Prevalence and pathology of Lernaea cyprinacea (Crustacea: Lernaeidae) parasitizing tadpoles of Pelophylax bedriagae (Anura: Ranidae) in Antalya, Turkey

Abstract

This is a report of the first record of the occurrence of Lernaea cyprinacea on tadpoles of Pelophylax bedriagae, a frog species native from Karpuzçay Creek, Antalya, Turkey. A total of 20 tadpoles of P. bedriagae were examined and 14 (70%) specimens were infected. A maximum of two parasites per host was found, primarily around the cloaca. In general, slight to moderate hyperemia was noticed around the parasite. Typically, granuloma form in the tissues around the parasite. Histopathological examination revealed that hemorrhages and pathological lesions such as dermal erosions, and a chronic inflammatory reaction in skin and muscle were present at the site of parasite attachment. © 2019 Universidade de São Paulo - ESALQ.