The crowding effect in Ancylostoma ceylanicum: density-dependent effects on an experimental model of infection.

This study compared the course of Ancylostoma ceylanicum infection in hamsters infected with different inocula and the consequences for the host and helminth populations. The average of adult worms recovered, according to the number of third stage larva used, were 28.0, 24.8, 24.6, and 24.8% to inocula size of 25 L3, 75 L3, 125 L3, and 250 L3, respectively. The size of the inoculum did not affect the establishment, survival, or fecundity of adult helminths. Reductions in the red blood cell and hemoglobin levels in the infected group were inversely proportional to the number of white blood cells. Moreover, differential cell counting revealed a positive correlation between the worm load and leucocyte numbers. The humoral response against excretion-secretion antigens was more robust and sensitive compared with the response against crude extract, with no direct linear correlation with the number of worms. The effect of the population density was more evident in females.

Preparing Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu Linnaeus, 1758) for Reintroduction into the Wild: A Screening for Parasites and Hemopathogens of a Captive Population.

The reintroduction of captive animals to the wild helps restore endangered species, but it risks pathogen transmission, harming wild populations. Such transmission can impact the genetic diversity and long-term viability of these populations. This study assessed parasite diversity and load in captive Pecari tajacu, a species native to the Americas and culturally significant to Brazilian indigenous culture, prior to reintroduction. Samples from 24 peccaries were analyzed for ectoparasites, hemopathogens, and stool parasites with direct and molecular analysis. Findings showed that various parasites were present. Two peccaries (8.3%) were infested by the adult tick Amblyomma sculptum. Six (25.0%) tested positive for Trypanosoma evansi, four (16.7%) for hemobacteria of the family Anaplasmataceae, twelve (50.0%) for hemotropic Mycoplasma, and seven (29.2%) for Leishmania braziliensis. Stool samples indicated multiple parasites, with sixteen (66.7%) peccaries infected by Strongylida order parasites, Spiruridae in three (12.5%), and Ascaris suum in one (4.2%) animal. Cysts of Balantidium sp. were found in twenty (83.3%), Entamoeba polecki in five (20.8%), and Iodamoeba bütschlii in two (8.3%) peccaries. To our current knowledge, this is the first global report of Leishmania braziliensis, Iodamoeba bütschlii, and Entamoeba polecki in P. tajacu, irrespective of the environment, including both captivity and wild conditions. Some of these parasites are common in domestic animals, and others are zoonotic, indicating potential interspecies pathogen transmission.

Evaluation of parasitological and immunological aspects of acute infection by Ancylostoma caninum and Ancylostoma braziliense in mixed-breed dogs.

This study compared the course of infection by Ancylostoma caninum and Ancylostoma braziliense in mixed-breed dogs infected with L3 larvae. Dogs infected with A. caninum eliminated more eggs than did those infected with A. braziliense. A total of 38 % of A. caninum and 44 % of A. braziliense larvae were recovered as adult worms. There were no marked clinical abnormalities in dogs with either infection. A. caninum was associated with anemia and an increased number of circulating neutrophils, whereas infection with A. braziliense led to a decrease in the number of leukocytes. The humoral response against excreted and secreted antigens from adult worms was more sensitive and specific than the response induced with the crude antigen. No immune response was observed for either crude or excreted-secreted (ES) antigens from larvae of either species. A nonspecific response against the crude antigen of A. braziliense was found at 0 and 7 days postinfection and maintained throughout the infection period. However, antibody titers against ES antigens were elevated in A. caninum infection at patency and death, showing that this antigen has a higher specificity. The immune response elicited by infection with A. braziliense in dogs has not been described previously. No significant differences were observed in the infection processes of the two Ancylostoma species, except for the higher number of eggs eliminated from dogs infected with A. caninum, which may indicate a better evolutionary adaptation of the parasite to its host in comparison with A. braziliense.

Angiostrongylus minasensis n. sp.: new species found parasitizing coatis (Nasua nasua) in an urban protected area in Brazil.

Currently, there are 21 species of Angiostrongylus that parasitize the pulmonary or mesenteric arteries of wild and domestic rodents, felids, canids and human. Species of Angiostrongylus have cosmopolitan distribution covering tropical, subtropical and temperate regions. The procyonid Nasua nasua (coati) is a reservoir host for a wide variety of parasites that may be harmful to its populations or may contain etiological agents with zoonotic potential. In urban areas, coatis are usually found in close association with humans and domestic animals. We morphologically and molecularly characterized a new species of Angiostrongylus found in N. nasua in a protected area within Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The new species of Angiostrongylus differs from other species of the same genus in terms of the length and bifurcation level of the lateral and ventral rays, the length of spicules and female tail morphology. Molecular phylogenetic results based on the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene suggest that the newly identified species belongs to a genetic lineage that is separate from other species of Angiostrongylus. This new species was collected from the mesenteric arteries of N. nasua. It was named Angiostrongylus minasensis n. sp..

Nodular and sclerosing gastritis caused by Cylicospirura felineus in a puma (Puma concolor).

An adult male puma (Puma concolor), hit by a car in an urban area, died three days later despite the therapeutic support provided. At necropsy, multiple firm nodules were identified in the gastric mucosa. The nodules were coated by an intact mucosa with a central opening from which reddish and cylindrical nematodes protruded into the lumen. Twenty-seven nematodes were retrieved for morphological and morphometric evaluations. During histopathological examination of the gastric tissue, the adult nematodes appear in longitudinal and transverse sections, surrounded by thick bands of collagen, interspersed with mixed inflammatory infiltrates. The nematodes had an eosinophilic cuticle with caudal serrated projections (bulbar type), coelomyarian musculature, pseudocoelom, and females with uterus containing numerous larvated eggs, characteristics consistent with the Cylicospirura genus. Morphologically, female nematodes had six large tricuspid teeth in the oral cavity and the vulva had an opening anterior to the esophagus-intestinal junction. Male nematodes had five pairs of small papillae near the tip of the tail. These findings were consistent with Cylicospirura felineus. This parasite should be included in the differential diagnosis of nodular gastric wall lesions in wild felids.

Rangelia vitalii in a free-ranging maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) and co-infections.

An adult free-ranged female maned wolf was rescued from a periurban area subject to anthropogenic disturbances in the Minas Gerais, Brazil. The animal presented poor body condition and anemia. The clinical condition rapidly deteriorated culminating in dead and a necropsy was performed. The main gross lesions were marked anemia and blood content in the intestines accompanied by many types of parasites. The protozoa Rangelia vitalii was identified by histopathological analysis predominantly within the cytoplasm of endothelial cells of capillaries of the small intestine. The lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, dermis, lungs and kidney had similar protozoal forms but with mild or moderate intensity. Rangelia vitalii was confirmed by molecular assays. Hepatozoon sp., Leishmania sp., and Entamoeba spp., apparently not related to the clinical signs were also detected. The myriad parasites found in the intestines included nematodes (Ancylostoma caninum, A. braziliensis,, Molineus sp., Pterygodermatites sp., and Trichuris sp.), cestodes (Spirometra sp.) and (acanthocephalans. To our knowledge, R. vitalii was identified in C. brachyurus for the first time. These findings emphasize the fragility of Brazilian ecosystems, especially in disturbed areas, reinforcing the necessity of efforts to preserve these areas and wild carnivores, some of which are threatened with extinction, such as the maned wolf.

FIRST CASE OF HUMAN INFECTION BY Bertiella studeri (Blanchard, 1891) Stunkard,1940 (Cestoda; Anoplocephalidae) IN BRAZIL.

Cestodes of the Bertiella genus are parasites of non-human primates found in Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas. Species Bertiella studeri and Bertiella mucronata could, accidentally, infect human beings. The infection occurs from ingestion of mites from the Oribatida order containing cysticercoid larvae of the parasite. The objective of this report is to register the first case of human infection by Bertiella studeri in Brazil. Proglottids of the parasite, found in the stool sample of a two-and-a-half-year-old child, were fixed, stained and microscopically observed to evaluate its morphological characteristics. Eggs obtained from the proglottids were also studied. The gravid proglottids examined matched the description of the genus Bertiella. The eggs presented a round shape, with the average diameter of 43.7 µm, clearly showing the typical pyriform apparatus of B. studeri. The authors concluded that the child was infected with Bertiella studeri,based on Stunkard's (1940) description of the species. This is the fifth case of human Bertiellosis described in Brazil through morphometric analysis of the parasite, the third in Minas Gerais State and the first diagnosed case of Bertiella studeri in Brazil.

Angiostrongylus minasensis n. sp.: new species found parasitizing coatis (Nasua nasua) in an urban protected area in Brazil / Angiostrongylus minasensis n. sp.: nova espécie encontrada parasitando quatis (Nasua nasua) em área de proteção urbana no Brasil

Abstract Currently, there are 21 species of Angiostrongylus that parasitize the pulmonary or mesenteric arteries of wild and domestic rodents, felids, canids and human. Species of Angiostrongylus have cosmopolitan distribution covering tropical, subtropical and temperate regions. The procyonid Nasua nasua (coati) is a reservoir host for a wide variety of parasites that may be harmful to its populations or may contain etiological agents with zoonotic potential. In urban areas, coatis are usually found in close association with humans and domestic animals. We morphologically and molecularly characterized a new species of Angiostrongylus found in N. nasua in a protected area within Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The new species of Angiostrongylus differs from other species of the same genus in terms of the length and bifurcation level of the lateral and ventral rays, the length of spicules and female tail morphology. Molecular phylogenetic results based on the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene suggest that the newly identified species belongs to a genetic lineage that is separate from other species of Angiostrongylus. This new species was collected from the mesenteric arteries of N. nasua. It was named Angiostrongylus minasensis n. sp..

Resumo Existem 21 espécies de Angiostrongylus que parasitam as artérias pulmonares ou mesentéricas de roedores silvestres e domésticos, felídeos, canídeos e homem. Espécies de Angiostrongylus têm uma distribuição cosmopolita que abrange regiões tropicais, subtropicais e temperadas. O procionídeo Nasua nasua (quati) é hospedeiro de vários parasitos que podem ser prejudiciais para suas populações ou conter agentes etiológicos com potencial zoonótico. Nas áreas urbanas, os quatis podem ser encontrados em estreita associação com seres humanos e animais domésticos. Nós caracterizamos morfológica e molecularmente uma nova espécie de Angiostrongylus encontrada em N. nasua de uma área protegida na cidade de Belo Horizonte, Brasil. A nova espécie de Angiostrongylus difere de outras espécies do mesmo gênero pelo comprimento e nível de bifurcação dos raios lateral e ventral, o comprimento dos espículos e a morfologia da cauda da fêmea. Resultados moleculares e filogenéticos baseados no gene mitocondrial citocromo c oxidase subunidade 1 indicam que a espécie recém-identificada pertence a uma linhagem genética separada de outras espécies de Angiostrongylus. O presente relato descreve uma nova espécie de Angistrongylus coletada das artérias mesentéricas de N. nasua, denominada Angiostrongylus minasensis n. sp..

Sicarius uncinipenis and Deletrocephalus cesarpintoi in captive greater rheas of Minas Gerais State, Brazil.

The present study details the pathological and parasitological findings of parasitic ventriculitis and nematode infections in the large intestines of two female Rhea americana americana birds. The birds were housed in captivity, and both exhibited poor body condition and lethargy. The rheas were sent to the Veterinary Hospital of the Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) and, despite medical care, the clinical condition of the birds did not improve. The birds died two days after admission, and were submitted to necropsy. Gross, histopathology and parasitological analysis resulted in the identification of Sicarius uncinipenis, which is associated with parasitic ventriculitis, while Deletrocephalus cesarpintoi was identified in the large intestine of both rheas. The apparent clinical indications, including loss of appetite and death, combined with the discovery of numerous parasites and other pathology changes, supported the conclusion that the death of the birds was caused by the parasitic infection. Further investigations of these infections in free-living and captive rheas are required, such that accurate data on the incidence and pathogenicity of these parasites can be obtained.

First identification of the F200Y SNP in the ß-tubulin gene linked to benzimidazole resistance in Ancylostoma caninum.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ß-tubulin isotype 1 gene in codons 167, 198 and 200 have been associated with benzimidazole resistance in some nematodes, although no polymorphisms in this gene have been described in the hookworm Ancylostoma caninum to date. This study aimed to screen for SNPs in the ß-tubulin isotype 1 gene at codons 198 and 200 associated with benzimidazole resistance in A. caninum worms recovered from naturally infected dogs from two Brazilian states (Minas Gerais and Piauí). To perform this analysis, a molecular technique based on the amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS-PCR) was standardized. A total of 110 individual worms recovered from 9 dogs in Piauí and 124 individual worms recovered from 10 dogs in Minas Gerais were analyzed using this methodology. The presence of a SNP at position 200 was observed at a low frequency (0.8%), which was only detected in the worm population from Minas Gerais State. A total of 75 randomly selected samples were sequenced to validate this technique, and the presence of the SNP was confirmed. Furthermore, SNP at position 198 were evaluated by sequencing, and none were detected in this region. This is the first report of the presence of a SNP in the ß-tubulin isotype 1 gene associated with benzimidazole resistance in an A. caninum population.

Parasites of domestic and wild canids in the region of Serra do Cipó National Park, Brazil.

Over recent decades, diseases have been shown to be important causes of extinctions among wild species. Greater emphasis has been given to diseases transmitted by domestic animals, which have been increasing in numbers in natural areas, along with human populations. This study had the aim of investigating the presence of intestinal helminths in wild canids (maned wolf, Chrysocyon brachyurus, and crab-eating fox, Cerdocyon thous) in the Serra do Cipó National Park (43-44º W and 19-20º S) and endo and ectoparasites of domestic dogs in the Morro da Pedreira Environmental Protection Area (an area surrounding the National Park). The Serra do Cipó is located in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Among the enteroparasites found in domestic and wild canids, the following taxons were identified: Ancylostomidae, Trichuridae, Toxocara sp., Spirocerca sp., Physaloptera sp., Strongyloides sp., Cestoda, Dipylidium caninum, Diphyllobothriidae, Hymenolepidae, Anoplocephalidae, Trematoda, Acanthocephala and Isospora sp. Domestic dogs were positive for leishmaniasis and Babesia canis in serological tests. Among the ectoparasites, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Amblyomma cajennense and Ctenocephalides felis felis were observed in domestic dogs. Variations in the chaetotaxy of the meta-episternum and posterior tibia were observed in some specimens of C. felis felis.

Pathogens of wild maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) in Brazil.

The maned wolf, Chrysocyon brachyurus, is an endangered Neotropical canid that survives at low population densities. Diseases are a potential threat for its conservation but to date have been poorly studied. We performed clinical evaluations and investigated the presence of infectious diseases through serology and coprologic tests on maned wolves from Galheiro Natural Private Reserve, Perdizes City, Minas Gerais State, southeastern Brazil. Fifteen wolves were captured between 2003 and 2008. We found high prevalences of antibody to canine distemper virus (CDV; 13/14), canine parvovirus (CPV; 4/14), canine adenovirus type 2 (13/14), canine coronavirus (5/11), canine parainfluenza virus (5/5), and Toxoplasma gondii (6/8), along with Ancylostomidae eggs in all feces samples. Antibodies against Leishmania sp. were found in one of 10 maned wolves, and all samples were negative for Neospora caninum. Evidence of high exposure to these viral agents was also observed in unvaccinated domestic dogs from neighboring farms. High prevalence of viral agents and parasites such as CDV, CPV, and Ancylostomidae indicates that this population faces considerable risk of outbreaks and chronic debilitating parasites. This is the first report of exposure to canine parainfluenza virus in Neotropical free-ranging wild canids. Our findings highlight that canine pathogens pose a serious hazard to the viability of maned wolves and other wild carnivore populations in the area and emphasize the need for monitoring and protecting wildlife health in remaining fragments of the Cerrado biome.

FIRST CASE OF HUMAN INFECTION BY Bertiella studeri (Blanchard, 1891) Stunkard,1940 (Cestoda; Anoplocephalidae) IN BRAZIL / Primeiro caso de infecção humana por Bertiella studeri (Blanchard, 1891) Stunkard,1940 (Cestoda; Anoplocephalidae) no Brasil

SUMMARY Cestodes of the Bertiella genus are parasites of non-human primates found in Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas. Species Bertiella studeri and Bertiella mucronatacould, accidentally, infect human beings. The infection occurs from ingestion of mites from the Oribatida order containing cysticercoid larvae of the parasite. The objective of this report is to register the first case of human infection by Bertiella studeri in Brazil. Proglottids of the parasite, found in the stool sample of a two-and-a-half-year-old child, were fixed, stained and microscopically observed to evaluate its morphological characteristics. Eggs obtained from the proglottids were also studied. The gravid proglottids examined matched the description of the genus Bertiella. The eggs presented a round shape, with the average diameter of 43.7 µm, clearly showing the typical pyriform apparatus of B. studeri. The authors concluded that the child was infected with Bertiella studeri,based on Stunkard's (1940) description of the species. This is the fifth case of human Bertiellosis described in Brazil through morphometric analysis of the parasite, the third in Minas Gerais State and the first diagnosed case of Bertiella studeriin Brazil.

RESUMO Os cestódeos do gênero Bertiellasão parasitos de primatas não humanos, os quais são encontrados na África, Ásia, Austrália, Oceania e Américas. As espécies Bertiella studeri e Bertiella mucronata podem, eventualmente, vir a infectar os seres humanos e a infecção acontece pela ingestão acidental de ácaros da ordem Oribatida infectados com larvas cisticercóides do parasito. O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar o primeiro caso humano por Bertiella studeri no Brasil. Proglotes do parasito, encontrado na amostra de fezes de uma criança com idade de 2,5 anos, foram fixados, corados e observados ao microscópio para avaliar as suas características morfológicas. Ovos, obtidos a partir dos proglotes também foram estudados. As proglotes grávidas examinadas estavam de acordo com a descrição do gênero Bertiella. Os ovos apresentam forma arredondada com diâmetro médio de 43,7 µm, demonstrando claramente aparelho piriforme típico de B. studeri. Os autores concluíram que a criança estava infectada com Bertiella studeri, de acordo com a descrição da espécie por Stunkard (1940). Este é o quinto caso de Bertiellose humana descrita no Brasil por meio de análises morfométricas do parasito, o terceiro em Minas Gerais e o primeiro caso de diagnóstico por Bertiella studeri no Brasil.

Sicarius uncinipenis and Deletrocephalus cesarpintoi in captive greater rheas of Minas Gerais State, Brazil / Sicarius uncinipenis e Deletrocephalus cesarpintoi em emas de cativeiro no Estado de Minas Gerais, Brazil

The present study details the pathological and parasitological findings of parasitic ventriculitis and nematode infections in the large intestines of two female Rhea americana americana birds. The birds were housed in captivity, and both exhibited poor body condition and lethargy. The rheas were sent to the Veterinary Hospital of the Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) and, despite medical care, the clinical condition of the birds did not improve. The birds died two days after admission, and were submitted to necropsy. Gross, histopathology and parasitological analysis resulted in the identification of Sicarius uncinipenis, which is associated with parasitic ventriculitis, while Deletrocephalus cesarpintoi was identified in the large intestine of both rheas. The apparent clinical indications, including loss of appetite and death, combined with the discovery of numerous parasites and other pathology changes, supported the conclusion that the death of the birds was caused by the parasitic infection. Further investigations of these infections in free-living and captive rheas are required, such that accurate data on the incidence and pathogenicity of these parasites can be obtained.

O presente estudo relata os achados patológicos e parasitológicos de ventriculite parasitária e da infecção por nematódeo no intestino grosso em duas fêmeas Rhea americana americana. As aves eram mantidas em cativeiro e ambas apresentaram condição corporal ruim e inapetência. As emas foram encaminhadas para o Hospital Veterinário da Escola de Veterinária da UFMG e, apesar dos cuidados médicos, não houve melhora na condição clínica. As aves morreram dois dias após a internação e foram encaminhadas para a necropsia. Ao exame macroscópico, histopatológico e parasitológico, Sicarius uncinipenis foi identificado e associado com ventriculite parasitária, enquanto Deletrocephalus cesarpintoi foi identificado no intestino grosso. Possivelmente, o quadro de inapetência e morte foi causado pela infecção parasitária, pois os parasitos eram numerosos. Mais investigações dessa infecção são necessárias em emas de vida livre e cativeiro, para a obtenção de informações mais precisas da incidência e patogenicidade desses parasitos.

Parasites of domestic and wild canids in the region of Serra do Cipó National Park, Brazil / Parasitos de canídeos domésticos e silvestres na região do Parque Nacional da Serra do Cipó - Brasil

Over recent decades, diseases have been shown to be important causes of extinctions among wild species. Greater emphasis has been given to diseases transmitted by domestic animals, which have been increasing in numbers in natural areas, along with human populations. This study had the aim of investigating the presence of intestinal helminths in wild canids (maned wolf, Chrysocyon brachyurus, and crab-eating fox, Cerdocyon thous) in the Serra do Cipó National Park (43-44º W and 19-20º S) and endo and ectoparasites of domestic dogs in the Morro da Pedreira Environmental Protection Area (an area surrounding the National Park). The Serra do Cipó is located in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Among the enteroparasites found in domestic and wild canids, the following taxons were identified: Ancylostomidae, Trichuridae, Toxocara sp., Spirocerca sp., Physaloptera sp., Strongyloides sp., Cestoda, Dipylidium caninum, Diphyllobothriidae, Hymenolepidae, Anoplocephalidae, Trematoda, Acanthocephala and Isospora sp. Domestic dogs were positive for leishmaniasis and Babesia canis in serological tests. Among the ectoparasites, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Amblyomma cajennense and Ctenocephalides felis felis were observed in domestic dogs. Variations in the chaetotaxy of the meta-episternum and posterior tibia were observed in some specimens of C. felis felis.

Nas últimas décadas, as doenças têm sido apontadas como importantes causas de extinção de espécies silvestres. Maior ênfase tem sido dada às doenças transmitidas por animais domésticos que crescem em número, bem como as populações humanas, em áreas naturais. O presente estudo objetivou verificar a presença de helmintos intestinais de canídeos silvestres (lobo-guará - Chrysocyon brachyurus e cachorro-do-mato - Cerdocyon thous) do Parque Nacional da Serra do Cipó (43-44º W e 19-20º S) e endo e ectoparasitos de cães domésticos da Área de Proteção Ambiental Morro da Pedreira (entorno do Parque Nacional). A Serra do Cipó está localizada no Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Entre os enteroparasitos encontrados em canídeos domésticos e silvestres, os táxons seguintes, Ancylostomidae, Trichuridae, Toxocara sp., Spirocerca sp., Physaloptera sp., Strongyloides sp., Cestoda, Dipylidium caninum, Diphyllobothriidae, Hymenolepidae, Anoplocephalidae, Trematoda, Acanthocephala e Isospora sp. foram identificados. Cães domésticos foram positivos para leishmaniose e Babesia canis nos testes sorológicos. Entre os ectoparasitos, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Amblyomma cajennense, Ctenocephalides felis felis foram observados em cães domésticos. Variações na quetotaxia do metepisterno e tíbia posterior foram observados em alguns espécimes de C. felis felis.

Bertielose humana: segundo relato em Minas Gerais, Brasil / Human bertiellosis: second report in Minas Gerais, Brazil

Relata-se um novo caso de bertielose humana em criança do sexo masculino, 8 anos, residente em área rural de Caeté, Minas Gerais, Brasil. O paciente queixava-se de dor abdominal periumbilical, hiporexia, enjoos, vômitos, diarréia e cefaléia do tipo holocraniana. Foi relatado o encontro de estruturas achatadas de cor esbranquiçada eliminadas nas fezes da criança. No exame parasitológico de fezes, foram identificados ovos de Ancilostomídeos, Rodentolepis nana (igual Hymenolepis) e Bertiella sp. Proglotes recuperadas nas fezes foram identificadas como Bertiella sp.