Paracapillaria (Ophidiocapillaria) siamensis sp. nov. (Nematoda: Trichuroidea): A New Nematode in Naja kaouthia from Thailand

Abstract

A comprehensive investigation, incorporating both morphological and molecular analyses, has unveiled the existence of a hitherto unknown nematode species, Paracapillaria (Ophidiocapillaria) siamensis sp. nov., residing in the intestine of the monocled cobra, Naja kaouthia, in the central region of Thailand. This study integrates morphological characteristics, morphometric examination, scanning electron microscopy, and molecular phylogenetic analysis (COI, 18S rRNA, and ITS1 genes). The findings place the newly described species within the subgenus Ophidiocapillaria, elucidating its distinctive characteristics, including a frame-like proximal spicule shape, approximate lengths of 19,000 and 22,500 μm with approximate widths of 90 and 130 μm for males and females, 39-45 stichocytes, elevated lips without protrusion, a dorsal bacillary band stripe with an irregular pattern of bacillary cells, and evidence of intestinal infection. These features serve to differentiate it from other species within the same subgenus, notably Paracapillaria (Ophidiocapillaria) najae De, 1998, a species coexisting P. siamensis sp. nov. in the monocled cobra from the same locality. This study addresses the co-infection of the novel species and P. najae within the same snake host, marking the second documented instance of a paracapillariid species in the monocled cobra within the family Elapidae. The genetic characterisation supports the formal recognition of P. siamensis sp. nov. as a distinct species, thereby underscoring its taxonomic differentiation within the Capillariidae family. This research identifies and characterizes the new nematode species, contributing valuable insights to the taxonomy of this nematode.