The Macropodid Oesophagus. Iii. Observations on the Nematode Parasites.

Abstract

Large populations of Cyclostrongylus and Spirostrongylus spp. (Pharyngostrongylinea) were found in the oesophagus of macropodid species with papillated (Macropus agilis, M. eugenii, M. irma and Wallabia bicolor) or laminated (M. rufogriseus) oesophageal linings. These nematodes possessed specialized adaptations of their outer cuticle and adopted body conformations which were instrumental in holding them in close association with the oesophageal lining. Site preference of these nematodes was investigated in 3 macropodid species. All species of Cyclostrongylus and Spirostrongylus examined in this study appear to feed on the plaque of bacteria adherent to the lining of the oesophagus. Species of Woodwardostrongylus (Pharyngostongylinea) and Gongylonema (Spiruroidea), were found in the oesophageal epithelium of several macropodid species irrespective of the type of oesophageal lining. Records of Woodwardostrongylus in Petrogale brachyotis, Peradorcas concinna and M. bernardus and of C. wallabiae in M. irma, represent new host records.