Variation of dipteran ectoparasites (Streblidae) on Anoura geoffroyi Gray, 1838 (Phyllostomidae) in two caves in southeastern Brazil.

Bats are parasitized by many different arthropods, among which the dipteran families Nycteribiidae and Streblidae are exclusive to bats. Researches that relate the ecology of ectoparasites with their hosts are fundamental for understanding issues related to the interactions between these two groups, in addition to epidemiological aspects of pathogen transmission. The present study evaluated the rate of infestation by dipteran (Streblidae) ectoparasites in two colonies of Anoura geoffroyi associated with caves in the southeastern Brazil. It also evaluated whether parasitological indices differ significantly with regard to host sex and reproductive condition. A total of 1377 bats were captured, of which 84% were parasitized. From these, a total of 5047 streblid bat flies belonging to three species of three genera were collected and identified. The most abundant was Exastinion clovisi (57%), followed by Anastrebla modestini (30%) and Trichobius propinquus (13%). In general, the populations of ectoparasites fluctuated throughout the year, with peaks of abundance during the rainy season. The sex ratios for the species of ectoparasites were close to one, which differs from what is reported in the literature. In addition, there were significant differences in parasitism rates in relation to host sex and reproductive condition. In both populations, ectoparasite infestation of pregnant or lactating females was significantly higher than for non-reproductive females. New studies aimed at assessing whether these higher rates of infestation have any effect on female bat reproduction are needed.

Monunguis streblida (Neothrombidiidae) in Brazil and its parasitic relationships with dipteran ectoparasites (Anastrebla and Trichobius) of bats.

The mite species Monunguis streblida Wharton, 1938 (Neothrombidiidae) is reported in association with dipteran ectoparasites (Streblidae) of Brazilian bats for the first time. A 1-year study of two populations of the bat Anoura geoffroyi Gray, 1838 in caves in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, found them to be parasitized by four species of streblids, three of which were parasitized by M. streblida. Three hundred and thirty-two individuals of M. streblida were collected in association with 135 individuals of Anastrebla modestini Wenzel, 1966, two individuals of A. caudiferae Wenzel, 1976, and two individuals of Trichobius sp. (dugesii complex). The predominant association of M. streblida with A. modestini suggests a preference for this host for the larvae of this mite. Fluctuations in the abundance of mites were found to accompany seasonal cycles and fluctuations in the abundance of their main host, with the mites being more abundant in months with higher temperatures and greater rainfall. The present work represents the first formal record of the occurrence of M. streblida in South America, increasing its range of occurrence southward by more than 5000 km.

Seasonal reproduction of yellowish myotis, Myotis levis (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae), from a Neotropical highland.

With a nearly global distribution the vespertilionid bat Myotis represents one of the most exceptional examples of adaptive radiation among mammals. We investigated the reproductive activity of the vespertilionid bat yellowish myotis, Myotis levis, from a highland area in Southeastern Brazil. The data were obtained through histological analyses of the male and female genital systems from February 2010 to May 2011. The testes of the adult yellowish myotis showed seasonal morphological characteristics which were categorized in the following stages: rest, maturing, mature, and mating. Rest and maturing males were recorded throughout the rainy season (October-March). In the rest stage no spermatogenesis was observed and the epididymal duct was devoid of spermatozoa. Maturing individuals had started spermatogenesis and few spermatozoa were found in the epididymal duct. Mature males were found toward the end (February-March) of the rainy season, when full spermatogenic activity was recorded and spermatozoa were packed in the epididymal duct. Although not recorded, mating probably occurred in the middle of the dry season (April-September) when the cauda epididymis was enlarged and packed with sperm. The spermatozoa remained stored in the cauda epididymis for at least three months when the testes entered into regression. The ovaries showed all types of ovarian follicles throughout the study period except mature follicles which were registered only in July (mid-dry season). Lactating females were captured in the beginning of the rainy season. The seasonal reproductive characteristics of the yellowish myotis from this Neotropical highland area were similar those of epididymal sperm-storing temperate vespertilionids.

Serologic evidence of Leishmania infection in free-ranging wild and domestic canids around a Brazilian National Park.

Transmission of disease between wildlife, domestic animals, and humans is of great concern to conservation issues and public health. Here we report on the prevalence of anti-Leishmania sp. antibodies in 21 wild canids (7 Chrysocyon brachyurus, 12 Cerdocyon thous, and 2 Lycalopex vetulus) and 74 free domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) sampled around the Serra do Cipó National Park. In dogs, the apparent prevalence was 8.1% and in wild canids it was 19% (2 crab-eating foxes, C. thous, and 2 maned wolves, C. brachyurus). Management of the domestic dog population with evaluation of incidence changes in humans and wildlife, and enlightenment on the role of wild reservoirs are essential issues for future action and research.

Serologic evidence of Leishmania infection in free-ranging wild and domestic canids around a Brazilian National Park

Transmission of disease between wildlife, domestic animals, and humans is of great concern to conservation issues and public health. Here we report on the prevalence of anti-Leishmania sp. antibodies in 21 wild canids (7 Chrysocyon brachyurus, 12 Cerdocyon thous, and 2 Lycalopex vetulus) and 74 free domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) sampled around the Serra do Cipó National Park. In dogs, the apparent prevalence was 8.1 percent and in wild canids it was 19 percent (2 crab-eating foxes, C. thous, and 2 maned wolves, C. brachyurus). Management of the domestic dog population with evaluation of incidence changes in humans and wildlife, and enlightenment on the role of wild reservoirs are essential issues for future action and research.