Pathogenicity of Microtetrameres centuri Barus, 1966 (Nematoda: Tetrameridae) in Meadowlark

Area of Science:

• Veterinary parasitology
• Avian pathology
• Nematology

Background:

• Microtetrameres centuri is a nematode parasite.
• Meadowlarks (Sturnella spp.) are common avian hosts.
• The pathogenicity of this parasite in meadowlarks was previously unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the pathogenicity of adult and third-stage Microtetrameres centuri in meadowlarks.
• To describe the effects of M. centuri infection on avian hosts.
• To document the experimental encystment of M. centuri juveniles in the alternate host.

Main Methods:

• Adult and third-stage M. centuri were used to infect meadowlarks.
• Pathological effects were assessed through gross and microscopic examination of avian tissues.
• Experimental infection of grasshoppers (alternate host) was performed to observe juvenile encystment.

Main Results:

• Adult M. centuri do not encyst in the avian host and cause mainly mechanical damage.
• Glandular atrophy was observed in the avian host, but no significant inflammatory response.
• Third-stage juveniles experimentally encysted in the hemocoel of the grasshopper's perivisceral sinus.

Conclusions:

• M. centuri exhibits primarily mechanical pathogenicity in adult meadowlarks.
• The parasite induces mild pathological changes in its avian host.
• Grasshoppers serve as the experimental intermediate host for M. centuri juvenile development.