Morphological and molecular data on acuariid nematodes in European great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) and pygmy cormorants (Microcarbo pygmaeus).

The family Acuariidae is a speciose group of parasitic nematodes, infecting mostly birds as definitive hosts. This study focused on the characterization of two species of acuariids, collected in two different species of piscivorous birds, the European great cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis from Italy, and the pygmy cormorant Microcarbo pygmaeus from Israel. Parasites were analyzed using light and scanning electron microscopy and by amplification and sequencing of the 28S rDNA. The results of morphological and molecular analyses showed that Ph. carbo sinensis was infected by the acuariid Syncuaria squamata (12 females) and Cosmocephalus obvelatus (1 female), whereas M. pygmaeus was infected by C. obvelatus (2 males, 12 females). The present results provide new data on the distribution of acuariid parasites of piscivorous birds, the first report of Acuariidae in Israel, and the first molecular data on S. squamata and C. obvelatus, which will be useful in future epidemiological and phylogenetic studies of these widely distributed, but less molecularly studied parasites.

Cancer evaluation in dogs using cerumen as a source for volatile biomarker prospection.

Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases in humans and dogs. Nevertheless, most tumor types spread faster in canines, and early cancer detection methods are necessary to enhance animal survival. Here, cerumen (earwax) was tested as a source of potential biomarkers for cancer evaluation in dogs. Earwax samples from dogs were collected from tumor-bearing and clinically healthy dogs, followed by Headspace/Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (HS/GC-MS) analyses and multivariate statistical workflow. An evolutionary-based multivariate algorithm selected 18 out of 128 volatile metabolites as a potential cancer biomarker panel in dogs. The candidate biomarkers showed a full discrimination pattern between tumor-bearing dogs and cancer-free canines with high accuracy in the test dataset: an accuracy of 95.0% (75.1-99.9), and sensitivity and specificity of 100.0% and 92.9%, respectively. In summary, this work raises a new perspective on cancer diagnosis in dogs, being carried out painlessly and non-invasive, facilitating sample collection and periodic application in a veterinary routine.

Selenium in plant-based beverages: Total content, estimated bioaccessibility and contribution to daily intake.

BACKGROUND: The search for alternative protein sources has increased the consumption and commercialization of plant-based beverages (PBBs). This study aimed to determine the total Se content, estimate the bioaccessibility of selenium (Se) in commercial PBBs derived from different raw materials, and evaluate their contribution to the reference daily intake (RDI). METHODS: An ultrasound assisted acid digestion method and ICP-MS was used to determine Se, and the INFOGEST method to estimate the bioaccessible percentages. Validation of this method was also performed, and the parameters obtained were: LOD and LOQ were 2.1 and 4.0 µg/kg, respectively. For accuracy, recovery percentages ranged from 99 % and 111 % (certified reference materials), and 95 % and 101 % (spiked experiments for bioaccessible extracts as recoveries). RESULTS: The PBBs presented total Se content between 4 and 226 µg/kg. Bioaccessible percentages ranged from 63.5 % (mix of plant sources) to 95.9 % (produced with organic cashew nuts). Only one cashew nut PBBs supplied the daily demand of Se, representing 64.6 %, 75.3 % and 82.2 % of the RDI; for lactating and pregnant women, children (≥ 4 years) and adults, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The Se determination method through acid digestion assisted by ultrasound and ICP-MS was considered adequate for the PBBs samples. Se content varied according to the raw material used in sample preparation. High percentages (> 60 %) of bioaccessibility were observed and only one PBBs derived from organic cashew nuts supplied the recommended Se demand for different groups of individuals.

Molecular and morphological studies on Contracaecum rudolphii A and C. rudolphii B in great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) from Italy and Israel.

The distribution of parasites is shaped by a variety of factors, among which are the migratory movements of their hosts. Israel has a unique position to migratory routes of several bird species leaving Europe to winter in Africa, however, detailed studies on the parasite fauna of birds from this area are scarce. Our study investigates occurrence and distribution of sibling species among Contracaecum rudolphii complex in Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis from Italy and Israel, to acquire further information on the geographical range of these species to gain deeper knowledge on the ecology of these parasites and their bird host. A total of 2383 Contracaecum were collected from the gastric mucosa of 28 great cormorants (18 from Israel and 10 from Italy). A subsample was processed for morphological analyses in light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and for molecular analyses through amplification and sequencing of the ITS rDNA and the cox2 mtDNA, and through PCR-RFLP. All the 683 Contracaecum subjected to molecular identification belonged to C. rudolphii s.l., (300 C. rudolphii A and 383 C. rudolphii B). SEM micrographs provided, for the first time, details of taxonomic structures in male specimens from both sibling species, and the first SEM characterization of C. rudolphii B. This work presents the first data on the occurrence of sibling species of C. rudolphii in Israel and provides additional information on the distribution of C. rudolphii A and B in Italy, confirming the high prevalence and intensity of infection observed in Ph. carbo sinensis from other Italian areas.

Low prevalence of Contracaecum third-stage larvae parasitizing Sea of Galilee fisheries: 1-year survey after 57 years of no information.

Freshwater and marine ecosystems are a suitable habitat for parasitic nematodes of the genus Contracaecum (family: Anisakidae) to complete their complex life cycle. Several fish species of the Sea of Galilee (Lake Kinneret) were reported in 1964 as second intermediate/paratenic hosts of Contracaecum spp. larvae. The lack of taxonomically relevant morphological features of these larvae hindered their proper identification. Here we report the results of a 1-year survey conducted in 2021, 57 years after the first (and only) such survey. We analyzed 352 specimens from 10 fish species (native and non-native) of the Sea of Galilee (Israel) ichthyofauna. We compared our results with those of the first parasitological survey conducted by Paperna in 1964; the overall prevalence of nematodes referable to Contracaecum larvae was 16.8% and 0.85% in 1964 and in 2021, respectively. Different from the first survey that identified Contracaecum larvae morphologically, we used both morphological and molecular tools. Two wild native cyprinids-Jordan himri (Carasobarbus canis) and Jordan barbel (Luciobarbus longiceps)-were infected (a single specimen each) with Contracaecum quadripapillatum larvae in their abdominal cavity. A single specimen of blue tilapia (Oreochromis aureus) was infected with two larvae of Contracaecum multipapillatum E, localized in the pericardial cavity. The findings of our study, which is part of a large project focused on Contracaecum spp. infecting both piscivorous birds and fish collected in Israel, advance our knowledge about the distribution and host range of this potentially zoonotic parasite in fishery products of the Sea of Galilee.

Performance, carcass, and meat traits of locally adapted Brazilian cattle breeds under feedlot conditions.

Little is known about the performance, carcass, and meat traits of locally adapted cattle in Brazil. This study aimed to compare the growth, slaughter, and carcass traits as well as meat quality of two local breeds (Curraleiro Pé-Duro and Pantaneiro) with the Nelore breed. Fifteen 30-month-old steers of each breed were weighted (Curraleiro Pé-Duro = 264.80 kg; Nelore = 346.80 kg; Pantaneiro = 316.20 kg) and raised in a feedlot condition for 112 days, with measurements to assess growth and slaughter, visual and carcass and meat traits. Data were submitted to variance and multivariate analyses. Nelore and Curraleiro Pé-Duro had similar Gluteus medius depths. Pantaneiro and Curraleiro Pé-Duro were superior for leg compactness index (P < 0.05) and had higher eye muscle area than Nelore (P < 0.05). Although there was no difference in daily weight gain and slaughter weight between breeds, Curraleiro Pé-Duro had a lower initial weight (264.80 kg) when compared to Nelore (346.80 kg; P < 0.05). Nelore and Curraleiro Pé-Duro deposited more fat than Pantaneiro (P < 0.05), while Curraleiro Pé-Duro and Pantaneiro had more muscle than Nelore (P < 0.05), which also had more bone and a higher percentage of second-quality cuts (P < 0.05). Meat from Nelore also showed lower succulence than Pantaneiro (P < 0.05) and higher shear force than the other breeds (P < 0.05). Pantaneiro's meat had the most capacity to retain water (P < 0.05), lower shear force (P < 0.05), and was more succulent (P < 0.05) when compared to the other breeds. Multivariate analysis showed that Pantaneiro, Curraleiro Pé-Duro, and Nelore breeds can be considered distinct in growth, carcass, and meat traits, with the local breeds showing superior meat traits. The local breeds Curraleiro Pé-Duro and Pantaneiro presented characteristics similar or better to those of the Nelore, proving to be animals with great productive potential and generate high meat quality under feedlot conditions.

Parasitic infection in the scyphozoan Rhizostoma pulmo (Macri, 1778).

Very little information is reported for parasites of cnidarians, therefore, the present work aimed to investigate parasitic infections in one of the most widespread jellyfish in the Mediterranean Sea, Rhizostoma pulmo. The goals were to determine prevalence and intensity of parasites in R. pulmo, identify the species involved through morphological and molecular analysis, test whether infection parameters differ in different body parts and in relation to jellyfish size. 58 individuals were collected, 100% of them infected with digenean metacercariae. Intensity varied between 18.7 ± 6.7 per individual in 0-2 cm diameter jellyfish up to 505 ± 50.6 in 14 cm ones. Morphological and molecular analyses suggest that the metacercariae belonged to the family Lepocreadiidae and could be possibly assigned to the genus Clavogalea. Prevalence values of 100% suggest that R. pulmo is an important intermediate host in the life cycle of lepocreadiids in the region. Our findings also support the hypothesis that R. pulmo is an important part in the diet of teleost fish, which are reported as definitive hosts of lepocreadiids, since trophic transmission is necessary for these parasites to complete their life cycles. Parasitological data may therefore be useful to investigate fish-jellyfish predation, integrating traditional methods such as gut contents analysis.

Inorganic Contaminants in Plant-Based Yogurts Commercialized in Brazil.

This study aimed to evaluate the content of 11 inorganic elements (Al, Cr, Co, Ni, As, Mo, Cd, Sb, Ba, Hg, and Pb) in commercial plant-based and animal-based yogurts for comparison purposes. The samples were mineralized using a simple and fast ultrasound-assisted acid digestion method at 80 °C for 35 min, and the determination of inorganic elements was performed by ICP-MS. The method was validated according to the INMETRO guide, obtaining recoveries from 80 to 110%, precision from 6 to 15%, and a limit of quantification (LOQ) ranging from 200 µg/kg (Al) to 4 µg/kg (other elements). The element concentrations in the plant-based yogurts were Al(

Toxic plants from the perspective of a "Quilombola" community in the Cerrado region of Brazil.

A multi-disciplinary team surveyed ranchers at the Kalunga Historical and Cultural Heritage Site, in the Cerrado region of west central Brazil, to determine impacts promoted by toxic plants on cattle. The expedition to the Kalunga region was carried out by Brazilian and American researchers. Previously selected cattle ranch properties from "Vão das Almas", "Engenho II" and "Vão do Moleque" were visited. Twenty-four interviews were carried out with cattle ranchers and a questionnaire was applied to obtain information about outbreaks of native plant poisoning and their effects on livestock, and the use of local plants in phytotherapy. We classified problematic plants into three distinct categories. First, the toxic plants most cited by residents causing cattle losses were the flowers of Caryocar brasiliense Cambess ("pequi"), the fruits of Terminalia corrugata (Ducke) Gere & Boatwr. (Buchenavia tomentosa Eichler - "mirindiba" or "pau-pilão"), Eugenia dysenterica (Mart.) DC ("cagaita"), and Palicourea marcgravii A. St. Hil ("erva-café" or "cafezinho"). Secondly, other plants considered toxic, but causing less severe losses were Emmotum nitens (Benth.) Miers ("casco d'anta"), Indigofera lespedezioides (Kunth) ("timbozinho"), Ricinus communis L. ("mamona"), Pteridium esculentum (G. Forst.) Cockayne ("samambaia"), Stryphnodendron adstringens (Mart.) Coville ("barbatimão"), and Actinocladum verticillatum (Nees) McClure ex Soderstr. ("cambaúba"). The most important finding was the identification of the C. brasiliense flower as potentially toxic to cattle, which must be subject for future research. Further, we confirmed the toxicity and importance of P. marcgravii, E. dysenterica, and Terminalia corrugata. The survey highlighted phytotherapy plants used by the community, and greatly increased awareness by local livestock producers of poisonous plants for management purposes. We conclude that ethnobotanical knowledge, especially from the traditional community, is essential to understand livestock losses to toxic plants, and should be valued not only for reducing livestock losses, but also for cultural importance to the Kalunga communities in the Cerrado.

A peptide fraction from hardened common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) induces endothelium-dependent antihypertensive and renal effects in rats.

Beans reached the research spotlight as a source of bioactive compounds capable of modulating different functions. Recently, we reported antioxidant and oxidonitrergic effect of a low molecular weight peptide fraction (<3 kDa) from hardened bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) in vitro and ex vivo, which necessitate further in vivo assessments. This work aimed to evaluate the hypotensive effect and the involved physiological mechanisms of the hardened common bean peptide (Phaseolus vulgaris) in normotensive (Wistar) and hypertensive (SHR) animals. Bean flour was combined with a solution containing acetonitrile, water and formic acid (25: 24: 1). Protein extract (PV3) was fractioned (3 kDa membrane). We assessed PV3 effects on renal function and hemodynamics of wistar (WT-normotensive) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and measured systemic arterial pressure and flow in aortic and renal beds. The potential endothelial and oxidonitrergic involvements were tested in isolated renal artery rings. As results, we found that PV3: I) decreased food consumption in SHR, increased water intake and urinary volume in WT, increased glomerular filtration rate in WT and SHR, caused natriuresis in SHR; II) caused NO- and endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in renal artery rings; III) reduced arterial pressure and resistance in aortic and renal vascular beds; IV) caused antihypertensive effects in a dose-dependent manner. Current findings support PV3 as a source of bioactive peptides and raise the potential of composing nutraceutical formulations to treat renal and cardiovascular diseases.

Advancing understanding of the taxonomy and diversity of the genus Contracaecum in the great white pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus).

Despite the wide distribution and health importance of anisakids of the genus Contracaecum, epidemiological data on their occurrence in definitive bird hosts are scarce, particularly from certain parts of the world that represent important wintering sites or migration stopovers for different bird species. In the present study, Contracaecum spp. infecting six great white pelicans (Pelecanus onocrotalus) in Israel were identified using light and scanning electron microscopy and phylogenetic analyses of nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase II (cox2). A PCR-RFLP method was also developed and applied to screen large numbers of Contracaecum parasites. Most (415/455) worms recovered were C. micropapillatum, followed by C. gibsoni (31/455), C. quadripapillatum (8/455), and C. multipapillatum E (1/455). Contracaecum micropapillatum from Israel and C. bancrofti from Australia are distinguishable by cox2 but less well resolved with ITS sequences, and could not be distinguished morphologically. Worms with cox2 matching C. gibsoni had ITS matching specimens identified as C. multipapillatum A. To the authors' knowledge, this represents the first of such studies in Israel and provides useful data on the ecology and distribution of different Contracaecum species of health and economic interest.

Dirofilaria repens Testicular Infection in Child, Italy.

Testicular Dirofilaria repens infection was identified and confirmed by sequence analysis in a child in northeastern Italy. Because human dirofilariasis is emerging in southern and eastern Europe, this parasitic infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of scrotal swelling in disease-endemic countries to avoid unnecessary interventions, such as orchiectomy.

Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with equine infectious anemia in the state of Goiás, Brazil.

Equine infectious anemia (EIA) is an infectious disease affecting equine in most countries and represents a notifiable disease with compulsory euthanasia of positive animals. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of EIAV infected equines in herds of the state of Goiás (Central Brazil) and to evaluate the risk factors associated with the occurrence of the disease. Blood samples were collected from 1170 equids from 332 randomly selected farms divided into three different strata according to their herd characteristics. Also, an epidemiological questionnaire was applied during the visit to the farm. Of the 332 farms evaluated, 12 (3.1%; 95% CI: 1.24 - 6.00) had at least one positive equine for EIA, and of the 1170 evaluated equines, 14 (2%; 95% CI: 0.31-3.00) were positive in agar gel immunodiffusion. Multivariate analysis revealed that the use of a vaccination pistol (p < 0.001) and the presence of water bodies inside the farm (p < 0.01) were risk factors associated with the occurrence of EIA. Thus, the present study demonstrated a low but widespread prevalence of EIAV infected animals in the herds of Goiás state and that iatrogenic and environmental risk factors were associated with the occurrence of the disease.

The first new species of European Ascocotyle Looss, 1899 (Digenea: Heterophyidae) described in more than half a century.

Ascocotyle (Phagicola) trentinii n. sp. is described based on adults from experimentally infected ducklings (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) fed with metacercariae from the visceral serosa of the Mediterranean banded killifish, Aphanius fasciatus (Cyprinodontiformes: Aphaniidae), from coastal lagoons in northeastern Italy (Emilia-Romagna Region). The new species is placed into the subgenus Phagicola because of the presence of a single row of circumoral spines, vitelline follicles being confined between the ventral sucker and testes, and uterine loops not reaching anterior to the ventral sucker. Ascocotyle (P.) trentinii n. sp. differs from other members of the subgenus Phagicola, as well as other species of Ascocotyle, by the number (27-33) of circumoral spines which are 13.5-17 µm long and 3.5-5 µm wide, and by the morphology of a gonotyl which is composed of about 8 large refractile pockets. The occurrence of metacercariae in A. fasciatus indicates that the life cycle of the new species is completed in brackish water lagoons. It is the fourth species of Ascocotyle described in Europe and may be endemic to the Mediterranean region because its second (fish) intermediate host is endemic to this region.

A cerumenolomic approach to bovine trypanosomosis diagnosis.

INTRODUCTION: Trypanosomiasis caused by Trypanosoma vivax (T. vivax, subgenus Duttonella) is a burden disease in bovines that induces losses of billions of dollars in livestock activity worldwide. To control the disease, the first step is identifying the infected animals at early stages. However, convention tools for animal infection detection by T. vivax present some challenges, facilitating the spread of the pathogenesis. OBJECTIVES: This work aims to develop a new procedure to identify infected bovines by T. vivax using cerumen (earwax) in a volatilomic approach, here named cerumenolomic, which is performed in an easy, quick, accurate, and non-invasive manner. METHODS: Seventy-eight earwax samples from Brazilian Curraleiro Pé-Duro calves were collected in a longitudinal study protocol during health and inoculated stages. The samples were analyzed using Headspace/Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry followed by multivariate analysis approaches. RESULTS: The cerumen analyses lead to the identification of a broad spectrum of volatile organic metabolites (VOMs), of which 20 VOMs can discriminate between healthy and infected calves (AUC = 0.991, sensitivity = 0.967, specificity = 1.000). Furthermore, 13 VOMs can indicate a pattern of discrimination between the acute and chronic phases of the T. vivax infection in the animals (AUC = 0.989, sensitivity = 0.944, specificity = 1.000). CONCLUSION: The cerumen volatile metabolites present alterations in their occurrence during the T.vivax infection, which may lead to identifying the infection in the first weeks of inoculation and discriminating between the acute and chronic phases of the illness. These results may be a breakthrough to avoid the T. vivax outbreak and provide a faster clinical approach to the animal.

Population Structure of Curraleiro Pé-Duro Cattle and its Relationship With the Serological Profile Against Pathogens of Economic and Zoonotic Interest.

Curraleiro Pé-Duro (CPD) cattle, a Brazilian local breed, are animals that are highly resistant to infectious and parasitic diseases. Strategies for the conservation of the breed and the genetic resistance to diseases should also consider the characteristics of the breed. The objective of this study was to analyze the diversity and population structure of the CPD breed using microsatellite markers and to correlate the serological profiles for causative agents of brucellosis, leptospirosis, neosporosis, leukosis, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, and bovine viral diarrhea. DNA samples of 608 bovines were amplified and genotyped using 28 microsatellite markers for breed characterization. The genotypes were assigned to three clusters, indicating a substructure population related to the geographic distance. The observed heterozygosity was lower than that expected in most loci, and fixation index (Fst) in the subpopulation values ranged from 0.03073 (ETH3) to 0.402 (INRA63) on cluster 1, from 0.00 (INRA32) to 0.39359 (INRA63) on cluster 2, and from 0.00 (INRA32) to 0.28483 (TGLA53) on cluster 3. The Brucella spp., Neospora caninum, and Bovine Leukemia Virus frequencies were significantly different (p < 0.05) between clusters. The differences between the occurrences of diseases were not sufficient to indicate a genetic subpopulation with increased resistance to infections.

Morphological description and molecular characterization of Contracaecum larvae (Nematoda: Anisakidae) parasitizing market-size hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis aureus x Oreochromis niloticus) and red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) farmed in Israel.

Nematodes belonging to the genus Contracaecum (family: Anisakidae) are heteroxenous parasites with a complex life cycle. Contracaecum larvae infecting farmed fish and fishery products are economically important causing market rejection in massive infection and may have zoonotic potential. In Israel, Contracaecum larvae have been described morphologically in several fish species; however, none of these descriptions were supported by molecular tools. In 2019-2020, hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis aureus x Oreochromis niloticus) and red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus), farmed in polyculture were found to be heavily infected with nematodes referable to Contracaecum larvae. Prevalence of infection in hybrid tilapia and red drum was 53.8% and 40.9%, respectively. A combined (morphological and molecular) approach revealed that both infected fish species were parasitized by the same species of Contracaecum, although larvae in hybrid tilapia were localized in the pericardial cavity whereas in red drum, they were observed in the abdominal cavity. Genetic analysis of internal transcribed spacer rDNA and cox2 mtDNA showed high similarity to unidentified Contracaecum larvae detected in several fish species in Ethiopia, Egypt and Kenya. In this study, molecular and morphological analyses place the possible new species in the C. multipapillatum complex and was provisionally named C. multipapillatum E. Further analyses combining morphological and molecular approaches are required on adult specimens collected from piscivorous birds living in the same area to support the identification of a potentially new species.

Incidence of Parasites on Frozen Alaska Pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus, Pallas, 1814) Fillets

Abstract: The presence of parasites in marine fish is a serious problem for the fishing industry in many countries. Some species of parasites can present a risk to consumers. Human health can be compromised by allergic reactions to parasitic antigens (hypersensitivity). The aim of the present study was to report the occurrence of parasite larvae in samples of frozen Alaskan fish fillets. A total of 108 samples of frozen Alaska pollock fish fillet were purchased from commercial establishments in the state of São Paulo - Brazil, from July 2017 to November 2019. The parasite search was carried out using the method dissection under transmitted light (candling table) according to AOAC (2005), method 985.12. Only 18 samples (17%), from four different brands, did not present any parasitic form, the others (90 samples) had at least one parasitic form, with the presence of cestodes of the order Trypanorhyncha (found in 73 samples) and nematodes of the Anisakidae family prevailing (found in 57 samples). It was also observed that more than half of the studied samples (76 samples) presented up to 5 parasitic forms in the kilogram rate. The results demonstrate the need for more data regarding the incidence of parasites in fish and their impact on human health, in order to alert the population and health authorities about its dangers, so that preventive and corrective measures are taken in the inspection process of these products, aiming to reduce any possibility of the occurrence of illnesses.

Physicochemical techniques for determining the composition of canine and feline uroliths: a literature review / Técnicas físico-químicas para determinação da composição de urólitos em caninos e felinos: uma revisão de literatura

ABSTRACT: Urinary lithiasis has been reported as a problem that affects humankind since ancient times and has been described in several animal species. The condition is a consequence of other diseases that may be present in the urinary system or related to other body disorders. The stone composition needs to be analyzed to identify the possible causes that led to the formation and development of uroliths. For this, several techniques are currently available, some of which are promptly accessible, while others are not. Thus, this literature review aimed to perform a brief introduction on urolithiasis, present the most used techniques in the analysis of the composition of canine and feline uroliths and point out the advantages and disadvantages of each technique.

RESUMO: A litíase urinária foi reportada como um problema que atinge a humanidade desde a antiguidade e já foi descrita em diversas espécies de animais. A doença é considerada consequência de outras enfermidades que podem estar presentes no sistema urinário, ou relacionados com outros distúrbios do organismo. Para identificar as possíveis causas que levaram à formação e desenvolvimento de urólitos é importante analisar a composição dos cálculos. Para isso, existem várias técnicas disponíveis atualmente, algumas de mais fácil acesso e outras, nem tanto. Dessa forma, objetiva-se com a presente revisão realizar uma breve introdução sobre a urolitíase e apresentar as técnicas mais utilizadas na análise da composição de urólitos, em caninos e felinos, bem como apontar as vantagens e desvantagens de cada uma das técnicas.

Occurrence of Neobenedenia girellae (Monogenea: Capsalidae) in Gilthead Seabream Sparus aurata (Actinopterygii: Sparidae) Cultured in Portugal.

Monogenean capsalids of the genus Neobenedenia are widespread parasites of wild and farmed marine fish, and represent a potential threat to mariculture due to their pathogenicity and ability to cause mortality in fish maintained in controlled conditions. The identification of Neobenedenia species and, consequently, the definition of their host specificity is often problematic due to their highly conserved morphology; therefore, in order to establish their specific identity, microscopic observation should be complemented with molecular analysis. The present work aims at characterizing Neobenedenia specimens infecting the skin of cage reared gilthead seabream Sparus aurata from Portugal. Parasite samples obtained from caged fish were processed for morphological analysis, through observation in light and scanning electron microscopy, and for molecular analysis, through amplification and sequencing of 28S rDNA and cytB, aimed at identifying them to the species level. Our results showed that the collected parasites belonged to the species Neobenedenia girellae; the susceptibility of S. aurata towards this pathogenic capsalid monogenean highlighted in the present work represents an important risk in the farming of this valuable fish species.