PARASITIC MENINGOENCEPHALITIS IN NURSE SHARKS (GINGLYMOSTOMA-CIRRATUM)

Based on microscopic examination of the brains of seven wild-caught nu rse sharks (Ginglymostoma cirratum), we observed a severe meningoencep halitis associated with numerous parasitic granulomas. The parasites w ere larval nematodes with morphologic characteristics of the Superfami ly Dracunculoidea. Although meningeal larval aggregates were associate d with chronic inflammation, additional parasitic nodules found on the endocardial surf ace and perimandibular region did not provoke an inf lammatory response. Neither the route of infection nor life cycle were determined.