Prevalence and risk factors associated with infection by Eimeria spp. in goats and sheep in Northeastern Brazil

Eimeria spp. infections lead to acute or chronic intestinal disorders in small ruminants, being responsible for important economic losses worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the risk factors associated with Eimeria spp. infection in small ruminants of the microregion of Garanhuns, state of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil. Fecal samples (n = 822) were obtained from goats (n = 414) and sheep (n = 408) and evaluated by the modified Gordon and Whitlock technique. Risk factors were assessed through univariate analysis and logistical regression. Oocysts of Eimeria species were detected in 62.9% (517/822) of the animals, with 77.8% (322/414) in goats and 47.8% (195/408) in sheep. For goats, the herd size (OR = 5.52), rearing system (OR = 1.57), feeding place (OR = 2.60), absence of mineral salt in the diet (OR = 2.54), flooring type (OR = 2.83) and periodicity of cleaning (OR = 5.39) were considered risk factors. Conversely, for sheep only the herd size (OR = 3.16) and rearing system (OR = 2.45) were important factors associated with infection by Eimeria spp. Data herein obtained brings meaningful information on the epidemiology of coccidiosis in small ruminants in Northeastern Brazil. The knowledge of these risk factors is useful to contribute to the development of preventive measures, thereby, reducing the economic impact caused by these protozoa in small ruminant production.

Gastrointestinal parasites in the opossum Didelphis aurita: Are they a potential threat to human health?

Currently, a great proportion of the emerging infectious human diseases are zoonotic, with most of the pathogens originated from wildlife. In this sense, synanthropic animals such as marsupials play important role in the dissemination of pathogens due to their proximity to human dwellings. These hosts are affected by many gastrointestinal parasites, including species with zoonotic potential. The aim of this study was to assess the diversity of gastrointestinal parasites infecting the black-eared opossum D. aurita captured in urban areas of Southeastern, Brazil. In addition, the potential risk for the human population based on the One Health perspective has been discussed. Forty-nine marsupial specimens were captured with Tomahawk live traps and fecal samples were collected. The samples were evaluated by parasitological procedures. Eggs and oocysts were analyzed at different magnifications (400 × and 1000 ×), and their identification, together with adult nematodes, was established on morphological and morphometric data. Forty-three hosts (87.76%) scored positive for at least one gastrointestinal parasite, being 83.67% (41/49) for helminths, and 65.30% (32/49) for protozoa. For Cryptosporidium sp., only 13 samples were evaluated due to insufficient amount of feces obtained of some animals. A prevalence of 23.08% (3/13) was reported for this parasite. PCR analysis revealed Ancylostomatidae eggs to belong to the genus Ancylostoma. Our results demonstrated that multiparasitism is frequently found in these animals and a high percentage of potentially zoonotic parasites are observed, implying that D. aurita may be involved in zoonotic cycles in urban environments.

Detection of Rickettsia felis in ectoparasites collected from domestic animals

Ticks and fleas are arthropods widely distributed around the world involved in the transmission of various vector-borne diseases (VBDs), including Brazilian Spotted Fever (BSF), Baggio-Yoshinari Syndrome and the plague, with outstanding consequences for the public health. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Rickettsia spp., Borrelia spp. and Yersinia pestis in arthropods collected from dogs, cats and horses living in the state of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil. From January 2017 to April 2019, ectoparasites were collected, morphologically identified and molecularly analysed through PCR and sequencing. In total 401 specimens were collected from 86 animals, being 68% (n = 273) and 32% (n = 128) from rural and urban areas, respectively. The most commonly detected species were the ticks Dermacentor nitens, Amblyomma sculptum, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.), Rhipicephalus microplus, and Amblyomma ovale, and the fleas Ctenocephalides felis and Ctenocephalides canis. DNA of Rickettsia felis was detected in D. nitens collected from horses, and C. felis, and R. sanguineus s.l. collected from dogs. All samples scored negative for Borrelia spp. and Y. pestis DNA. This study provides valuable data on ectoparasite fauna from domestic animals and identifies the circulation of a zoonotic pathogen (i.e., R. felis) in the population of the arthropods assessed. Therefore, preventive measures should be adopted in order to reduce the risk of occurrence of neglected VBD caused by this pathogen in animal and human hosts.

LARVICIDAL ACTIVITY OF Caesalpinia ferrea MART. AND Lippia origanoides CHAM. AGAINST Aedes aegypti (LINNAEUS, 1762) (DIPTERA: CULICIDAE)

The control of Aedes aegypti has been considered one of the most important public health challenges worldwide. Chemical compounds have long been used for this purpose, but resistance to these molecules has also increased. Therefore, over the last few years several studies have focused on the development of alternative tools, particularly those based on plant metabolites. The purpose of this study was to assess the larvicidal activity of Caesalpinia ferrea and Lippia origanoides against Ae. aegypti. Larvae (L3) of Ae. aegypti Liverpool and Rockefeller strains, as well as of the Recife population were exposed to different concentrations  of C. ferrea (ranging from 13.1 to 105 mg/mL) and L. origanoides (ranging from 16.3 to 130 mg/mL), and the mortality rate was evaluated up to 48 hours after the beginning of the experiment. All tested groups and  ontrol group were quadruplicated. For C. ferrea, mortality ranged from 42.5% to 100% for Ae. aegypti Liverpool strain,from 67% to 100% for Ae. aegypti Rockfeller strain, and 57% to 100% for Ae. aegypti Recife population after 48 hours of larval exposure. For L. origanoides, the larvicidal activity ranged from 75% to 100% for Ae. aegypti Liverpool strain, from 61.5% to 100% for Ae. aegypti Rockfeller strain, and from 60.5% to 100% for Ae.aegypti Recife population. The hydro ethanol extract of C. ferrea and L. origanoides presented larvicidal activity against Ae. aegypti.KEY WORDS: Aedes aegypti; hydro ethanol extracts; Caesalpinia ferrea; Lippia sidoides; botanical insecticide; mosquitoes.

Ticks, fleas and endosymbionts in the ectoparasite fauna of the black-eared opossum Dipelphis aurita in Brazil

Ticks and fleas are essential vectors of pathogens that affect humans and animals, and among their hosts, synanthropic animals such as the black-eared opossum, Didelphis aurita, play a role in public health due to their ability to move between urban centers and forested areas in Brazil. This study aimed to assess the ectoparasite fauna of D. aurita, as well as the presence of pathogens and endosymbionts in ticks and fleas. Opossums (n = 58) captured in Tomahawk livetraps were examined for ectoparasites, and their blood sampled for further analysis. Additionally, spleen samples were collected in individuals found dead. Samples were PCR screened for Rickettsia spp., Borrelia spp., Anaplasmataceae, and Babesia spp. Two tick species were morphologically identified as Ixodes loricatus 24/58 (41.4%) and Amblyomma sculptum 1/58 (1.7%). For fleas, Ctenocephalides felis was detected in 60.3% (35/58) of the animals, and Xenopsylla cheopis in 5.2% (3/58). PCR analysis detected Anaplasmataceae DNA in 34% (16/47) of pooled samples of C. felis, and in 66.7% (2/3) pooled samples of X. cheopis. Sequence analysis revealed Wolbachia pipientis symbiont in all positive samples. Tick, blood and spleen samples were all negative for the microorganisms assessed. These findings suggest that these arthropods circulate among wildlife and urban environments, which may implicate in their participation in the cycle of zoonotic pathogens among opossums, humans and companion animals.

Molecular detection of Cercopithifilaria bainae and other tick-borne pathogens in Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. isolated from dogs in Midwest Brazil

The aim of the present study was to detect Cercopithifilaria bainae and other tick-borne pathogens and to perform molecular characterization of the tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. collected from dogs. Ticks (n = 432, including 8 larvae, 59 nymphs, and 365 adults) were sampled from domiciled dogs (n = 73) living in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul (Midwest Brazil). All ticks were morphologically identified as R. sanguineus. Genomic DNA was extracted in pools (three to five ticks per animal) and was used for definition of R. sanguineus haplotypes (based on 16S rRNA analysis) and pathogen identification (Cercopithifilaria sp., Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys, Hepatozoon canis, Babesia vogeli and Rickettsia spp.). Rhipicephal us sanguineus specimens were identified as haplotypes A and B. DNA of Cercopithifilaria bainae (43.83%; 32/73), Ehrlichia canis (24.65%; 18/73), Anaplasma platys (19.17%; 14/73), and Hepatozoon canis (5.47%; 4/73) was detected. The identity of pathogens was confirmed by DNA sequence analysis. The present study confirms the presence of haplotypes A and B of R. sanguineus in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul and its importance as a vector of several pathogens of veterinary concern. Finally, this is the first report to identify C. bainae in ticks in the Midwestern region of Brazil.

Sandflies in an endemic area for Visceral Leishmaniasis in Northeastern Brazil

Abstract Phlebotomines of the genus Lutzomyia are important vector for species of Leishmania, the etiological agent of leishmaniasis. The aim of this study was to assess the diversity of sandflies in an endemic area for Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL). Sampling was performed in four localities on the coast of the municipality of Goiana, state of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil. Specimens were collected monthly on three consecutive nights, from November 2017 to October 2018. CDC light traps were installed at a height of 1.5 m above the ground, in two ecotypes (i.e. tree and animal facility), both in peridomestic areas. A total of 5,205 sandflies were collected, among which the species Lutzomyia longipalpis (99.85%; 5,197/5,205) was the most common, followed by Lutzomyia evandroi (0.13%; 07/5,205) and Lutzomyia whitmani (0.02%; 01/5,205). Specimens of L. longipalpis were collected throughout the study period and most of them were found near to the animal facilities. The findings from this research indicate that vectors for Leishmania infantum are present in the study area throughout the year, along with occurrences of vectors relating to Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL). Preventive vector control measures need to be implemented in Goiana to reduce the risk of infection for the human and animal populations.

Spatial distribution of triatomine bugs in a Chagas disease endemic region in Brazil

INTRODUCTION

Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiological agent of Chagas disease (CD), a zoonotic infection transmitted by triatomine bug vectors to human beings. Although the story of this parasitic infection was born in Brazil and here this has made major step forward information, the same cannot be said about the actual distribution of the triatomine vector in several areas of this country. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of triatomine species in an endemic region for CD in Northeastern Brazil.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed using data obtained from 2008 to 2017. All information was provided by the V Gerência Regional de Saúde of the state of Pernambuco. The spatial distribution of triatomine species was analyzed by drawing a map using the Quantum geographic information system.

RESULTS

A total of 4,694 triatomine specimens (469.4 ± 221.2 per year) were collected during the period 2008-2017, with 94.5% (4,434/4,694) at the intradomicile and 5.5% (260/4,694) at peridomicile environment. Of all arthropods collected, 92.5% (4,340/4,694) and 7.5% (354/4,694) were adults and nymphs, respectively. The species most frequently detected were Panstrongylus lutzi (30.36%), Triatoma brasiliensis (26.12%), Triatoma pseudomaculata (22.43%), and Panstrongylus megistus (20.54%).

CONCLUSIONS

These data contribute to a better understanding of the distribution of T. cruzi infection in the Northeastern region of Brazil. Preventive measures based on vector control should be implemented in the study area in order to reduce the burden this neglected tropical disease.

Spatial distribution of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) in vulnerable areas for the transmission of arboviruses

INTRODUCTION

Areas at risk of transmission of arboviruses have been monitored using ovitraps. This study aimed to evaluate the spatial distribution of Aedes aegypti in vulnerable areas for the transmission of arboviruses and assess the influence of climatic conditions on the infestation of these culicids.

METHODS

Ovitraps were installed in Agrestina, Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil.

RESULTS

Overall, 44,936 eggs were collected, and the indexes of infestation varied. Relative humidity was significantly associated with the infestations.

CONCLUSIONS

Using ovitraps, entomologic indexes and analysis of climatic factors might be good strategies for monitoring vulnerable areas for the transmission of arboviruses.

An Additional Asset for the FLOTAC Technique: Detection of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Vegetables

INTRODUCTION

Gastrointestinal parasites are considered amongst the most important threats to veterinary and human health worldwide. The transmission of these parasitic diseases usually involves the accidental ingestion of oocysts, cysts, eggs, and larvae, whose detection is generally achieved by classical coproparasitological methods, based on sedimentation and/or flotation techniques. These procedures might be inefficient or display a low sensitivity when performed on food matrices. This study aimed to assess the value of the FLOTAC technique for the detection of different parasitic stages of gastrointestinal parasites of domestic animals in fresh lettuce.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Samples (n = 100) were purchased from public markets located in the metropolitan region of Recife (Brazil).

RESULTS

A total of 79% scored positive for eggs and/or cysts of gastrointestinal parasites. Protozoa and nematodes were detected in 32% (32/100) and 64% (64/100) of samples, respectively, with cysts of the genus Entamoeba (32%) and eggs of nematodes of the order Strongylida (30%) being the most frequently diagnosed.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings herein reported demonstrate that the FLOTAC technique can be successfully applied for recovering food-borne parasites of medical and veterinary concern in food matrices.

Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in dogs from an urban area of North-eastern Brazil: a spatial approach

INTRODUCTION

The present study aimed to assess the seroprevalence and spatial distribution of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in dogs.

METHODS

Blood samples (n = 241) were collected and analyzed for the presence of anti-N. caninum and anti-T. gondii antibodies. The spatial distribution was evaluated using kernel density estimation (KDE).

RESULTS

Anti-N. caninum and anti-T. gondii antibodies were detected in 24.06% (58/241) and 9.54% (23/241) of samples, respectively. A heterogeneous spatial distribution of positive dogs was observed across the city.

CONCLUSIONS

These data are pivotal for better understanding the dynamics of infection caused by these protozoa in the canine population.

Screening of Cercopithifilaria bainae and Hepatozoon canis in ticks collected from dogs of Northeastern Brazil

Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.) is one of the most widespread ixodid ticks and is a competent vector of several vector-borne pathogens of veterinary and medical concern. For instance, this tick species transmits nematodes of the genus Cercopithifilaria and protozoa of the genus Hepatozoon to carnivores, including dogs. Here we investigated the occurrence of Cercopithifilaria spp. and Hepatozoon spp. in a population of ticks collected from naturally infested dogs living in rural areas of Northeastern Brazil. From August 2016 to June 2017, 758 tick specimens (mean ticks per month = 68.9 ± 71.4) were sampled from 75 dogs (mean ticks per dog = 10.11 ± 5.2) and dissected under a stereomicroscope in order to visualize Cercopithifilaria spp. larvae and Hepatozoon spp. oocysts and sporocysts. R. sanguineus s.l. was the only species collected, peaking in September (n = 273) and decreasing in February 2017 (n = 39). Different larval stages of Cercopithifilaria bainae were identified in 7 out of 758 (0.93%) ticks. In addition, 4 specimens (0.53%) were positive for oocysts and free sporocysts of Hepatozoon canis. The identity of both species of parasites was molecularly confirmed. These results account for the predominance of R. sanguineus (s.l.) in domestic dogs from rural locations of the study area, as well as for the presence C. bainae and H. canis in these tick populations.

Survey on helminths and protozoa of free-living Neotropical bats from Northeastern Brazil

Bats are considered important reservoirs of pathogens of veterinary and medical relevance worldwide. However, despite the increasing attention paid towards the central role of bats in the spreading of some zoonotic infections, studies on their own parasites remain patchy especially in Neotropical regions. Understanding the relationships occurring between bats and their pathogens is a crucial step to determine the implications undermining the ecology and biology of these animals. The present study aims to assess the endoparasitic fauna of Neotropical bats from Northeastern Brazil, with a particular focus on helminths and protozoa. From October 2016 to March 2017, 54 fresh faecal samples were collected in stable shelters inhabited by three different bat species (i.e., Molossus molossus, Myotis lavali and Noctilio albiventris). Samples were analysed using four different techniques (i.e., Centrifugal Sedimentation, Flotation Technique, Spontaneous Sedimentation Technique and FLOTAC^®). A total of 96.29% (52/54) samples were positive for at least one gastrointestinal parasite and 11 different families were identified. In particular, 63.6% (7/11) of the families were of helminths and 36.4% (4/11) of protozoa. Helminths were classified into two different classes (Nematoda and Cestoda) and seven families, whereas the four protozoa classes detected (i.e., Coccidia, Gregarinomorphe, Lobosea and Zoomastigophora) into four families. Eggs of Ancylostomatidae and Hymenolepididae were the most abundan. The findings of this present study demonstrate that Neotropical bats from Northeastern Brazil are parasitized by a wide number of parasites, and some of them may have important implications for Public Health.

Melanization of Dirofilaria immitis Larvae in Different Culicid Species

BACKGROUND

Dirofilaria immitis is an important filarioid transmitted by culicids. The vector role of these arthropods may be influenced by biological events as melanization against D. immitis larvae. This study aimed to detect the occurrence of melanization in Culex quinquefasciatus, Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti and Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus experimentally infected with D. immitis.

METHODS

Five populations (Cx. quinquefasciatus RECIFE (P1), Ae. albopictus RECIFE (P2), Ae. aegypti RECIFE (P3), Ae. aegypti CAMPINAS (P4) and Ae. aegypti ROCKEFELLER (P5)) were artificially fed with infected blood containing D. immitis microfilariae. Ten mosquitoes per day from each population were dissected for 14 days.

RESULTS

Melanized larvae of D. immitis were observed in all population except in P3. The period in which melanized larvae were found varied from the third to the 14^th day post-infection. Difference in the number of these larvae was observed between P5 and P2-P3 (P< 0.01), and between P5 and P4 (P< 0.05). Third-stage larvae of D. immitis were detected in all population 14 d post-infection, except in P3, which presented high mortality 24 h post-infection. The melanization observed in the populations herein studied did not indicate refractory since third-stage larvae were observed at the end of the experiment. Most likely, this immune response aimed to control the number of larvae, in order to maintain the equilibrium between vector-parasite.

CONCLUSION

The melanization did not seem to be a limiting factor to the development of this filarioid in these local Brazilian Culicidae populations.

Gastrointestinal parasites in feral cats and rodents from the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil

Gastrointestinal parasites are important pathogens affecting animals, some of them are of medical and veterinary concern. Although the dynamic of parasitic infections is a complex phenomenon that has been studied under experimental conditions, it shows several gaps in knowledge, especially in insular regions where a confined population of animals and parasites co-exists. In this study was assessed the parasitism by endoparasite gastrointestinal in feral cats (n = 37) and rodents (n = 30) from the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago; in addition, the risk of human infection and ecological implications of these findings were discussed. Out of all samples analysed, 100% scored positive for the presence of gastrointestinal parasites in both feral cats and rodents. A total 17 genera and/or species of endoparasite gastrointestinal were identified, Ancylostoma sp., Strongyloides sp., Trichuris campanula and Toxocara cati were the parasites more frequently in feral cats. In rodents Eimeria sp., Strongyloides sp. and Trichuris muris were parasites more frequently herein detected. Human population living in this area are at risk of parasite infections due to the population of rodents and feral cats in the archipelago.

Detection and molecular characterization of Trypanosoma (Duttonella) vivax in dairy cattle in the state of Sergipe, northeastern Brazil

Abstract Trypanosoma (Duttonella) vivax is an important cause of economic losses among feedlot cattle. These losses are related to the morbidity, mortality, reproductive issues and decreased production. It is known that the clinical signs observed in infections by this protozoon are similar to other hemoparasitosis, which difficult the diagnosis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to detect and molecularly characterize an outbreak of trypanosomiasis caused by T. (D.) vivax in dairy cattle in the municipality of São Miguel Aleixo, state of Sergipe, Brazil. Blood samples from cattle (n = 15) presenting clinical signs compatible with trypanosomiasis were collected and parasitological and molecular evaluated. Among the samples analyzed, 34% (5/15) were positive from blood smears, 60% (9/15) from the buffy coat method and 80% (12/15) from the molecular method. The DNA sequence obtained (659 bp) showed 99% similarity to T. (D.) vivax sequences that are available in the GenBank database. The presence of this protozoon in cattle herds is a problem for producers. Diagnosing trypanosomiasis is problematic because its evolution is similar to that of other parasitic blood diseases. In addition, this is the first report of infection by T. (D.) vivax in cattle in the state of Sergipe, northeastern Brazil.

Phlebotomines in an area endemic for American cutaneous leishmaniasis in northeastern coast of Brazil

Abstract Phlebotomines have worldwide distribution with many species present in Brazil, including the northeastern region, where the fauna is very diverse. The aim of this study was to identify the sandfly fauna in an area endemic for American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) in the state of Pernambuco. Sandflies were caught on three consecutive nights every month from October 2015 to September 2016, from 5 pm to 5 am, using seven light traps of Centers for Disease Control (CDC) type. Females were identified and used for molecular Leishmania detection. A total of 2,174 specimens belonging to ten species were collected: Lutzomyia choti (88.2%; 1,917/2,174) was the most abundant species, followed by Lutzomyia whitmani (8.1%; 176/2,174) and Lutzomyia sordellii (1.5%; 33/2,174). The majority of the specimens were collected in peridomestic areas (64.1%; 1,394/2,174) and during the rainy period. All the samples examined were negative for Leishmania spp. The presence of Lutzomyia whitmani indoors and in peridomestic areas indicates that the inhabitants of this area are exposed to the risk of infection by the parasites responsible for ACL.

Cercopithifilaria bainae in Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ticks from dogs in Brazil

Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.) ticks act as intermediate host for a range of canine vector-borne pathogens, including nematodes ranked in the genus Cercopithifilaria. Though being the object of several studies in the last years, information on the distribution of these parasites is still lacking. In this study, the occurrence of Cercopithifilaria spp. was investigated in on-host population of R. sanguineus s.l. collected from naturally infested dogs. Ticks (n=1906, including one larva, 294 nymphs and 1611 adults) were sampled on domestic dogs (n=155) living in the municipality of Garanhuns (northeastern Brazil). Tick collections (n=36) were performed every 8 days, from October 2015 to June 2016. Filarioid larvae detected at tick dissection were morphologically and morphometrically identified at species level. At the end of the study, only R. sanguineus s.l. ticks were collected, with the highest number in January 2016 (n=254) and the lowest in June 2016 (n=26). Out of 1906 dissected ticks, 2.68% (51/1906) harboured Cercopithifilaria bainae larvae, whose identification was molecularly confirmed, with a nucleotide identity of 99% with C. bainae. Data here reported indicate that, in the study area, R. sanguineus s.l. is the predominant tick infesting domestic dogs. Accordingly, these animals are at a high risk of C. bainae infection.

Larvae of Ixodiphagus wasps (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) in Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) from Brazil

The biological control of ticks represents an alternative method to the chemical control, given its ecological-friendly approach. Amongst the alternatives, the use of parasitoids of the genus Ixodiphagus (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) has been largely investigated. The aim of this study was to document and molecularly characterize Ixodiphagus wasps in ticks from a tropical region of Brazil. From October 2015 to March 2016, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ticks (n=1814) were collected from naturally infested dogs and Ixodiphagus larvae were detected by microscopic examination. In addition, adult wasps were obtained in the laboratory. Larvae and adults were molecularly identified as Ixodiphagus hookeri. These findings suggest that this type of parasitism deserves to be studied in local tick populations, in order to elucidate the role of these wasps as a potential alternative to chemical tick control.

Gastrointestinal parasites of exotic birds living in captivity in the state of Sergipe, Northeastern Brazil

Abstract Brazil has a wide diversity of exotic birds that were brought to this country during the European colonization. These animals are kept in captivity and, in some cases, in inadequate facilities, which may facilitate the introduction of pathogens, including gastrointestinal parasites. The purpose of this study was to identify the main gastrointestinal parasites that affect exotic birds living in captivity in the state of Sergipe, Northeastern Brazil. Fecal samples (n = 362) from exotic birds were analyzed by direct examination and by the Willis-Mollay technique. Eggs of Amidostomum sp., Ascaridia sp., Capillarinae, Heterakis sp., Trichostrongylidae, and oocysts of coccidians were identified in nine different bird species. This is the first report in Brazil of infection by Ascaridia sp. and Heterakis sp. in Nymphicus hollandicus; by Trichostrongylidae in Serinus canaria and Streptopelia risoria.

Filarioids infecting dogs in northeastern Brazil

Species of filarial nematodes belonging to the genera Dirofilaria and Acanthocheilonema are recognised as common parasites of dogs throughout the world. Recently, other filarioids featured by the presence of dermal microfilariae (e.g., Onchocerca lupi and Cercopithifilaria spp.) have been recognised in Europe. In Brazil, reports of filarioids in dogs are limited to Dirofilaria immitis, Acanthocheilonema reconditum and Cercopithifilaria bainae. To investigate the distribution of filarial infections in dogs living in an endemic region from northeastern Brazil, blood and skin samples (n=104) were microscopically (modified Knott's test and skin snip sediment examination) and molecularly evaluated. Twenty-two dogs (21.15%) were positive at microscopic and/or molecular examination for at least one filarioid species, with 21 (20.19%) animals positive for blood microfilariae at molecular and/or at microscopic examination. Microfilariae of D. immitis were detected in 12 (11.54%) animals, with co-infection of D. immitis and A. reconditum observed in four (3.85%) individuals. One animal was positive for C. bainae at both microscopic and molecular examination. Analysis of sequence obtained in the present study showed significant alignment identity with that of C. bainae from Europe. Considering that in the area of study arthropod vectors (mosquitoes, fleas and ticks) are prevalent throughout the year, preventive measures should be disposed in order to avoid the animal infestation and pathogen infection.