RESUMO

To evaluate the prevalence of Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis in road killed armadillos identified along Brazilian regions, samples of liver, spleen, muscle, ear, nose and tail were collected on highways from 78 animals. The armadillos were of four different species, Cabassous tatouay, Dasypus novemcinctus, Dasypus septemcinctus and Euphractus sexcinctus. After DNA extraction from two tissues, specific primers were used for the detection of each pathogen using SYBR green qualitative Real-Time PCR, and amplicons were sequenced. The species with the highest prevalence was D. novemcinctus, mainly in the Central-West, South, and Southeast regions of Brazil. We detected M. leprae DNA in 32 (41 %) of the 78 individuals and M. lepromatosis DNA was not identified in any of the examined samples. The zoonotic component of leprosy may play a role in the transmission of the disease in endemic areas in which environmental conditions and contact with reservoirs must be investigated.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Xenarthras (Mammalia, Dasypodidae) das espécies Dasypus novemcinctus e Euphractus sexcinctus tiveram sua anatomia científica estudada em relação à topografia dos intestinos delgado e grosso, suas relações peritoniais, morfologia externa e irrigação. Medidas dos diferentes segmentos intestinais e do número de vasos a eles destinados foram tomadas para fins comparativos. O método previu: fixação (formol 7%); injeção de látex; dissecação e fotodocumentação. Espacialmente, embora os intestinos sejam fixados por dupla membrana peritoneal, como em outros vertebrados, nestes a serosa conectou o duodeno, o jejuno, o íleo e os cólons em um único ligamento fixado no dorso do animal. Duodeno e pâncreas, intraperitoniais, como o reto, fixaram-se nas pelves maior e menor, respectivamente e dorsalmente. Vasos derivados do tronco celíaco mesentérico e da aorta percorreram o interior do mesoduodeno, do mesentério comum, do mesocólon e do mesorreto, estando estes, ao longo de seus trajetos, relacionados às cadeias linfonodulares intestinais. O modelo de rotação peritoneal, a morfologia externa, bem como o modelo de vascularização intestinal, foram interpretados como basais, diferindo dos vertebrados recentes, conforme o suporte literário.(AU)

Xenarthras (Mammalia, Dasypodidae) of the species Dasypus novemcinctus and Euphractus sexcinctus had their scientific anatomy studied in relation to the topography of the small and large intestines, their peritoneal relationships, external morphology and irrigation. Measurements of the different intestinal segments and the number of vessels destined for them were taken for comparative purposes. The method predicted: fixation (7% formaldehyde); latex injection; dissection and photo documentation. Spatially, the intestines, although fixed by a double peritoneal membrane, as in other vertebrates, in these, the serosa connected the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and the colon in a single ligament fixed to the animal's back. Duodenum and pancreas, intraperitoneal, like the rectum, were fixed in the major and minor pelvis respectively and dorsally. Vessels derived from the mesenteric celiac trunk and the aorta traveled through the interior of the mesoduodenum, common mesentery, mesocolon and mesoride, being related to the lymph node chains along their pathways. The peritoneal rotation model, the external morphology as well as the model of intestinal vascularization were interpreted as basal, differing from recent vertebrates, according to literary support.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

We describe perforations recognized in mobile osteoderms of the extinct armadillos (Cingulata, Dasypodidae) Chasicotatus ameghinoi (Euphractinae, Eutatini) and Vetelia perforata (Euphractinae, Euphractini), recovered from the late Miocene of Argentine Pampas. We interpret that fleas corresponding to the genus Tunga (Siphonaptera) produced these marks. These parasites locate in the carapace of the host, perforating the osteoderms by mechanical and chemical processes as the neosome grows. This finding constitutes the oldest record of flea/armadillos interaction. It also reflects the antiquity of this important specialization and reinforces the proposal indicating an early co-evolution between these parasites and their hosts. These traces, produced in the bone tissue when the host was still alive, provide new information on the trophic relationships in past ecosystems.

Assuntos

RESUMO

This study reviews the data available on the distribution of three-banded armadillos of the genus Tolypeutes, identifying potential geographic barriers and evaluating possible biogeographic processes that may account for the present-day distribution of the species and its conservation status. The database was derived from published records, interviews, and voucher specimens, over a timescale ranging from the fossil record to specimens collected in 2013. A total of 236 localities were recorded, with 68 attributed to Tolypeutes matacus and 168 to Tolypeutes tricinctus. The vegetation within the range of the genus is predominantly a xerophytic mosaic of grassland, savannas, open woodland, and xeric thorn forest. The marine transgressions of the Miocene and the uplifting of the Brazilian Shield may have contributed to the vicariant separation of the ancestral populations of T. matacus, to the west and south, and T. tricinctus, to the north and east. The three-banded armadillo is possibly one of the most threatened of Brazilian mammals, considering the low number of recent records and the fact that it is hunted intensively throughout its range.

Assuntos

RESUMO

A new species of Tunga (Siphonaptera: Tungidae) collected from armadillos in Argentina is described. The new species is characterized by large and pigmented eyes, the presence of two bristles on antennal segment II, two bristles at the base of the maxilla, and a discoid neosome compressed anteroposteriorly. The gravid female is located in the carapace of the host, perforating the osteoderms. The new species resembles Tunga penetrans and Tunga terasma in general appearance. However, it differs by the greater anteroposterior compression of the neosome, a more angular head, and a manubrium with a pointed proximal end and convex ventral margin (the proximal end of the manubrium is rounded or slightly pointed in T. terasma, and the ventral margin is straight in both T. penetrans and T. terasma). In addition, specimens of T. penetrans have more bristles in antennal segments II and III, and lack bristles in the posterior tibia. This is the first report of a species of Tunga perforating the osteoderms of its host and thereby showing a high degree of specialization. Tunga terasma is recorded for the first time in Argentina; the male is described again and the characteristics of the species amended. This information may be useful in epidemiological studies of diseases caused by species of Tunga.

Assuntos

RESUMO

To determine the effects of immersion in water on the biological parameters of engorged females of the tick species Amblyomma auricularium, 60 females were distributed in six groups, each comprising 10 individuals. The control group G1 (not immersed) was fixed dorsally in a Petri dish and incubated at 27 ± 1°C and 80% RH. The other groups were subjected to immersion periods of 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours, and the sixth group to continuous immersion. After the immersion period, the females were placed in Petri dishes to begin laying. Eggs were collected every 72 hours and kept in biological chambers. All the groups showed significant differences (p <0.05) during the pre-oviposition period. The laying period and the average weight of overall posture did not change. The egg incubation period also did not differ significantly, but the hatching rate in the group immersed for 96h showed a significant difference. Thus, immersion for up to 96 hours does not impair the survival of A. auricularium females, although it may delay egg laying and reduce the number of offspring.

A fim de conhecer os efeitos da imersão em água sobre os parâmetros biológicos de fêmeas ingurgitadas de Amblyomma auricularium, 60 fêmeas foram distribuídas em seis grupos, cada um contendo 10 indivíduos. O grupo controle G1 (sem imersão) foi fixado dorsalmente numa placa de Petri e incubado a 27 ± 1°C e 80 % de HR. Os demais grupos foram submetidos a períodos de imersão de 24, 48, 72 e 96 horas e, o último grupo, em imersão continua. Após o período de imersão, as fêmeas foram colocadas em placas de Petri para iniciar a postura. Os ovos foram coletados a cada 72 horas e mantidos em câmaras biológicas. Houve diferença significativa (p <0,05) em relação ao período de pré-oviposição de todos os grupos. O período de postura e o peso médio da postura total não se alterou. O período de incubação dos ovos também não diferiram significativamente, mas houve uma diferença significativa na taxa de eclosão das larvas no grupo imerso por 96 horas. Assim, a imersão por até 96 horas não compromete a sobrevivência de fêmeas de A. auricularium, mas pode retardar a postura de ovos e reduzir o número de descendentes.

Assuntos

RESUMO

To determine the effects of immersion in water on the biological parameters of engorged females of the tick species Amblyomma auricularium, 60 females were distributed in six groups, each comprising 10 individuals. The control group – G1 (not immersed) was fixed dorsally in a Petri dish and incubated at 27 ± 1°C and 80% RH. The other groups were subjected to immersion periods of 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours, and the sixth group to continuous immersion. After the immersion period, the females were placed in Petri dishes to begin laying. Eggs were collected every 72 hours and kept in biological chambers. All the groups showed significant differences (p <0.05) during the pre-oviposition period. The laying period and the average weight of overall posture did not change. The egg incubation period also did not differ significantly, but the hatching rate in the group immersed for 96h showed a significant difference. Thus, immersion for up to 96 hours does not impair the survival of A. auricularium females, although it may delay egg laying and reduce the number of offspring.

A fim de conhecer os efeitos da imersão em água sobre os parâmetros biológicos de fêmeas ingurgitadas de Amblyomma auricularium, 60 fêmeas foram distribuídas em seis grupos, cada um contendo 10 indivíduos. O grupo controle G1 (sem imersão) foi fixado dorsalmente numa placa de Petri e incubado a 27 ± 1°C e 80 % de HR. Os demais grupos foram submetidos a períodos de imersão de 24, 48, 72 e 96 horas e, o último grupo, em imersão continua. Após o período de imersão, as fêmeas foram colocadas em placas de Petri para iniciar a postura. Os ovos foram coletados a cada 72 horas e mantidos em câmaras biológicas. Houve diferença significativa (p <0,05) em relação ao período de pré-oviposição de todos os grupos. O período de postura e o peso médio da postura total não se alterou. O período de incubação dos ovos também não diferiram significativamente, mas houve uma diferença significativa na taxa de eclosão das larvas no grupo imerso por 96 horas. Assim, a imersão por até 96 horas não compromete a sobrevivência de fêmeas de A. auricularium, mas pode retardar a postura de ovos e reduzir o número de descendentes.

Assuntos

RESUMO

The dorsum of the tongue of Dasypus hybridus (Desmarest, 1804) studied by scanning electron microscopy, shows conical and branched filiform, fungiform and vallate papillae. No foliate papillae were seen. Conical filiform papillae are placed in the apex of the tongue and posterior to the vallated ones. Branched papillae are compactly distributed over the entire dorsal surface of the tongue. Fungiform papillae are more abundant on the first third of the tongue and they are distributed between filiform papillae. Only two vallate papillae were observed placed in the posterior third of the tongue, surrounded by a deep grove. The presence of taste buds on fungiform and vallate papillae indicate that both are involved in the sense of taste, while the filiform ones have a mechanical and protective role. The morphological characteristics of the tongue of Dasypus hybridus are comparable with those of other species of armadillos.

La superficie dorsal de la lengua de Dasypus hybridus (Desmarest, 1804) estudiada a través de microscopía electrónica de barrido, muestra papilas filiformes cónicas y ramificadas, fungiformes y caliciformes. No se observaron papilas foliadas. Las papilas filiformes cónicas se observan en el ápice de la lengua, en los bordes laterales y posteriormente a las papilas caliciformes. Las filiformes ramificadas se encuentran distribuidas en forma compacta sobre toda la superficie dorsal de la lengua. Las papilas fungiformes se localizan entre las filiformes ramificadas y son más numerosas en el tercio anterior de la lengua. Sólo dos papilas caliciformes fueron encontradas ubicadas en el tercio posterior de la lengua, rodeadas por un surco profundo. La presencia de poros gustativos en las papilas fungiformes y caliciformes indica que ambas se encuentran involucradas en el sentido del gusto, mientras que las filiformes poseen un rol mecánico y de protección. Las características morfológicas de la lengua de Dasypus hybridus son comparables con las de otras especies de armadillos.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Abstract ­ Armadillos was belonged to the Xenarthra Order, Dasypodidae family. This family has been comprising the largest number of genera and species among the Xenarthrans; eight (8) and 21, respectively. Two adult males of the species Cabassous unicinctus were analyzed in this study. Lymphocyte cultures from whole blood were used and the cells were then submitted to conventional staining by C- and Ag-NOR banding. Data regarding the number of chromosomes showed discrepancies among the species described in the literature. The 46 chromosomes observed were distributed in six large metacentric pairs, five medium submetacentric pairs, five medium and small metacentric pairs and six acrocentric pairs. The Y chromosome was classified such as the smallest acrocentric of the group. The X chromosome was classified as medium submetacentric, it considered atypical for mammals, because X was generally large size metacentric when it compared to the remaining karyotype. The diploid number reduction from 62 to 46 chromosomes may be explained by Robertsonian fusion and the inversion of acrocentric, or even the fission of centromeric regions of metacentric, given that the species Cabassous centralis had 23 acrocentric pairs and that this number was reduced to 14 pairs in the Cabassous tautouay and six pairs in the species described in the present work.

Assuntos

RESUMO

The dorsal surface of the tongue of Zaedyus pichiy (Desmarest, 1804) was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Conical and branched filiform, fungiform and vallate papillae are described. No foliate papillae were seen. Conical filiform papillae are distributed in the apex, both lateral edges and caudally to the vallated ones. The branched papillae represent the most numerous type of lingual papillae; they are distributed over the entire dorsal surface of the tongue. The fungiform papillae are placed among the filiform ones, more densely distributed on the tip of the lingual apex. In the posterior third of the tongue there are two vallated papillae surrounded by a deep circular grove. Fungiform and circumvallate papillae are related to the sense of taste; openings of taste pores are visible on their surface. The filiform papillae have a mechanical and protective role.

Se estudió la superficie dorsal de la lengua de Zaedyus pichiy (Desmarest, 1804), utilizando microscopía electrónica de barrido. Se describen papilas filiformes cónicas y ramificadas, fungiformes y caliciformes. No se observaron papilas foliadas. Las papilas filiformes cónicas se observan en el ápice de la lengua, en los bordes laterales y posteriormente a las papilas caliciformes. Las filiformes ramificadas representan el tipo más numeroso de papilas linguales y se encuentran distribuidas en toda la superficie dorsal de la lengua. Las papilas fungiformes se localizan entre las filiformes ramificadas y son más numerosas en el tercio anterior de la lengua. En el tercio posterior se observan dos papilas caliciformes rodeadas por un surco profundo. Las papilas fungiformes y caliciformes están relacionadas con el sentido del gusto, en su superficie se observan poros gustativos. Las papilas filiformes tienen funciones mecánica y de protección.

Assuntos

RESUMO

The morphology and morphometry of the cranial bones of Chaetophractus villosus were studied. The skull components are morphologically similar between adults of both sexes, and follow the generalized pattern for most of described dasypodids. The morphometric analysis, however, demonstrated that the bones lying in the rostrocaudal plane are mostly longest in females, determining higher values of the total, basal and condilobasal lengths of the skull, which are the main variables that contribute to a sexual dimorphism in this species.

Realizamos estudios morfológico y morfométrico de los componentes óseos del cráneo de Chaetophractus villosus. Los huesos son morfológicamente semejantes en ambos sexos y siguen el patrón generalizado de la mayoría de los dasipódidos descritos. El análisis morfométrico, sin embargo, demostró que la mayoría de los huesos ubicados en el plano rostrocaudal son más largos en las hembras, determinando mayores valores de longitudes total, basal y cóndilobasal del cráneo, que son las principales variables que contribuyen a determinar el dimorfismo sexual en esta especie.

Assuntos

RESUMO

The histology of the salivary glands of the armadillo Zaedyus pichiy (Desmarest, 1804) was studied. Three pairs of major compound tubuloacinar salivary glands, parotid, submandibular and sublingual, were distinguished. The parotid gland is histologically a serous gland. The submandibular gland consists of two lobes. The anterior lobe is composed of mixed and serous acini. The posterior lobe is predominantly mucous. There is a reservoir or salivary bladder, related with the anterior lobe. The sublingual gland is mixed, composed of mucous acini with scattered serous demilunes.

Se estudió la histología de las glándulas salivales del armadillo Zaedyus pichiy (Desmarest, 1804). Se identificaron tres pares de glándulas salivales mayores, tubuloacinares compuestas, parótida, submandibular y sublingual. La parótida es histológicamente una glándula serosa. La glándula submandibular posee dos lóbulos. El lóbulo anterior está formado por acinos mixtos y serosos. El lóbulo posterior es principalmente mucoso. Un reservorio o vesícula salival se relaciona con la glándula submandibular anterior. La glándula sublingual es mixta y está compuesta por acinos mucosos con escasas semilunas serosas.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Ultrastructural and morphometric changes in oocyte and surrounding granulosa cells during armadillo follicular growth are described. Primordial, intermediary, early and late primary, secondary, tertiary and preovulatory Graafian follicles were found. From primordial to Graafian follicle, granulosa cells increase in height, become multilayered while fluid-filled spaces arise among them in the tertiary follicle stage. As the follicle expands the oocyte is located eccentrically and grows in size. From primordial to secondary stage organelles develop in number and complexity and many vesicles start arising in the cytoplasm at the secondary stage. From tertiary follicle stage the number of mitochondria decreases. In follicular cells, secreting-related organelles expand, but mitochondrial number decreases according to the follicle expansion. Intercellular junctions between both cell types increase. The morphometrical study shows a biphasic pattern of oocyte and follicle growth. The morphological baseline here provided will be essential for further comprehension of the reproductive biology in armadillos.

São descritas a ultra-estrutura e as mudanças morfométricas nos ovócitos e nas células da granulosa durante o crescimento folicular do tatu. Foram encontrados folículos primordiais, intermediários, primários (iniciais e finais), secundários, terciários e folículos de Graff pré-ovulatórios. Desde os folículos primordiais até os folículos de Graff, as células da granulosa aumentam de tamanho, dispõem-se em múltiplas camadas e, no folículo terciário, apresentam espaços cheios de líquido entre elas. Quando o folículo se expande, o ovócito localiza-se exentricamente e aumenta de tamanho. Nos folículos primários e secundários, as organelas desenvolvem-se aumentando em número e complexidade e, no folículo secundário, várias vesículas desenvolvem-se no citoplasma. A partir do folículo terciário, o número de mitocôndrias diminui. Nas células foliculares, as organelas relacionadas à secreção se expandem, mas o número de mitocôndrias diminui com a expansão do folículo. As uniões intercelulares entre ambos os tipos de células aumentam. Os estudos morfométricos mostram um padrão bifásico de crescimento do ovócito e do folículo. A informação morfológica deste trabalho pode ser de grande importância no entendimento da biologia reprodutiva dos tatus.

RESUMO

Ultrastructural and morphometric changes in oocyte and surrounding granulosa cells during armadillo follicular growth are described. Primordial, intermediary, early and late primary, secondary, tertiary and preovulatory Graafian follicles were found. From primordial to Graafian follicle, granulosa cells increase in height, become multilayered while fluid-filled spaces arise among them in the tertiary follicle stage. As the follicle expands the oocyte is located eccentrically and grows in size. From primordial to secondary stage organelles develop in number and complexity and many vesicles start arising in the cytoplasm at the secondary stage. From tertiary follicle stage the number of mitochondria decreases. In follicular cells, secreting-related organelles expand, but mitochondrial number decreases according to the follicle expansion. Intercellular junctions between both cell types increase. The morphometrical study shows a biphasic pattern of oocyte and follicle growth. The morphological baseline here provided will be essential for further comprehension of the reproductive biology in armadillos.

São descritas a ultra-estrutura e as mudanças morfométricas nos ovócitos e nas células da granulosa durante o crescimento folicular do tatu. Foram encontrados folículos primordiais, intermediários, primários (iniciais e finais), secundários, terciários e folículos de Graff pré-ovulatórios. Desde os folículos primordiais até os folículos de Graff, as células da granulosa aumentam de tamanho, dispõem-se em múltiplas camadas e, no folículo terciário, apresentam espaços cheios de líquido entre elas. Quando o folículo se expande, o ovócito localiza-se exentricamente e aumenta de tamanho. Nos folículos primários e secundários, as organelas desenvolvem-se aumentando em número e complexidade e, no folículo secundário, várias vesículas desenvolvem-se no citoplasma. A partir do folículo terciário, o número de mitocôndrias diminui. Nas células foliculares, as organelas relacionadas à secreção se expandem, mas o número de mitocôndrias diminui com a expansão do folículo. As uniões intercelulares entre ambos os tipos de células aumentam. Os estudos morfométricos mostram um padrão bifásico de crescimento do ovócito e do folículo. A informação morfológica deste trabalho pode ser de grande importância no entendimento da biologia reprodutiva dos tatus.