Spirocercid stomach worms (Nematoda: Spirocercidae) from wild felids in North America

Abstract

Cylicospirura felineus (Chandler 1925) Sandground 1933 is redescribed from the bobcat (Felis rufus (Schreber)) and Canada lynx (Felis canadensis (Kerr)) in Texas and Alberta, respectively. This species produces large granulomas in the pyloric stomach. Histologically, these are characterized by a cavernous center containing necrotic debris, adult nematodes, eggs, and inflammatory cells. Peripherally there is a disruptive granuloma with layers of collagen surrounding islets of eosinophils, plasma cells, histiocytes, fibroblasts, and lymphocytes. These lesions are principally confined to the submucosa, but communicate to the mucosal surface via a small orifice. A second species, Cyathospirura chevreuxi (Seurat 1913) Baylis 1934, is redescribed from the bobcat in Texas. Although primarily a lumen parasite, this species frequently occurs in the nodular lesions formed by C. felineus. A new host record is established for Didelphonema longispiculata (Hill 1939) Wolfgang 1953 from the bobcat in Texas. The taxonomy, host–parasite relationships, and pathology of these and related species are discussed.