Prevalencia de endoparásitos gastrointestinales y ectoparásitos en serpientes ex situ en Barranquilla, Colombia / Prevalence of gastrointestinal endoparasites and ectoparasites in ex situ snakes in Barranquilla, Colombia

RESUMEN Objetivo. Identificar la prevalencia de endoparásitos y ectoparásitos en serpientes ex situ en la Fundación Botánica y Zoológica de Barranquilla "Barranquilla Zoo". Materiales y métodos. Para esto se analizaron muestras de materia fecal y ectoparásitos de 2 colúbridos (Leptophis ahaetulla y Spilotes pullatus), 2 dipsadinos (Oxybelys aeneus y Thamnodynastes paraguanae) y 13 boidos (9 individuos de la especie Boa constrictor, 2 de Epicrates maurus y 2 de Eunectes murinus) utilizando los métodos de flotación en solución saturada de azúcar y observación directa. Resultados. Los resultados obtenidos mostraron que el 65% (11/17) de los animales evaluados fueron positivos a la presencia de parásitos, de los cuales el 91% (10/11) de los ejemplares pertenece a la familia Boidae presentando en su mayoría nematodos, mientras que en los dipsadinos se observaron principalmente protozoarios y los colúbridos resultaron negativos. Finamente como ectoparásitos se identificaron 2 especies de garrapatas (Amblyomma dissimile y Ornothodoros turicata) halladas en ejemplares de Boa constrictor, Epicrates maurus y Spilotes pullatus. Conclusiones. La identificación de las formas parasitarias en este trabajo representa una contribución para el conocimiento de los parásitos en serpientes ex situ en Colombia. Provee información para desarrollar medidas profilácticas y permite comparar los datos sobre las formas parasitarias encontradas con muestreos de estas especies en vida silvestre y bajo cuidados humanos.

ABSTRACT Objective. Identify the prevalence of internal and external parasites in ex situ snakes at the Fundación Botánica y Zoológica de Barranquilla "Barranquilla Zoo". Materials and methods. Stool samples and ectoparasites of 2 colubrids (Leptophis ahaetulla and Spilotes pullatus), 2 diapsids (Oxybelys aeneus and Thamnodynastes paraguanae) and 13 boids (9 individuals of Boa constrictor, 2 of Epicrates maurus and 2 Eunectes murinus) were analyzed using flotation method in saturated sugar solution and direct observation. Results. The results showed that 65% (11/17) of the population was positive to the presence of parasites. In relation to the positive specimens, 91% (10/11) belong to the Boidae family, presenting mostly nematodes, in the dipsadid's samples mainly protozoans were observed and the colubrid's samples were negative. Regarding ectoparasites, 2 species of ticks (Amblyomma dissimile and Ornothodoros turicata) were found in specimens of Boa constrictor, Epicrates maurus and Spilotes pullatus. Conclusions. The identification of parasitic forms in this paper represents a contribution to the knowledge of parasites in snakes ex situ in Colombia. It provides information to develop prophylactic measures against these pathological agents and also allows comparing the data about the parasitic forms found with other researches in the wild and in captivity.

Infestação por carrapatos Argasidae e Ixodidae em pequenos mamíferos silvestres da Estação Experimental Rafael Fernandes, Mossoró/RN / Infestation by ticks Argasidae and Ixodidae on small wild mammals at the Experimental Station Rafael Fernandes, Mossoró/RN, Brazil

Poucos estudos avaliaram a diversidade de ectoparasitos e a associação deles com seus hospedeiros que ocorrem no bioma Caatinga, Nordeste do Brasil. Considerando-se essa falta de conhecimento, este estudo objetivou identificar e determinar a ocorrência de carrapatos coletados de pequenos mamíferos da Estação Experimental Rafael Fernandes, no Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil. De janeiro de 2014 a fevereiro de 2015 foram capturados 52 marsupiais (38 Gracilinanus agilis e 14 Monodelphis domestica) e 10 roedores (5 Wiedomys sp., 4 Thrichomys sp. e 1 Rattus norvegicus). Foram identificados os carrapatos Amblyomma auricularium, Amblyomma parvum, Amblyomma sp., Ornithodoros mimon e Ornithodoros sp., empregando estudo morfológico, chaves taxonômicas e sequenciamento parcial do gene mitocondrial 16S rDNA de carrapatos. Todas as associações carrapato-hospedeiro encontradas neste estudo são relatadas pela primeira vez no Rio Grande do Norte e constituem novos dados ecológicos aplicáveis aos ectoparasitos de pequenos mamíferos no nordeste do Brasil.(AU)

Few studies have assessed the diversity of ectoparasites and their associated hosts occurring within the Caatinga biome in northeastern Brazil. Considering this lack of knowledge, in this study we aimed to identify and determine the occurrence of ticks collected from small mammals at the Estação Experimental Rafael Fernandes, in Rio Grande do Norte state, Brazil. From January 2014 to February 2015, we captured 52 marsupials (38 Gracilinanus agilis and 14 Monodelphis domestica) and 10 rodents (5 Wiedomys sp., 4 Thrichomys sp. and 1 Rattus norvegicus). We identified the ticks Amblyomma auricularium, Amblyomma parvum, Amblyomma sp., Ornithodoros mimon and Ornithodoros sp. by a morphological study, the use of taxonomic keys, and the partial sequencing of the tick mitochondrial 16S rDNA gene. All the tick-host associations found in this study are reported for the first time in Rio Grande do Norte and constitute new ecological data concerning ectoparasites of small mammals in northeastern Brazil.(AU)

Ticks parasitizing bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) in the Caatinga Biome, Brazil / Carrapatos parasitando morcegos (Mammalia: Chiroptera) na Caatinga, Brasil

Abstract In this paper, the authors report ticks parasitizing bats from the Serra das Almas Natural Reserve (RPPN) located in the municipality of Crateús, state of Ceará, in the semiarid Caatinga biome of northeastern Brazil. The study was carried out during nine nights in the dry season (July 2012) and 10 nights in the rainy season (February 2013). Only bats of the Phyllostomidae and Mormoopidae families were parasitized by ticks. The species Artibeus planirostris and Carolia perspicillata were the most parasitized. A total of 409 larvae were collected and classified into three genera: Antricola (n = 1), Nothoaspis (n = 1) and Ornithodoros (n = 407). Four species were morphologically identified as Nothoaspis amazoniensis, Ornithodoros cavernicolous, Ornithodoros fonsecai, Ornithodoros hasei, and Ornithodoros marinkellei. Ornithodoros hasei was the most common tick associated with bats in the current study. The present study expand the distributional ranges of at least three soft ticks into the Caatinga biome, and highlight an unexpected richness of argasid ticks inhabiting this arid ecosystem.

Resumo Neste artigo, os autores relatam carrapatos parasitando morcegos da Serra das Almas Reserva Natural (RPPN), localizada no município de Crateús, Estado do Ceará, no bioma semi-árido da Caatinga no nordeste do Brasil. O estudo foi realizado durante nove noites, na estação seca (julho de 2012) e 10 noites, na estação chuvosa (fevereiro de 2013). Apenas morcegos das famílias Phyllostomidae e Mormoopidae estavam parasitados por carrapatos. As espécies Artibeus planirostris e Carolia perspicillata foram as mais parasitadas. Um total de 409 larvas foram coletadas e classificadas em três gêneros: Antricola (n = 1), Nothoaspis (n = 1) e Ornithodoros (n = 407). Quatro espécies foram identificadas morfologicamente como Nothoaspis amazoniensis, Ornithodoros cavernicolous, Ornithodoros fonsecai, Ornithodoros hasei e Ornithodoros marinkellei. Ornithodoros hasei foi a espécie de carrapato mais comum associada com morcegos no presente estudo. O presente estudo expande a distribuição de, pelo menos, três espécies de argasideos para o bioma Caatinga, e destaca a inesperada riqueza de espécies habitando este árido ecossistema.

Otoacariasis: demographic and clinical outcomes of patients with ticks in the ear canal / Otoacaríase: desfechos demográficos e clínicos de pacientes com carrapatos no conduto auditivo externo

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Otoacariasis, the attachment of ticks and mites within the ear canal is a common phenomenon especially in rural areas. OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical and demographic features of cases with detected ticks in the ear canal, which is a common health problem, and identify tick species. METHODS: Data of patients who had otoacariasis were collected. We also investigated all ticks at the Veterinary Department of Kafkas University. RESULTS: We present the data of patients with otoacariasis. All ticks were identified as otobius. Otobius ticks were found not related with any complications. CONCLUSION: It is very important to detect ticks in the ear canal as they act as vector of some diseases. Identifying species of ticks may help clinicians to prevent further complications associated with vector-borne diseases.

Resumo Introdução: A otoacaríase, fixação de carrapatos duros e moles no interior do conduto auditivo, é fenômeno comum, especialmente em áreas rurais. Objetivo: Determinar as características clínicas e demográficas de casos de carrapatos detectados no conduto auditivo externo, um problema de saúde frequente, e identificar as espécies do ácaro. Método: Coletaram-se dados dos pacientes com otoacaríase, e todos os carrapatos foram investigados no Departamento de Veterinária da Universidade Kafkas. Resultados: Os dados de pacientes com otoacaríase são apresentados. Todos os carrapatos foram identificados como pertencentes ao gênero Otobius e constatou-se não haver relação entre os carrapatos e qualquer tipo de complicação. Conclusão: É muito importante detectar carrapatos no conduto auditivo externo, pois esses ácaros funcionam como vetores para algumas doenças. A identificação da espécie do ácaro pode ajudar o clínico a prevenir complicações associadas às doenças transmitidas por esse vetor.

Immature argasid ticks: diagnosis and keys for neotropical region / Carrapatos argasídeos imaturos: diagnoses e chaves para a região neotropical

Many argasid tick species are known only through their larval descriptions, in which the chaetotaxy, together with other external morphological characteristics, has been used to separate genera and species. However, the illustrations of these features are based on optical microscopy alone and many of these features are not clearly defined. Because of the difficulties in determining the larval and nymph stages of some genera, we have prepared illustrated keys for the immature stages of argasids, including an up-to-date list of the known species of the Neotropical region. We have also included an illustrated key for larvae of the Ornithodoros species from Brazil, based on scanning electron microscopy.

Muitos carrapatos argasídeos são conhecidos somente por descrições larvais, nas quais a quetotaxia associada a outros caracteres morfológicos tem sido usada para separar gêneros e espécies. No entanto, as ilustrações sobre esses caracteres são baseadas somente em microscopia óptica e muitos deles não estão claramente definidos. Devido às dificuldades em determinar estágios larvais e ninfais de alguns gêneros, elaboramos chaves ilustradas para os estágios imaturos de argasídeos, incluindo uma lista atualizada de espécies conhecidas da região Neotropical. Incluímos também uma chave ilustrada para larvas das espécies de Ornithodoros do Brasil baseada em microscopia eletrônica de varredura.

Biocontrol of pigeon tick Argas reflexus (Acari: Argasidae) by entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium Anisopliae (Ascomycota: Hypocreales)

The pigeon tick Argas reflexus is a pathogen-transmitting soft tick that typically feeds on pigeons, but can also attack humans causing local and systemic reactions. Chemical control is made difficult due to environmental contamination and resistance development. As a result, there is much interest in increasing the role of other strategies like biological control. In this study, the efficacy of three strains (V245, 685 and 715C) of entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae for biological control of three life stages of pigeon tick A. reflexus including eggs, larvae, engorged and unfed adults was investigated under laboratory conditions. Five concentrations of different strains of M. anisopliae ranging from 10³ to 10(7) conidia/ml were used. All fungal strains significantly decreased hatchability of A. reflexus eggs. Strain V245 was the most effective strain on the mortality of larval stage with nearly 100 percent mortality at the lowest concentration (10³ conidia/ml) at 10 days post-inoculation. The mortality rate of both engorged and unfed adult ticks were also increased significantly exposed to different conidial concentrations compared to the control groups (P < 0.05) making this fungus a potential biological control agent of pigeon tick reducing the use of chemical acaricides.

Occurrence of Ornithodoros brasiliensis Aragão (Acari: Argasidae) in São Francisco de Paula, RS, Southern Brazil

There have been no reports of the endemic Ornithodoros brasiliensis (Aragão) in Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil, since the 1950s. In January 2007, 21 O. brasiliensis ticks were collected in a rural area named "Cruzinha" in the municipality of São Francisco de Paula, RS, and another population was sampled later that year (October) in Vargem do Cedro, another rural area of São Francisco de Paula, following reports of human parasitism by ticks. The reappearance of this tick is a reason for concern in terms of public health.

Developmental biology of Argas neghmei Kohls & Hoogstraal (Acari: Argasidae) under laboratory conditions

In order to describe the developmental biology of the tick Argas neghmei Kohls & Hoogstraal under laboratory conditions, 40 females and 40 males were collected from chicken coops located in Calama (II Region, Chile). They were fed on chickens and maintained under two laboratory conditions: one group at 30 ± 5 ºC and 35 ± 5 percent RH and another at 27 ± 5 ºC and 80 ± 5 percent RH, both at 12: 12 h L:D photoperiod. The ticks were observed daily to determine larval feeding periods, preoviposition, oviposition, egg incubation as well as the frequency of egg laying, number of eggs laid, and percentage of larval hatching. Females did not lay eggs at 80 ± 5 percent RH, and data on the biology of this tick was obtained only at 35 ± 5 percent RH. The life cycle of A. neghmei lasted an average of 269 days. Feeding period of each nymphal stage as well as of adult females between oviposition events lasted less than a day. Females laid on average 1.8 egg batches and egg-laying period lasted on average 14 days, during which about 96 eggs were laid per female.

Inespecificidade parasitária em Argas (Persicargas) miniatus Koch, 1844 (Acari: Argasidae) / Nonspecificity of parasitism on Argas (Persicargas) miniatus Koch, 1844 (Acari: Argasidae)

Foram coletados 665 espécimes de Argas miniatus em dois municípios dos estados da Bahia e Minas Gerais. Destes, 596 (89,6 por cento) tinham se alimentado, sendo que 489 (82 por cento) reagiram para um único tipo de sangue, distribuídos entre aves (46,8 por cento), roedores (30,9 por cento), gambás (14,5 por cento), bovinos (4,3 por cento) e eqüinos (3,5 por cento). Nesse tipo de reação, o sangue de mamíferos foi detectado em 53,2 por cento (260/489) dos argasídios. As reações múltiplas foram observadas em 107 (17,9 por cento) carrapatos, com sangue de aves presente em 84,1 por cento (90/107), enquanto, o sangue de mamíferos reagiu em 100 por cento (107/107). Os resultados apontam para a inespecificidade parasitária

Six hundred and sixty-five specimens of Argas miniatus were collected in two municipalities of Bahia and Minas Gerais states, Brazil. Five hundred and ninety-six (89.6 percent) of them had fed and 489 (82 percent) of them reacted to only one type of blood, including birds (46.8 percent), rodents (30.9 percent), opossuns (14.5 percent), bovines (4.3 percent) and horses (3.5 percent). In that reaction, the type of mammal blood was detected in 53.2 percent (260/489) of the ticks. Multiple reactions were observed in 107 (17.9 percent) ticks, with blood of birds present in 84.1 percent (90/107), while the blood of mammals was detected in 100 percent (107/107). The results point for the nonspecificity of parasitism

Ticks (Acari: Ixodida: Argasidae, Ixodidae) infesting humans in Northwestern Cordoba Province, Argentina

Ticks infesting humans were collected from September 2004 to August 2005 in Northwestern Córdoba in an area with a southern limit in the locality of Dean Funes (30°25´S 64°20´W) and San José de las Salinas (30°00´S 64°37´W) in the North. The collections consisted in ticks found attached on man obtained from three sources: 1) specimens fixed on two workers during two successive days per month of field work in the northern part of the area which belongs to Western Chaco district of the hytogeographical Chaco domain, 2) ticks attached to a man working in a farm close to Dean Funes in the Chaco Serrano district of the Chaco domain and, 3) ticks collected from a collaborator visiting daily a suburban property with dogs in the vicinities ofDean Funes. Most ticks collected were larvae, nymphs and adults of Amblyomma neumanni from the Chaco Serrano district where a nymph of Otobius megnini was also found on man. Adults of Amblyomma parvum and Amblyomma tigrinum were detected feeding on humans in the Western Chaco district and in the property close to Dean Funes, respectively. Amblyomma neumanni was absent on man from December to April while most specimens of A. parvum and A. tigrinum were collected during summer. Their role as potential vector of ticktransmitted diseases in the area is unknown.

Se recolectaron garrapatas (Acari: Ixodida: Argasidae, Ixodidae)infestando humanos entre septiembre de 2004 y agosto de 2005 en un área del noroeste de Córdoba cuyo límite al sur es la localidad Deán Funes (30º25´S 64°20´W) y el límite al norte es la localidad de San José de las Salinas (30°00´S 64°37´W). Las colecciones consistieron en garrapatas fijadas a humanos obtenidas de tres fuentes: 1) garrapatas fijadas sobre dos trabajadores durante dos días sucesivos por mes de trabajo de campo en la parte norte del área, la cual pertenece al distrito chaqueño occidental del dominio fitogeográfico del Chaco, 2) garrapatas fijadas a un trabajador en un campo cercano a Deán Funes en el distrito chaqueño serrano del dominio del Chaco y 3) garrapatas recolectadas de un colaborador que visitaba diariamente una propiedad suburbana con perros en las vecindades de Deán Funes. La mayoría de las garrapatas recolectadas fueron larvas, ninfas y adultos de Amblyomma neumanni del distrito chaqueño serrano donde una ninfa de Otobius megnini fue también encontrada sobre humano. Adultos de Amblyomma parvum y Amblyomma tigrinum se detectaron alimentándose sobre humanos en el distrito Chaqueño occidental y en la propiedad cercana a Deán Funes respectivamente. Amblyomma neumanni estuvo ausente sobre humano de diciembre a abril mientras que la mayoría de lo especímenes de A. parvum y A. tigrinum fueron recolectados durante el verano. Sus papeles como potenciales vectores de enfermedades transmitidas por garrapatas en el área es desconocido.