ASTIOTREMA BIRMANII N.SP. (DIGENEA: PLAGIORCHIIDAE) IN FROG (RANA TIGRINA DAUD.) FROM KARACHI, PAKISTAN

Abstract

The genus Astiotrema Looss, has been reported from amphibians, reptiles and fish. Astiotrema birmanii n.sp. is described from the frog Rana tigrina Daud. collected from different localities of Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. A total fourteen frogs were examined for helminth parasites, thirty one trematodes were collected from the intestine of four hosts. The new species is characterized by possessing the following characters: Body elongate, slim, cylindrical, slightly curved with minute spines. Oral sucker smaller than ventral sucker. Pharynx prominent, esophagus medium in length, acetabulum in mid body; Cirrus pouch elongate reaching mid esophagus with prostrate complex and a large seminal vesicle. Ovary trilobed; genital pore immediately anterior to caecal bifurcation, Vitellaria located anterior to acetabulum. Testis oval to balloon shaped, posterior testis slightly larger than anterior testis. Uterus extracaecal except near the caecal endings. Excretory pore terminal, eggs numerous, small, oval measuring 0.046-0.054 by 0.027-0.036 mm. The present species are relatively closest to A. sudanensis (Khalil, 1959) Bhutta and Khan, 1974 originally reported from fresh water turtle (Trionyxtriunguis) and later reported in turtle (Lissemys punctata) from Punjab