Plesiochorus Cymbiformis (Rudolphi, 1819) Looss, 1901 (Digenea: Gorgoderidae) in Olive Ridley Sea Turtles Lepidochelys Olivacea (Eschscholtz, 1829) (Testudines: Chelonidae) from The Brazilian Coast: New Geographic Occurrence and Associated Injuries.

The present study reports the first occurrence of Plesiochorus cymbiformis (Digenea: Gorgoderidae), in two Olive Ridley Sea turtles Lepidochelys olivacea (Testudines: Chelonidae), from the states of São Paulo and Sergipe in Brazilian coast. Concerning the Neotropical region, P. cymbiformis has been previously reported in green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) from Panama and Brazil, in loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) from Brazil, in hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) from Puerto Rico, and in Olive Ridley Sea turtles only in Costa Rica. Lesions resulting from the presence of parasites in the hosts' urinary bladders are also presented. This is the second report on endoparasites in Olive Ridley sea turtles from Brazil.

Tissue Lesions Due to Spirorchiid Eggs in a Loggerhead Turtle ( Caretta caretta Linnaeus 1758) from Brazil: First Report Outside of the United States.

Spirorchiids (family Spirorchiidae Stunkard 1921) are a group of flukes that inhabit the circulatory system of turtles. Infection by members of the family Spirorchiidae involves egg deposition in the host bloodstream and accumulation in tissues, which cause inflammatory reactions and embolisms, leading or contributing to the death of the host. Reports of spirorchiid egg lesions in loggerhead turtles ( Caretta caretta Linnaeus, 1758) have only been reported from U.S. hosts. In the present report a female loggerhead sea turtle was found dead on the beach in the north part of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. During gross necropsy, no parasite egg nodule was found. But the microscopic analysis revealed a mild granulomatous inflammatory process due to eggs from the family Spirorchiidae and both Langhans giant cells and foreign-body giant cells in the heart, kidneys, intestines, lungs, and spleen. The present note is the first record of tissue lesions due to spirorchiid eggs in a loggerhead sea turtle outside the United States.

Ecologia da comunidade de helmintos gastrointestinais de tartarugas-verdes ( Chelonia mydas ) recolhidas no litoral do Espírito Santo / Community ecology of gastrointestinal helminths from green turtles (Chelonia mydas) collected in the coast of Espírito Santo

A tartaruga-verde, Chelonia mydas, apresenta distribuição cosmopolita. No Brasil, ocorre na costa, porém desova em ilhas oceânicas. A helmintofauna de tartarugas-verdes é diversificada, podendo-se dizer que tem a maior diversidade comparada com outras espécies de tartarugas. Objetivou-se avaliar aspectos ecológicos da comunidade de helmintos gastrointestinais e relacionar com a condição corporal de tartarugas-verdes recolhidas no litoral do Espírito Santo. Foram utilizados 36 exemplares juvenis da espécie C. mydas. O trato gastrointestinal foi separado e dividido em porções: esôfago/estômago, intestino delgado e intestino grosso. Cada porção foi inspecionada à procura de parasitos, e os exemplares encontrados foram separados para posterior identificação. Das 36 tartarugas avaliadas, 34 estavam parasitadas por helmintos (94,44%), com um total de 10.734 helmintos. Foram encontradas 18 espécies de trematodas pertencentes a quatro famílias. A riqueza de espécies encontrada foi de 4,29±2,19 (1-10) e a intensidade média de infecção foi de 315,64±281,83 (2-994) helmintos. Os parasitos mais prevalentes foram Cricocephalus albus, Metacetabulum invaginatum e Neoctangium travassosi, ambos com 61,11% (22/36), Pronocephalus obliquus com 33,33% (12/36), e Glyphicephalus lobatus com 30,55% (11/36). O helminto mais abundante foi M. invaginatum com 70,63 helmintos/animal, seguido de C. albus com 58,77 helmintos/animal e N. travassosi com 41,75 helmintos/animal.(AU)

The green turtle, Chelonia mydas has worldwide distribution. In Brazil, it is found on the coast, but spawning occurs on oceanic islands. The helminth fauna of green turtles is diverse and has the greatest diversity when compared with other species of turtles. This study aims to evaluate ecological aspects of gastrointestinal helminth community and connect to the body condition of green turtles collected on the coast of Espírito Santo. A total of 36 juvenile specimens of the species C. mydas were used. The gastrointestinal tract was removed and divided into portions: esophagus/stomach, small intestine and large intestine. Each portion was inspected looking for parasites and the specimens found were separated for later identification. Of the 36 turtles evaluated, 34 were parasitized by helminths (94.44%), with a total of 10,734 helminths. Results include findings of 18 species of trematodes belonging to four families. The species richness was 4,29 ± 2,19 (1-10) and the mean intensity of infection was 315,64 ± 281,83 (2-994) helminths. The prevalent parasites were Cricocephalus albus, Metacetabulum invaginatum and Neoctangium travassosi, both with 61,11% (22/36), Pronocephalus obliquus with 33,33% (12/36), and Glyphicephalus lobatus with 30,55% (11/36). The abundant helminth was Metacetabulum invaginatum with helminths 70,63/animal, followed by C. albus with helminths 58,77/animal and N. travassosi with helminths 41,75/animal.(AU)

Histopathological findings in lungs of hawksbill turtles collected on the coasts of the states of Espírito Santo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Achados histopatológicos em pulmões de tartarugas-de-pente procedentes dos litorais dos estados do Espírito Santo e do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

The present work aimed to report the histopathological findings verified in lungs of hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) retrieved from the coasts of the states of Espírito Santo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Between the years 2010 and 2014, 29 E. imbricata individuals were found stranded on the coasts, already dead or dying during treatment. Lung samples of all specimens were collected during necropsies, fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin, subjected to routine histological processing and classified histomorphologically. The findings revealed that 37.93% of the specimens presented lung lesions. Of these, 90.91% were rescued alive and 9.09% were found dead; 63.63% were females and 36.37% were males. The mean weight was 5.44 Kg and the mean length 39 cm, characterizing young individuals. The animals originated from São Francisco de Itabapoana - RJ, Aracruz - ES, São Mateus - ES, Guarapari - ES, Linhares - ES, Itapemirim - ES, and Anchieta - ES. Macroscopic analysis revealed presence of foam, hyperemia, nodules in the parenchyma, cyst and caseous material. Microscopic examination evidenced heterophilic bronchopneumonia, parasitic granulomatous pneumonia caused by spirorchiids, bacterial granulomatous pneumonia, fungal granulomatous pneumonia, and congestion. It was concluded that juvenile specimens of Eretmochelys imbricata, females and males, originated from the states of Espírito Santo and Rio de Janeiro and found stranded both alive or dead, have significant lung lesions, mainly inflammatory ones, associated or not with infectious agents.(AU)

Objetivou-se com este trabalho relatar os achados histopatológicos em pulmões de Eretmochelys imbricata provenientes dos litorais dos estados do Espírito Santo e do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Amostras de pulmões de 29 E. imbricata foram coletadas, durante os anos de 2010 a 2014, em necropsias de espécimes encalhadas mortas ou que vieram a óbito durante o tratamento, nos litorais dos estados do Espírito Santo e do Rio de Janeiro, fixadas em formalina tamponada neutra a 10%, submetidas ao processamento histológico de rotina e classificadas histomorfologicamente. Os dados dos animais mostraram que 37,93% dos animais apresentaram lesões pulmonares. Destes, 90,91% foram encontrados vivos e 9,09% morto, 63,63% eram fêmeas e 36,37% machos. O peso médio foi de 5,44kg, e o comprimento médio de 39cm, o que caracterizou animais juvenis. Os animais eram provenientes de São Francisco de Itabapoana - RJ, Aracruz - ES, São Mateus - ES, Guarapari - ES, Linhares - ES, Itapemirim - ES e Anchieta - ES. Á macroscopia, observou-se: presença de espuma, hiperemia, nódulos no parênquima, cisto e cáseo. Ao exame microscópico, foram encontrados broncopneumonia heterofílica, pneumonia granulomatosa parasitária, causadas por espirorquídeos, pneumonia granulomatosa bacteriana, pneumonia granulomatosa fúngica e congestão. Conclui-se que exemplares juvenis de Eretmochelys imbricata, fêmeas e machos, provenientes dos estados do Espírito Santo e do Rio de Janeiro e encalhados tanto vivos quanto mortos, apresentam lesões pulmonares importantes, principalmente as de origem inflamatória, associadas ou não a agentes infecciosos.(AU)

Spirorchiid Infection in Olive Ridley Turtle, Lepidochelys olivacea (Eschscholtz, 1829) (Testudines: Cheloniidae), from Brazil.

The Olive Ridley turtle, Lepidochelys olivacea (Eschscholtz, 1829) (Testudines: Cheloniidae), is 1 of the 5 species of sea turtle found along the coast of Brazil. Little is known regarding infection by species of the family Spirorchiidae in the host, as only 1 report exists. This case report describes granulomas in different tissues associated to type 1 and 3 spirorchiid eggs in 5 L. olivacea from the Brazilian coast. The occurrence of the eggs was considered an incidental finding and may have contributed to the debility and death of the hosts. This is the second report of tissue lesions due to spirorchids eggs in this host and the first occurrence in Olive Ridley turtle from the Brazilian coast.

Lesions associated with Halocercus brasiliensis Lins de Almeida, 1933 in the lungs of dolphins stranded in the Northeast of Brazil.

The parasitic fauna of cetaceans is an important tool for ecological studies, including analyses on the causes of death. Halocercus brasiliensis is a nematode frequently found in the bronchi and bronchioles of some cetaceans, and it is commonly associated with focal inflammation of the respiratory tract leading to bacterial pneumonia and septicemia and, sometimes, to death. The objective of this study was to report infections by H. brasiliensis in the respiratory tract of Delphinidae stranded on the northern seaside of Bahia, Sergipe, and south of Alagoas, all states in the northeast region of Brazil. A total of 30 individuals, 1 Feresa attenuate (pygmy killer whale), 9 Stenella clymene (Clymene dolphin), and 20 Sotalia guianensis (Guiana dolphin) were studied. In 16 of them, the presence of H. brasiliensis was observed with a mean intensity of 3.5 ± 0.6 (range 1-9) in the hosts. Macroscopically, parasitic calcified nodules, lung congestion, edema, and emphysema were observed. Histopathological examination showed interstitial and granulomatous pneumonia with multifocal infiltrates, discrete to moderate edema, congestion, diffuse hemorrhage, and foci of calcification. We conclude that parasitic pneumonia in the sampled individuals may have directly contributed to stranding and death of the animals.

Fibropapillomatosis in green turtles Chelonia mydas in Brazil: characteristics of tumors and virus.

Fibropapillomatosis (FP) is a benign neoplasia that affects physiological functions of sea turtles and may lead to death. High prevalence of FP in sea turtle populations has prompted several research groups to study the disease and the associated herpesvirus, chelonid herpesvirus 5 (ChHV5). The present study detected and quantified ChHV5 in 153 fibropapilloma samples collected from green turtles Chelonia mydas on the Brazilian coast between 2009 and 2010 to characterize the relationship between viral load and tumor characteristics. Of the tumor samples collected, 73 and 87% were positive for ChHV5 in conventional PCR and real-time PCR, respectively, and viral loads ranged between 1 and 118.62 copies cell⁻¹. Thirty-three percent of turtles were mildly, 28% were moderately and 39% were severely affected with FP. Skin samples were used as negative control. High viral loads correlated positively with increasing FP severity in turtles sampled on the Brazilian coast and with samples from turtles found dead in the states of São Paulo and Bahia. Six viral variants were detected in tumor samples, 4 of which were similar to the Atlantic phylogenetic group. Two variants were similar to the western Atlantic/eastern Caribbean phylogenetic group. Co-infection in turtles with more than one variant was observed in the states of São Paulo and Bahia.

Flow cytometry as a tool in the evaluation of blood leukocyte function in Chelonia mydas (Linnaeus, 1758) (Testudines, Cheloniidae).

Chelonia mydas is a sea turtle that feeds and nests on the Brazilian coast and a disease called fibropapillomatosis is a threat to this species. Because of this, it is extremely necessary to determine a methodology that would enable the analysis of blood leukocyte function in these sea turtles. In order to achieve this aim, blood samples were collected from C. mydas with or without fibropapillomas captured on the São Paulo north coast. Blood samples were placed in tubes containing sodium heparin and were transported under refrigeration to the laboratory in sterile RPMI 1640 cell culture medium. Leukocytes were separated by density gradient using Ficoll-PaqueTM Plus, Amershan Biociences. The following stimuli were applied in the assessment of leukocyte function: Phorbol Miristate-Acetate (PMA) for oxidative burst activity evaluation and Zymosan A (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) Bio Particles, Alexa Fluor 594 conjugate for phagocytosis evaluation. Three cell populations were identified: heterophils, monocytes and lymphocytes. Monocytes were the cells responsible for phagocytosis and oxidative burst.

Proleptus acutus Dujardin, 1845 (Nematoda, Physalopteridae) parasite of rays Zapteryx brevirostris Müller & Henle, 1841 (Rhinobatiformes, Rhinobatidae) in Brazil / Proleptus acutus Dujardin, 1845 (Nematoda, Physalopteridae) parasita de raias Zapteryx brevirostris Müller & Henle, 1841 (Rhinobatiformes, Rhinobatidae) no Brasil

Relata-se a ocorrência de Proleptus acutus Dujardin, 1845 (Nematoda, Physalopteridae) parasitando Zapteryx brevirostris Müller & Henle, 1841 (Rhinobatiformes, Rhinobatidae) em Ubatuba, estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Vinte raias foram analisadas e P. acutus foi encontrado no estômago e intestinos de 14 (70 por cento) animais. Este é o primeiro relato da ocorrência dessa espécie de nematóide em Z. brevirostris no Brasil.

Brown-throated three-toed sloth (Bradypus variegatus Shinz, 1825) as a new host for Leiuris leptocephalus (Rud., 1819) Leuckard, 1850 / Preguiça comum (Bradypus variegatus Shinz, 1825) como novo hospedeiro de Leiuris leptocephalus (Rud., 1819) Leuckard, 1850

Vinte e três espécimes de Leiuris leptocephalus (Rud., 1819) Leuckard 1850 (Spirocercidae) foram recuperados do intestino delgado de uma fêmea de preguiça comum, Bradypus variegatus Shinz 1825 (Bradipodidae), em Ubatuba, estado de São Paulo. Os dados demonstram maior variabilidade morfométrica em relação aos dados da literatura, o que contribui para a caracterização morfológica desse nematódeo. Essa comunicação corresponde ao primeiro relato de B. variegatus como hospedeiro de L. leptocephalus.

Spirorchiids (Digenea: Spirorchiidae) infecting a Hawksbill sea turtle Eretmochelys imbricata (Linnaeus 1758) from Brazil / Spirorchiids (Digenea: Spirorchiidae) infectando uma tartaruga marinha de pente Eretmochelys imbricata (Linnaeus 1758) no Brasil

The occurrence of Amphiorchis caborojoensis Fischthal & Acholonu 1976 and Carettacola stunkardi Martin & Bamberger 1952 in a young specimen of Hawksbill sea turtle Eretmochelys imbricata Linnaeus 1758 in Brazil was reported. Five A. caborojoensis trematodes were found in the small intestine (n=2) and liver (n=3), and two adult C. stunkardi specimens were collected from body wash. This is the first report of parasites of E. imbricata in Brazilian waters and Southwestern Atlantic Ocean and the second report of members of the Spirorchiidae family in that region. In addition, E. imbricata is a new host recorded for C. stunkardi.

Relata-se a ocorrência de Amphiorchis caborojoensis Fischthal & Acholonu 1976 e Carettacola stunkardi Martin e Bamberger 1952, em um exemplar juvenil de tartaruga marinha de pente Eretmochelys imbricata Linnaeus 1758 no Brasil. Foram coletados cinco trematódeos da espécie A. caborojoensis, dois no intestino delgado e três no fígado e dois exemplares adultos de C. stunkardi no lavado corporal. Destes apenas a espécie A. caborojoensis já tinha sido relatada como parasita dessa espécie de quelônio marinho. Esta é a primeira descrição de parasitas em E. imbricata em águas brasileiras e na área do Atlântico Sul Ocidental, e o segundo relato de membros da família Spirorchiidae na mesma região.

Learedius learedi Price 1934 (Digenea, Spirorchiidae) in Chelonia mydas Linnaeus 1758 (Testudines, Chelonidae) in Brazil: case report / Learedius learedi Price 1934 (Digenea, Spirorchiidae) em Chelonia mydas Linnaeus 1758 (Testudines, Chelonidae) no Brasil: relato de caso

This study reports the occurrence of Learedius learedi Price 1934 (Digenea, Spirorchiidae) in Chelonia mydas Linnaeus 1758 (Testudines, Chelonidae) in Brazil. Eleven animals were included in this study, 54.6 percent of them were parasitized. Two hundred and fifty five parasite specimens were recovered from heart, liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys, mesenterium, and body wash. Results contribute to the knowledge about the helminthofauna of marine chelonian and their geographical distribution. This is the first report of L. learedi in the Southwestern Atlantic.

Relata-se a ocorrência de Learedius learedi Price 1934 (Digenea, Spirorchiidae) em Chelonia mydas Linnaeus 1758 (Testudines, Chelonidae) no Brasil. Onze animais foram examinados e destes, 54,6 por cento estavam parasitados. Duzentos e cinqüenta e cinco exemplares de L. learedi foram recuperados de órgãos (coração, fígado, baço, pulmões, rins, mesentério) e do lavado corporal dos animais. Os resultados contribuem para o conhecimento da helmintofauna de quelônios marinhos e sua distribuição geográfica. Este é o primeiro registro da ocorrência de L. learedi na região do Atlântico Sul Ocidental.