Parasitic castration in Fissurella crassa (Archaeogastropoda) due to an adult Digenea, Proctoeces lintoni (Fellodistomidae)

Abstract

Specimens of Fissurella crassa (Archaeogastropoda) from Ilo, southern Perú, are infected with the adult stage of the digenetic trematode Proctoeces lintoni (Fellodistomidae). The histopatological analysis of the male and female gonads show a strong effect of the parasite on the structure and function of these organs. P. lintoni live unencysted in the gonads, and the main mechanical damage is originated by the action of a well developed acetabulum. Chemical actions of parasitic secretions may also be involved. The infected gonads show altered structure and the gametogenic processes is aborted. There is no evidence of hemocytic response, but leucocite infiltration is evident at least in male infected gonads. An increased content of polysaccarides is evident in infected gonads.

Keywords

• Fissurella crassa
• Proctoeces lintoni
• Mollusca
• Digenea
• parasitic castration