Characterization of Some Paramphistomatidae Species (Trematoda Paramphistomidael by Isoenzyme Analysis Using Isoelectric Focusing And Starch Gel-Electrophoresis

Abstract

Paramphistomes belong to the family Paramphistomatidae and are classified as trematodes (Dinnik, 1954). They are parasites of veterinary importance that inhabit the gut of a number of domestic animals. In the past, paramphistomes were considered to be completely nonpathogenic to their hosts. However, it is now known that the immature stages may cause severe pathological changes in the duodenum and upper ileum, which they inhabit. This has been observed in Kenya, especially in calves (Kariuki, personal communication).There is a need to identify and characterize parasites for diagnostic, prophylactic, epidemiological, and taxonomic purposes (Allsopp et al., 1984 and 1985). This is especially true for paramphistomes, because available information indicates that of the many species found in Africa, only Paramphistomum microbothrium causes acute paramphistomiasis (Pinoik, 1964). This species has now been classified as Calicophoron microbothrium (Eduardo, 1984). Isoenzyme analysis using starch gel-electrophoresis (Gibson et al., 1980) and isoelectric focusing in agarose (Allsopp and Gibson, 1983; Allsopp et al., 1985) have proven to be useful biochemical methods for the identification and characterization of various other parasites of veterinary and medical importance (Melrose and Brown, 1979).