Nematóides do Brasil. Parte V: nematóides de mamíferos

Pathology of Free-Ranging and Captive Brazilian Anteaters

There is little information on the anatomical pathology of Brazilian anteaters. Considering the relevance of knowledge of diseases of these species for their conservation, the aim of this study was to describe pathological changes in 99 captive and free-ranging anteaters from the Brazilian states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Bahia, Mato Grosso do Sul and Amazonas. Forty-two animals were killed on roads and 10 died from burns injuries. Other significant conditions included the metabolic diseases of iron storage disease, tissue mineralization and taurine deficiency, protozoan and metazoan infections, candidiasis, sporotrichosis, clostridiosis and proliferative disorders including squamous cell carcinoma.

First study on the helminth community structure of the neotropical marsupial Metachirus myosuros (Didelphimorphia, Didelphidae)

Metachirus myosuros is a marsupial species widely distributed in South America. Despite this, there is a lack of knowledge about its helminth parasites and helminth community structure. The aims of this study were to describe the species composition and determine the parasitological parameters of helminth communities of M. myosuros in preserved areas of the Atlantic Forest, Igrapiúna, Bahia state, northeastern Brazil. Parasites were searched from 19 specimens of this marsupial (18 were infected with at least one species), counted and identified. Ten species of helminth parasites were obtained: 7 nematodes, 2 platyhelminths and 1 acanthocephalan. The most abundant species were Aspidodera raillieti, Cruzia tentaculata, Physaloptera mirandai and Viannaia conspicua (Nematoda). These species were also the only dominant ones in the component community. Male hosts had higher prevalence of P. mirandai and greater abundance of V. conspicua. We observed a relationship between host body size and helminth abundance in both male and female hosts, and between host body size and helminth species richness in female hosts. This was the first study to analyze the helminth fauna and helminth community structure of M. myosuros. This was the first report of occurrences of A. raillieti and Didelphonema longispiculata in M. myosuros.

Prevalência e distribuição espacial da ocorrência de helmintos em primatas não humanos de vida livre no estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

RESUMO Seiscentos primatas neotropicais foram submetidos a exames post mortem para avaliação da prevalência parasitária de helmintos gastrointestinais. Foram examinados 556 calitriquídeos (Callithrix spp.), 23 bugios (Alouatta guariba), 19 macacos-pregos (Sapajus nigritus), um mico-leão-dourado (Leontopithecus rosalia) e um mico-leão-da-cara-dourada (Leontopithecus chrysomelas). Do total de 600 animais, foram encontrados espécimes parasitos pertencentes aos filos Acanthocephala, Nemathelmintes e Platyhelminthes (classes Trematoda e Cestoda) em 110 primatas. A prevalência de primatas positivos para, pelo menos, uma espécie de helminto foi de 18,3% (110/600), sendo destes 83,6% (92/110) calitriquídeos, 8,2% (9/110) bugios, 6,4% (7/110) macacos-pregos, 0,9% (1/110) mico-leão-dourado e 0,9% (1/110) mico-leão-da-cara dourada. Em 80,4% (74/92) dos calitriquídeos foram encontrados nematoides Primasubulura sp. e em 1,1% (1/92) nematoides Trypanoxyuris callithrix, em 26,1% (24/92) acantocéfalos (Pachysentis sp.) e em 5,4% (5/92) digenéticos (Platynosomum sp.); em 77,8% (7/9) dos bugios foram encontrados nematoides (Trypanoxyuris minutus), em 11,1% (1/9) acantocéfalos (Pachysentis sp.) e em 11,1% (1/9) cestoides (Bertiella sp.); em 14,3% (1/7) dos macacos-pregos foram encontrados nematoides (Physaloptera sp.), em 28,6% (2/7) acantocéfalos (Prostenorchis sp.) e em 14,3% (1/7) digenéticos (Platynosomum sp.) e no mico-leão-da-cara-dourada foram encontrados acantocéfalos (Prostenorchis sp.). Foi realizado o georreferenciamento dos pontos de encontro dos cadáveres para pontuar a distribuição dos helmintos por região.

First report of the intestinal helminth community in the broad-headed spiny-rat Clyomys laticeps (Rodentia, Echimyidae)

The broad-headed spiny rat, Clyomys laticeps, is an echimyid rodent found in open areas of Cerrado and Pantanal biomes in central Brazil and Paraguay. Little is known about the parasites associated with this semi-fossorial species, as no previous studies have been conducted on their helminth fauna. The aim of this study was to report the helminth community structure of C. laticeps inhabiting Serra de Caldas Novas State Park, a Cerrado area in central Brazil. Trappings were carried out in dry grasslands from January to October 2016, and the large and small intestines of 14 C. laticeps individuals were examined for the presence of helminths. Three nematode species were found: Fuellebornema almeidai, Pterygodermatites (Paucipectines) sp., and Subulura forcipata, and 85.7% of the studied species were infected with at least one of these helminths. F. almeidai was the most prevalent species among hosts, and S. forcipata was the most abundant. This study is the first report on helminth community structure in C. laticeps. We report a new host species and increase the known geographical range of F. almeidai, and provide the first record of Pterygodermatites (Paucipectines) sp. infecting echimyids. This is also the first report of S. forcipata in a mammal host.

Pterygodermatites (Multipectines) affinis (Jägerskiöl, 1904) (Nematoda: Rictulariidae), a parasite of Cerdocyon thous (Linnaeus, 1766) (Carnivora: Canidae) from the Brazilian Amazon

Among the Nematodes of Cerdocyon thous, the genus Pterygodermatites is characteristic for presenting cuticular projections along the body, being mentioned in different hosts in South America, although there are no records of its occurrence in the Amazon Biome. To enable further exploration in terms of their morphology and morphometry, the nematodes collected from cadavers of C. thous were fixed and observed using bright field microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, revealing characteristics compatible with P. (Multipectines) affinis, thus contributing more information about the geographic distribution of the parasite, as well as knowledge of the helminthological fauna of wild mammals in the Brazilian Amazon.

Updated checklist of helminths found in terrestrial mammals of Argentine Patagonia

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the state of knowledge about the helminthology of wild mammals in Argentine Patagonia and its link with the conservation of parasite species and biodiversity. To this end, the information included in the previously reported checklist of the helminths found in terrestrial wild mammals of Argentine Patagonia was completed and updated. The methodology used for the search was the same as that previously used, with slight modifications. Eighty-two species of mammals currently inhabit the region, and an additional six species are considered to have become extinct before the 20th century. The reports used to complete and update the information correspond to research done since 2015 to date. Considering the number of records analysed in the previously reported checklist and those of the current update, a total of 1918 helminthological reports for current Patagonian mammals and 2141 on mammal species that inhabited Patagonia before the 20th century were accounted for. It is important to point out that 41% of the 82 species of wild mammals currently inhabiting Patagonia have not been studied helminthologically; 38% of these without helminthological records are either threatened or do not have categorization, and 79% of mammals without helminthological studies have some degree of endemism. Therefore, in order to evaluate conservation priorities, the information about the parasitic richness in Patagonian wild mammals should be substantially increased, especially in those endangered or endemic.

Helminth metacommunity of small mammals in a Brazilian reserve: the contribution of environmental variables, host attributes and spatial variables in parasite species abundance

The role of environmental factors and landscape heterogeneity on species distribution on different spatial scales is one of the most important questions in community ecology. Variations in the environmental gradient characteristics, host attributes and spatial scales may influence the parasites distribution. The helminth metacommunity of 12 small mammal species was investigated in an Atlantic Forest reserve located in the State of Rio de Janeiro, southeast Brazil. We evaluated the influence of environmental variables, host attributes and spatial factors on the helminth metacommunity of small mammals, considering infracommunity and component community levels. Twenty-nine helminth morphospecies were recovered. The host attributes and spatial variables influenced the abundance of helminth species in the metacommunities for rodents and marsupials together, and for rodents alone at the infracommunity level. Host body mass, host diet and spatial variables at broad spatial scale (among localities) were the most important variables to explain the variation in helminth abundance. Parasite species richness influenced this variation only for the marsupial helminth metacommunity at the infracommunity level. The metacommunity showed larger turnover (parasite replacement) than nestedness (parasite loss) for their helminth species at both infracommunity and component community levels, which is associated with a high host specificity, and low helminth sharing among hosts for most species, resulting in a structured metacommunity.

Morphological and genetic description of Moniliformis necromysi sp. n. (Archiacanthocephala) from the wild rodent Necromys lasiurus (Cricetidae: Sigmondontinae) in Brazil

A new species of Moniliformis Travassos, 1915 (Acanthocephala: Moniliformidae) is described from the hairy-tailed bolo mouse, Necromys lasiurus Lund, 1840 (Cricetidae: Sigmondontinae), captured in the Brazilian Cerrado, in Uberlândia, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The specimens were studied by light and scanning electron microscopy. Molecular phylogenies were inferred from partial nuclear large subunit ribosomal RNA gene sequences and partial mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene. The new species is distinguished from other moniliformid species by the number of rows and number of hooks per row, size of the proboscis, size of the eggs, host species and geographical distribution. Molecular phylogenies and genetic distances analyses demonstrated that Moniliformis necromysi sp. n. forms a well-supported monophyletic group with sequences of other species of Moniliformis and is distinguished from them, which agrees with the morphological characteristics, allocating the new species to this genus and to the family Moniliformidae Van Cleave, 1924. This is the first moniliformid acanthocephalan described from a wild rodent in Brazil.

Helminth communities of sigmonontine rodents in cocoa agroforestry systems in Brazil

Agroforestry is an alternative kind of land use where the native vegetation is surrounded or intercalated by crops of economic interest. This system may maintain species richness by promoting the habitat heterogeneity or serving as ecological corridors. The aim of this study was to describe the gastrointestinal helminth fauna and to analyse the parasitological parameters of the helminth communities of six sigmodontine rodents in a cocoa agroforestry system in the municipality of Ilhéus, state of Bahia, Northeast Brazil. This is a novel study of helminth fauna in this kind of agroforestry. Rodents were captured in live-traps and euthanised for helminth recovery. Specimens were counted and identified to the species level whenever possible. Helminth abundance, intensity, and prevalence were calculated for each species and each host. The total abundance and prevalence of helminths were compared among localities and three attributes of the host: species, gender and age using generalised linear models. Considering all rodents, 52.14% of them were parasitised with at least one helminth species. Eight nematode species were identified and another seven morphospecies were identified to the genus level. The most abundant species were Hassalstrongylus epsilon, Stilestrongylus eta, Guerrerostrongylus zetta, and Syphacia alata. The opportunistic host species Oligoryzomys nigripes and Akodon cursor, besides the water rat Nectomys squamipes, were the most infected species for helminth parasites. Hylaeamys seuanezi was also an important host with the highest helminth species richness. This is the first report of the helminth fauna for this host. The locality most distant from the native vegetation and closest to the city had the highest helminth prevalence and mean species richness. The species richness in the helminth communities of Euryoryzomys russatus, N. squamipes and O. nigripes in these Cabruca agroforestries were within the range found in studies carried out in Atlantic Forest areas.

Pinworms of the red howler monkey (Alouatta seniculus) in Colombia: Gathering the pieces of the pinworm-primate puzzle

Pinworms of primates are believed to be highly host specific parasites, forming co-evolutionary associations with their hosts. In order to assess the strength and reach of such evolutionary links, we need to have a broad understanding of the pinworm diversity associated with primates. Here, we employed an integrative taxonomic approach to assess pinworm diversity in red howler monkeys in Colombia. Molecular and morphological evidence validate the presence of at least four different species of Trypanoxyuris occurring in red howler monkeys: T. minutus, a widely distributed species, and three new species, T. seunimiii n. sp., T. kemuimae n. sp. and T. kotudoi n. sp. The mitochondrial COI gene and the 28S ribosomal gene were used for phylogenetic assessments through Bayesian inference. The three new species were morphologically distinct and formed reciprocally monophyletic lineages. Further molecular lineage subdivision in T. minutus and T. kotudoi n. sp. without morphological correspondence, suggests the potential scenario for the existence of cryptic species. Phylogenetic relationships imply that the different species of Trypanoxyuris occurring in each howler monkey species were acquired through independent colonization events. On-going efforts to uncover pinworm diversity will allow us to test the degree of host specificity and the co-phylogenetic hypothesis, as well as to further unravel the primate-pinworm evolutionary history puzzle.

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Three new species of pinworms from red howler monkeys are described.

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Phylogenetic analysis suggests the potential existence of cryptic species.

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Our results agree with pinworms of primates as highly host specific parasites.

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Trypanoxyuris species occurring in each howler species are not closely related.

A multiyear survey of helminths from wild saddleback (Leontocebus weddelli) and emperor (Saguinus imperator) tamarins

The establishment of baseline data on parasites from wild primates is essential to understand how changes in habitat or climatic disturbances will impact parasite-host relationships. In nature, multiparasitic infections of primates usually fluctuate temporally and seasonally, implying that the acquisition of reliable data must occur over time. Individual parasite infection data from two wild populations of New World primates, the saddleback (Leontocebus weddelli) and emperor (Saguinus imperator) tamarin, were collected over 3 years to establish baseline levels of helminth prevalence and parasite species richness (PSR). Secondarily, we explored variation in parasite prevalence across age and sex classes, test nonrandom associations of parasite co-occurrence, and assess the relationship between group size and PSR. From 288 fecal samples across 105 individuals (71 saddleback and 34 emperor tamarins), 10 parasite taxa were identified by light microscopy following centrifugation and ethyl-acetate sedimentation. Of these taxa, none were host-specific, Dicrocoeliidae and Cestoda prevalences differed between host species, Prosthenorchis and Strongylida were the most prevalent. Host age was positively associated with Prosthenorchis ova and filariform larva, but negatively with cestode and the Rhabditoidea ova. We detected no differences between expected and observed levels of co-infection, nor between group size and parasite species richness over 30 group-years. Logistic models of individual infection status did not identify a sex bias; however, age and species predicted the presence of four and three parasite taxa, respectively, with saddleback tamarins exhibiting higher PSR. Now that we have reliable baseline data for future monitoring of these populations, next steps involve the molecular characterization of these parasites, and exploration of linkages with health parameters.

Pudicinae (Nematoda) coparasitic in Proechimys roberti (Rodentia: Echimyidae) from the Brazilian Amazonia: description of a new species of Pudica, redescription of Pudica evandroi (Travassos) and updated key to the species of the genus

The re-examination of nematodes collected decades ago from a spiny rat, Proechimys roberti (Echimyidae) from Pará State, revealed the presence of Acanthostrongylus acanthostrongylus Travassos, 1937, and two coparasitic species of Pudica (Heligmonellidae: Pudicinae), one of them new to science. Pudica minima n. sp. mostly resembles Pudica tenua Durette-Desset, 1970, described from Proechimys semispinosus in Colombia. Nevertheless, it differs from P. tenua by having a synlophe with 12 ridges with poorly developed careen, bursal pattern of type 2-2-1 on the right lobe, bursal rays 2 and 3 similar in length, and spicules longer with spoon-shaped tips. Pudica evandroi (Travassos, 1937) was already described from Pr. roberti but its synlophe remained undescribed and the original description lacked some details. A detailed study of the synlophe is provided and the range of morphometric data for males and females is enlarged. The study of the synlophe allowed ratifying the placement of this species within Pudica, as early suggested by previous authors. The species list and identification key to species of Pudica are updated with the inclusion of three species. The status of Heligmosomum alpha Travassos, 1918, which was transferred to Pudica in 1990, is emended and the species is considered a Nippostrongylinae incertae sedis.

First description of parasite load and clinicopathological and anatomopathological changes in a dog naturally coinfected with Dioctophyme renale and Leishmania infantum in Brazil

This article reports the case of a domestic dog naturally coinfected with the nematode Dioctophyme renale and with the protozoan Leishmania infantum. The dog exhibited no clinical signs but had normocytic hypochromic anemia, hyperproteinemia, hyperglobulinemia, hypoalbuminemia, and hematuria. Necropsy revealed eight D. renale specimens in the abdominal cavity and in right kidney whose parenchyma was atrophied. Histopathological analysis showed glomerular atrophy, fibrosis and a marked diffuse pyogranulomatous inflammatory infiltrate in the right kidney. Moderate multifocal granulomatous peritonitis was observed in the greater omentum. Several Dioctophyme renale eggs were present amidst the inflammatory infiltrate of the right kidney and greater omentum. Leishmania infantum parasites were detected in perirenal adipose tissue of the right kidney, greater omentum, spleen, bone marrow, and popliteal lymph node. The high D. renale load and the severe and uncommon histological alterations associated with the eggs of this parasite may have been influenced by coinfection with L. infantum.

Endoparasites of Selected Native Non-Domesticated Mammals in the Neotropics (New World Tropics)

In this review, information was summarized on endoparasites found in six non-domesticated neotropical animals. These mammals have the potential to be domesticated. The animals included three rodents, agouti (Dasyprocta leporina), lappe (Agouti paca), and capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris); a marsupial, manicou (Didelphis marsupialis insularis); and an artiodactyl, the collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu/Peccari tajacu) and a ruminant (the red brocket deer, Mazama americana). While there are many descriptions of the parasites present, the majority of publications failed to note the effect of them on the animals. Most information is available on endoparasites of capybara, while the endoparasites of the red brocket deer were the least reported. The manicou was reported to have had the most number of endoparasites, 44 species of parasites were reported, while there were only 24 endoparasites reported in the lappe. The most common parasites found in these neotropical animals were Paraspidodera uncinata, Strongyloides spp., Eimeria spp., Moniezia benedeni, Trichuris spp., Physocephalus spp., and Giardia spp. A large majority of the studies concluded that these animals were reservoirs for parasites that could affect domesticated livestock. Endoparasites of zoonotic significance were Echinoccocus spp., Trichuris spp., Giardia spp., and Cryptosporidium spp.

A New Species of Bidigiticauda (Nematoda: Strongylida) from the Bat Artibeus Planirostris (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in the Atlantic Forest and a Molecular Phylogeny of the Molineid Bat Parasites

The nematode genus Bidigiticauda has 2 species (Bidigiticauda vivipara and Bidigiticauda embryophilum), which are parasites of bats from the Neotropical region. The present paper describes a new species of Bidigiticauda from a male Artibeus planirostris specimen collected in the Pratigi Environmental Protection Area in Bahia state, Brazil. The new species, Bidigiticauda serrafreirei n. sp., differs from B. embryophilum by having longer spicules, rays 5 and 6 arising from a common trunk and bifurcating in its first third, rays 3 and 4 emerging slightly separated from each other, and dorsal rays reaching the margin of the caudal bursa. The new species also differs from B. vivipara by the dorsal ray bifurcating at the extremity of the trunk. A molecular phylogenetic analysis was conducted to determine the evolutionary affinities of Bidigiticauda serrafreirei n. sp. within the Strongylida, which identified a clade that grouped Bidigiticauda with the other members of the Anoplostrongylinae. However, the molineid subfamilies did not group together, indicating that the family Molineidae is polyphyletic. Further analyses, which include additional taxa and genetic markers, should elucidate the complex relationships within the Molineidae, in particular its subfamilies and the evolution of the traits that define these groups.

A morphological, molecular and life cycle study of the capybara parasite Hippocrepis hippocrepis (Trematoda: Notocotylidae)

Hippocrepis hippocrepis is a notocotylid that has been widely reported in capybaras; however, the molluscs that act as intermediate hosts of this parasite remain unknown. Furthermore, there are currently no molecular data available for H. hippocrepis regarding its phylogenetic relationship with other members of the family Notocotylidae. In the present study, we collected monostome cercariae and adult parasites from the planorbid Biomphalaria straminea and in the large intestine of capybaras, respectively, from Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. We subjected them to morphological and molecular (amplification and sequencing of partial regions of 28S and cox-1 genes) studies. Adult parasites collected from the capybaras were identified as H. hippocrepis and the sequences obtained for both molecular markers showed 100% similarity with monostome cercariae found in B. straminea. The sequences obtained for H. hippocrepis were compared with data available in public databases; analysis revealed this species differs from other notocotylids with available sequences (1.5–3.8% with respect to 28S and 11.4%–13.8% with respect to cox-1). On the phylogenetic analyses, H. hippocrepis appeared to be a distinct lineage in relation to other notocotylids. Some ecological aspects related to the infection of capybaras with H. hippocrepis are briefly discussed.

Pathological Findings in Lowland Tapirs (Tapirus terrestris) Killed by Motor Vehicle Collision in the Brazilian Cerrado

The lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris) is the largest land mammal in South America. The species faces steady population decline due to poaching, habitat loss and fragmentation, road-kill, pesticide pollution, competition with domestic livestock and fires, among other threats. The lowland tapir is currently listed as vulnerable to extinction. Little information is available about natural disease processes for the species. This study aimed to report the pathological findings recorded in a cohort of 35 lowland tapirs killed by motor vehicle collision (MVC) on highways of Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil, between 2015 and 2018. The main gross pathological findings were those associated with MVC, primarily involving skeletal fractures and internal multiorgan damage with extensive bleeding and/or severe central nervous system injury. The most prevalent concurrent histopathological findings, unrelated to the cause of death, were: adrenal gland degeneration, necrosis and loss of fascicular and reticular cells with replacement fibrosis and cortical atrophy (9/15; 60%); interstitial pneumonia (20/34; 59%); glossitis (9/24; 38%); pulmonary anthracosis (12/34; 35%); colitis (9/28; 32%); and cholangitis/pericholangitis (9/35; 26%). The aetiopathogeneses and clinicopathological significance of some of these findings are unclear; however, parasitic infections appear to be common. Our results highlight the importance of wildlife health information obtained through the study of carcasses of roadkills.

A new species of Physaloptera (Nematoda: Spirurida) from Proechimys gardneri (Rodentia: Echimyidae) from the Amazon rainforest and molecular phylogenetic analyses of the genus

Nematodes of the genus Physaloptera are globally distributed and more than 100 species are known. Their life cycle involves insects, including beetles, cockroaches and crickets, as intermediate hosts. This study describes a new species of Physaloptera and reports molecular phylogenetic analyses to determine its relationships within the family Physalopteridae. Physaloptera amazonica n. sp. is described from the stomach of the caviomorph rodent Proechimys gardneri collected in the Amazon rainforest in the state of Acre, Brazil. The species is characterized by the male having the first and second pair of sessile papillae asymmetrically placed, lacking a median papilla-like protuberance between the third pairs of sessile papillae, differentiated by size and shape of the spicules, while females have four uterine branches. For both nuclear 18S rRNA and MT-CO1 gene-based phylogenies, we recovered Turgida sequences forming a clade nested within Physaloptera, thus making Physaloptera paraphyletic to the exclusion of Turgida, suggesting that the latter may have evolved from the former monodelphic ancestral state to a derived polydelphic state, or that some species of Physaloptera may belong to different genera. Relationships between most taxa within Physaloptera were poorly resolved in our phylogenies, producing multifurcations or a star phylogeny. The star-like pattern may be attributed to evolutionary processes where past simultaneous species diversification events took place. Physaloptera amazonica n. sp. formed an independent lineage, separately from the other species of Physaloptera, thus supporting the status of a new species. However, all molecular data suggested a closer relationship with other Neotropical species. In conclusion, we added a new species to this already largely diverse genus Physaloptera, bringing new insights to its phylogenetic relationships. Further analyses, adding more species and markers, should provide a better understanding of the evolutionary history of physalopterids.

Taxonomy of Physaloptera mirandai (Nematoda: Physalopteroidea) based in three-dimensional microscopy and phylogenetic positioning

Gastrointestinal nematodes are important ecological assets for the maintenance of the biodiversity in the Atlantic Forest in Brazil. They parasitize a number of animals of the local fauna, in which some species can promote serious injuries in the stomach wall of their hosts, which may lead to death. Among these nematodes, parasites of the genus Physaloptera are known to parasitize mammals (particularly carnivores and small rodents), birds and reptiles, being important for the local biodiversity. In this work, three hundred and sixty-two nematodes were recovered from the stomach of twenty-one Metachirus nudicaudatus (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae) collected in Duas Bocas Biological Reserve, State of Espírito Santo, one of the largest Atlantic Forest remnants and important wildlife refuge of the Atlantic Forest in Brazil. Analysis using fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy as well as phylogenetic assessment using the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene showed that the parasites belong to the Physaloptera. Our results show details of the nematode morphology including the cloacal papillae distribution, cuticular topography details, 2D and 3D measurements of the structures with taxonomic importance. Molecular data confirmed the validity of P. mirandai and the phylogeny supported the monophyly of the assemblage formed by Physaloptera and Turgida. The use of a combination of quantitative and multidimensional microscopy tools, such as 3D reconstruction and modeling, allied to phylogenetic analysis may provide grounds for a new approach on helminth taxonomy and structural characterization.

Prevalence, Morphological and Molecular Phylogenetic Analyses of the Rabbit Pinworm, Passalurus ambiguus Rudolphi 1819, in the Domestic Rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus

INTRODUCTION

Passalurus ambiguus, a pinworm nematode parasite, infects domestic and wild rabbits, hares, and rodents worldwide.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The current parasitological study was performed during January-December 2016, to investigate helminth parasites infecting the domestic rabbit species Oryctolagus cuniculus at the Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.

RESULTS

Of the twenty rabbit specimens examined for gastrointestinal nematodes, 75% were infected with adult oxyurid species, which were morphologically characterized using light and scanning electron microscopy studies. The oxyurid species had a triangular mouth opening surrounded by simple lips with four cephalic papillae and a pair of lateral amphidial pores with three teeth-like structures, an esophagus divided into a cylindrical corpus and globular bulb supported internally with tri-radiate valvular apparatus, and four caudal papillae distributed on the posterior end of males with a single short protruding spicule and ovijector apparatus opening ventrally by the vulva, surrounded by protruded lips in female worms. The species were compared morphometrically with other Passalurus species described previously; light differences were found in different body part sizes. Molecular characterization based on 18 small subunit (SSU) rDNA sequences showed ~ 85% similarity with other Chromadorea species. A preliminary genetic comparison between the 18S rDNA sequences of the isolated parasite and those of other oxyurid species suggested that it belonged to Passalurus ambiguus. The 18S rDNA sequence of the parasite was deposited in GenBank (accession no., MG310151.1).

CONCLUSION

The 18S rDNA gene of P. ambiguus was shown to yield a unique genetic sequence that confirms its taxonomic position within the Oxyuridae family.

Helminth metacommunity structure of wild rodents in a preserved area of the Atlantic Forest, Southeast Brazil

Abstract The helminth fauna and metacommunity structure of eight sympatric sigmodontine rodents were investigated at the Serra dos Órgãos National Park, an Atlantic Forest reserve located in the State of Rio de Janeiro, southeast Brazil. Rodents of the species Abrawayaomys ruschii, Akodon montensis, Blarinomys breviceps , Delomys dorsalis, Oligoryzomys flavescens, Oligoryzomys nigripes, Oxymycterus quaestor and Thaptomys nigrita were found infected with helminths. Akodon montensis presented the highest total helminth species richness, with six different species of helminths. The nematode Stilestrongylus lanfrediae was the most abundant and prevalent helminth species observed. The host-parasite network analysis showed little interactions among host species. Akodon montensis seems to act as a keystone-species in the rodent community. This species shared the nematodes Stilestrongylus aculeata with A. ruschii and Protospirura numidica criceticola with T. nigrita, and the cestode Rodentolepis akodontis with D. dorsalis. The congeners host species O. flavescens and O. nigripes shared the nematodes Guerrerostrongylus zetta and S. lanfrediae. The rodents B. breviceps and O. quaestor did not share any helminths with other hosts. The helminth metacommunity showed a random pattern on both infracommunity and component community levels, indicating different responses by each helminth species to the environmental gradient.

Nematode capilaridae in the tongue of Cerdocyon thous of free life in Brazil

Abstract Studies of helminths in road-killed wild animals are still uncommon but may provide promising results since they can identify the parasites in juvenile and adult hosts and meet the recommendations of current discussions on bioethics that prioritize alternative methods for the use of animals. This study evaluated three Cerdocyon thous individuals that were donated after dying from being run over. Two of them had small nematode adults in the epithelial and connective tissues of the tongue. The diagnosis was based on the presence of eggs, observed in histological sections, and morphological characteristics of the nematodes in the tongue. Morphologically, this nematode has a body with transverse grooves, simple mouth opening and no lips, esophagus and stichosome with stichocytes and bacillary bands along the body, which is characteristic morphology of the family Capilariidae and genus Capillaria . The presence of this nematode in the tongue of C. thous is an extremely important fact that contributes to what is known about the biodiversity of zoonotic parasites in wild canid populations. However, an explanation for these findings remains unclear because, until now, this has not been observed in the biological cycle of the species.

Lontra longicaudis infected with canine parvovirus and parasitized by Dioctophyma renale

ABSTRACT: This study describes a case of parvovirus infection in a river otter (Lontra longicaudis) assisted at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and Wildlife Screening Center, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Clinical signs included apathy, dark and fetid diarrhea, and crusted lesions on the palmar pads of the fore and hind limbs. The animal died after undergoing support treatment with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, and fluid therapy. At necropsy, the intestines were reddened and edematous and the right kidney was diminished by one third of its normal size and covered with whitish, spongy material. A female Dioctophyma renale was found free in the abdominal cavity. Histologically, dilatation of the intestinal crypts and fusion and blunting of the intestinal villi were observed. In addition, moderate, multifocal lymphocytic enteritis with lymphoid depletion in Peyer’s patches and mesenteric lymph nodes were present. Immunohistochemistry with anti-canine parvovirus monoclonal antibody (anti-CPV) was strongly positive in the bone marrow cells and enterocytes of the intestinal crypts, confirming the diagnosis of parvovirus infection. The peritoneum on the right kidney was expanded with a cuboidal cell border, forming multiple papillary projections associated with eggs of D. renale and severe inflammatory infiltrate (giant cells, macrophages, lymphocytes, eosinophils, and plasma cells). Areas of necrosis and mineralization were also observed. Due to fragmentation and degradation of its natural habitat, the otter approached the urban area and was contaminated with the virus, which is hosted and disseminated by domestic animals. Infection with D. renale can be associated with the large population of parasitized domestic animals, which eliminate the helminth eggs through urine, contaminating the environment where the parasite intermediate and paratenic hosts co-inhabit. The diseases of these animals can be a decline factor of wild populations that inhabit the region and are an alert to spillover risk.

Helminth infections and hybridization between Haemonchus contortus and Haemonchus placei in sheep from Santana do Livramento, Brazil

The occurrence and intensity of helminth infections were evaluated in sheep from pastures shared with cattle. In 2015 and 2016, young male sheep acquired in Santana do Livramento, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, were finished in integrated crop-livestock system. We selected the 12 sheep that showed the highest number of nematode eggs per gram of faeces to search for worms in the gastrointestinal tract. Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis were the major parasites. H. contortus presented mean intensities of 1,159 and 257 worms in 2015 and 2016, respectively. T. colubriformis displayed mean intensities of 4,149 and 2,427 worms in 2015 and 2016, respectively. Of the 127 male specimens of Haemonchus spp. analysed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), 125 were H. contortus, one Haemonchus placei and one hybrid. Other species detected were Cooperia punctata , Cooperia pectinata, Cooperia spatulata, Cooperia curticei, Ostertagia ostertagi, Teladorsagia circumcincta , Trichostrongylus axei, Nematodirus spathiger , and Trichuris ovis. Twenty lambs presented cysts of Taenia hydatigena in the liver and mesentery. One lamb presented Coenurus cerebralis, the larval stage of Taenia multiceps, in the brain. In conclusion, sheep from pasture shared with cattle presented a high diversity of nematode species. H. contortus and H. placei co-infection occur with consequent hybridization.

Canine filariasis in the Amazon: Species diversity and epidemiology of these emergent and neglected zoonoses

Dirofilaria immitis and Acanthocheilonema reconditum are common parasites in dogs but have also been reported parasitizing humans. The differential diagnosis and epidemiological evaluation of these zoonoses are important to the development of efficient public health policies and control strategies. The purpose of this study was to carry out an epidemiological survey by using molecular methods for the specific identification of filarid parasites of domestic dogs in the Marajó mesoregion, State of Pará (PA), Brazil. A total of 418 canine blood samples from Marajó mesoregion (Northern Brazil) were collected, submitted to DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with “pan filarial” primer, subsequent sequencing and sequence analysis using BLASTn software comparison with previously deposited sequences in GenBank. After that, a phylogenetic analysis by Maximum Parsimony was performed to aid the specific diagnosis. The obtained sequences showed the occurrence of 9 (2.15%) dogs infected with D. immitis and 30 (7.18%) by A. reconditum, with a confidence interval of 95%, there were no cases of co-infection. We observed that male dogs were more likely to D. immits and A. reconditum infection. However, age was not significant to both infections. This study reports for the first time the occurrence of A. reconditum in the northern region of Brazil and confirmed the presence of D. immitis in the Marajó mesoregion.

Description of a new species Physaloptera goytaca n. sp. (Nematoda, Physalopteridae) from Cerradomys goytaca Tavares, Pessôa & Gonçalves, 2011 (Rodentia, Cricetidae) from Brazil

Nematodes of the genus Physaloptera are common in rodents, including in species of the Family Cricetidae. There is no report of nematodes parasitizing Cerradomys goytaca, so this is the first one. For this study, 16 rodents were captured in the city of Quissamã, in the northern of Rio de Janeiro State. The rodents were necropsied, and the digestive tracts were analyzed under a stereomicroscope for the presence of parasites. The nematodes were fixed in hot AFA, clarified in Amann's lactophenol, mounted on slides with coverslip, and observed under an optical microscope. Part of the nematodes was fixed in Karnovisk solution for scanning electron microscopy. Nematodes presented evident sexual dimorphism. Oral openings had two semicircular pseudolabia, with an external lateral tooth and an internal lateral tripartite tooth on each pseudolabium. Males had a ventral spiral curved posterior ends with the presence of a caudal alae with 21 papillae with four pairs of pedunculated papillae arranged laterally, three pre-cloacal sessile papillae arranged rectilinearly and five pairs of post-cloacal sessile papillae. There was also a pair of phasmids located between the fourth and fifth pairs of post-cloacal papillae as well as two spicules that were sub-equal in size but of distinct shapes. The females have five uterine branches. The morphological and morphometrical analyses of the nematodes collected from C. goytaca were compared with other species, and the results indicated that this is a new species of the genus Physaloptera, Physaloptera goytaca n. sp.

Morphological and molecular identification of Spirocerca lupi (Nematoda: Spiruridae) found in the Andean fox (Lycalopex culpaeus)

Lesions compatible with spirocercosis were found in the esophagus and aorta of an Andean fox from Cuzco, Peru. The esophageal and aortic lesions were 5.5 and 1.5 cm in diameter, respectively. A total of 12 adult nematodes (6 males and 6 females) were collected from the esophageal lesion, and all were identified as Spirocerca lupi by morphological and molecular methods. Molecular characterization was performed by analyzing two sources of the cox1 gene, and the sequences were compared with previous S. lupi sequences from other work deposited in GenBank. Analysis of the partial cox1 gene from S. lupi (n = 3) showed 2 haplotypes and had 95-99% nucleotide similarity to previously described sequences. Also, molecular analysis showed that S. lupi is a very diverse group, due to the genetic variability of the partial sequences of the cox1 gene of Spirocerca. This study is the first to report finding of spirocercosis in the Andean fox.

Historical biogeography among species of Varestrongylus lungworms (Nematoda: Protostrongylidae) in ungulates: episodic expansion and host colonization linking Eurasia and North America

Varestrongylus lungworms (Nematoda: Protostrongylidae) include 10 nominal species that parasitize wild and domesticated artiodactyles. Eight species are endemic to the western Palearctic and Eurasia, whereas two are limited in distribution to the Nearctic. Complex host associations, primarily among Cervidae and Bovidae (Caprinae), and biogeography were explored based on direct comparisons of parasite and host phylogenies to reveal the historical development of this fauna. Diversification among Varestrongylus species has an intricate history extending over the Pliocene and Quaternary involving episodic processes for geographic and host colonization: (1) Varestrongylus has origins in Eurasia with independent expansion events into bordering ecozones; (2) cervids are ancestral hosts; (3) the caprine-associated V. pneumonicus is basal and a result of an independent host colonization event; (4) secondary diversification, linked to sequential and independent host colonization events, occurred within cervids (V. sagittatus + V. tuvae; V. alpenae; and V. capreoli, V. alces + V. eleguneniensis); (5) at least two additional host colonization events into caprines occurred, followed or not by diversification (V. qinghaiensis + V. longispiculatus; V. capricola, respectively); (6) two independent events of geographic expansion into North America from Eurasia with cervids in the late Pliocene and early Pleistocene are postulated (V. alpenae, V. eleguneniensis). Comparisons based on phylogenetic hypotheses derived from comparative morphology and molecular inference for these nematodes are consistent with the postulated history for coevolutionary and biogeographic history. Episodes of geographic and host colonization, often in relation to rapid shifts in climate and habitat perturbation, have dominated the history of diversification of Varestrongylus.

The helminth community of a population of Rattus norvegicus from an urban Brazilian slum and the threat of zoonotic diseases

Urban slums provide suitable conditions for infestation by rats, which harbour and shed a wide diversity of zoonotic pathogens including helminths. We aimed to identify risk factors associated with the probability and intensity of infection of helminths of the digestive tract in an urban slum population of Rattus norvegicus. Among 299 rats, eleven species/groups of helminths were identified, of which Strongyloides sp., Nippostrongylus brasiliensis and, the human pathogen, Angiostrongylus cantonensis were the most frequent (97, 41 and 39%, respectively). Sex interactions highlighted behavioural differences between males and females, as eg males were more likely to be infected with N. brasiliensis where rat signs were present, and males presented more intense infections of Strongyloides sp. Moreover, rats in poor body condition had higher intensities of N. brasiliensis. We describe a high global richness of parasites in R. norvegicus, including five species known to cause disease in humans. Among these, A. cantonensis was found in high prevalence and it was ubiquitous in the study area - knowledge which is of public health importance. A variety of environmental, demographic and body condition variables were associated with helminth species infection of rats, suggesting a comparable variety of risk factors for humans.

The diversity and impact of hookworm infections in wildlife

Hookworms are blood-feeding nematodes that parasitize the alimentary system of mammals. Despite their high pathogenic potential, little is known about their diversity and impact in wildlife populations. We conducted a systematic review of the literature on hookworm infections of wildlife and analyzed 218 studies qualitative and quantitatively. At least 68 hookworm species have been described in 9 orders, 24 families, and 111 species of wild mammals. Black bears, red foxes, and bobcats harbored the highest diversity of hookworm species and Ancylostoma pluridentatum, A. tubaeforme, Uncinaria stenocephala and Necator americanus were the hookworm species with the highest host diversity index. Hookworm infections cause anemia, retarded growth, tissue damage, inflammation and significant mortality in several wildlife species. Anemia has been documented more commonly in canids, felids and otariids, and retarded growth only in otariids. Population- level mortality has been documented through controlled studies only in canines and eared seals although sporadic mortality has been noticed in felines, bears and elephants. The main driver of hookworm pathogenic effects was the hookworm biomass in a population, measured as prevalence, mean burden and hookworm size (length). Many studies recorded significant differences in prevalence and mean intensity among regions related to contrasts in local humidity, temperature, and host population density. These findings, plus the ability of hookworms to perpetuate in different host species, create a dynamic scenario where changes in climate and the domestic animal-human-wildlife interface will potentially affect the dynamics and consequences of hookworm infections in wildlife.

Morphological and genetic characterization of Pterygodermatites (Paucipectines) zygodontomis (Nematoda: Rictulariidae) from Necromys lasiurus (Rodentia: Sigmodontinae) from Uberlândia, Brazil

Pterygodermatites (Paucipectines) zygodontomis, a nematode parasite of the small intestine of the rodent Necromys lasiurus, from Uberlândia, Minas Gerais state, Brazil, was analysed by light and scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, phylogenies were inferred from the mitochondrially encoded cytochrome c oxidase I gene (MT-CO1). Details of the helminth surface, such as the oral aperture, cephalic papillae, papillae in the posterior region of the body and longitudinal cuticular elements represented by spine-like projections and fans are presented, adding new taxonomic details. Molecular phylogenetic analysis, based on the MT-CO1, demonstrated that P. (P.) zygodontomis and Pterygodermatites (Paucipectines) jaegerskioldi form a unique evolutionary unit in accordance with the subgenus Paucipectines and corroborated their occurrence in cricetid and didelphid hosts.

New records of three species of nematodes in Cerdocyon thous from the Brazilian Pantanal wetlands

We report the occurrence of nematodes collected from the gut of roadkilled crab-eating foxes (two adult males and one juvenile female), Cerdocyon thous (Linnaeus, 1766), found on the BR 262 highway in Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil in 2011. Three helminth species were identified: Ancylostoma buckleyi, Pterygodermatites (Multipectines) pluripectinata, and Ascaridia galli. These nematodes are reported for the first time to infect C. thous from the Brazilian Pantanal wetlands, thereby expanding their geographical distribution.

ULCERATIVE AND NECROTIZING GASTRITIS IN A CAPTIVE SLOTH (BRADYPUS VARIEGATUS, XENARTHRA, BRADYPODIDAE) DUE TO SEVERE PARASITISM WITH PARALEIURIS LOCCHII (NEMATODA, SPIROCERCIDAE)

This is the first reported case of lethal gastric parasitism by the nematode Paraleiuris locchii in a captive sloth ( Bradypus variegatus ). There were more than 600 parasites in the stomach of the sloth, associated with extensive areas of ulceration and necrosis. The animal developed emaciation, dehydration, and anemia that progressed to death.

Helmintos endoparasitos de vertebrados silvestres em Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil

RESUMO Uma lista de espécies de vertebrados silvestres e as espécies de helmintos endoparasitos associadas foi organizada para o estado de Mato Grosso do Sul. Foram encontrados registros de 291 espécies de helmintos endoparasitos, sendo 9 de Acanthocephala, 226 de Nematoda e 65 espécies de Platyhelminthes (23 de Cestoda e 42 de Trematoda) associadas a 20 espécies de peixes, nove de anfíbios, 17 de répteis, 103 de aves e 27 espécies de mamíferos. Apenas 12% dos vertebrados do estado foram estudados quanto a sua parasitofauna, ressaltando o quanto a biodiversidade de helmintos parasitos no estado ainda é subestimada.

Helminth parasites of Galictis cuja (Carnivora, Mustelidae), from localities in the Atlantic forest of Brazil

Abstract The current study aimed to investigate the helminth parasites of a population of Galictis cuja (Carnivora, Mustelidae) that occur in Atlantic Forest in the Southeastern region of Brazil. We necropsied 18 specimens of G. cuja, collected between January 2009 and May 2014, ran over victims on BR-040 highway, between the municipalities of Duque de Caxias, state of Rio de Janeiro and Juiz de Fora, state of Minas Gerais, localities inserted in Atlantic rainforest Biome. A total of six species of helminths were identified: Dioctophyme renale, Molineus elegans, Physaloptera sp., Strongyloides sp., Platynosomum illiciens, and Pachysentis gethi. Molineus elegans, Physaloptera sp. and P. illiciens were recorded for the first time in this host. Data provided in the current study when compared to the previous reports of parasitism by helminths in G. cuja in Brazil demonstrate that this study is the most representative with this host species.

Rangelia vitalii in a free-ranging maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) and co-infections

An adult free-ranged female maned wolf was rescued from a periurban area subject to anthropogenic disturbances in the Minas Gerais, Brazil. The animal presented poor body condition and anemia. The clinical condition rapidly deteriorated culminating in dead and a necropsy was performed. The main gross lesions were marked anemia and blood content in the intestines accompanied by many types of parasites. The protozoa Rangelia vitalii was identified by histopathological analysis predominantly within the cytoplasm of endothelial cells of capillaries of the small intestine. The lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, dermis, lungs and kidney had similar protozoal forms but with mild or moderate intensity. Rangelia vitalii was confirmed by molecular assays. Hepatozoon sp., Leishmania sp., and Entamoeba spp., apparently not related to the clinical signs were also detected. The myriad parasites found in the intestines included nematodes (Ancylostoma caninum, A. braziliensis,, Molineus sp., Pterygodermatites sp., and Trichuris sp.), cestodes (Spirometra sp.) and (acanthocephalans. To our knowledge, R. vitalii was identified in C. brachyurus for the first time. These findings emphasize the fragility of Brazilian ecosystems, especially in disturbed areas, reinforcing the necessity of efforts to preserve these areas and wild carnivores, some of which are threatened with extinction, such as the maned wolf.

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Rangelia vitalii was found in Chrysocyon brachyurus, especially in small intestine.

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Co-infections with other parasites were found, including some with zoonotic potential.

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Anemia was likely linked to R. vitalii, Ancylostoma spp and perhaps Spirometra.

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Health status of the near threatened maned wolf reflects anthropogenic disturbed of habitat.

First record and molecular identification of Toxocara cati in a Pallas’ cat Otocolobus manul from Kyrgyzstan

In the present paper, we the report the first documented occurrence in the wild of Toxocara cati in the sole representative of the genus Otocolobus, the Pallas’ cat. The identity of the parasite was confirmed by morphological characteristics and by genetic barcoding of the second internal transcribed spacer of ribosomal DNA. The morphological measures of the T. cati specimens from the Kyrgyz Pallas’ cat were comparable to values reported. We discuss the conservation implication of our find.

Endoparasites of wild animals from three biomes in the State of Mato Grosso, Brazil

ABSTRACT The population of wild animals is regulated by many biotic and abiotic factors, and parasites are a biotic factor that affects the dynamic and density of host populations. From 2002 to 2014, 62 wild animals from the biomes Pantanal, Amazon, and "Cerrado" (or Savanna), which died in attendance in the veterinary hospital or have been road-killed, underwent necropsy for parasitological examination. Overall, 36 species of parasites were identified from 24 host species. Among the parasites, the most prevalent order was Oxyurida (29.1%), followed by Strongylida (20.9%), Spirurida (19.4%), Ascaridida (16.2%), Pentastomida (3.2%), Echinostomida (3.2%), Gygantorhynchia (3.2%), Rhabditida (1.6%), Plagiorchiida (1.6%), and Monilimorfida (1.6%), especially nematodes, which have more biotic potential and is more easily adapted to the environment than other classes. The occurrence of endoparasites was observed more frequently in endothermic than ectothermic animals, and herein is reported eleven new host occurrences for endoparasites in wild animals. The study has contributed to the knowledge on the biodiversity of parasites in wild animals from three biomes in central-western Brazil.

First report of Strongyloides sp. (Nematoda, Strongyloididae) in Lutreolina crassicaudata (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae)

The present study reports the first case of the presence of the intestinal nematode Strongyloides sp. in fecal examinations of a male Lutreolina crassicaudata, considered a synanthropic marsupial species with zoonotic potential. The Willis technique was used for the diagnosis. Presence of typical eggs of Strongyloides species in feces was detected. A fecal culture was performed to obtain larval stages, free-living adults and infective third stage larvae (L3) of this nematode after seven days, which was morphologically identified as Strongyloididae. This is the first report of infection by Strongyloides sp. in a tick-tailed opossum from Brazil.

Helminth fauna of chiropterans in Amazonia: biological interactions between parasite and host

Amazonia, the largest Brazilian biome, is one of the most diverse biomes around the world. Considering the Brazilian chiropteran species, 120 out of known 167 species are registered in Pará state, with 10 endemic species. Despite the high diversity of bats in Amazonia, studies on their parasites, especially on helminths, are scarce. Therefore, the present study aims to study the helminth fauna of different bats from the Pará state, Amazon biome, determine the descriptors of infection, and evaluate the host-parasite interactions, as well as evaluate differences in ecological indexes in accordance with the feeding guilds. The study was developed on 67 bats of 21 species captured in several areas of the Pará state. The animals were identified, divided into feeding guilds, and necropsied. The parasites obtained were identified and quantified. A total of 182 parasites were found in 20.89 % of the studied bats, representing nine species, as follows: Anenterotrema eduardocaballeroi, Anenterotrema liliputianum, Ochoterenatrema caballeroi, Tricholeiperia sp., Parahistiostrongylus octacanthus, Litomosoides guiterasi, Litomosoides brasiliensis, Capillariinae gen. sp., and Hymenolepididae gen. sp. Also, the results indicated that there was no impact of parasitism on host body condition and no relationship between sex and parasite intensity. In relation to the feeding guilds, the omnivores showed higher prevalence and mean intensity. Animals from regions closer to the equator tend to have greater richness in parasite species, but the present study revealed low diversity and richness in species. In conclusion, the ecological pattern observed for other animal groups, in which higher parasitic diversity are registered in lower latitudes, is not applicable to chiropterans from the study area.

Gastrointestinal parasites of maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus, Illiger 1815) in a suburban area in southeastern Brazil

We examined 42 maned wolf scats in an unprotected and disturbed area of Cerrado in southeastern Brazil. We identified six helminth endoparasite taxa, being Phylum Acantocephala and Family Trichuridae the most prevalent. The high prevalence of the Family Ancylostomatidae indicates a possible transmission via domestic dogs, which are abundant in the study area. Nevertheless, our results indicate that the endoparasite species found are not different from those observed in protected or least disturbed areas, suggesting a high resilience of maned wolf and their parasites to human impacts, or a common scenario of disease transmission from domestic dogs to wild canid whether in protected or unprotected areas of southeastern Brazil.