Vachirapong Charoennitiwat, Kittipong Chaisiri, Tapanee Kanjanapruthipong, Sumate Ampawong, Lawan Chanhome, Taksa Vasaruchapong, Urusa Thaenkham, Napat Ratnarathorn
A comprehensive investigation, incorporating both morphological and molecular analyses, has unveiled the existence of a hitherto unknown nematode species, Paracapillaria ( Ophidiocapillaria ) siamensis sp. nov., residing in the intestine of the monocled cobra, Naja kaouthia , in the central region of Thailand. This study integrates morphological characteristics, morphometric examination, scanning electron microscopy and molecular phylogenetic analysis ( COI , 18S rRNA and ITS1 genes). The findings place the newly described species within the subgenus Ophidiocapillaria , elucidating its distinctive characteristics, including a frame-like proximal spicule shape, approximate lengths of 19 000 and 22 500 μm with approximate widths of 90 and 130 μm for males and females, 39‒45 stichocytes, elevated lips without protrusion, a dorsal bacillary band stripe with an irregular pattern of bacillary cells and evidence of intestinal infection...
April 4, 2024: Parasitology