The free-living and parasitic development of Rhabdias spp. (Nematoda: Rhabdiasidae) in amphibians

Abstract

Free-living development of Rhabdias americanus and Rhabdias ranae was heterogonic and development of infective larvae was by matricidal endotoky. Both species were experimentally transmitted by skin penetration. Development of R. americanus in Bufo americanus and R. ranae in Rana sylvatica was similar. Growth of third- and fourth-stage larvae occurred in fascia and muscle tissue of the host during migration to the body cavity. Adult worms were recovered only from the body cavity and lungs; larvae were never observed in these locations. Worms probably entered the lungs by direct penetration. Gravid nematodes were observed only in the lungs. Both R. americanus and R. ranae were transmitted to toad and frog tadpoles, respectively, and worms developed to adulthood in tadpoles. Terrestrial snails (Oxyloma decampi Tryon and Discus cronkhitei Newcomb) were demonstrated as possible paratenic hosts for R. americanus. Rhabdias americanus, which does not occur in frogs, and R. ranae, which does not occur in toads in the wild at Guelph, were experimentally cross-transmitted to these amphibians and developed successfully to adults. Infective larvae of these species, however, did not as readily penetrate into the unusual host as the usual host. It is suggested that ecological barriers have prevented cross infections in the wild.