Distribution of the nematodes of the genus Eustrongylides (Nematoda, Dioctophymatidae) in the world

Abstract

Eustrongylides spp. are nematodes from the Dioctophymatidae family, potentially dangerous for the health of mammals. The aim of this review is to describe the distribution of the Eustrongylides spp. nematode. Eustrongylidosis is a parasitic disease which is common in countries with a continental, tropical or subtropical climate. Eustrongylides are biohelminths with a complicated development cycle. The nematode development takes place in the aquatic environment and includes a wide range of intermediate, definitive, and accidental hosts. The purpose of this review is describe the distribution of Eustrongylides spp. nematodes in the global regions, describe the prevalence of infection in those regions, and identify intermediate, definitive, and accidental hosts. It was found that Eustrongylides spp. nematrodes are significantly widespread around the world. In part in North America the agent of eustrongylidosis is registered mostly among birds and fishes, but cases of humans being affected with the disease are noted as well. In South America the given disease was also registered among amphibians and reptiles. In Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania and countries of the Far East, the disease is registered mostly in fishes, rarely – in birds. The taxonomic identification showed that some nematode species were related to certain geographic areas. For example, Eustrongylides ignotus and Eu. tubifex were mostly registered in North America, while for Europe (including Ukraine), Near and Middle East, Eu. еxcisus is a dominant species. Analysis of scientific sources showed that continents with warmer climatic conditions (South America, Asia, etc.) are characterized with a wider range of fishes, birds and reptiles which can potentially serve as hosts for the Eustrongylides nematodes.