Two digenetic trematodes with description of a new species from Anas platyrhynchos (Anseriformes: Anatidae) in Sindh, Pakistan

Abstract

In result of ongoing helminthological studies of mallard Anas platyrhynchos of Kambar Shahdadkot District of Sindh Province, Pakistan, a total of 57 birds were captured from different localities. During examination of gut contents and visceral organs, 68 specimens of Psilochasmus oxyurus were collected from intestine and 13 specimens of Paratanaisia ishaquei n.sp. were collected from kidneys of the host bird. P. ishaquei n.sp. differs from its close allies in body shape and size; v-shaped ovary; lung shaped testes; distribution of vitellaria composed of two unequal bands commencing from level of intestinal fork, running in lateral field of body and egg larger in size. On the basis of these diagnostic differences, a new species P. ishaquei is proposed. This genus is being reported for the first time from Pakistan. Trematodes of genus Psilochasmus were identified as P. oxyurus. Previously this genus was reported by Bhutta and Khan, 1975 from same bird of Pakistan. However, this is the second report of the genus Psilochasmus from Pakistan.