Harpagorhynchus
Harpagorhynchus is a monotypic genus of acanthocephalans containing a single species, Harpagorhynchus golvaneuzeti, that infests animals.
Taxonomy
The species was described by Kvach and de Buron in 2019. The National Center for Biotechnology Information does not indicate that any phylogenetic analysis has been published on Harpagorhynchus that would confirm its position as a unique genus in the family Echinorhynchidae.Description
Harpagorhynchus golvaneuzeti consists of a proboscis covered in hooks and a long trunk.Distribution
The distribution of Harpagorhynchus golvaneuzeti is determined by that of its hosts. They have been found in Mediterranean Sea and the Sea of Marmara.Hosts
The life cycle of an acanthocephalan consists of three stages beginning when an infective acanthor is released from the intestines of the definitive host and then ingested by an arthropod, the intermediate host. Although the intermediate hosts of Harpagorhynchus are unknown, it is likely an arthropod. When the acanthor molts, the second stage called the acanthella begins. This stage involves penetrating the wall of the mesenteron or the intestine of the intermediate host and growing. The final stage is the infective cystacanth which is the larval or juvenile state of an Acanthocephalan, differing from the adult only in size and stage of sexual development. The cystacanths within the intermediate hosts are consumed by the definitive host, usually attaching to the walls of the intestines, and as adults they reproduce sexually in the intestines. The acanthor is passed in the feces of the definitive host and the cycle repeats. There may be paratenic hosts for Harpagorhynchus.Harpagorhynchus golvaneuzeti parasitizes the Common sole. There are no reported cases of Harpagorhynchus golvaneuzeti infesting humans in the English language medical literature. But they may be medically important.