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Among the species described within the Onchocercidae family, Dirofilaria immitis is regarded as the most common worldwide, causing severe and often fatal conditions in dogs, cats, and occasionally humans. Dirofilaria spp. are vectored by mosquitoes, simulids, and culicoids, with their epidemiology dependent on the geographical distribution of competent vectors. Eight species of Dirofilaria have been reported so far in Brazil, of which six parasitize non-human primates, deer, procyonids, and marsupials. Here, we investigated the occurrence of Onchocercidae in wild felids (i.e., Panthera onca, Puma concolor, Herpailurus yagouaroundi, Leopardus geoffroyi, Leopardus guttulus, Leopardus pardalis, Leopardus wiedii, Leopardus munoai) from different locations in Brazil. Overall, 82 samples (n = 63 blood; n = 19 tissues) were molecularly screened for cytochrome c oxidase subunit-1 (cox1) gene. Four (i.e., 4.8%) wild felid samples were positive, and at BLAST analysis, the obtained sequences showed varying percentage of nucleotide identity with the genera Brugia (i.e., 87-88%), Setaria (i.e., 89%), and D. immitis (i.e., 94.4%). Phylogenetic analyses clustered sequences obtained into three distinct clades, one with D. immitis and the remaining two with other Onchocercidae spp. Data herein obtained highlight the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the diversity and biology of Onchocercidae in South America in order to assess the potential impact that these species may have for domestic and wild animals, as well as humans.

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The eyeworms of the subgenus Thelaziella infect orbital cavities, conjunctival sacs and lachrymal ducts of many wild birds, being able to cause conjunctivitis. In Brazil, at least 10 species of Thelaziella have been described. Here we present a brief review of cases of Thelazia (Thelaziella) aquilina and describe the infection of this parasite in Harpia harpyja, as a new host record. Two nematodes were collected from the surface of the cornea of an adult female H. harpyja in the Amazon region (Brazil) and were morphologically identified as two males of T. (T.) aquilina. This data demonstrated the need for further studies focused on elucidating the transmission, biological cycle, and phylogenetic positioning of Thelaziella as subgenus.

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ParSCo (Parasitology Summer Course) is an intense, 1-week-long summer course organized by the Parasitology Unit of the Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Italy, with the support of the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (WAAVP), the European Veterinary Parasitology College (EVPC) and Parasites and Vectors. The course, which is conducted in southern Italy, is planned for parasitologists and post-graduate students working in the field of parasitology. The course consists of theoretical and practical lessons, which include the collection, identification and diagnosis of parasites of pets, livestock and wildlife. The participants in ParSCo are afforded the opportunity to be involved in clinical examination and sample collection for the diagnosis of parasitic diseases (e.g. leishmaniosis, thelaziosis and many tick-borne diseases) present in the Mediterranean Basin. The course is conducted at Casa di Caccia, a hunting lodge situated in the Gallipoli Cognato Forest near the Basento River in the Basilicata region in southern Italy. In addition to the training purpose, ParSCo is a great opportunity for sharing knowledge and expertise while becoming part of the parasitology community in a pleasant environment. In this editorial, we share some information and celebrate 10 years of ParSCo, looking forward to forthcoming sessions of this unique parasitology summer course.

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Trypanosoma evansi is a widespread and neglected zoonotic parasite that affects domestic and wild animals, causing a disease commonly known as "surra." The Brazilian Pantanal wetland is recognized as an enzootic area for this protozoan, yet recognizing the importance of reservoir hosts also in order to prevent zoonotic outbreaks. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of T. evansi in jaguars (Panthera onca) from the Brazilian Pantanal wetland and explore associated clinical and hematological manifestations. A total of 42 animals were screened by PCR and sequenced for species identification when positive. Trypanosoma evansi was detected in six free-ranging jaguars (six positive animals of 42 captures and 16 recaptures), representing the first molecular evidence of such infection in this animal species. Our findings suggest that jaguars may act as reservoir hosts of T. evansi in the Brazilian Pantanal wetland. The better understanding of the role of wildlife in the epidemiology of T. evansi is also of importance to future reintroduction and translocation programs toward wildlife conservation efforts.

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Nematode species of the genus Dracunculus (Spirurida: Dracunculoidea) infect tissues and body cavities of reptiles, domestic and wild carnivores, and humans. The definitive hosts acquire the infection by ingesting intermediate (i.e., cyclopoid copepod) or paratenic (i.e., amphibians and fishes) hosts. Here we report the jaguar (Panthera onca) as a potential new host for Dracunculus sp. The nematode was collected from an ulcerated cutaneous nodule on the left anterior limb of a female jaguar in the municipality of Miranda, Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil. Based on the morphology of first stage larvae collected from a small fragment of the uterus of the adult nematode, the species was identified as Dracunculus sp. Reichard, 1759. Additionally, the morphological identification was molecularly confirmed by sequencing the cox1 gene. This report advocates for further investigations into the transmission cycle of this parasite in the Brazilian Pantanal wetland, considering the role of wildlife hosts and the zoonotic potential of Dracunculus species in that area.

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Among vector-borne helminths, filarioids of the genus Dipetalonema (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) localize in several tissues and body cavities of several animal species, causing mild to moderate lesions. The pathological findings associated with Dipetalonema spp. infection in Neotropical monkeys from southern Brazil are herein described, along with a fatal case due to filarial polyserositis and entrapment of an intestinal segment. At necropsy, nematodes were observed in abdominal and thoracic cavities, or in the pericardium of 37 (31.3%) out of the 118 individuals examined (i.e., 35 Alouatta guariba clamitans and two Sapajus nigritus). In addition, at histology, 27.0% of positive animals presented microfilarie (inside blood vessels of lung, spleen, liver, and brain) and 8.1% presented adult nematodes in the heart, lung, and liver. In two cases, cross-sections of filarioids were associated with areas of epicardial thickening with intense fibrosis and pyogranulomatous inflammation in the brain, heart, liver, lungs, or spleen. The DNA fragment was amplify using the cox1 gene, sequenced and analyzed to identify the nematode species collected; presence of Wolbachia was assessed in the filarioids using the 16S rRNA gene. At BLAST analysis of the cox1 gene, 10 sequences showed 91.7% nucleotide identity with Dipetalonema gracile, and two with D. gracile (98.5%) and Dipetalonema graciliformis (98.3%). Phylogenetic analyses clustered sequences of the cox1 obtained in this study in two clades corresponding with the host species. Wolbachia sp. endosymbiont was detected in four samples. Data herein reported provide a description of pathological lesions associated with the infection by Dipetalonema spp., suggesting that they may cause disease in Neotropical monkeys. In addition, a better understanding of diversity and biology of Dipetalonema spp. in South America is needed to assess the impact they may cause in native non-human primates from Brazil.

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Species of Ixodiphagus (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) are parasitoid wasps whose immature forms develop inside ixodid and argasid ticks (Acari: Ixodida). Following oviposition by adult female wasps into the idiosoma of ticks, larvae hatch and start feeding on their internal contents, eventually emerging as adult wasps from the body of the dead ticks. Species of Ixodiphagus have been reported as parasitoids of 21 species of ticks distributed across 7 genera. There are at least ten species described in the genus, with Ixodiphagus hookeri being the most studied as an agent for biological control of ticks. Although attempts of tick control by means of this parasitoid largely failed, in a small-scale study 150,000 specimens of I. hookeri were released over a 1-year period in a pasture where a small cattle population was kept, resulting in an overall reduction in the number of Amblyomma variegatum ticks per animal. This review discusses current scientific information about Ixodiphagus spp., focusing on the role of this parasitoid in the control of ticks. The interactions between these wasps and the ticks' population are also discussed, focusing on the many biological and logistical challenges, with limitations of this control method for reducing tick populations under natural conditions.

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Canine vector-borne pathogens (CVBPs) comprise a group of disease agents mainly transmitted by ticks, fleas, mosquitoes and sand flies. In this study, we assessed the presence of CVBPs in an Afro-descendent community (Quilombola) of northeastern, Brazil. Dog blood samples (n = 201) were collected and analyzed by rapid test for the detection of antibodies against Leishmania spp., Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp. and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), and antigens of Dirofilaria immitis. In addition, polymerase chain reactions were performed for Anaplasmataceae, Babesia spp., Hepatozoon spp., Rickettsia spp. and B. burgdorferi s.l. Overall, 66.7% of the dogs scored positive to at least one pathogen at serological and/or molecular methods. Antibodies against Ehrlichia spp. were the most frequently detected (57.2%; n = 115/201), followed by Anaplasma spp. (8.5%; n = 17/201), Leishmania spp. (8.5%; n = 17/201) and B. burgdorferi s.l. (0.5%; n = 1/201). For D. immitis, 11 out of 201 (5.5%) animals scored positive. At the molecular analysis, 10.4% (n = 21/201) of the samples scored positive for Babesia spp./Hepatozoon spp., followed by Anaplasmataceae (5.0%; n = 10/201) and Rickettsia spp. (3.0%; n = 6/201). All samples were negative for B. burgdorferi s.l. Our data demonstrated the presence of CVBPs in the studied population, with a high seropositivity for Ehrlichia spp. In addition, considering the detection of zoonotic pathogens in dogs and their relationship with people from Quilombola communities, effective control strategies are advocated for minimizing the risk of infection in this socially vulnerable human population and their pets.

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Didelphis aurita Wied-Neuwied, 1826 is a marsupial well adapted to anthropogenic activity and commonly found in urban areas of Brazil. Among the gastrointestinal parasites found in this opossum, protozoa of the genus Eimeria are frequently detected. This study investigated the biodiversity of Eimeria species infecting D. aurita in Southeastern Brazil, and provides morphological data on a newly discovered species of Eimeria. From January to June 2019, 43 D. aurita were captured, and their fecal samples were collected and evaluated by salt flotation; positive samples were allowed to sporulate in 2.5% potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7), and detailed morphological measurements were performed to determine the species present. Thirty-two of forty-three (74.4%) opossums were infected with from one to five Eimeria spp. Four of the eimerians were described and named previously by others: Eimeria auritanensis, Eimeria caluromydis, Eimeria gambai, and Eimeria philanderi. Additionally, sporulated oocysts of a species new to science were detected. Oocysts of this new Eimeria species are spheroidal to subspheroidal, 21.7 × 20.7 (20-23 × 19-23), length/width (L/W) ratio 1.05, with a highly refractile polar granule, but lacking a micropyle and oocyst residuum. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 10.6 × 8.0 (9-12 × 7-9), L/W ratio 1.3, with a small, Stieda body and a sporocyst residuum of diffuse granules. Of the infected opossums, 5/32 (16%) were infected with only one Eimeria sp., 6/32 (19%) with two, 15/32 (47%) with three, 5/32 (16%) with four and 1/32 (3%) with five Eimerians.

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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.

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Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide-distributed zoonotic disease of great relevance to public health. Many wildlife species, including marsupials of the genus Didelphis, are considered hosts for Toxoplasma gondii, which makes them to have a possible role in the dispersion and maintenance of this parasite in nature. This study provides data on the molecular detection of T. gondii in D. aurita opossums from an urbanized area of Southeastern Brazil. Animals were captured and blood and/or spleen samples were collected. Real Time PCR was performed for the detection of T. gondii. From the opossums captured, 26.3% (n = 15/57) scored positive, with a frequency of 21.6% (n = 11/51) in blood, and 66.7% (n = 6/9) in spleen samples. BLAST analysis demonstrated 100% identity and 100% cover query with sequences of T. gondii available in GenBank database. Data herein reported present great public health importance, since Didelphis spp. are usually observed inhabiting close to human dwellings, which facilitates their contact with people and domestic animals, and consequently, the transmission of zoonotic agents. However, further studies are needed to elucidate whether these opossums play an important role in the zoonotic cycle of T. gondii in urban areas of Brazil.

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Marsupials of the genus Didelphis, such as black-eared opossums (Didelphis aurita), are common synanthropic animals in urban areas of Brazil. These marsupials are frequently parasitized by numerous helminth species, including ancylostomatid nematodes. This study aimed to report the occurrence of Ancylostoma caninum in black-eared opossums captured in an urban environment of Southeastern Brazil and discuss the potential impact of these findings for public health. From January to June 2019, we collected fecal samples from 49 restrained opossums and evaluated by a simple flotation method; Helminth eggs were observed at different magnifications and identified according to morphological and morphometric features. Genomic DNA was extracted from Ancylostomatidae eggs and screened by duplex PCR for Ancylostoma spp. and Necator americanus using primers that amplify a region of internal transcribed spacer 2 and the 28S ribosomal RNA (ITS2-28S rRNA). Ancylostoma spp. eggs were detected in 65.3% (32/49) of the animals. Sequence analysis revealed 100% homology with A. caninum sequences from GenBank. Our results demonstrate a new host-parasite interaction for A. caninum, suggesting that black-eared opossums may participate in the zoonotic cycle of this parasite in urban areas of Brazil.

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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.

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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.

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