Noteworthy Parasites (Apicomplexa, Cestoda, Nematoda, Acari) from Plains Leopard Frog, Rana blairi (Anura: Ranidae), from Southern Oklahoma

Abstract

A single adult plains leopard frog, Rana blairi, was collected from Marshall County, Oklahoma, and examined for ecto- and endoparasites. It was found to be infected with an unknown species of Hepatozoon and with trypanosomes of three distinct morphologies. This host also harbored a metacestode (Mesocestoides sp.) in the liver and mesenteries, a nematode (Oswaldocruzia pipiens) in the small intestine, and engorged larval Hannemania dunni and Hannemania hegeneri chiggers in skin tissue. Here, we provide the first report of hemoparasites from R. blairi in Oklahoma, including photomicrographs of the infection. In addition, the chigger H. hegeneri is reported from R. blairi and Oklahoma for the first time.