Indagine parassitologica su Acipenser naccarii (Osteichtyes, Acipenseriformes) del fiume Po infestato da Leptorhynchoides plagicephalus (Acanthocephala).

Eighteen Acipenser naccarii specimcns, out of 22 cxamined (82%) from the Po rivcr proved to be infected by Leptorhynchoides plagicephalus. The parasite causes extensive lesions to the intestinal mucosa. As a response to parasitic presence in the attachment zone, the host tissue produces a fibrous thickening and shows a markcd infiltralion of leococytcs, mainly Lymphocytes and eosinophilic granulocytes. The prevalence of infection was found to increase with sturgeon age and there was no relationship with host sex.