Development, growth, and migration of Philophthalmus gralli (Trematoda) from Jordan in the eyes of chicks
Ismail, N.S.; Issa, I.M.
Journal of Helminthology 61(2): 163-168
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-149X PMID: 3611710 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x00009937Document Number: 276971
The growth of Philophthalmus gralli from Jordan was studied experimentally by inoculating 10 excysted metacercariae around the right eye of 47 day-old chicks. The growth rate was slow during the first 3 days and flukes did not exceed 0.30 mm in length, after which it became rapid, the flukes reaching 2.70 mm long by day 24. This was followed by a low growth rate during which the flukes grew from 2.70 mm to 2.90 mm by day 40. The flukes started to appear in the left eye on day 12 pi. The recovery of flukes in the left eye increased from 5% on day 12 to 30% on day 32. The development of P. gralli from Jordan was similar to other species of Philophthalmus. However, a sixth post-maturation stage is suggested in addition to the 5 developmental stages already recognized. The ratio of the transverse diameter of the ovary to that of testes in the post-maturation stage was 1:1.1-1:1.2.