RESUMEN

Fish parasites are an important part of aquatic biodiversity and knowing these species and their interactions with their hosts helps in monitoring the aquatic biota. The present study investigated the ectoparasite crustacean fauna of ten fish species from the upper Araguari River, in the state of Amapá, northern Brazil. A total of 508 fish were collected and analyzed from July to November 2014, of which 82.6% (109) were parasitized by one or more crustacean ectoparasite species. In the ten host fish species, a total of 308 ectoparasite specimens were collected, from 12 taxa, such as Argulus multicolor Stekhoven, 1937, Argulus spinulosus Silva, 1980, Argulus sp.1, Argulus sp.2, Argulus sp.3, Dipteropeltis sp., Dipteropeltis hirundo Calman, 1912, Dolops bidentata Bouvier, 1899, Dolops striata Bouvier, 1899 (Argulidae), Braga fluviatilis Richardson, 1911, Braga amapaensis Thatcher, 1996 (Cymothoidae) and Excorallana berbicensis Boone, 1918 (Corallanidae). Higher levels of prevalence and abundance were recorded for Hoplias aimara (Valenciennes, 1847) and Tometes trilobatus Valenciennes, 1850, respectively. These ectoparasites were found in the fins, integument, mouth, and anus of the host fish. Argulus sp.2 and D. bidentata were the most abundant parasites (65.1%), and had the highest species richness. This study registered 36 novel host-parasite interactions, and thus represents a new record for all host species here examined.

Asunto(s)

Crustáceos , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias , Peces , Interacciones Huésped-Parásitos , Ríos , Animales , Brasil , Peces/parasitología , Peces/clasificación , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/veterinaria , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/parasitología , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/epidemiología , Crustáceos/clasificación , Crustáceos/parasitología , Enfermedades de los Peces/parasitología , Enfermedades de los Peces/epidemiología , Biodiversidad , Masculino

RESUMEN

Koi carp are globally known for their colors and cultural significance. The introduction of these fish to new environments poses a threat to local biodiversity, in addition to releasing parasites, such as argulid ectoparasites. This study presents a record of Argulus japonicus infecting carp in an artificial lake in Southern Brazil using morphological and molecular methods, with a 100% prevalence (n = 3) and a mean intensity of 21.6 parasites per host, distributed over the body surface. The invasion history of hosts in the study locality indicates that the introduction of A. japonicus occurred decades before its first formal record in Brazil.

Asunto(s)

Arguloida , Carpas , Enfermedades de los Peces , Animales , Carpas/parasitología , Enfermedades de los Peces/parasitología , Brasil/epidemiología , Prevalencia , Lagos/parasitología , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/veterinaria , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/parasitología , Infestaciones por Piojos/veterinaria , Infestaciones por Piojos/parasitología

RESUMEN

Leech specimens of the genus Pontobdella (Hirudinida: Piscicolidae) were found off the coast of the state of Oaxaca (Pacific) as well as in Veracruz and Tabasco (Gulf of Mexico), Mexico. Based on the specimens collected in Oaxaca, a redescription of Pontobdella californiana is provided, with emphasis on the differences in the reproductive organs with the original description of the species. In addition, leech cocoons assigned to P. californiana were found attached to items hauled by gillnets and studied using scanning electron microscopy and molecular approaches. Samples of Pontobdella macrothela were found in both Pacific and Atlantic oceans, representing new geographic records. The phylogenetic position of P. californiana is investigated for the first time, and with the addition of Mexican samples of both species, the phylogenetic relationships within Pontobdella are reinvestigated. Parsimony and maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analysis were based on mitochondrial (cytochrome oxidase subunit I [COI] and 12S rRNA) and nuclear (18S rRNA and 28S rRNA) DNA sequences. Based on our results, we confirm the monophyly of Pontobdella and the pantropical distribution of P. macrothela with a new record in the Tropical Eastern Pacific.

Asunto(s)

Sanguijuelas , Microscopía Electrónica de Rastreo , Filogenia , Animales , Sanguijuelas/clasificación , Sanguijuelas/genética , Sanguijuelas/anatomía & histología , México , Microscopía Electrónica de Rastreo/veterinaria , Océano Pacífico , Océano Atlántico , ADN Ribosómico/química , ARN Ribosómico 28S/genética , Enfermedades de los Peces/parasitología , Golfo de México/epidemiología , Complejo IV de Transporte de Electrones/genética , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/parasitología , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/veterinaria , ARN Ribosómico 18S/genética , Datos de Secuencia Molecular , Alineación de Secuencia/veterinaria , Funciones de Verosimilitud , Peces/parasitología

RESUMEN

Ectoparasites are important to the one health concept because their parasitism can result in the transmission of pathogens, allergic reactions, the release of toxins, morbidity, and even death of the host. Ectoparasites can affect host physiology, as reflected in immune defenses and body condition as well as hematological and biochemical parameters. Thus, evidence that ectoparasites influence host hematological parameters was systematically reviewed, and the methodological quality of these studies was analyzed. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines were followed, and the studies included were limited to those that evaluated changes in hematological tests in ectoparasite-infested and non-infested animals, and bias and methodological quality were evaluated using the Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments guideline. Thirty-four studies were selected and information about the host, ectoparasite infestation, blood collection, and analysis was collected and compared whenever possible. In this review, the presence of ectoparasites influenced both the red series and the white series of hematological parameters. Among the main parameters analyzed, hematocrit, red blood cells, hemoglobin, and lymphocytes showed reductions, probably due to ectoparasite blood-feeding, while including eosinophils, neutrophils, and basophils increased in infested animals due to the host immune response. However, methodologic improvements are needed to reduce the risk of bias, enhance the reproducibility of such studies, and ensure results aligned with the mechanisms that act in the ectoparasite-host relationship.

Asunto(s)

Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias , Animales , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/veterinaria , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/parasitología

RESUMEN

Parasites are integral members of the global biodiversity. They are useful indicators of environmental stress, food web structure and diversity. Ectoparasites have the potential to transmit vector-borne diseases of public health and veterinary importance and to play an important role in the regulation and evolution of host populations. The interlinkages between hosts, parasites and the environment are complex and challenging to study, leading to controversial results. Most previous studies have been focused on one or two parasite groups, while hosts are often co-infected by different taxa. The present study aims to assess the influence of environmental and host traits on the entire ectoparasite community composition of the rodent Akodon azarae. A total of 278 rodents were examined and mites (Mesostigmata), lice (Phthiraptera), ticks (Ixodida) and fleas (Siphonaptera) were determined. A multi-correspondence analysis was performed in order to analyze interactions within the ectoparasite community and the influence of environmental and host variables on this assembly. We found that environmental variables have a stronger influence on the composition of the ectoparasite community of A. azarae than the host variables analyzed. Minimum temperature was the most influential variable among the studied. In addition, we found evidence of agonistic and antagonistic interactions between ticks and mites, lice and fleas. The present study supports the hypothesis that minimum temperature plays a major role in the dynamics that shape the ectoparasite community of A. azarae, probably through both direct and indirect processes. This finding becomes particularly relevant in a climate change scenario.

Asunto(s)

Anoplura , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias , Infestaciones por Pulgas , Ácaros , Siphonaptera , Garrapatas , Animales , Roedores/parasitología , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/veterinaria , Arvicolinae , Sigmodontinae/parasitología

RESUMEN

The high diversity of bats in the Neotropics is primarily associated with various ectoparasite species on their bodies. Interactions between these animals need to be comprehensively investigated at landscape scales, focusing on understanding the patterns of diversity of species. We sought to evaluate, througt bat captures and ectoparasite sampling, the determinants of the composition of ectoparasitic flies species present in bats in in the Amazon and Cerrado biomes and ecotone areas. We used a generalized dissimilarity model (GDM) to verify what factors explained the composition of ectoparasitic flies of bats using landscape metrics, geographic distance, biome, and host composition. Twenty-four bat species haboured a total of 33 species of ectoparasitic flies. Host composition was the best predictor of fly composition, followed by the environmental variables and by biome. Geographical distance presented negligible effects. Studies on large scales tend to reveal a wide diversity of ectoparasitic flies. Host composition, as the best predictor of fly composition, may be associated with interspecific characteristics among species. We recommend studies focusing on the landscape to understand better the parasitic associations of bats and their distribution across environments.

Asunto(s)

Quirópteros , Dípteros , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias , Animales , Quirópteros/parasitología , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/veterinaria , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/parasitología , Interacciones Huésped-Parásitos , Ecosistema

RESUMEN

Flies are the main bloodsucking ectoparasites of Neotropical bats. The aim of this study was to describe the community of flies on bats from a humid forest enclave, surrounded by the semiarid landscape of the Caatinga domain, in Northeastern Brazil. In addition, we tested the influence of dry and rainy periods on the parasitological indices. Fieldwork was carried out in three anthropized remnants of a humid forest enclave in the Agreste mesoregion of Pernambuco state, Northeastern Brazil. Bats were captured monthly, from August 2018 to July 2019, and the ectoparasites were collected. Overall, 807 bats of 14 species and 11 genera of the families Phyllostomidae (13 spp.) and Vespertilionidae (1 sp.) were captured. Only four bat species had >50 individuals captured, and Carollia perspicillata was the most abundant species (259/807; 32%). Five hundred and seventy-one bat flies from 13 species (11 Streblidae and 2 Nycteribiidae) were collected, of which Trichobius joblingi was the most prevalent fly (197/571; 34.5%). Only the parasitism by T. joblingi was influenced by seasonality, with higher prevalence (P = 0.01) and intensity of infestation (P = 0.02) in the dry season. No lesions associated with parasitism were observed in any of the captured bats. Our results suggest that the bat-fly relationship can be affected in different ways by environmental variables, depending on the species involved. The results of this work contribute to the knowledge about ectoparasites of bats in the Neotropical region, with emphasis on humid forest enclaves, where studies of the host-parasite-environment relationship are scarce.

Asunto(s)

Quirópteros , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias , Animales , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/epidemiología , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/veterinaria , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/parasitología , Brasil/epidemiología , Bosques , Interacciones Huésped-Parásitos , Prevalencia

RESUMEN

Sea lice are pathogenic marine ectoparasite copepods that represent a severe risk to the worldwide salmon industry. Several transcriptomic investigations have characterized the regulation of gene expression response of Atlantic salmon to sea lice infestation. These studies have focused on the levels of transcript, overlooking the potentially relevant role of alternative splicing (AS), which corresponds to an essential control mechanism of gene expression through RNA processing. In the present study, we performed a genome-wide bioinformatics characterization of differential AS event dynamics in control and infested C. rogercresseyi Atlantic salmon and in resistant and susceptible phenotypes. We identified a significant rise of alternative splicing events and AS genes after infestation and 176 differential alternative splicing events (DASE) from 133 genes. In addition, a higher number of DASE and AS genes were observed among resistant and susceptible phenotypes. Functional annotation of AS genes shows several terms and pathways associated with behavior, RNA splicing, immune response, and RNA binding. Furthermore, three protein-coding genes were identified undergoing differential transcript usage events, among resistant and susceptible phenotypes. Our findings support AS performing a relevant regulatory role in the response of salmonids to sea lice infestation.

Asunto(s)

Copépodos , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias , Enfermedades de los Peces , Infestaciones por Piojos , Salmo salar , Animales , Copépodos/genética , Salmo salar/genética , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/genética , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/veterinaria , Empalme Alternativo

RESUMEN

Bats belong to the order Chiroptera and are composed of 18 families, 202 genera, and 1420 species. Cosmopolitans, they have a high diversity of trophic and behavioral guilds, several ecosystem services, and intraspecific associations with ectoparasites. In Brazil, 68 species of Streblidae have already been recorded, although knowledge about the bat fauna and their ectoparasites is still low. Thus, the objective was to present a list of bat species, and to relate parasites with hosts, for two extractive reserves in the state of Acre, western Brazilian Amazon. The collections took place in ten nights, five in each RESEX, both carried out in August 2019. At each point, 10 mist nets (9 m × 2.5 m) were used, remaining open for 6 h. The captured bats were stored in cotton bags and had their data collected. Subsequently, the search for ectoparasites was carried out throughout the individual's body and extracted with brushes moistened with 96% ethyl alcohol and fine-tipped tweezers. Species of flies were identified to the lowest taxonomic level through specific bibliography. Thirty-three bats from six trophic guilds and 46 ectoparasitic dipterans were sampled, all from the Streblidae family. The most abundant bat family was Phyllostomidae, a recurring result in several studies carried out in the neotropical region. This is related to the selectivity of the mist net in bat sampling, in addition to a close correlation between Phyllostomidae bats and ectoparasitic flies of the Streblidae family.

Asunto(s)

Quirópteros , Dípteros , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias , Animales , Ecosistema , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/veterinaria , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/parasitología , Brasil , Mamíferos , Interacciones Huésped-Parásitos

RESUMEN

The conversion of natural areas into agricultural landscapes results in different mosaics of land use types, modifying biodiversity and consequently altering the patterns of ecological interactions, such as between frugivorous bats and ectoparasites. Our objectives were to investigate whether variations in the configuration and composition of human-disturbed landscapes interfere with the prevalence and average intensity of ectoparasite infestation in the frugivorous bats Artibeus lituratus (Olfers, 1818), Carollia perspicillata (Linnaeus, 1758), and Sturnira lilium (É Geoffroy, 1810), in a region of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We also evaluated whether there is a response in the parasite load associated with the ectoparasite group (mite or fly). We found six species of flies and three mites. The proportion of infested hosts was more affected by the landscape than the mean infestation values. Land cover diversity influenced seven of the interactions studied. Forest cover affected eight of the interactions and was associated with a reduction in the parasite load in seven of them. The increase in the proportion of edges per area of each fragment presented a different influence related to the host species. Variations in parasite load did not show any typical response related to the mite or fly group. Our study indicates that landscape configuration and composition interfere with bat-ectoparasite interactions, which may be related to interference in encounter rates between hosts (for mites and flies) and between hosts and their ectoparasites in roosts (for flies). The taxonomic identity of the interacting species suggests that the relationship with the landscape is context-dependent.

Asunto(s)

Quirópteros , Dípteros , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias , Ácaros , Humanos , Animales , Ácaros/fisiología , Quirópteros/parasitología , Dípteros/fisiología , Prevalencia , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/epidemiología , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/veterinaria , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/parasitología , Brasil/epidemiología , Interacciones Huésped-Parásitos

RESUMEN

In urban and degraded areas, ectoparasite abundance can be affected by increasing human population density and habitat fragmentation. This study aimed to characterize the ectoparasitic fly community associated with bats in the urban green areas of Sergipe, Brazil. Campaigns were conducted monthly, for two consecutive nights, between September 2019 and February 2021. To capture the bats, ten mist nets were set up inside and at the edge of the habitat fragments. All ectoparasites found were removed from the bats and stored in 70% alcohol. The specificity index, parasitological rates, and level of parasite aggregation were calculated, and the influence of host sex and seasonality on parasitological rates were verified for the most parasitized bats. The collected ectoparasites corresponded to the families Nycteribiidae (S = 1; n = 26) and Streblidae (S = 13; n = 849), with Trichobius costalimai and Medistopoda aranea being the most abundant species. For some interactions, there was an influence of host sex on the prevalence rates, with the highest number of parasites being found on females, which can be explained by their greater susceptibility to parasitism owing to their long stay in roosts. The seasonality influenced the parasitological rates, and opposing patterns (from what was expected) were observed for some interactions; this influence may be due to the biological differences between parasite species. This study provides relevant data on this interaction, especially for urban areas in northeastern Brazil, expanding the number of studies in the State of Sergipe and promoting future studies.

Asunto(s)

Quirópteros , Dípteros , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias , Parásitos , Animales , Femenino , Humanos , Quirópteros/parasitología , Brasil/epidemiología , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/epidemiología , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/veterinaria , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/parasitología , Interacciones Huésped-Parásitos

RESUMEN

Assessment of fish health is one of the efforts of farmers in minimizing losses due to disease. Rapid tests on fish health can be done through blood observations. This study aimed to determine the blood glucose profile of koi carp due to ectoparasite infestation from the level of blood glucose. The results showed that reported parasites from Blitar's koi carp were Trichodina, Dactylogyrus, Gyrodactylus, Myxobolus, Thelohanellus, Ichthyophthirius, and Argulus. Trichodina showed the highest prevalence (100%) in this case while Thelohanellus was the highest intensity level (93.8±16.3). The results of blood glucose level measurement based on parasite infestation levels showed no significant difference (p>0.05) though the health problems caused by parasites in light, medium or heavy infestation. This research also indicated that the blood glucose profile could be used as a rapid method to detect fish health caused by parasites. We suggest that other variables such as nutritional status, life stage or feeding must be conducted to ensure the glucose role in parasite identification as a rapid method for the future work.(AU)

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A avaliação da saúde dos peixes é um dos esforços dos produtores para minimizar as perdas por doenças. Testes rápidos de saúde de peixes podem ser feitos por meio de observações de sangue. Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar o perfil glicêmico de peixes "koi", devido à infestação de ectoparasitos a partir do nível de glicemia. Os resultados mostraram que os parasitas relatados de peixes "koi" de Blitar foram Trichodina, Dactylogyrus, Gyrodactylus, Myxobolus, Thelohanellus, Ichthyophthirius e Argulus. Trichodina apresentou a maior prevalência (100%) neste caso, enquanto Thelohanellus foi o maior em nível de intensidade (93,8±16,3). Os resultados da medição do nível de glicose no sangue, com base nos níveis de infestação parasitária, não mostraram diferença significativa (p>0,05), apesar dos problemas de saúde causados ​​por parasitas em infestação leve, média ou pesada. Esta pesquisa também indicou que o perfil de glicose no sangue pode ser usado como um método rápido, para detectar a saúde dos peixes causada por parasitas. Este estudo também sugere que outras variáveis, como estado nutricional, estágio de vida ou alimentação, devem ser conduzidas para garantir o papel da glicose na identificação do parasita como um método rápido para trabalhos futuros.(AU)

Asunto(s)

Glucemia/análisis , Carpas/fisiología , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/veterinaria , Indonesia

RESUMEN

The giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a semiaquatic carnivore and a top predator in the trophic chain, considered a sentinel of freshwater ecosystems. Ticks are common ectoparasites of worldwide distribution and potential vectors of diseases. In this study, we report the ectoparasitism by ticks on a giant otter carcass found during monitoring activity at the Negro River, that holds a viable population of this endangered species in the Brazilian Pantanal. A total of three tick specimens were collected: two adults were identified as Amblyomma sculptum and a nymph as Amblyomma spp. There is a lack of information about the health of free-ranging giant otters and this report contributes to elucidate some of the host-parasite relationships, although much more research is needed to expand the knowledge about which kinds of pathogens are circulating in the species, especially among those transmitted by ticks.(AU)

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A ariranha (Pteronura brasiliensis) é um carnívoro semiaquático e um predador de topo na cadeia trófica, considerada sentinela dos ecossistemas de água doce. Os carrapatos são ectoparasitos comuns com distribuição mundial e potenciais vetores de doenças. Neste estudo, foi relatado o ectoparasitismo por carrapatos em uma carcaça de ariranha encontrada durante atividade de monitoramento no Rio Negro, no Pantanal brasileiro, que abriga uma população viável desta espécie ameaçada de extinção. Um total de três espécimes de carrapatos foram coletados: dois adultos foram identificados como Amblyomma sculptum e uma ninfa como Amblyomma spp. Há uma lacuna de informações sobre a saúde das ariranhas de vida livre e este relato contribui para elucidar algumas das relações parasita-hospedeiro, embora ainda seja necessária mais pesquisa para ampliar o conhecimento sobre quais tipos de patógenos estão circulando na espécie, especialmente entre os transmitidos por carrapatos.(AU)

Asunto(s)

Animales , Enfermedades Parasitarias en Animales/parasitología , Mustelidae/parasitología , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/veterinaria , Amblyomma/patogenicidad , Ecosistema , Animales Salvajes/parasitología

RESUMEN

The external ear extends from the pinna to the tympanic membrane, where it is supported and shaped by an arrangement of cartilages including the conchal, annular, scutiform, and external acoustic meatus. Environmental exposure can often lead to diseases of the external ear canal in animals. In horses, otitis primarily occurs due to infestation by ectoparasites, promoting local inflammation and infection. Chronic conditions can result in ear deformation, including auricular canal stenosis. While operative techniques for treating auricular stenosis are known, they are limited to companion animals, with few reports on horses. This study aimed to describe the modified lateral resection technique of the ear canal, which is commonly performed in small animals, for treating auricular canal stenosis in six horses. As a methodology, the intertragic notch was used as a reference for the incision due to species disparity. The ear canal cartilage was dissected, followed by resection of the lateral wall and the cartilaginous flap adhered to the skin. Excess skin was removed, and the ear canal was sutured to the skin with nylon thread. Our results indicated a significant improvement in the treatment of otitis in the treated horses, demonstrating a favorable evolution in the healing process and resolution of bacterial infections in all cases. In conclusion, the use of the modified lateral resection technique of the ear canal was successful in all six treated horses, providing access to clinical treatment of the canal without any occurrences of recurrence or postoperative complications

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A orelha externa se estende desde a pina até a membrana timpânica, onde sua sustentação e forma são garantidas pela disposição das cartilagens conchal, anular, escutiforme e meato acústico externo. Animais frequentemente apresentam doenças do canal auricular externo devido à exposição ambiental. Em equinos, a otite ocorre principalmente pela infestação de ectoparasitas favorecendo a inflamação e infecção local, que em condições crônicas, pode proporcionar deformações do ouvido, incluindo a estenose do canal auricular. Apesar de conhecidas, as técnicas operatórias indicadas na abordagem terapêutica de estenoses auriculares se limitam às espécies de animais de companhia, sendo escassos os relatos em equinos. Objetivou-se com esse trabalho descrever a técnica modificada de ressecção lateral do conduto auditivo, amplamente realizada em pequenos animais, no tratamento de estenose do canal auricular em seis equinos. Como metodologia, devido a disparidade entre espécies, utilizou-se a incisura intertrágica como referência para a incisão. Realizou-se a dissecção da cartilagem do canal auditivo, seguido pela ressecção da parede lateral e do retalho cartilaginoso aderido à pele. Foi removido o excesso de pele e suturado o canal auditivo à pele com fio de nylon. Os resultados obtidos indicaram melhora significativa na condução do tratamento de otite dos equinos tratados, demonstrando evolução favorável no processo de cicatrização e resolução das infecções bacterianas em todos os casos. Concluiu-se que a utilização da técnica de ressecção lateral do canal auditivo foi bem-sucedida nos seis animais tratados deste trabalho, promovendo o acesso para tratamento clínico do conduto, sem ocorrência de recidiva ou complicações pós-operatórias

Asunto(s)

Animales , Otitis/veterinaria , Cirugía Plástica/veterinaria , Constricción Patológica/veterinaria , Conducto Auditivo Externo/patología , Caballos/cirugía , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/veterinaria

RESUMEN

Abstract Birds of prey harbor a wide spectrum of various parasites, mostly with a heteroxenous life cycle. However, most reports on their parasites come from Europe. Although the Harris's hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus) is a widespread species in America, parasitological surveys on this hawk are mostly focused on coprological findings and ectoparasites, with poor attention paid to helminths. The aim of this study was to gather new and additional data on host-parasite associations for the Harris's hawk. Twenty-nine birds from central and southern Chile were necropsied. Further, nine birds from a rehabilitation center and 22 museum specimens were inspected for ectoparasites. Sixty-eight percent of birds hosted at least one parasite species. Four lice species, one mite species and eight helminth species (five nematodes, two platyhelminthes and one acanthocephalan) were recorded. Parasitic lice Colpocephalum nanum and Nosopon chanabense, and a nematode Cyathostoma (Hovorkonema) americana were recorded for the first time in raptors from the Neotropics. A feather mite, Pseudalloptinus sp., nematodes, Physaloptera alata and Microtetrameres sp., and a trematode Neodiplostomim travassosi, were recorded for the first time in Chile. The presence of diverse heteroxenous helminths reported here in the Harris's hawk could be explained by the generalist diet of this raptor.

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Resumo As aves de rapina representam uma fonte importante de parasitas heteroxenos. Porém, a maioria dos relatos são da Europa. O gavião-asa-de-telha (Parabuteo unicinctus) é uma espécie amplamente distribuída no continente Americano, porém estudos parasitológicos nessas aves têm documentado achados coprológicos e ectoparasitas, com poucos relatos sobre endoparasitas como helmintos. Por essa razão, o objetivo deste estudo foi descrever novas associações parasita-hospedeiro para o gavião-asa-de-telha e rapinantes neotropicais. Vinte nove aves provenientes do centro e sul do Chile foram submetidas à necropsia. Por outro lado, nove aves de um centro de reabilitação e 22 espécimes de museu foram inspecionados em busca de ectoparasitas. Do total de aves, 68,3% foram identificadas como portadoras de pelo menos uma espécie de parasita. Quatro espécies de piolhos, um ácaro e oito helmintos (cinco nematoides, dois platelmintos e um acantocéfalo) foram registrados. Os piolhos Colpocephalum nanum, Nosopon chanabense e o nematóide Cyathostoma (Hovorkonema) americana são reportados pela primeira vez em rapinantes neotropicais. Colpocephalum nanum, N. chanabense, Pseudalloptinus sp., Physaloptera alata, Microtetrameres sp., C. (H.) americana e Neodiplostomim travassosi, são reportados pela primeira vez no Chile. A diversidade de helmintos heteróxenos, identificados neste trabalho, poderia ser explicada devido à dieta geralista do gavião-asa-de-telha.

Asunto(s)

Animales , Masculino , Femenino , Halcones/parasitología , Helmintos/fisiología , Interacciones Huésped-Parásitos/fisiología , Phthiraptera/fisiología , Ácaros/fisiología , Platelmintos/aislamiento & purificación , Autopsia/veterinaria , Clima Tropical , Pico/parasitología , Enfermedades de las Aves/epidemiología , Chile/epidemiología , Prevalencia , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/veterinaria , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/epidemiología , Distribución por Edad y Sexo , Acantocéfalos/aislamiento & purificación , Plumas/parasitología , Helmintiasis Animal/epidemiología , Nematodos/aislamiento & purificación

RESUMEN

Birds are affected by many parasites, and at wildlife animals are less vulnerable to the changes caused by parasitism, nevertheless in captivity their vulnerability may increase by different factors, including precarious hygiene and management. Birds of the order Psittaciformes frequently live together with people, and it may causes health and environment threats. Then, the objective of the current study was to accomplish parasitological exams in captive Psittaciformes birds aiming to know their parasitological fauna, and evaluate the results with the type of management and the environment where they are, to adopt appropriate prophylaxis measures. This work was authorized by the Ethics Commission in the Use of Animals at UFES from Alegre, and by the Biodiversity Information and Authorization System (SISBIO) of ICMBio. There were analyzed 200 birds of four breedings in Espírito Santo state, being that 63 couple of cockatiels are from domestic breedings in the county of Alegre and 74 individuals of parrots from the Zoo Park da Montanha Zoo, in Marechal Floriano. The fecal samples were collected and processed by the Simple Fluctuation Centrifugal technique in parasitology lab of HOVET-UFES, and the parrots and cockatiels’ feathers were analyzed in the stereomicroscope. The environment and heath aspects where the birds were living were analyzed. The obtained data were summarized by descriptive statistics. The parasites found were Eimeria sp., with a frequency of 9,52% and the lice Neopsittaconirmus sp., with frequency of 4,76% in cockatiels; Capillaria sp. and Ascaridia sp. with a frequency of 75,6 % and 39%, respectively, in parrots, which 36,5% are mixed infection (Capillaria sp. e Ascaridia sp.). It was also found the mite Neorthydelasma sp. with a frequency of 73,3% in mutualism with parrots. The prophylactic and control recommendations were made based on the results of this study and on the...

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As aves são acometidas por diversos parasitos e, na natureza são menos suscetíveis às alterações causadas pelo parasitismo, todavia em cativeiros a susceptibilidade às infecções e infestações pode aumentar por diversos fatores, como por higiene e manejo precários. As aves da ordem Psittaciformes possuem um convívio frequente com pessoas, podendo impor riscos ambientais e sanitários. Assim, o objetivo do presente estudo foi conhecer as espécies de endo e ectoparasitos presentes em criações de aves pertencentes a ordem Psittaciformes em dois municípios do Espírito Santo, além de relacionar os resultados com o tipo de manejo e ambiente em que as aves se encontram, para que os proprietários adotem medidas adequadas de profilaxia. Este trabalho foi autorizado pela Comissão de Ética no Uso de Animais da UFES de Alegre, e pelo Sistema de Autorização e Informação em Biodiversidade (SISBIO) do ICMBio. Foram analisadas 200 aves de quatro criações no estado do Espírito Santo, sendo 63 casais de calopsitas de criações domésticas no município de Alegre e 74 indivíduos de espécies de psitacídeos do Zoológico Zoo Park da Montanha, em Marechal Floriano. As fezes foram recolhidas e processadas pela técnica de Centrífugo Flutuação Simples no laboratório de Parasitologia do HOVET-UFES, e as penas e penugens das calopsitas e psitacídeos foram analisadas em estereomicroscópio. Foram analisados o ambiente e os aspectos sanitários aos quais as aves eram submetidas. Os dados obtidos foram sumarizados por estatística descritiva. Os parasitos encontrados foram Eimeria sp., com 9,52% de frequência e o piolho Neopsittaconirmus sp., com 4,76% de frequência em calopsitas, Capillaria sp. e Ascaridia sp, com 75,6 % e 39% de frequência, respectivamente, em psitacídeos, e destes, 36,5% são de infecção mista (Capillaria sp. e Ascaridia sp.). Foi encontrado também o ácaro...

Asunto(s)

Animales , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/epidemiología , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/prevención & control , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/veterinaria , Prevención de Enfermedades , Psittaciformes/parasitología , Brasil , Enfermedades Parasitarias en Animales/epidemiología

RESUMEN

Birds are affected by many parasites, and at wildlife animals are less vulnerable to the changes caused by parasitism, nevertheless in captivity their vulnerability may increase by different factors, including precarious hygiene and management. Birds of the order Psittaciformes frequently live together with people, and it may causes health and environment threats. Then, the objective of the current study was to accomplish parasitological exams in captive Psittaciformes birds aiming to know their parasitological fauna, and evaluate the results with the type of management and the environment where they are, to adopt appropriate prophylaxis measures. This work was authorized by the Ethics Commission in the Use of Animals at UFES from Alegre, and by the Biodiversity Information and Authorization System (SISBIO) of ICMBio. There were analyzed 200 birds of four breedings in Espírito Santo state, being that 63 couple of cockatiels are from domestic breedings in the county of Alegre and 74 individuals of parrots from the Zoo Park da Montanha Zoo, in Marechal Floriano. The fecal samples were collected and processed by the Simple Fluctuation Centrifugal technique in parasitology lab of HOVET-UFES, and the parrots and cockatiels feathers were analyzed in the stereomicroscope. The environment and heath aspects where the birds were living were analyzed. The obtained data were summarized by descriptive statistics. The parasites found were Eimeria sp., with a frequency of 9,52% and the lice Neopsittaconirmus sp., with frequency of 4,76% in cockatiels; Capillaria sp. and Ascaridia sp. with a frequency of 75,6 % and 39%, respectively, in parrots, which 36,5% are mixed infection (Capillaria sp. e Ascaridia sp.). It was also found the mite Neorthydelasma sp. with a frequency of 73,3% in mutualism with parrots. The prophylactic and control recommendations were made based on the results of this study and on the...(AU)

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As aves são acometidas por diversos parasitos e, na natureza são menos suscetíveis às alterações causadas pelo parasitismo, todavia em cativeiros a susceptibilidade às infecções e infestações pode aumentar por diversos fatores, como por higiene e manejo precários. As aves da ordem Psittaciformes possuem um convívio frequente com pessoas, podendo impor riscos ambientais e sanitários. Assim, o objetivo do presente estudo foi conhecer as espécies de endo e ectoparasitos presentes em criações de aves pertencentes a ordem Psittaciformes em dois municípios do Espírito Santo, além de relacionar os resultados com o tipo de manejo e ambiente em que as aves se encontram, para que os proprietários adotem medidas adequadas de profilaxia. Este trabalho foi autorizado pela Comissão de Ética no Uso de Animais da UFES de Alegre, e pelo Sistema de Autorização e Informação em Biodiversidade (SISBIO) do ICMBio. Foram analisadas 200 aves de quatro criações no estado do Espírito Santo, sendo 63 casais de calopsitas de criações domésticas no município de Alegre e 74 indivíduos de espécies de psitacídeos do Zoológico Zoo Park da Montanha, em Marechal Floriano. As fezes foram recolhidas e processadas pela técnica de Centrífugo Flutuação Simples no laboratório de Parasitologia do HOVET-UFES, e as penas e penugens das calopsitas e psitacídeos foram analisadas em estereomicroscópio. Foram analisados o ambiente e os aspectos sanitários aos quais as aves eram submetidas. Os dados obtidos foram sumarizados por estatística descritiva. Os parasitos encontrados foram Eimeria sp., com 9,52% de frequência e o piolho Neopsittaconirmus sp., com 4,76% de frequência em calopsitas, Capillaria sp. e Ascaridia sp, com 75,6 % e 39% de frequência, respectivamente, em psitacídeos, e destes, 36,5% são de infecção mista (Capillaria sp. e Ascaridia sp.). Foi encontrado também o ácaro...(AU)

Asunto(s)

Animales , Psittaciformes/parasitología , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/epidemiología , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/prevención & control , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/veterinaria , Prevención de Enfermedades , Brasil , Enfermedades Parasitarias en Animales/epidemiología

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: The human botfly, Dermatobia hominis, is a common cause of furuncular myiasis in dogs in Latin America. Lesions can be single or multiple, each harboring an individual larva, presented as an erythematous nodule that causes pruritus and pain. Typical treatment consists of sedation for removal of larvae by surgical incision or manual pressure. Medications to kill the larva before its extraction can reduce inflammation and discomfort and provide a less traumatic larval removal. Isoxazolines are broad-spectrum ectoparasiticides with larvicidal activity previously reported in the treatment of screwworm myiasis in companion animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of sarolaner as part of the clinical management of furuncular myiasis in dogs caused by D. hominis larvae. METHODS: Ten short-haired mixed breed dogs naturally infested with D. hominis were enrolled. Clinical diagnosis was achieved by observation of skin nodules and visualization of larval motility through the lesion orifice. Sarolaner was administered at manufacturer recommended dose for fleas and ticks. Lesions were reexamined 24 h post-treatment and assessed for viability of larvae. Larvae were removed by digital compression and identified as D. hominis. RESULTS: Seventy-five D. hominis larvae were retrieved from ten dogs. No live larvae were observed, demonstrating 100% larvicidal efficacy of sarolaner. Skin lesions were healed 30 days post-treatment and new lesions were not observed. CONCLUSIONS: Sarolaner seems to be effective as larvicidal treatment for dogs with furuncular myiasis, reducing discomfort caused by the presence of the larva in the skin and facilitating its safe removal.

Asunto(s)

Azetidinas/uso terapéutico , Dípteros/efectos de los fármacos , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/tratamiento farmacológico , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/veterinaria , Larva/efectos de los fármacos , Miasis/tratamiento farmacológico , Miasis/veterinaria , Compuestos de Espiro/uso terapéutico , Animales , Manejo de la Enfermedad , Perros , Insecticidas/uso terapéutico , Piel/efectos de los fármacos , Piel/parasitología , Piel/patología

RESUMEN

It is known that iron transporter proteins and their regulation can modulate the fish's immune system, suggesting these proteins as a potential candidate for fish vaccines. Previous studies have evidenced the effects of Atlantic salmon immunized with the chimeric iron-related protein named IPath® against bacterial and ectoparasitic infections. The present study aimed to explore the transcriptome modulation and the morphology of the sea louse Caligus rogercresseyi in response to Atlantic salmon injected with IPath®. Herein, Atlantic salmon were injected with IPath® and challenged to sea lice in controlled laboratory conditions. Then, female adults were collected after 25 days post-infection for molecular and morphological evaluation. Transcriptome analysis conducted in lice collected from immunized fish revealed high modulation of transcripts compared with the control groups. Notably, the low number of up/downregulated transcripts was mainly found in lice exposed to the IPath® fish group. Among the top-25 differentially expressed genes, Vitellogenin, Cytochrome oxidases, and proteases genes were strongly downregulated, suggesting that IPath® can alter lipid transport, hydrogen ion transmembrane transport, and proteolysis. The morphological analysis in lice collected from IPath® fish revealed abnormal embryogenesis and inflammatory processes of the genital segment. Furthermore, head kidney, spleen, and skin were also analyzed in immunized fish to evaluate the transcription expression of immune and iron homeostasis-related genes. The results showed downregulation of TLR22, MCHII, IL-1ß, ALAs, HO, BLVr, GSHPx, and Ferritin genes in head kidney and skin tissues; meanwhile, those genes did not show significant differences in spleen tissue. Overall, our findings suggest that IPath® can be used to enhance the fish immune response, showing a promissory commercial application against lice infections.

Asunto(s)

Copépodos/genética , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/prevención & control , Enfermedades de los Peces/prevención & control , Proteínas Recombinantes/administración & dosificación , Salmo salar/parasitología , Transcriptoma , Vacunas/administración & dosificación , Animales , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/veterinaria , Femenino , Ferritinas/genética , Salmo salar/inmunología , Transferrina/genética , Vacunación

RESUMEN

Bat ectoparasitic flies are hematophagous insects highly specialized to parasitize only bats. Knowledge about how biotic and abiotic factors can influence ecological relationships between parasites and hosts is in general incipient. Large information gaps are even worst in biodiversity-rich, but poorly sampled areas like Brazil's Caatinga, the largest tropical dry forest in South America. We used bats and their highly specialized ectoparasitic flies as a study model to clarify some aspects of this host-parasite system in this semiarid environment. We conducted fieldwork at 55 sites in the Caatinga, between April 2017 and March 2020 and collected 1300 flies (19 species) on 333 bats (15 species). Bat ectoparasitic flies were highly host-specific, had an aggregated distribution, frequently formed infracommunities with only one species, and had a male-biased sex ratio. Except for the prevalence of the streblid fly Strebla guajiro on Carollia perspicillata, which was significantly higher in the rainy season, bat flies showed no preference - expressed by frequency and intensity of infestation - for host sex, and their interspecific relationships were not mediated by rainfall. Other variables that could potentially be interfering in this host-parasite relationship deserve further attention, especially in environments such as the Caatinga where there is great seasonal variation. Furthermore, the existence of species-specific responses must be taken into account.

Asunto(s)

Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias , Parásitos , Animales , Brasil , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/epidemiología , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/veterinaria , Bosques , Interacciones Huésped-Parásitos , Masculino