Environmental modulators on the development of the raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis): Effects of temperature on the embryogenesis

Abstract

Members of the Ascarididae family are common zoonotic pathogens in humans and play an economic role in domestic and livestock animal husbandry. This family includes the obligatorily parasitic nematodes of the genus Baylisascaris, with the raccoon roundworm Baylisascaris procyonis being the most well-known representative. B. procyonis uses the raccoon (Procyon lotor) as its primary host and can utilise a broad range of mammals as paratenic hosts. Sexual reproduction of the adult nematodes occurs in the small intestine. Eggs are excreted into the environment through feces, where they develop into the infectious stage under suitable conditions within a few days to weeks. Infection of primary and paratenic hosts occurs through the oral ingestion of these infectious eggs. Raccoons can also become infected by ingesting infected paratenic hosts. Humans serve as accidental hosts and can suffer significant damage to organ tissues, the visual system, and the central nervous system after ingesting infectious eggs. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of ambient temperature on embryonic development and to document the morphological changes during embryogenesis. Live specimens were collected from the raccoon intestine and incubated. Single-celled eggs were collected during this process. The eggs were decorticated and then preserved. To test the effects of ambient temperature, the eggs were incubated at 5 °C, 10 °C, 15 °C, 20 °C, 25 °C, 30 °C, 35 °C, and 38 °C and monitored at 24-h intervals for their developmental stages. Detailed photographic documentation of the developmental stages was conducted. An increase in ambient temperature led to a reduction in development time. The temperature range within which embryogenesis proceeded to the L1 larval stage was between 10 °C and 30 °C. Incubation at 5 °C did not produce L1 larvae even after 11 months. Incubation at 35 °C and 38 °C resulted in the complete degeneration of the eggs before reaching the L1 larval stage.