Pathological, morphological, and molecular characterization of the infection by Brachycladium goliath in humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae.

The humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is a cosmopolitan migratory, seasonal mysticete that frequents the Brazilian coast. Strands of specimens may occur during the migratory stay in the country. In 2021 and 2022, three live humpback whales stranded on the coast of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina states in southern Brazil. After euthanasia, specimens were necropsied, and organs were thoroughly examined for lesions. Grossly, in all three cases, the liver exhibited multifocal, irregular, firm, white areas on the hepatic capsule, which extended into the parenchyma. On the cut surface, the livers were yellow to pale brown with orangish to greenish areas, the bile ducts were prominent, thickened, and severely dilated, and leaf-shaped flukes were found inside of them. Additionally, one case showed moderate atrophy of the right hepatic lobe. The histological findings included dilation of bile ducts, hyperplasia of the bile duct epithelium, marked inflammatory infiltration of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and eosinophils, and portal fibrosis. The parasite Brachycladium goliath was both morphologically and molecularly identified based on diagnostic key for trematodes and the original description of the species, and the amplification and sequencing of the ITS-2 region, respectively. Even though hepatic injury was not the primary cause of stranding, it may have contributed to the debilitation of the whales. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study that reports M. novaeangliae as a definitive host of B. goliath and that describes the lesions caused by the parasite in cetaceans.

Post-mortem detection of hemoplasmas (hemotropic Mycoplasma spp.) in South American fur seal (Arctocephalus australis) sampled in Rio Grande do Sul State, southern Brazil.

Hemotropic mycoplasmas are bacteria that attaches to erythrocytes surface, which some species presents zoonotic concerns. In the suborder Pinnipedia, genera Otaria and Arctocephalus are prominent in Brazil. This study investigated the occurrence of hemoplasmas in Arctocephalus sp. and Otaria flavescens found dead along the coast of a Southern Brazilian State. DNA from 135 spleen samples were extracted and subjected to conventional PCR protocols, targeting the 16 S rRNA and 23 S rRNA gene. Three (2.22 %) Arctocephalus australis were positive in the 16 S rRNA gene, and no samples amplified in the 23 S rRNA gene. Samples from this study clustered with Zalophus californianus and Arctocephalus tropicalis mycoplasmas on a Bayesian phylogenetic analysis. Genetic diversity analysis suggested distinct genotypes, indicating A. australis as a new host for hemoplasma, and also a potential putative novel hemoplasma genotype. These findings raises future awareness for pinnipeds conservation, and adds Mycoplasma spp. to be taken into consideration when clinically evaluating rescued animals.

Phylogenetic inferences based on distinct molecular markers reveals a novel Babesia (Babesia pantanalensis nov. sp.) and a Hepatozoon americanum-related genotype in crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous).

Piroplasmids and Hepatozoon spp. Are apicomplexan protozoa that may cause disease in several canid species. The present study aimed to expand the knowledge on the diversity of piroplasmids and Hepatozoon in crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous; n = 12) sampled in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul State, central-western Brazil. PCR assays based on the 18S rRNA were used as screening. Three (25%) and 11 (91.7%) were positive for piroplasmids and Hepatozoon spp., respectively. Co-infection was found in three C. thous. Phylogenetic analyses based on the near-complete 18S rRNA, cox-1 and hsp70 genes evidenced the occurrence of a novel of Babesia spp. (namely Babesia pantanalensis nov. sp.) closely related to Rangelia vitalii and Babesia sp. 'Coco'. This finding was supported by the genetic divergence analysis which showed (i) high divergence, ranging from 4.17 to 5.62% for 18 S rRNA, 6.16% for hps70 and 4.91-9.25% for cox-1 and (ii) the genotype network (which displayed sequences separated from the previously described Piroplasmida species by median vectors and several mutational events). Also, phylogenetic analysis based on the 18S rRNA gene of Hepatozoon spp. positioned the sequences obtained herein in a clade phylogenetically related to Hepatozoon sp. 'Curupira 2', Hepatozoon sp. detected in domestic and wild canids from Uruguay and Hepatozoon americanum. The present study described Babesia pantanalensis nov sp. and Hepatozoon closely related to H. americanum in crab-eating foxes from Brazil. Moreover, the coinfection by piroplasmids and Hepatozoon sp. for the first time in crab-eating foxes strongly suggesting that this wild canid species potentially acts as a bio-accumulate of hemoprotozoan in wild environment.

Dirofilaria immitis and Onchocercidae spp. in wild felids from Brazil.

Among the species described within the Onchocercidae family, Dirofilaria immitis is regarded as the most common worldwide, causing severe and often fatal conditions in dogs, cats, and occasionally humans. Dirofilaria spp. are vectored by mosquitoes, simulids, and culicoids, with their epidemiology dependent on the geographical distribution of competent vectors. Eight species of Dirofilaria have been reported so far in Brazil, of which six parasitize non-human primates, deer, procyonids, and marsupials. Here, we investigated the occurrence of Onchocercidae in wild felids (i.e., Panthera onca, Puma concolor, Herpailurus yagouaroundi, Leopardus geoffroyi, Leopardus guttulus, Leopardus pardalis, Leopardus wiedii, Leopardus munoai) from different locations in Brazil. Overall, 82 samples (n = 63 blood; n = 19 tissues) were molecularly screened for cytochrome c oxidase subunit-1 (cox1) gene. Four (i.e., 4.8%) wild felid samples were positive, and at BLAST analysis, the obtained sequences showed varying percentage of nucleotide identity with the genera Brugia (i.e., 87-88%), Setaria (i.e., 89%), and D. immitis (i.e., 94.4%). Phylogenetic analyses clustered sequences obtained into three distinct clades, one with D. immitis and the remaining two with other Onchocercidae spp. Data herein obtained highlight the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the diversity and biology of Onchocercidae in South America in order to assess the potential impact that these species may have for domestic and wild animals, as well as humans.

Eyeworms of wild birds and new record of Thelazia (Thelaziella) aquilina (Nematoda: Spirurida).

The eyeworms of the subgenus Thelaziella infect orbital cavities, conjunctival sacs and lachrymal ducts of many wild birds, being able to cause conjunctivitis. In Brazil, at least 10 species of Thelaziella have been described. Here we present a brief review of cases of Thelazia (Thelaziella) aquilina and describe the infection of this parasite in Harpia harpyja, as a new host record. Two nematodes were collected from the surface of the cornea of an adult female H. harpyja in the Amazon region (Brazil) and were morphologically identified as two males of T. (T.) aquilina. This data demonstrated the need for further studies focused on elucidating the transmission, biological cycle, and phylogenetic positioning of Thelaziella as subgenus.

Psoralges libertus mite infestation in Tamandua tetradactyla: a 127-year gap in the literature due to scarcity of reports.

This study addresses the report of Psoralges libertus mite infestations in Southern Tamandua (Tamandua tetradactyla) after a 127-year gap in the literature, detailing clinical conditions, histopathological findings, and mite identification via morphology. The research broadens our understanding of mite habitats, highlighting challenges in managing parasitic health in free-ranging and captive animals. It underscores the importance of ongoing surveillance for conservation and public health, including potential zoonotic concerns. A P. libertus report in T. tetradactyla after over a century highlights the scarcity of publications on mite-induced mange in this mammalian species. Investigating potential P. libertus' impacts on tamanduas' well-being necessitates further research, particularly regarding pathogenicity, agent epidemiology, and host interaction. This study enhances our comprehension of parasite-host interactions and their relevance to wildlife conservation.

Detection of Trypanosoma evansi in jaguars (Panthera onca): insights from the Brazilian Pantanal wetland.

Trypanosoma evansi is a widespread and neglected zoonotic parasite that affects domestic and wild animals, causing a disease commonly known as "surra." The Brazilian Pantanal wetland is recognized as an enzootic area for this protozoan, yet recognizing the importance of reservoir hosts also in order to prevent zoonotic outbreaks. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of T. evansi in jaguars (Panthera onca) from the Brazilian Pantanal wetland and explore associated clinical and hematological manifestations. A total of 42 animals were screened by PCR and sequenced for species identification when positive. Trypanosoma evansi was detected in six free-ranging jaguars (six positive animals of 42 captures and 16 recaptures), representing the first molecular evidence of such infection in this animal species. Our findings suggest that jaguars may act as reservoir hosts of T. evansi in the Brazilian Pantanal wetland. The better understanding of the role of wildlife in the epidemiology of T. evansi is also of importance to future reintroduction and translocation programs toward wildlife conservation efforts.

A long-term study on free-ranging jaguar-tick interactions, featuring a novel report of Amblyomma incisum adult infestation.

Over nearly 12 years, we collected ticks from free-ranging jaguars (Panthera onca) and performed statistical analyses to comprehend the vector-host relationship throughout the seasons. We evaluated the presence and number of ticks, as well as their association with weight, age, and gender of captured jaguars in the Pantanal and Amazon biomes. Out of 100 captured jaguars (comprising 72 initial captures and 28 recaptures, with 41 females and 31 males), 77 were found to be infested by different tick species. We gathered a total of 1,002 ticks, categorized by the following species in descending order of abundance: Amblyomma sculptum, Amblyomma ovale, Rhipicephalus microplus, Amblyomma triste, Amblyomma cajennense sensu stricto, Amblyomma incisum, and Amblyomma spp. larvae. Apart from weight, statistical analysis indicated that age, gender and seasonality does not significantly affect the presence of different tick species in free ranging jaguars. Notably, A. sculptum adults were more abundant in the first semester, while A. sculptum nymphs and Amblyomma spp. larvae were mainly found during dry months, aligning with their expected life cycle stages. This is the first long-term study in jaguars to correlate seasonality and host factors and also the first time an adult of A. incisum is reported infesting a jaguar.

Harvest load transfer sites influence sugarcane billbug (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) spatiotemporal injury in sugarcane.

BACKGROUND: The sugarcane billbug, Sphenophorus levis Vaurie 1978, is a key soil-dwelling insect pest of sugarcane in Brazil and greatly affects plant development and yield. This insect presents an aggregated distribution pattern in production fields. The reasons for such behavior include intraspecific communication and attractivity due to the fermentation of sugar in stalk residues. During mechanized harvesting, part of the harvested material usually falls in the load transfer sites, becoming a potential source for increasing the infestation. We therefore evaluated whether producing areas near the harvest load transfer sites are more prone to S. levis injury. RESULTS: There are greater chances of finding billbug injury within a radius of 740 m from the harvest load transfer site. Additionally, injured areas are estimated to expand 11.96% each growing season. Our spatiotemporal models support higher injured areas surrounding the harvest load transfer site and show clear and significant signs of increased injury levels compared to the initial growing season surveyed. CONCLUSION: Our results reinforce the importance of harvest transfer sites in the dispersion and propagation of the sugarcane billbug. Based on this knowledge, sugarcane millers and growers can adopt preventive and remedial practices within the loading sites that can potentially contribute to the successful management of this insect pest. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

The jaguar (Panthera onca) as a potential new host of Dracunculus sp.

Nematode species of the genus Dracunculus (Spirurida: Dracunculoidea) infect tissues and body cavities of reptiles, domestic and wild carnivores, and humans. The definitive hosts acquire the infection by ingesting intermediate (i.e., cyclopoid copepod) or paratenic (i.e., amphibians and fishes) hosts. Here we report the jaguar (Panthera onca) as a potential new host for Dracunculus sp. The nematode was collected from an ulcerated cutaneous nodule on the left anterior limb of a female jaguar in the municipality of Miranda, Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil. Based on the morphology of first stage larvae collected from a small fragment of the uterus of the adult nematode, the species was identified as Dracunculus sp. Reichard, 1759. Additionally, the morphological identification was molecularly confirmed by sequencing the cox1 gene. This report advocates for further investigations into the transmission cycle of this parasite in the Brazilian Pantanal wetland, considering the role of wildlife hosts and the zoonotic potential of Dracunculus species in that area.

Description of Amblyomma monteiroae n. sp. (Acari: Ixodidae), a parasite of the great horned owl (Strigiformes: Strigidae) in southern Brazil.

In 2020, adult hard ticks (males and females) were collected from great horned owls [Bubo virginianus (Gmelin, 1788)] in the coastal region in southern Brazil. The engorged females were allowed to oviposit in the laboratory and hatched larvae could be obtained. Analyses of the external morphology of the adult ticks revealed that they represent a new species, which was named Amblyomma monteiroae n. sp. Partial sequences of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene and the nuclear second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) were generated from a male and a female. Their 16S rRNA haplotypes were identical to each other and closest (96% identity) to corresponding sequences of Amblyomma parvitarsum Neumann, 1901, and 90% identical to Amblyomma neumanni Ribaga, 1902. Their ITS2 haplotypes were 95.8 to 96.0 identical to the single ITS-2 partial sequence of A. parvitarsum available in GenBank. In the phylogenetic trees inferred by both 16S rRNA and ITS2 partial sequences, A. monteiroae n. sp. formed a clade with A. parvitarsum, with A. neumanni branching sister to this clade. Amblyomma monteiroae n. sp. is genetically and morphologically related to A. parvitarsum. Both tick species are unique in combining the following morphological characters: scutum extensively ornate; eyes rounded and bulging; coxa I with two moderate pointed spurs, the external longer than the internal; a single triangular short spur on coxae II-III; presence of two spines on the tibia of legs II-IV; hypostomal dentition 3/3, trochanters without spurs. However, the males of the two species can be separated by specific features in palps and festoons, whereas the females differ in specific features of the coxal spurs. The larva of A. monteiroae n. sp. can be morphologically distinguished from A. parvitarsum only by morphometry, with the former species being slightly smaller. Currently, A. monteiroae n. sp. is restricted to southern Brazil, and the only known host is B. virginianus (Strigiformes: Strigidae). The present study increases the Amblyomma Brazilian fauna to 34 species.

Sharing of living area and exposure of domestic and wild canids to ticks, Rickettsia parkeri and Rangelia vitalii in the Atlantic Forest of southern Brazil.

Spotted fever caused by the bacterium Rickettsia parkeri, and canine rangeliosis caused by the protozoan Rangelia vitalii, are emerging or re-emerging tick-borne diseases in Brazil, where the main tick vectors are Amblyomma ovale and Amblyomma aureolatum, respectively. In the present study, we evaluated exposure to R. parkeri and R. vitalii infection among domestic (Canis lupus familiaris) and wild (Cerdocyon thous) canids sharing living areas within an Atlantic Forest area of southern Brazil. Four different domestic dogs and three different wild canids were captured. Most of the ticks collected from either domestic or wild canids were identified as A. ovale and A. aureolatum. DNA of R. parkeri was amplified from 14% of the A. ovale specimens. Two domestic dogs and two wild canids were seroreactive to R. parkeri antigens with high endpoint titers (>1024). Rangelia vitalii DNA was detected in two wild canids; one of them was resampled 93 days later, again infected by R. vitalii. We report exposure/infection of domestic dogs and wild canids to R. vitalii and/or R. parkeri-infected ticks in an Atlantic Forest area shared by both canid species, indicating that they also shared the same populations of the tick vectors, A. aureolatum and A. ovale. While A. ovale, A. aureolatum, R. parkeri, R. vitalii and C. thous, are all native to the Atlantic Forest, further studies are needed to evaluate the impact of an exotic canine species - C. lupus familiaris - on the enzootic cycles of R. vitalii and R. parkeri, as well as the possible role of domestic dogs in emergence and re-emergence of R. parkeri-spotted fever in humans and canine rangeliosis, respectively.

Exploring Alternatives to Polyacrylamide: A Comparative Study of Novel Polymers in the Flocculation and Dewatering of Iron Ore Tailings.

Despite being widely used in tailings treatment, polyacrylamide continues to face performance challenges. In this study, two commercial polyacrylamides with different molecular weights were used to flocculate iron ore tailings and their performance was compared with two polymers designed to treat oil sand tailings: poly(vinylbenzyl)trimethylammonium chloride and partially hydrolyzed poly(methyl acrylate) grafted onto ethylene-propylene-diene copolymer backbones. The polyacrylamide with the highest molecular weight performed better than the one with the lowest molecular weight, but its efficiency was still considerably lower than what would be desired for good solid-liquid separation. The new polymer flocculants performed better than the commercially available polyacrylamides but retained high amounts of water in the sediments. This comparison shows that polymers other than polyacrylamide may be used to treat iron ore tailings.

Pathological findings associated with Dipetalonema spp. (Spirurida, Onchocercidae) infection in two species of Neotropical monkeys from Brazil.

Among vector-borne helminths, filarioids of the genus Dipetalonema (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) localize in several tissues and body cavities of several animal species, causing mild to moderate lesions. The pathological findings associated with Dipetalonema spp. infection in Neotropical monkeys from southern Brazil are herein described, along with a fatal case due to filarial polyserositis and entrapment of an intestinal segment. At necropsy, nematodes were observed in abdominal and thoracic cavities, or in the pericardium of 37 (31.3%) out of the 118 individuals examined (i.e., 35 Alouatta guariba clamitans and two Sapajus nigritus). In addition, at histology, 27.0% of positive animals presented microfilarie (inside blood vessels of lung, spleen, liver, and brain) and 8.1% presented adult nematodes in the heart, lung, and liver. In two cases, cross-sections of filarioids were associated with areas of epicardial thickening with intense fibrosis and pyogranulomatous inflammation in the brain, heart, liver, lungs, or spleen. The DNA fragment was amplify using the cox1 gene, sequenced and analyzed to identify the nematode species collected; presence of Wolbachia was assessed in the filarioids using the 16S rRNA gene. At BLAST analysis of the cox1 gene, 10 sequences showed 91.7% nucleotide identity with Dipetalonema gracile, and two with D. gracile (98.5%) and Dipetalonema graciliformis (98.3%). Phylogenetic analyses clustered sequences of the cox1 obtained in this study in two clades corresponding with the host species. Wolbachia sp. endosymbiont was detected in four samples. Data herein reported provide a description of pathological lesions associated with the infection by Dipetalonema spp., suggesting that they may cause disease in Neotropical monkeys. In addition, a better understanding of diversity and biology of Dipetalonema spp. in South America is needed to assess the impact they may cause in native non-human primates from Brazil.

Oral and oropharyngeal cancer: time from first symptoms to treatment initiation and associated factors.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the time elapsed from first symptoms to the treatment of oral and oropharyngeal cancer (OOC) and to identify variables associated with treatment delay. This is an observational study with retrospective and prospective data collection. Patients with a diagnosis of OOC seen at the Head and Neck Surgery outpatient clinic of a Brazilian public hospital were included and followed up to treatment initiation. Participants answered a questionnaire for the collection of socioeconomic, demographic, cultural, and clinical information, as well as information about the time elapsed from first symptoms to the first appointment with a head and neck surgeon. Time to treatment was classified into four intervals: 1- first symptoms to first medical appointment; 2- first medical appointment to specialized medical care; 3- specialized medical care to preparation for treatment; and 4- preparation for treatment to treatment initiation. Bivariate statistics were computed. Out of 100 participants, nine died before treatment. Mean time to treatment was 217 days. Highest mean time was observed for interval 2 (94 days), followed by interval 1 (63 days), interval 4 (39 days), and interval 3 (21 days). At interval 1, a longer time was associated with severe alcohol consumption, severe smoking, and family history of cancer. At interval 2, the delay was associated with appointment with a general practitioner, clinical diagnosis of disease other than cancer, and antibiotic prescription. At interval 4, delay in treatment was associated with surgical treatment. Patients with OOC experience delays from symptom onset to treatment initiation. The longest interval was associated with professional delay, followed by patient delay in help-seeking.

Viability of erythrocytes in canine packed red blood cells stored in CPDA-1 is related to the presence of Mycoplasma haemocanis.

Hemotropic mycoplasmas are associated with subclinical disease in dogs and should be identified in blood donors. The objective was to investigate the presence and effect of M. haemocanis in units of packed red blood cells (pRBC) during storage. Canine donors (n = 10) were screened for M. haemocanis by quantitative real-time PCR. pRBCs were obtained from 5 hemoplasma negative dogs and 5 hemoplasma positive dogs. Each pRBC was aliquoted into two 100 mL transfer bags and stored at 4 °C. M. haemocanis loads and biochemical variables (pH, bicarbonate, potassium, sodium, chlorite, glucose, lactate, ammonia, PCV, and % hemolysis) were evaluated on days 1, 7, 18, and 29. M. haemocanis loads increased in pRBC from day 1-29 of storage. Glucose decreased and lactate increase faster in pRBC with M. haemocanis. This study contributes to understand hemoplasma metabolism and reinforces that dog donors should be tested for hemoplasmas.

Rehabilitation and release of confiscated songbirds into the wild: A pilot study.

Songbirds are currently the most prevalent animals in illegal trafficking in Brazil and other countries, so they are often confiscated, and this poses legal, ethical, and conservation challenges. Returning them to nature requires complex and expensive management, a topic that is sparingly addressed in the literature. Here, we described the processes and costs associated with an attempt to rehabilitate and release confiscated songbirds into the wild. A total of 1,721 songbirds of several species were quarantined, rehabilitated, and released, primarily on two farms located within their typical geographical distribution. Health assessments were performed on samples from 370 birds. Serology revealed no antibodies against Newcastle disease, and Salmonella spp. cultures were negative. Real-time polymerase chain reactions detected M. gallisepticum in samples from seven birds. Atoxoplasma spp. and Acuaria spp. infections, sepsis, and trauma were the top causes of bird death. About 6% of the released birds were recaptured, within an average period of 249 days after release, and at a mean distance of 2,397 meters from the release sites. The majority of these birds were found with free-living mates within or close to fragments of transitional ecoregions with native or cultivated grasslands, and native groves/forests, and shrublands. However, eucalyptus plantations with rich understory regeneration provided a suitable environment for the released forest species to settle, since they were recaptured during the defense of these sites. Over half of the recaptured birds presented behavioral profiles with both dominant and tame traits. Birds with dominant traits are more likely to settle in habitats and face the live decoys during fieldwork, whereas birds with tame characteristics tend to accept close contact with humans. Ultramarine grosbeak (Cyanoloxia brissonii), the least common species among those released, at the release sites showed an almost 2-fold recapture rate in the shortest mean distances from the release sites. This suggests less territory competition, perhaps a major factor of bird re-establishment here. The total per-bird cost was USD 57. Our findings suggested suitable survival and re-establishment of confiscated songbirds in the wild, when managed as we describe.

Hematologic variables of free-living Leptodactylus luctator with and without hemoparasites and thrombidiform mites in southern Brazil.

It has been suggested that anuran amphibian parasites can cause clinical signs in situations of environmental imbalance. In the family Leptodactylidae, information about hematology is scarce, although these are well-known tools for the diagnosis and prognosis in clinical practice and potential bioindicators of environmental stress. The objective of this study is to describe Leptodactylus luctator hematology, to report the occurrence of hemoparasites and thrombidiform mites, and to compare the hematological variables under the presence and absence of these organisms. Ectoparasites and heparinized blood samples from 40 free-living specimens of L. luctator were collected for analysis. Hematologic variables and total plasma protein were compared between groups with and without hemoparasites and intradermal mites. As results, structures compatible with hemogregarines, Lankesterella sp., five morphotypes of Trypanosoma spp., microfilaria, Aegyptianella sp., an unidentified intraleukocytic hemoparasite, and frog erythrocytic virus (FEV) inclusion bodies were identified in the blood samples, besides Hannemania spp. intradermal mites. The hemoparasite occurrence was higher than previously reported in other anuran families and locations. Also, L. luctator has smaller red blood cells (RBCs) and white blood cells (WBCs), and a hyposegmentation of the neutrophil nucleus, when compared to many other amphibians. White blood cell, neutrophil, and monocyte counts were higher in animals parasitized by mites. There was no correlation between the number of parasitized RBCs and hematologic variables. This study provides anuran hematologic information, in addition to indicating a host reaction to infestation by Hannemania spp. mites, besides constituting the first record of the distribution of hemoparasites and intradermal mites in L. luctator of the study region.