Vorticella sp. infestations in nematodes: a report

Abstract

The peritrich protozoan, Vorticella sp., is reported for the first time associated with nematodes in extracts from soil samples. The affected nematodes became visibly lethargic and died 18-24 h after isolation. Infection by the nematophagous fungus Catenaria anguillulae were also observed in some affected nematodes. Vorticella sp. did not show any host preference and was found attached to both plant parasitic and free-living nematodes.