Polish zoological parasitology during the period 1958-1961

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WIAOOMOSCI PARAZYTOLOGICZNE T. VII, NR 41516, 1961

POLISH ZOOLOGICAL PARASITOLOGY DURING THE PERIOD 1958-1961

b:,

WŁODZIMIERZ MICHAJŁOW

Dcpal'tment of Parasitotogy, Polish Academy of Sciences. Warsaw

It has already become a tradition that one of the lectures delivered at the Congress of the Polish Parasitological Association is designed to make a generał review of the attainments of Polish generał parasitology. Each time the lecturer faces ¹the problem - how to delimit his subject? He has to find criteria for selecting, out of all the works that were published since the last Congress and also the communications reported for the pre-

sent Congress, such elaborations that enter within the scope of generał

parasitology or - as it is sometimes called - zoological parasitology.

The term "zoological parasitology" applied for a certain cathegory of

research on parasites does not seem well choosen. It suggests that it is

a branch of parasitology and proposes to call it zoozooparasitology (in contrast with zoophytoparasitology, phytozooparasitology and phytophyto- parasitology) because it deals with "parasite-host" systems where both

segments belong to the animal world. But veterinary parasitology as well

as medical parasitology are also dealing with such systems, so they too, in a way, would belong to zoozooparasitology. It is not there therefore.

that lays differentia specifica that enables us to distinguish these two branches of parasitology from the generał parasitology. Besides, generał

parasitology does not, in theory, give up researches on the systems where the partners bound together by the bond of parasitism are plants, though in practice they are seldom conducted.

Neither would it be sufficient to say that generał parasitology (in this case limited to zoological subjects only) deals with parasitism as a biological phenomenon - where it differs from all the branches of zoology - because veterinary and medical parasitology deal with it as well. Each

Paper '.·ead at the 7th Congress of the Polish Parasitological Society, Olsztyn- Kortowo, Ll-14 VI 1961.

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of us realise that these two big branches of parasitology: primo -- con- centrate their attention upon the "parasite-host" system where the later is man, in the case of medical parasitology, and domestic: animal, in the case of veterinary parasitology; secundo - are not satisfied with research on the phenomena of parasitism, with analyses and scientific synthesis, but their main aim is prophylaxis and cure. Basing on generał parasitological and biological data both these sciences subordinate to a great extent their research to utilizable and pract:cal aims.

If, however, when looking for a more precise definition of the scope and the tasks of generał parasitology, we try to exclude the spheres of veterinary and medical parasitology, it would be a mistake, because none researching on parasitic biology can live out the interesting and plentiful

materiał supplied by these sciences. General parasitology, though, is interested in the prophylaxis and the cure mainly from the biological point of view.

Although the above reilections give little help to solve the problem

or

the scope and object of generał parasitology, they show, however, how closely bound these three branches of parasitology are. Their main problem - the phenomenon of parasitism as well as their object (animal parasites) are similar and the difference lays rnainly in the course of their interests in their attitude and there direct practical consequences, i. e. researches and investigations. It is, therefore, nec:essary to make a somewhat artificial delimitation of the subject of the present report and t:J include in it works on a certain type of problems only, l'isking to miss references concerni.ng generał parasitology scattered in the wmks on the medicine or the veterinary medicine. Only after taking intn consideration the above generał outlines it is possible to try to characteri%e the attain- rnents of the Polish generał parasitology during the period bctween the h-1st and the present Congress of our Association.

Even considering the fact that preparations for the present Congress lasted longer (2½ years) than for the Sixth Congress (less than 2 years) it should be pointed out that, in spite of the fact that less communicatinns on generał subjects were reported now (1961 - 22, 1958 - 42), the total number of works on generał parasitology published during the inter-Con- gress period increased considerably. It exceeded a hundred volumes. Thi,-;

Iigure includes only . some of the communications reported for the last Congress (more elaborated than temporary communications usually are). It means that the interest in generał parasitology increased and that the cadre of our young parasitists in growing up and that their contribution to the science is increasing.

To make a review, if only a superficial one, of all new contributi¹Jns.

we have to segregate all the works and communications into separate

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PAHAZYTOLOGIA ZOOLOGICZNA W LATACH !958- 19!il

groups. I believe it will be the best to adopt the division used by the stitute of Parasitology of the Polish Academy of Science, i. e.:

l. The knowledge of the parasite fauna of Poland.

2. The development and the biology of the parasites.

In-

3. Relations between the parasitocenosis and the environment of the first and second order.

4. Inter-species and intra-species relations in the parasitocenosis of the host.

5. Evolutionary problems of parasitology.

I. THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE PARASITE FAUNA OF POLAND

Researches conducted during the period reported advanced the knowledge of the parasite fauna of Poland considerably. Thus the work ai- ming at the liquidation of the "blank space" on the map of Europe th;:;t Poland was not long ago, has been continued. 69 works on this subject were published. Parasito-faunistic research was carried out in different parts of the country (on the coast of the Baltic, in Masuria Lake District.

in Białowieża Forest, in Lower Silesia & Bieszczady Hills and also in the neighbourhood of Warsaw, Łódź, Lublin, Kielce & Wrocław).

It should be stressed that many of these researches took place in natural environment of National Parks. Of course researches were oft::'n sectoral and limited to certain groups of parasites only, nevertheless they enriched our knowledge of the parasite fauna of Poland cons:derably. At the same time it should be pointed out that no research on parasitofauna was carried out in the Vistula, the dam reservoirs and in north-western Pomerania. Neither research on the parasite fauna of the Baltic, commen- ced before the war, was continued.

When conducting in future further research on the parasite fauna not only generał geographical criteria should be taken into consideration but also transitions and links that exist between the parasites and hosts of National Parks and these of neighbouring forests, cultivated lands and breeding districts. For this, of course, a close collaboration with zoologists and veterinarians will be necessary.

A considerable number of works had for their subject a definite group of parasites of parisiitocenoses connected with a definite species of host. Research concerned - man, dog, deer, faUow-deer, pig, sorites, chicken, stork, jay & sorites (Luft), blackok (Bezubik), wood- -grouse, grass-snake (Grabda-Kazubski), newt. Bezubik & Framuga published two works on the parasite Macacus cynomolgus from Indonesia and helminthofaunic Macacus rhesus from China, that were brought to Po- land for the requirements of the medicine. In generał the principles of

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taxonomy were duły observed (which cannot be said of the temporary communications for the Congress) and one can find there more than a mere enumeration of the parasites and remarks on their morphology. The postulate, however, of taking into consideration the ecological and feno- logical faotors that have a big influence on the composition and dynamism of the parasitofauna was not ałways fulfulled.

It is worth mentioning that the Institute of Parasitology and Invasive Diseases of the College of Agriculture in Lublin has a steadiły growing collection of materiał for parasitologicał dissection that covers different species of animals. This materiał is available to all Polish parasitologists b:1t as yet is not adequately used.

Parasitofauna of systematical units larger than the species was also investigated, namely: bats (1 - Sołtys)'", rodents (2 - Zwolski & Żar

nowski), insectivorous quadrupeds (2 - Zwolski & Żarnowski), ruminants (1 - Patyk, birds (Anseri.formes - 1, Passeri.formes -- 1, different birds - 1), reptiles (1), fishes (Cottidae - 1, Gobiidae - 1, different fishes - 4: Kozicka, Radwan, J. Grabda, E. Grnbda, Wierzbicki), freshwater molluscs (1), land snails - (1), water sna;ls (1).

The excellent work of W. Stefański "Human worm and other thread- -worms" contains such excellent faunal data that it has to be mentioned here. It was published in the series of "Popular Zoołogicał Monographs"

and together with the volumes on łiver fluke and tape-worms it can be considered a good guide, especially for beginners in helminthołogy, though its standard is much higher than that of popular works for young parasitologists and its scientific value is considerable. Works belonging to the series of "Parasitołogical Monographs" as E. Skrodzki's "Fłe::is (Apha- niptera) and the part they play in epidemics", S. Tarczyńskis "Parasite worms and p:g verminations they spread" and B. Czapliński's "Poultry verminations and how to fight them" shoułd also be noted here, though for different reasons. For the data they give on the above parasites that infest wiłd as well as domestic animals, their descriptions of particular forms and their means of discernment as well as their research and con- servation methods - these monographs are the kind of books that not only a veterinary or a medical parasitologist but also a "generał" para-

sitołogist has to get asquainted with.

Works concerning the parasitofauna of particular groups of hosts have a wider concept than the works mentioned. It is, however, not always possible to draw conclusions concerning the specificities of the parasites, their or:gin and their types as well as other biologica! and comparative

* In brackets the number of works and the names of the authors are given. il they are not mentioned in anothcr chapter of the present report.

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PARAZYTOLOGIA ZOOLOGICZNA W LATACH 1958-1961 729

generalizations from the data they give. Unification of the methods seems advisable here. It would be helpful to call a conference on this.subject.

It would be of use as well to draw attention of the research parasitologists interested in fauna on some groups of hosts on which very little research was as yet done in this country. They are: sea fishes, sea crustacea and land insects.

These researches would be very helpful for young parasitologists not- withstanding the direction they will fellow in future. The subject of many works was determined not by the chcice of hosts examined but by the groups of parasited investigated (sometimes groups of parasites that are found in a determined groups of the hosts).

It is sometimes nearly impossible to distinguish faunal works, especially when they deal with one group of parasites only, from the works that correct or supplement the natural system of different groups of parasites. When researching on parasitofauna scientists meet the problems of synonymity, taxonomy and systems and have to give them much attention. It is incvitable and most profitable because it leads to perfecting the natural system of the parasites.

To this kind of works belongs Rybicka's elaboration on the Hymeno- lepididae system. Basing on her own data concerning several species of this genus she critisizes the system proposed by Spassky. She finds it not consistent cnough as far as criteria and theoretical assumptions go.

The faunal and systematical works concerned various groups of parasites. We will now discuss them in detail systematically.

1. Protozoa

Most works on protoparasitology concerned Ciliata (9 works). The work of Z. Raabe has to be mentioned first. He is very consistent in his research on infusaria belonging to Thigmotrichea sub-group and in the sixth volume of this series he describes - on a wide background of this group phylogenesis Ancistruma, Ancistrina and related kind. He also dis- cusses different evolutional tendencies that can be noticed in this group.

During the pe1·iod discussed Z. Raabe elaborated three works on Urceo- lariidae-Trichodina pediculus and T. domerguei specimen (the former of hydra, the latier of thornback), on the species that live on the gills of Baltic Gobiidae and Cottidae and (together with J. Raabe) on species attacking marine molluscs. All these four works contain not only faunal research but deal also with the biology, the ecology, and the evolution of Ciliata Parasitica.

Two Dobrzańska's works deal with some specimen of Tetrahymena found on freshwater molluscs. She points out that it is possible that -- when the water reservoirs are dried out - these protozoons living at

Wiadomości Parazytologiczne z. 4, 5, fi 6

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1arge look for a temporary shelter on molluscs. She also disc:usses t1,c tran:::jtion from the life at large to parasitism. One of her works is on Cepedella hepatica from of intracellular parasite of Pisidium liver and gives a detailed description of this parasite.

Kawbski continued his research on Ciliata Parasit.ica of land snails ó·upplementing the list of species found in Poland. One of his work; deals with Trichia lubomirski and Zonitoides nitidus snails as hots (in Poland the farmer ·of Tetrahymena limacis the latter of T. rostrata).

Two parasitological works deal with Sporosoa specimen. Rami.sz examined blood parasites of sparrow-like birds (16 kinds) from the neighbourhood 0f Wrocław. 35,5°/c of the birds examined were carriers of species of the kind of Leucocytozoon, Haemoprotens; Plasmodium & Llto:x:o- plw;mo.. He also stated that protozoons of Leucocytozoon kind arc found in large quantity (invasion of 12,80/o) in the blood of wild birds living in the neighbourhood of Wrocław, they do not, however, infect domestic birds. Hamisz made also same observations on the four period:; nf tlw evolution gametocytes.

Polish parasitologists described three new species of parazoons, registered one species new for Poland and described to new hosts of parasites already known. It may be expected that Polish protoparasitology will further develop in the direction of learning the protoparasitocenose,.; uf new hosts and will in future take into consideration also the biohgy and ecology of parasite protozoons and their hosts.

2. Plc;thelminthes

During the period discussed 11 works concerning Plathyhelminthes only were published. They were also dealt with in 19 hełm inthological and parasitological works.

In the sphere of Digenea B. Grabda interpreted the evolutional cycle of Plagiorchiidae Astiotrema trituri of the newt. She also investigated the biology of tho species attacking frogs ( one of them new - Prostocus mi- rabilis).

Sulgustowska found in birds connected with the mesotrophic lakes

Gołdapiwo and North Mamry: 19 species of extra-intestine fluke and 31 species of intestine fluke (including 14 new for Polan?)-

Kozicka and Niewiadomska described the evolucional cycle of the genus Tylodelphys podicipina they discovered. They also found that their intermediate hosts are: Perca fluviatilis, Lota lota and Acerina cernua.

Pojmańska examined mare closely the metacercaria of four species to Brachylaemidae found in the land snails of the Białowieża National Park, observed their dynamism and biology.

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PAfiAZYTOLOGlA ZOOLOGICZNA W LATACH 1958-1961 73]

Zdun elaborated and published old materials he collected before the war on cercaria of Coretus corneus from the neighbourhood of Warsaw.

Continuing his research on helminthofauna Rodentia and Insectivora from the neighbourhood of Puławy Żarnowski published the data on se- ven species of Trematoda. He made a critical analysis of the intemal systems of the Brachylaemidae and Plagiorchiidae families.

Data concerning the Polish fauna of cestodes are scattered in many works.

Rybicka prepared a special elaboration on tape-worms of small wood rnarnrnals from Kampinos Forest.

Fagasiński and Piusiński noted the invasion of Tetrathyridium elonga- tum (Mesocestoides lineatum larvae) in the dog.

Czapliński made research on the anatomy of Mergus Hymenolepis vistulae, interpretated and described its evolutional cycle. The intermediate host of this parasite is Cyclops strenuus strenuus Fischer. Kopaczew- ska found and described the adult form of the tape-worm Echinocotyle druzniensis at Larw; larus (its larval form was examined before by Ja- recka). She also published a work on Hymenolepis furcifera Krabbe 1869 and related species treating H. capillaris and H. podicipini as synonyms of H. fruruci.fera (H. furcigera).

The authors described 8 species of Plathyhelminthes assigned 10 new h.:gher taxonomical units, discovered 28 new species (for Poland) and 16 new hosts of the species already known.

;3_ Nematoda. Acanthocephala

5 works were dealing with thread-worms and acanthocephalids, moreover faunal data concerning specirnen of this groups can be found in 13

other works.

Czapliński made a list of 24 species of Aschelminthes found on dome- sLic and wild Anseriformes of Poland and registered 3 species new for Poland. He characterized 9 of these species the most popular ones, and gc1ve numerous data concerning their morphological variability.

Czapliński made also a revision of Amidostomum species. Basing on the analysis of intra~species variability of characteristics he suggested that out of the 20 species he discussed only two should be considered as separate species.

In a communication reported for the Congress Czapliński and Chaband describe the characteristics of Paracuaria macdonaldi as a sui generis tran- sitory fonn between Habronematinae and Acuariinae.

Żarnowski and Patyk discussed the question of Thominx bohmi and confirm that it should be cons-idered as a separate species. They also added

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a few remarks on the synonymy, the appearance and the localisation of this parasite at Vulpes and Canis.

12 species of thread-worms of the reptiles of Poland, especially the district of Łódź, were the subject of Kozlowska's research.

The authors described 5 new species of Nematoda, found 15 species new for Poland and registered new hosts for 10 species.

4. Hirudinea

In two works on leaches L. Pawłowski registers the species that were found at the River Pumps Station and the Filter Station in Warsaw. He also describes an interesting case of anomaly in the build of Erpabdella octoculta. It had a second małe opening.

Wojtas found 14 species of leeches in the river Grabia nad made some interesting observations on their ecology and biology.

5. Copepoda Parasitica

5 works were dealing with parasite Copepoda. E. Grabda and .J. Grabda in their materials on Copepoda Parasitica of Poland gave a list of 11 species and registered one species new for Poland. J. Grabda in her research on this parasite that was conducted on 10 species of fish from the Vistula Freshwater Bay found 4 species of Copepoda and established some regularities in their aippearance in fresh and salt water.

Analysing the build of the sexual organs of same specimen of Larno- epodidae J. Grabda confirmed the presence of receptaculum seminis.

Kozikowska examined Crustacea parasitica of the Gdańsk and Puck Bays on 16 species of fish and found 4 species of parasites including one new for Poland (Achteres extensus). She also confirmed that in water reservoirs and rivers of Lower Silesia the parasite Ergasilus .sieholdi that affects most often the tench and the pike predominates.

6. Acarina

4 works deal with acari only. They were also mentioned in two other works.

Żukowski, Kozłowski and Zawiślak conducted research on akarifauna of the Kampinos Forest and found 9 akari families. Their disposition was subject to conditions in the environments of the 1st and 2nd order.

Kozłowski revised the Haemogamasus kind from the point of view of the natural system.

Wagner examined acari belcnging to Parasitiformes and Acariformes found in small mammals in the neighbourhood of Kartuzy. Micherdziński

examined the problem of trombidiosis and noted the existance of Trom-

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biculidae specimen (4 species, for the first time in Poland). For the first time they were found on moles.

7. lnsecta

Several (18) works concerned parasite insects only, they were also mentioned in 3 other works. In his work on Culicidae Łukasiak described larval forms of mosquitoes from Warsaw and it neighbourhood, aggre- sive mosquitoes from Krynica Morska (13 species of imagines and 7 spe;- cies of larva) and from Międzyzdroje (8 species).

Skierska registered 24 species of Culicidae (including 1 new for Po- hmd -- Aedes nigripes) from costal forests in the province of Gdańsk.

When examining the mosquitoe-fauna of Białowieża Forest she also found 24 species that carne from diff€l'ent localities. Diptera-Drożdż investigated nasal and oesophageal gad-flies Cephenomyinae of deer-like animals and Trojan - ox-flies (Tabanidae) from Nida Trough. He registered 23 species on lhe xerothermic terrain and noted very interesting ecological data.

3 works had Aphaniptera for subject: Lachmajer gave a list of 16 species of r1ca from Białowieża (Białowieża National Park) giving much attention to the predomination of species according to ecological and phe- nological conditions; Skuratowicz found 25 species in the same district.

He paid special attention to the fauna of the nests (of mammals and birds) and made a revision of some species and sub-species. Szyfter signaled that the typical species for mice, Leptopsylla segnis, was found on a fal- low-deer Dama dama.

Only one work on Anoplura appeared during the period discussed.

Piotrowski described the morphogenesis of the discharge canal of the human louse sexual system. His work should rather be classified as belonging to the anato-histological branch of zoology.

Złotorzycka examined Mallophaga of wild and tame storks and found that the mallophag fauna was less numerous on the birds in captivity.

She also found 20 species Mallophaga on 13 species of birds from Pome- rania and noted a considerable specifity and a certain regularity in the dislocation of the insects according to season.

E. Kałamarz gives a list of 5 european species of chicken Mallophaga that were found in the province of Olsztyn. Monopon gallinae predomina- ted. A large number of this parasite affects the productiveness of laying hens.

Entomologist were interested in the parasite group of Chalcidoidea.

Szczepański gives a list of 19 species of this insect parasitizing on ips from Borecka Forest in the district of Węgorzewo, and remarks on three species belonging to Cercophalinae sub-family, new for Poland. They pa-

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rasitize on Anobium punctatum. Żak-Ogaza found 9 species of Chalcidoi- dea that parasitize on 9 species of worms (Coccoidea). Dziurzyński made research on the morphology and biology of Secodes coactus that parasitize on Mikiola fagi (Itonididae) larvae. It is the insect that produce galls. The entomologists gave 24 species of parasite insects that were new for Po- Lmd.

It can be seen from the above that faunal works concerned many groups of parasite animals and that the field of research on parasitism was somewhat wider than during the period before the last Congress. Be- sides it can be noticed that helminthologists and other specialists become more and more interested in Polish parasitofauna. Nevertheless, there is still not enough data concerning some groups of zoo-zooparasites.

As far as protozoa are concerned most research were made on Ciliata.

Less attention was paid to other groups and Gregarina and Flagellata that parasitize on wild animals were left out completely. Te data we have on Acanthocephala of different hosts are far from adequate.

During the discussed period less attention was paid to Monogenoidea and Anoplura and the pace of research on acarifauna of Poland is much too slow.

The works published were more condenced, which should be appre- ciated. The authors avoided morpholog:cal descriptions when they were not necessary (it cannot be said of many works published previously). Des- criptions are, however, indispensable in case of re-description or elaboration of intra-species variations in connection with the data concerning environments of the first and second order.

The postulate of my predecessor at the last Congress, that international nomenclature should be used and the originality of the data published should be checked, was fulfilled to a certain extent.

In spite of the fact that there are still many shortcom:ngs it can be excepted that in the near future we will know as much on the parasitofauna of Poland as they do in the countries where this branch of science attained a very high standard.

II. THE EVOLUTION AND THE BIOLOGY OF THE PARASITES

32 works and communications quality for this section. They may be divided into two groups: the works on embryology, evolutional cycles and biology of the parasites belong to the first, while the works where ecology predominates - to the second.

The work of Kazu'bski mentioned already above gives data concerning the evalutiona:l cycle of the parasite Ciliata belonging to Thigmocoma genus. He also communicates that he method of rearing individual cul-

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PARAZYTOLOGIA ZOOLOGICZNA W LATACH 1958- 1961 73ft

tures of hosts and of making frequent vital observations of their parasites that is used for the parasites Copepoda and Ostracoda can be also employ- ed for łand snails of Zonitidae family. U sing this method he made <Ybser- va tions on the divisions Ciliata and _on thread-worms, on cercaria Dige- nea and on larvae of the tape-worm of Choanotaenia genus.

Kozicka and Niewiadomska in their work mentioned above give the evolutionary cycle of Tylodelphys podicipina (Trematoda, Striegeidae). Its metocercaria was found in the vitreous humour and the liquid of fish eyEs. They also demonstrated that in the evolutional cycle of Paracoenogo- nimus viviparae (Trematoda, Cyathocotylidae), Viviparus viviparus and V . .fasciatus play the part of the initial intermedia te host and 9 species of fish - the part of the second intermediate host. They also gave a description of particular evolutionary forms of this fluke.

Moreover in their work on specimen of Tylodelphys genus they give a descdption of the evolution of Taclavata.

Kozicka described metacercaria of Neodiplostomum pseudattenuatum extracted from the eyes and the brain of some of the carpio fishes.

B. Grabda examined the evobtional cycle of Haematoloechus similis (Trematoda, Plagiorchiidae) from frog lungs. The snail Planorbis in the first intermediate host of this fluke and the dragon-fly of Coenagrion ge- nus - the second.

Niewiadomska described in detail the cercaria Tylodelphys excavata and confirmed that the cercaria described by Gineciński T. conifera = T. clavata.

In the report of Styczyńska-Jurewicz on the evolutional cycle of Pla- giorchis elegans (Trematoda, Plagiorchiidae) data concernig metacercaria of this flute, obtained experimentally from insects larvae, crustacea and molluscs, as well as data concerning natural infection of insects larvae can be found. Mice infeoted by these metacercaria vere observed and alternate phases analysed. She suggests that the 11 forms described as separate species (two of them by Furmaga) should be considered as synonyms of the multi-host species P. elegans. Another communication of the same scientist confirms that negative geotaxis enables Opisthioglyphe ranae cercaria to find hosts in slimy reservoirs. Styczyńska-Jurewicz made also research on the lenght of life, the geotaxis and the invasibility of the Opisthioghyphe ranae cercaria.

Rybicka made research on the tape-worm embryology. When examining the early stages of Diorchis ransomi development she employed cy- tological and cytochemical methods. She showed that during the forma- tion of the pre-oncosphere form she choose, degeneration of some micro- mers takes place which effects a considerable decrease of the number of embryo cells. Her observations on the distribution of glycogen d:1ring

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the embriona! development of D. ransomi were published separately. This new line of research on Plathyhelminthes is worth of continuing.

Jarecka published a work where she described her research on evolutional cycles of tape-worms from Gołdapiwo and North Mamry. She gives a description of the eggs and larvae of 12 species of Cestoda. She examined 37,914 specimen of the lake Goldapiwo and she found natural invasion in 261 specimen belonging to 9 species. On 23,652 specimen of Cru- stacea from North Mamry she examined 112 specimen belonging to 7 species hand tape-worm larvae. When looking at this outstanding work from the methodological point of view its main characteristic is that she used observational and experimental methods and that the results obtained were associated with the ecological data.

Jarecka published another paper on the evolutional cycle of Bothrio- cephalus claviceps where she confirmed (basing on experiments and observations) that Macrocyclopes albidus is its first intermediate host. She be- lieves that there is no second intermediate host and that eels can be infected directly by the procercoids of Cyclops tape-worm, or by procerco- ides that remain for some time in the intestine of small fishes.

Interesting data on the separation of the sexes of tape-worms belonging to Diploposthe genus were given by the same authoress. She confirmed that there are małe and female D. suigeneris. Moreover she noted a specific disposition of Diploposthe genus towards ·their hosts and the re- gulation of the quanttive relations in the ultimate host.

Kozicka found an interesting form of the plerocercoids of tape-worms belonging to Diphyllobothrium at Coregonus albula from the lakes Gołda

piwo and North Mamry. The appearance of Diphyllobothrium latum in Poland deserves, no doubt, a closer research.

Basing on her own observations and the litterature Guttowa concluded that dog is the secondary and substitute ultimate host of Diphyllobothrium latum.

Kisielewska described the evolutional cycle of the tape-worm Pseudo- diorchis prolifer (= P. multispinosa) of the common shrew. Its larval forms appear in the myriapod Glomeris connexa (Myriapoda). She also found cystecercoids Neoskriabinolepis singularis in beetles of Catopidae family, and described the evolutional cycle of Soricinia diaphana ^(Hy- menolipididae) of Sorex araneus. Geotrupes stercorosus is the intermediate host of this tape-worm.

Jara reports the appearance of Cystricarcus dilepidis - campylan- cistrotae in the gall-bladder of carps and gives their cystological buildt.

Czapliński in the work mentioned above gives data concerning the evolutional cycle of Hymenolepis vistulae that parasitize on Mergus goosander.

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PARAZYTOLOGIA ZOOLOGICZNA W I AT ACH 1908--1961

In Slusarski's communications there are very interesting preliminary results of his research on the development of parasitic stages of Haemon- chus contortus (Nematoda) in the axenic cult:.ires. On the 48th day larvae at the fourth stage were identified. In nature they reach this stage on the 4th day after the sheep was infected.

Janiszewska described thread-worm larvae that parasitize in the cavi- ties of the body Tubi.fex tubi.f ex and Limnodrilus ho.f.femeisteri. She gues- ses that they may ge larvae of fish parasites belonging to Rhabdochonidae (Nematoda) and that their eggs have a special organ that enables them to float in water (spored Actinomyxidia have a similar organ and they too parasitize on Tubi.ficidae).

The work of Wierzbicki on the crucian philometrosis gives data on the biology and the vital cycle of Philometra sanguinea thread-worm.

There are only a few works on acari. Kozłowski and Musiel report on the biology and development of Spinturnix vespertilionis, an acari of bats.

They point out that in the body of the female parasite several embryos can be found. They are spread in layers according to their stage of deve- 1 opment.

Drożdż describes how a małe lxodes ricinus penetrates through the skin of its host, the fox. He also gives new data on the biology of Pha- ryngomyia pieta (lnsecta, Oestridae) larvae of Cervus clapus. They concern mainly the movements of this parasite in the nostrils, trachea and lungs of the host .

.In the following works and communications ecological elements pre- dominate. Dobrzańska writing on Tetrahymena .furgason in freshwater molluscs connects this phenomenon with drying and freezing of water re"ervoirs.

Chowaniec and Drożdż in their research on the biology and the ecology of Galba truncatula and the larval forms of Fasciola hepatica obtained very interesting data concerning the dissemination, the environment, the natural conveyance and the phenology of the intermediate host as well as of the larval forms of the liver fluke.

Bednarz pub1ished the results of his research on the same problems conducted in the basin of the river Barycz.

Rajski investigated in the neighbourhood of Poznań the quantitative appearance of Oribatei the most important intermediate host of Moniezia expansa tape-worms. He distinquished the "meadow" and "forest" kinds and the suggests Anoplocephalata may follow two ways when moving in the biocenosis.

Irena Kolby noted some data illustrating the dissemination and the activity of lxodos ricinus as well as the influence of the environment (research cond:icted in Masuria Lake District).

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Ecological data can also be found in Łukasiak's communication on the appearance of puncturing mosquitoes in the easter part of Campinos Fo- rest and i-n Dąbrowski's work on the daily activity of mosquitoes and on the factors it is regulated by (changes in humidity during 24 hours).

III. RELATIONS BETWEEN THE PARASlTOCENOSIS AND THE ENVIRONMBNT OF THE 1ST AN 2ND ORDER

The problem of mutual relations between the parasites and their hosts takes mare and more place in the Polish parasitological research.

Attainments on this field can be found in 13 works and communications.

The ways of the scientists, approach to this problem differ, however.

Kądziołka, examining the influence of Ascaridia galli on the organism of the chicken that were infected artificially and noting the influence of age and sex of the host on the co~rse of the invasion, examines also the d:sposition of the parasites, the morphotic and histological changes as well as serological reaction of the hosts. Zandura examines the invasion of Paramphistonum cervi on the organism of its host (deer) and states that the morbific influence is very strong. E. Grabda and J. Grabda examined the mass invasion of copepod crustacean (Trachelia- stes maculatus) that can be found mainly on bream and has a strong pathogenetic influence. No doubt numerous data of this kind can be found in veterinary and medical books. Most often, however, they concern these traces of the influence exercised by the parasites on their hosts that are most easily noticable. There are still not enough immunological and biochemical research that would help to characterize this influence.

Other works deal with some generalization of the „parasite-host" re- lation. First, there is the work of Kisielewska where, taking for example the Drepanidotaenia lanceolata larvae and the species of the Cyclops kind, she proposed to distinguish four types of systems: main, auxiliary.

accidental and apparent. She made, however, a reservation: separate species of hosts (Copepoda) can form different systems according to the season. She also notes the changebility of these systems in accordance with the age and sex of the host.

As criteria used by Michajłow to disting:Jish the groups of hosts were the same as these employed by Kisielewska to establish the types of systems, in his work on the resistance of hosts and endoparasites, and on the parasitological groups and the types of systems - he adopted Kisielewska's classification. Once more he postulates that the unification

c u

the methods of laboratory and natura! research, as well as of the methods of laboratory and natural research, as well as of the methods of handling the research results is absolutely necessary. He illustrated

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PARAZYTOLOGIA ZOOLOGICZNA W LATACH 1958-1961

his postulate with data concerning Drepanidotaenia lanceolata from Ki- sielewska's work and Astasia cyclopis (Flagellata) from his own work.

It should be noted that these proposals are often taken into account in the works published a:broad. This, of course, helps eventual synthetic conceptions forward.

Guttowa used the above method in her research on the "host-parasite"

relations in the ·'Diphyllobothrium latum - Copepoda" systems conducted· in Poland, in the neighbourhood of Leningrad and i:n Norway. She obtained very interesting data concerning the parasitological vicariation of the hosts and the local bonds between the parasites and the hosts.

They appear more distinctly when the hosts are cross-infected with parasites coming from different terrains.

Another paper published by Michajłow deals with the variability of the "parasite-host" systems.

The influence of the environment of the second order is described in several works. Wertejuk analysed the problem of survival and wander- ing of stomachic and intestinal thread-worm larvae found in sheeps on the meadows and in sheep-folds. He confirmed that the period of survival differs according to species (also in winter). Prost noted that in salt water environment the invasion of Monogenoidea on fishes is smaller. The reaction of separate species on saltiness is various and depends on the accumulation of salt in the water.

Lachmajerowa and Skierski characterize the natural focus of virulent encefalites from the neighbourhood of Kartuzy and show in what conditions ticks and mosquitoes appear there. In another work they give data concerning insects and acari found on small mammals and birds.

Dąbrowska noted the influence of the conditions that exist in the environments inhabited by men on the spatial distri:b:.Ition of different species of mosquitoes.

Pojmańska's work on flukes parasitizing on Sorex araneus araneus and Kisielewska's on tape-worms of the same host in the biocenosis of

Białowieża National Park had a much wider_ background. They both made research on evolutional cycles of the parasites, their appearance in intermediate and ultimate hosts during different seasons, on seasonal changes in the extensiveness and intensity of the invasion of particular species and on the changeability of the composition of parasitofauna.

Moreover, Kisielewska gives data conoerning the circulation of tape- -worms parasitizing on common shrew in the parasitocenosis of Biało

wieża National Park (through myriapods, snails and insects) and analyses the character of this specifity.

It seems that the methods of research on the association of the „parasite-host" system with its environment of the second order should be

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discussed and uniformed. The example given by researchers on lhe relations between the parasites and their hosts, who tried to unify their methods, should be followed.

It seems also that when elaborating the new methods, the results and principles of the leading branches of ecology shrr.1ld be taken into consideration.

IV. INTER-SPECIES AND INTRA-SPECIES RELATIONS IN THE PARASITOCE- NOSIS OF THE HOST

This relatively new branch of parasitology that includes mutual relations between the parasites in homogeneous and multigeneous po- pulations that form the parasitocenosis has also attracted attention of some researchers.

The question of mutual relations between zoozooparasites, bacteria and viruses as well as of the influence of simultaneous and following invasions and infections on the hosts was closely investigated by Ste-

fański.

He published abroad two works on the part played by helminths in the transmission of bacteria and viruses. He stresses that while the trans- missive part played by helminth larvae that penetrate the skin of the host was often proved, similar action of intestinal endoparasites was observed a few times only.

In Stefański's opinion the bacteriostatic action of the extracts from Plathyhelminthes and nematod tissue do not explain the transmission of the disease or its lack in all the cases. He thinks that an analysis of the connextions that exist between the parasites and bacterial flora co-existing in the host is indispensable. The synergie influence of bacteria and zooparasites on the host is another question to be considered.

Examining the presumed antirbiotic properties of thread-worm larvae Stefański and Przyjalkowski demonstrated that 18 species of bacteria and 1 O species of thread-worms lacked them.

Stefański, Majdan and Wertejuk showed that the pig pest virus cannot penetrate the tape-worm eggs. At the same time they stated that when the concentration of the virus is large it can pass through the skin of the host together with Strongyloides papilosus and communicate the disease.

Przyjałkowski noticed that Ascaris suum and Trichinella spiralis larvae are not carriers of Salmonella Typhimurium (host-mouse).

Grzywiński in his work on mutual dependence between experimental invasion of Ascaridia galli and Salmonella gallinarum intestinal infection of the poultry, basing on minute research, demonstrated that here is no direct connection between the above mentioned phenomena. He

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PARAZYTOLOGI.A ZOOLOGICZNA W LATACH 1958-1961 ,-11

supposes that certain dependence that can be observed because the most resistance is lessened by the invasion.

It should be pointed outhat the above works dealing with problems of such a great importance for the biology have practical as well as theoretical value. These problems, not much research as yet will, I expect, interest the scientists in future.

In her work on the internal relations of the endoparasite population Sulgustowska noticed changes in Tanaisia

f

edtschenkoi of the Larus ridi- bundus kidneys that were caused by an increase of the population. With the growth of the population the measurements of individuals decrease and the development of their organs of generation is delayed.

Remarks on intra-species relations can also be found in several works mentioned before, for instance Guttowa's. Her observations on Diphyllo- bothrium latum procercoids confirmed that here was no competition with lethal results and showed that their population processes were similar to these described by Michajłow in his work on Triaenophorus nodulosus.

The work of Żarnowski and Patyk mentioned above describes observations showing different dislocation of Thominx aerophilus and Th. hohmi in the organism of the host. When these two species coexist in the nostrils and sinus paranasalis they both show a competitive disposition.

In his work, published abroad, on inter-species relations of larvae belonging to Cesioda species in the intermediate host, Michajłow adds up the results of his own research on Triaenophorus nodulosus and Drepanidotaenia lanceolata contacted artificially in the same Copepoda.

He shows that an indisputable though not lethal mutual influence exist and is subject to the time and sequence of the invasions and also to the number of cach population.

As we can make continual observations in nature and also cause artificial simultaneous and successive co-invasions of the parasite po- pulations (Cestoda and Nematoda larvae as well as Euglenida and, may be.

Ciliata Parasitica) of Copepoda and partly Ostracoda, it may be possible that perhaps some of the snails with transparent shells will make a good

materiał for research on the inter- and intra-species relations of the parasites. In this case, too, resea:rch conducted should be based on modern principles of the ecology of population.

V. EVOLUTIONAL PROBLEMS OF PARASITOLOGY

The idea of evolution - if one may say so - stood at the craddle of Polish parasitology. Its pioneers, Kowalewski and later Janicki 1ooked at parasitology from the stand-point of evolutionists. This tradition has been up to-date followed by their successors.

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During the period reported, strictly speaking in 1960, the author of the present report published a large elaboration on parasitism and evolution. His aim was to collect the essential data of parasitology connected with the problems of the evolution of the organie world, to confront them with the conceptions of the modern evolutionism and thus attempt to unite the parasitology with the current of the biologica! thought. I must confess that to draw a kind of programme for the further development of the evolutional course of parasitology was also my ambition. I intended as well to encourage research that would conscio:,isly and purposefully take into consideraEon the evolutional problems including: the procfs of the evolution, the regularities that characterize its course, (the phylogenesis of separate systematic groups of parasites included) and the analysis of the causes of evolutional changeability and the origination of· new organie forms.

If we look from this point of view at the books published in this country during the past years we may say that many of them tackled these problems. It proves, to a certain extent, that it is possible to ex€cute the above programme. Many data in the works of Stefański, Czapliński, Guttowa, Pojmańs'ka, Kisielewska, Rybicka, Kazubski, Michaj-

łow, Janiszewska, Żarnowski, Slusarski, Jarecka, Kozicka, Prost, Złoto

rzycka, the Grabdas and others this way or the other touch the evol:..itio- nal problems. The data they give on different problems, when arranged and interpreted, would make a much wider description of the progress of the evolutional course of the Polish parasitology, that it is possible to comprehend within the frames of the present report.

The problems discussed were: the phylogenesis of separate groups of parasit€s, the changeability of the parasites and the "parasite-host"

systems, the relations that take place within these systems, the re- fractoriness and the resistance of the parasites and the hosts, their changeability and specifities, the relations between the parasites and the environment of the 1st and 2nd order, the inter- and intra-species relations in parasitocenoses and many other questions.

They are the leading problems of some of the works.

In her very interesting work Domicz-Styczyńska tries to draw a characteristic of morphological changes that occur in Diptera of the Hippoboscidae after they toak to the parasitic way of life. She demonstrated that with the growth of monophagous tendencies a further de- correlation of the insects segments takes place. There are also other changes that indicate definite tendencies, different than these that can be observed in Diptera living at large.

Złotorzycka reports on ecological and phylogenetic relations that exist between Mallophaga and their host the birds. She noticed a certain

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parallelism in the phylogenesis development, but at he same time she points out that the influence of the environment is the factor of, at least, an equal rank.

A lecture delivered by Michajłow at a research session in Jena to commemorate the anniversaries of Lamarck, Darwin and Haeckel, and afterwards published in Eastern Germany gives a consise summary of the principal relations between the parasitology and the evolutionism.

The hrther progress of the evolutional parasitology depends upon the parasitologists: wheather they accept its problems and choose them as subjects of their research, and also - in no lesser degree - whether all the parasitologists, medical and veterinary included, will agree to get acquainted with these problems and observe in their research a certain methodological discipline, which is not embarassing, and con- forms with the rules of all research that has a living organism for the subject. That will enable the parasitology to assume a proper attitude towards generał biology and the evolutionism, an attitude as, or may be more, profitable than these of other biological sciences. That this kind of relationship if profita'ble for both sciences concerned can be seen clearly on the history of biological sciences for the last 100 years.

FINAL REMARKS

I tried to give in the present report the fullest possible picture of Polish generał parasitology during the past years. It is not only the fault of the author if this picture is not complete. It may also be ex- plained by the fact that parasitological elaborations are scattered in many periodicals though most of them can now be fo:.md in special publica- tions.

What conclusions can be drawn after analysing the above data?

First of all one notices the manifold interest of our parasi,tologists.

It should, I believe, be considered a good thing provided that many- -sidedness does not lead to superficiality.

Remarks and postulates concerning each of the above groups were given in appropriate places.

Now we have to consider the shortcomings of our parasitology. If we want it to keep the place with the world 'Science these shortcomings must worry us.

First of all a quite inadequate number of research was done on the parasite physiology and biochemistry and what is more, some of the research done by the parasitologist negate completely the methods of both these sciences.

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We live in the era of the great progress of biochemistry and bio- physics it is, therefore, no longer necessary to explain the necessity of using these new methods in parasitological research. There were many attemps in this direction in the world parasitology, here Rybicka in her communication ma'kes attempts to use isotopic methods in parasitology.

There is no doubt that physiological and biochemical methods and criteria can widen the knowledge and they will certainly elucidate finally the essence of such phenomena as: imm·.mity, specifity, mutual influence between parasites and hosts and between different parasites in the same biocenosis that up till now are described rather superficially.

Introduction of new research methods always meets difficulties. First.

new requisites and appliances are needed. Some of our research centres.

however, in the first place the Institute of Parasitology of the Polish Academy of Science will be aible to acquire the necessary apparatuses.

The second difficulty is more perplexing: our parasitologists are not yet ready for the new research methods.

It is rather doubtful that it would be possible to overcome this difficulty by schooling and re-education because this new branches of science and these new methods are very diffinlt and toilful. The best solution might be to find young and well qualified physiologists and biochemists who would like to werk on parasitological problems. or to form research teams that would comprise such scientists.

It is certainly worth while to discuss this question and to make first steps in thi,s direction .

If we can initiate it in the near future, the next Congress of our As- sociation will not only be able to note the birth of a new course of parasitological research but also registed greater successes of these courses of research that already exist and develop successfully. With this wish for the future I will close my report on our up to-date attainments.

Author's address :

\•Varszawa. Pasteura ⁰