearer to the distal end than to the proximal end. The distal part of the right spicule of D. schoutedeni has longitudinal markings but no cap.5. D. aethiops has been recorded from Tanganyika, Uganda and Gambia, in Cercopithecus and Colobus monkeys.6. The anatomy of the female D. aethiops, as it is shown in serial sections, is briefly described.