Physocephalus sp. (Spirurida, Spirocercidae) larvae in stomach granulomas of the blue spiny lizard, Sceloporus serrifer (Phrynosomatidae) from Texas.

Abstract

Prevalence of larval nematodes (Physocephalus sp., Spirurida, Spirocercidae) and associated cysts are reported from the blue spiny lizard, Sceloporus serrifer, from Texas (USA). Prevalence of infection was 29%, with seven of 24 animals infected. Larvae were found in gastric submucosal and occasionally mucosal cysts with a mean (+/- SE) of 287 +/- 9.04 microns in diameter. The nematodes evoked a chronic granulomatous response including cyst formation with focal destruction of gastric glands. Cysts resolved into areas of fibrosis. Sceloporus serrifer is a new host record for Physocephalus sp.