Survey on helminths of bats in the Yucatan Peninsula: infection levels, molecular information and host-parasite networks.

Helminth species of Neotropical bats are poorly known. In Mexico, few studies have been conducted on helminths of bats, especially in regions such as the Yucatan Peninsula where Chiroptera is the mammalian order with the greatest number of species. In this study, we characterized morphologically and molecularly the helminth species of bats and explored their infection levels and parasite­host interactions in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. One hundred and sixty-three bats (representing 21 species) were captured between 2017 and 2022 in 15 sites throughout the Yucatan Peninsula. Conventional morphological techniques and molecular tools were used with the 28S gene to identify the collected helminths. Host­parasite network analyses were carried out to explore interactions by focusing on the level of host species. Helminths were found in 44 (26.9%) bats of 12 species. Twenty helminth taxa were recorded (7 trematodes, 3 cestodes and 10 nematodes), including 4 new host records for the Americas. Prevalence and mean intensity of infection values ranged from 7.1 to 100% and from 1 to 56, respectively. Molecular analyses confirmed the identity of some helminths at species and genus levels; however, some sequences did not correspond to any of the species available on GenBank. The parasite­host network suggests that most of the helminths recorded in bats were host-specific. The highest helminth richness was found in insectivorous bats. This study increases our knowledge of helminths parasitizing Neotropical bats, adding new records and nucleotide sequences.

Occurrence of intestinal parasites in Mayan children from Yucatán, Mexico.

Parasitic intestinal infections occur worldwide and affect the poorest and deprived populations. In Mexico, indigenous peoples live with the highest levels of poverty and marginalization. This study aimed to analyze the occurrence of intestinal parasites among Mayan children from the villages of Xkalakdzonot and Paraíso in Yucatán State. Stool samples from 83 children were examined using two coproparasitological tests (formalin-ethyl acetate concentration and FLOTAC Pellet techniques). The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites in children was 65.1%. Six protozoa and four helminths were identified. Blastocystis sp. (44.6%), Giardia intestinalis (26.5%), and Entamoeba coli (26.5%) were the most prevalent parasites. The prevalence of helminth infections (7.1%) was lower in children from Xkalakdzonot than in Paraíso (29.3%). The study provides relevant information on the occurrence of intestinal parasites in Mayan children from two villages. This data, therefore, can be used by local health authorities to plan appropriate programs for parasite control, considering suitable drug therapies and health education.