RESUMO
This paper aims to describe a case of trombiculosis in llamas from the Puna region of Argentina caused by Eutrombicula cochinocaensis. Trombiculosis is a parasitic infestation caused by the larval form of trombiculid mites, commonly known as chigger mites. Six adult llamas out of eighteen (33%) were infested and showed dermatitis, hyperemia, and crusts together with an orange-dotted pattern. The chigger mites were found mainly in the hind limbs and the abdomen. Microscopic identification of E. cochinocaensis was made by phase-contrast microscopy. Then, a histopathological study of the affected animals' skin was performed. Histological findings included dermatitis withmainly lymphocytic infiltrate, pustules, crusts, hyperkeratosis, and the mites' stylostomes in the dermis and epidermis. This is the first report of trombiculosis caused by E. cochinocaensis in llamas from Argentina. Mites of the family Trombiculidae are vectors of certain diseases to humans and animals and are therefore of sanitary and productive importance.
Assuntos
Camelídeos Americanos , Trombiculíase , Trombiculidae , Animais , Argentina , Camelídeos Americanos/parasitologia , Trombiculíase/veterinária , Trombiculíase/parasitologia , Trombiculíase/patologia , Trombiculidae/classificação , Trombiculidae/fisiologiaRESUMO
The objectives of the present study were to determine the effects of exogenous GnRH administered 7â¯days after breeding on the formation of an accessory corpus luteum (ACL), plasma progesterone (P4) concentrations and pregnancy rates. Adult females (nâ¯=â¯71) having a follicleâ¯≥â¯7â¯mm in diameter in the ovary were naturally mated (Day 0). On Day 7, ultrasonic examination was performed to confirm the occurrence of ovulation as evidenced by presence of an induced corpus luteum (ICL). Females with an ICL plus a dominant follicleâ¯≥â¯7â¯mm (nâ¯=â¯56) were treated with saline solution (SS, nâ¯=â¯29) or GnRH analogue (nâ¯=â¯27). On Day 14, the formation of an ACL was observed by ultrasonography. Blood samples were collected on Days 7 and 14 to quantify plasma P4 concentrations. On Day 14, 21 of 27 (77.8%) females in the GnRH group developed an ACL, whereas females in the SS group did not. Progesterone concentrations on Day 7 and 14 in those llamas diagnosed as pregnant on Day 30 were not different (Pâ¯>â¯0.05) between groups. In addition, P4 concentration was similar for GnRH-treated females having two CL to those with a single CL. Pregnancy rates were similar (Pâ¯>â¯0.05) between SS and GnRH groups (55.2% compared with 74.1% respectively) and the pregnancy rate for the GnRH group was not affected (Pâ¯>â¯0.05) by the number of CL observed at Day 14 (66.6% and 75.6% for females with one and two CL respectively). In conclusion, GnRH administration on Day 7 after breeding leads to ACL formation; however, neither the plasma P4 concentration nor pregnancy rate was affected by having an ACL.