| Brain: Spraguea lophii Xenomas |
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| Spraguea lophii is a common parasite of Angler fish (Lophius piscatorious) infecting ganglion cells. Numerous cysts of this microsporean parasite are frequently found in or on the brain, medulla oblongata, spinal cord and spinal ganglia. They are sometimes noted affecting posterior ganglia (spinal nerves) of the fish during filleting. The parasite does not seem to harm the fish and generally the cellular response in mild. In most cases the host effectively encapsulates the parasitic xenomas in several layers of connective tissue. However, in larger xenomas the whole whole mass develops into a granuloma containing degenerative host and parasite material. Effects on host behaviour have not been determined but appear minimal. |
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