Platynosomum (Trematoda: Dicrocoeliidae) infection in barn owls (Tyto alba) in Northeastern Brazil.

Platynosomum spp. are parasites that inhabit the gallbladder and bile ducts of various mammals and birds worldwide. Most studies of Platynosomum spp. in birds focus on the observation and morphological characterization of the parasite through parasitological or molecular examinations, with scarce literature describing anatomopathological alterations, mainly histopathological. We report the case of a male barn owl infected with Platynosomum spp.. At necropsy, the barn owl showed dilation with parasites and fibrosis of the intrahepatic bile ducts and gallbladder. Microscopically, it was possible to identify trematodes in the bile ducts associated with a lymphoplasmacytic inflammatory infiltrate. The morphological structures of the worms were described on histopathology and direct examination. The presence of parasitism that is usually cosmopolitan in wild animals represents a risk to the biodiversity of fauna in the region, as well as a warning about the spread and maintenance of the biological cycle of the worm in humans and domestic animals.

Description of new species of Trematoda from bats of Southeastern Mexico and a new classification for Brachylecithum rileyi n. comb. (Dicrocoeliidae).

To date, 23 species of trematodes have been reported in bats from Mexico. However, in some regions of Mexico, such as the Yucatan Peninsula, many species of bats do not have helminthological records. Here, we sampled bats in four localities in Southeastern Mexico from April 2017 to February 2022. Parasites were collected from the intestine of four species of bats: Pteronotus fulvus, Eumops nanus, Noctilio leporinus and Nyctinomops laticaudatus. Conventional morphological techniques and molecular tools with the 28S ribosomal gene were used to describe the helminths. We discovered that our parasites represent three new species and a new combination of trematodes. We found that the new species have morphological differences with their congeneric species, and we complement this information whit molecular data. Furthermore, we found morphological and molecular evidence that places Dicrocoelium rileyi within the genus Brachylecithum. This study points out the importance of comparing morphological and phylogenetic information.

Update of Dicrocoeliidae (Digenea) parasitizing rodents from the Americas with a description of a new Platynosomoides species from Argentina.

Digeneans are common parasites of small mammals. Dicrocoeliidae is a family with a cosmopolitan distribution, with 18 genera previously recorded from mammals in the Americas, six of them parasitizing rodents in Argentina. In this study, an updated compilation is provided of Dicrocoeliidae from rodents in the Americas. Also, a new Platynosomoides species is described parasitizing the cricetid rodent Akodon montensis of the Atlantic Forest in Argentina. Digital repositories were used to search for Dicrocoeliidae from rodents in the Americas. Rodents were collected in four localities of the Atlantic Forest, Argentina. Digeneans were removed from the rodent's bile duct, and conventional studies were used for the morphological description. A total of 15 Dicrocoeliidae species were found parasitizing 18 rodent species from eight countries in the Americas. The new species of Platynosomoides from Akodon montensis differs from the other two species of genus by the size of body, testes, ovary, cecum length and position and length of the vitelline bands. Dicrocoeliidae show growing diversity, and the compilation of species in a rodent host base allows a clearer comparison and identification of new taxa in the future.

Pancreatic eurytrematosis in small ruminants: A forgotten disease or an untold history?

Trematodiosis are among the most neglected parasitic diseases worldwide. The pancreatic eurytrematosis (PE) is a chronic parasitic infection mostly reported in cattle but has been unnoticed in small ruminants for many decades. Our review showed PE has been recorded as scattered regional reports in goats and sheep, mainly in Asia and Eastern Europe. Eurytrema coelomaticum, Eurytrema cladorchis, and Eurytrema pancreaticum have been the main pathogenic species infecting pancreatic ducts of small ruminants. Climatic, environmental, and regional conditions in both hemispheres may support the survival and feasibility of intermediate hosts and parasitic forms, enabling the emergence and spread of PE in small ruminants. As a primarily asymptomatic condition, PE in goats and sheep flocks may also have a high prevalence, causing severe parasitic pancreatitis, production losses, and death. There is little information on anthelmintic therapeutics for PE in small ruminants, and most used anti-fluke drugs are ineffective. PE is likely more unnoticed than a neglected trematodiosis in goats and sheep, or both from a global perspective.

Comparison of two coprological methods for the diagnosis of Eurytrema ssp. in cattle and sheep.

Eurytrematosis is a disease caused by flukes of the genus Eurytrema. These parasites infect the pancreatic ducts of a wide variety of species, including cattle, sheep and humans. Diagnosing eurytrematosis through the analysis of faecal samples can be difficult because most of the available techniques are considered of low sensitivity. In this context, a modification of the Dennis, Stone and Swanson technique (Belem Sedimentation Technique, BST) was previously developed to increase the probability of detecting infected animals; nevertheless, the values of eggs per gram obtained using the modified technique are generally low. We proposed a modification of the this technique (MBST), to increase the sensitivity and detection rate of infected animals. The objective of this work was to describe MBST and compare it with BST. Faecal samples of 212 clinically healthy animals (174 from cattle and 38 from sheep) from 20 farms were taken by the intra-rectal route and stored at 4°C. The samples were processed using BST and MBST. Positive samples amounted to 55 (25.9%) using BST and 121 (57.1%) using MBST. In the simples from cattle, 52 (29.8%) and 107 (61.4%) were positive in BST and MBST, respectively. In sheep, three (7.8%) and 14 (36.8%) positive samples were obtained in BST and MBST, respectively.The results obtained using the two methods were significantly different, indicating a lack of agreement between their findings. The results suggest that MBST is a more sensitive method to detect Eurytrema spp. eggs in faeces than BST.

Acute infection with Platynosomum illiciens (Trematoda: Dicrocoeliidae) as a clinically relevant and potentially fatal disease in Falco sparverius (Aves: Falconidae) in Brazil.

Platynosomum illiciens is a dicrocoeliid trematode from the biliary tract of warm-blooded vertebrates (felines, primates, marsupials, and birds) reported in different parts of the world. Although the veterinary relevance of platynosomosis in mammals, especially in domestic felines, has been increasingly evidenced in the scientific literature, studies involving avian disease caused by P. illiciens are comparatively scarce. In the present study, a female specimen of the American kestrel, Falco sparverius L., found dead, in November 2019, in Brazil, was necropsied. Parietal biliary effusion in the celomatic cavity was observed, suggesting biliary transudation and gallbladder stasis, which possibily preceded the distension and rupture of gallbladder noted during necropsy. In the microscopic analysis of the bile content, small trematodes were found and characterized as immature stages of Platynosomum after the morphological study. Partial sequences of the cox-1 gene enabled the identification of P. illiciens, with 100% similarity with previously sequenced sympatric isolates from mammals. The finding of immature specimens in a ruptured gallbladder strongly suggests a role for the parasite in biliary flow dysfunction, indicating acute platynosomosis as a clinically relevant and potentially fatal condition that has not yet been discussed.

Contribuição da ultrassonografia no diagnóstico da platinosomose felina / Contribution of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of platinosome feline / Contribución de la ultrasonografía en el diagnóstico de platinosomosis felina

A platinosomose é uma importante enfermidade hepatobiliar parasitária que acomete felinos, sendo eles de vida livre ou semi domiciliados. O agente etiológico é o trematódeo Platynosomum spp. E a doença é popularmente conhecida como "envenenamento por lagartixa". As manifestações clínicas da platinosomose são inespecíficas assim como é incomum a observação de lesões hepáticas, o que dificulta o diagnóstico. Felinos possuem o hábito de caça e ao ingerir esses pequenos invertebrados, podem dar continuidade ao ciclo da platinosomose, uma vez que esses animais são os hospedeiros definitivos deste parasito. Esse trematódeo se aloja com frequência no trato biliar dos gatos, causando lesões e possível obstrução do ducto biliar. O grau de comprometimento das lesões hepáticas está na dependência tanto da imunidade, quanto da carga parasitária do animal. O diagnóstico de eleição é o exame parasitológico de fezes, embora ainda seja considerado pouco sensível, sendo relevante a utilização de outras ferramentas diagnósticas. O exame ultrassonográfico permite a observação de alterações hepáticas e até mesmo do próprio parasito no interior do ducto biliar, contribuindo para elucidação dessa enfermidade. Foi atendido no Hospital Veterinário "Luiz Quintiliano de Oliveira", um felino com histórico de icterícia, e ao exame clínico observou-se escore corporal magro e desidratação em 8%. Após avaliação clínica do animal, o mesmo foi encaminhado para o setor de Diagnóstico por Imagem para avaliação ultrassonográfica abdominal, durante o exame visibilizou-se aumento das dimensões hepáticas, edema de parede em vesícula biliar e a presença pequena de estrutura filiforme, hiperecogênica, em seu interior.(AU)

Platinosomiasis is an importante parasitic hepatobiliary disease that affects felines, whether they live freely or semi-domiciled. The etiological agent is the trematode Platynosomum spp. And the disease is popularly known as "lizard poisoning". The clinical manifestations of platinosomiasis are non-specific and the observation of liver lesions observed are, which makes the diagnosis difficult. Felines have a hunting habit and by ingesting these small invertebrates, they can continuing the platinosomiasis cycle, since these animals are the definitive hosts of this parasite.This trematode frequently lodges in the biliary tract of cats, causing injury and possible obstruction of the bile duct. The degree of involvement of liver lesions is in dependence on both immunity and the parasite load of the animal. The diagnosis of choice is the parasitological examination of feces, although it is still considered not very sensitive, and the use of other diagnostic tools is relevant. The ultrasonographic examination allows the observation of hepatic alterations and even the parasite itself inside the bile duct, contributing to the elucidation of this disease. He was treated at the "Luiz Quintiliano de Oliveira", a feline with a history of jaundice, and the clinical examination showed a lean body score and dehydration of 8%. After clinical evaluation of the animal, he was referred to the Diagnostic Imaging Department for abdominal ultrasonography evaluation, during the exam it was seen an increase in the hepatic dimensions, edema of the gallbladder wall and the small presence of a filiform, hyperecogenic structure inside.(AU)

La platinosomosis es una importante enfermedad parasitaria hepatobiliar que afecta a los gatos, ya sean de vida libre o semi-domiciliados. El agente etiológico es el trematodo Platynosomum spp. Y la enfermedad se conoce popularmente como "envenenamiento por gecko". Las manifestaciones clínicas de la platinosomosis son inespecíficas y la observación de lesione hepáticas es poco frecuente, lo que dificulta el diagnóstico. Los felinos tienen el hábito de la caza y al ingerir estos pequeños invertebrados pueden continuar el ciclo de platinosomosis, ya que estos animales son los hospedadores definitivos de este parásito. Este trematodo se aloja con frecuencia en el tracto biliar de los gatos, provocando lesiones y posible obstrucción del conducto biliar. El grado de afectación de las lesiones hepáticas depende tanto de la inmunidad como de la carga parasitaria del animal. El diagnóstico de elección es el examen parasitológico de heces, aunque todavía se considera insensible, siendo relevante el uso de otras herramientas diagnósticas. El examen ecográfico permite la observación de alteraciones hepáticas e incluso del propio parásito fuera de la vía biliar, contribuyendo al esclarecimiento de esta enfermedad. Un felino con antecedentes de ictericia, fue atendido en el Hospital Veterinario "Luiz Quintiliano de Oliveira", y el examen clínico mostró un índice corporal magro y deshidratación en 8%. Después de la evaluación clínica del animal, se derivó al sector de Diagnóstico por Imagen para evaluación de ecografía abdominal, durante el examen se observó aumento de las dimensiones hepáticas, edema de la pared vesicular y pequeña presencia de una estructura filiforme hiperecogénica em su interior.(AU)

The outcomes of polyparasitism in stray cats from Brazilian Midwest assessed by epidemiological, hematological and pathological data / Poliparasitismo em gatos não domiciliados no Centro-Oeste brasileiro avaliado através dos aspectos epidemiológicos, hematológicos e patológicos

We evaluated the epidemiological, hematological, and pathological data of Leishmania spp., Toxoplasma gondii, Platynosomum illiciens, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infections and the coinfections in stray cats of an endemic area for leishmaniasis. The diagnosis was performed by serological tests and necropsy. We described gross lesions and histopathological findings. We used immunohistochemistry and chromogenic in situ hybridization for L. infantum detection. We found infection in 27 out of 50 sampled cats, among them, 14 presented coinfections. A strong correlation between splenomegaly and lymphadenomegaly with FeLV, and an association between hepatic lesions and cachexia with parasitism due to P. illiciens were observed. Moreover, we found a significant increase in the monocyte count in the FeLV-infected and a decrease in the red blood cell count in the FIV-infected animals. Amastigote forms of Leishmania spp. and tissue changes were detected in lymphoid organs of an animal coinfected with P. illiciens, T. gondii, and FIV. Polyparasitism recorded in stray cats of the Brazilian Midwest should be considered in effective control strategies for public health diseases. Moreover, stray cats of Campo Grande may be a source of infection of FIV, FeLV and P. illiciens for populations of domiciled cats.(AU)

Foi avaliada a epidemiologia, hematologia e patologia das infecções por Leishmania spp., Toxoplasma gondii, Platynosomum illiciens, vírus da imunodeficiência felina (FIV) e vírus da leucemia felina (FeLV) e das coinfecções em gatos não domiciliados em uma área endêmica para leishmaniose. O diagnóstico foi realizado por exames sorológicos e necropsia. Foram descritas lesões macroscópicas e achados histopatológicos. Usaram-se imuno-histoquímica e hibridização cromogênica in situ para detecção de L. infantum. Encontrou-se infecção em 27 dos 50 gatos amostrados, dentre eles, 14 apresentavam coinfecções. Foi observada forte correlação entre esplenomegalia e linfadenomegalia com FeLV, e associação entre lesões hepáticas e caquexia com parasitismo por P. illiciens. Além disso, foi encontrado um aumento significativo na contagem de monócitos nos animais infectados pelo FeLV e uma diminuição na contagem de hemácias nos animais infectados pelo FIV. Formas amastigotas de Leishmania spp. e alterações teciduais foram detectadas em órgãos linfoides de um animal coinfectado com P. illiciens, T. gondii e FIV. O poliparasitismo registrado em gatos errantes do Centro-Oeste brasileiro deve ser considerado nas estratégias de controle de zoonoses. Além disso, gatos errantes de Campo Grande podem ser fontes de infecção de FIV, FeLV e P. illiciens para populações de gatos domiciliados.(AU)

Platynosomum illiciens (Trematoda: Dicrocoeliidae) in a hybrid marmoset (Callithrix sp.) in the Municipality of Seropédica, RJ, Brazil - Case report.

Platynosomum illiciens is a liver trematode encountered infecting mainly felids although it has also been reported in birds and in additional mammalian species, including non-human primates. The current study reports a natural P. illiciens infection primate of the genus Callithrix. The diagnosis was made using a combination of copro-parasitological techniques, morphological evaluation of adult specimens recovered from the liver during necropsy, and molecular analyses. Eggs were brown in color, oval, operculated, and contained a miracidium. Adult specimens recovered during necropsy were measured and showed dimensions compatible with P. illiciens. Molecular characterization of the trematode involved amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), in combination with nucleotide sequencing, of an approximately 900 base pairs fragment corresponding to 18S-ITS1-5.8S ribosomal DNA. Sequenced amplicons showed 100% nucleotide identity with sequences deposited in the GenBank database as derived from specimens of P. illiciens recovered from cats in Malaysia and Brazil. It was concluded that the morphological and molecular analyses presented herein, confirmed the identification of the trematode recovered as P. illiciens.

Interrelationships of Anenterotrema (Digenea: Dicrocoeliidae) from Neotropical bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) with description of a new species from Molossus molossus in Brazil.

Anenterotrema is a small genus of dicrocoeliids (Digenea: Dicrocoeliidae) containing 6 species found in Neotropical bats. Members of this genus are characterized by the lack of digestive system organs and, unlike the majority of dicrocoeliids, parasitize the intestine of their definitive hosts. In this study, we have morphologically examined newly collected specimens belonging to four species of Anenterotrema from Brazil, Ecuador, and Panama. Based on the data in original descriptions and our analysis of quality new specimens, we resurrected Anenterotrema freitasi, previously synonymized with A. eduardocaballeroi. We also described a new species of Anenterotrema from Molossus molossus in the Brazilian Amazon. The new species differs from congeners in several morphological features, most prominently in the size and structure of its highly muscular, protuberant ventral sucker. It is also characterized by the lack of the semi-circular thickening of the tegument around the oral sucker typical for some members of the genus. We used partial DNA sequences of the large ribosomal subunit gene (28S) and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (cox1) to test the monophyly of Anenterotrema, and study the interrelationships and determine the inter- and intraspecific variation of three Anenterotrema spp. collected from different bat species in Brazil, Ecuador and Panama.

Platinossomose em felino doméstico no município de Pelotas, RS, Brasil / Platinosomosis in feline domestic in the municipality of Pelotas, RS, Brazil / Platinosomosis en felinos domésticos en el municipio de Pelotas, RS, Brasil

Platynosomum spp. é um trematódeo, da família Dicrocoeliidae, que tem como hospedeiros definitivos, os felídeos, mas também pode parasitar primatas e aves silvestres. Animais que possuem o hábito de se alimentar de répteis ou anfíbios, são mais susceptíveis. Acomete principalmente o fígado e os ductos biliares, mas pode ser eventualmente encontrado também no intestino delgado, ductos pancreáticos, pulmões e outros tecidos. A fisiopatologia inclui quadro de colangite crônica, podendo se estender e acometer o parênquima hepático e culminar com colangiohepatite, fibrose biliar, cirrose e obstrução biliar. Os sinais clínicos variam conforme a gravidade do caso e duração da infecção. As manifestações clínicas incluem anorexia, letargia, perda de peso, hepatomegalia, distensão abdominal e vômitos, podendo ocorrer, ainda, icterícia e alteração de consistência das fezes. Os gatos adultos, não domiciliados ou domiciliados com acesso à rua que possuem hábitos de caça, são mais predispostos. O diagnóstico definitivo pode ser feito pela pesquisa parasitológica e presença de ovos em análise coproparasitológica, pela identificação de ovos na bile e mais frequentemente por histopatologia hepática. O tratamento consiste no uso de anti-helmínticos, sendo que o mais eficaz é o praziquantel. Além disso, medidas preventivas devem ser adotadas, como evitar que os gatos tenham acesso aos hospedeiros intermediários. O presente relato, consiste no diagnóstico coproparasitológico de platinossomose em dois felinos domésticos, no município de Pelotas, RS, Brasil.(AU)

Platynosomumspp. is a trematode, from the family Dicrocoeliidae, which has felids as its definitive host, but can also parasite primates and wild birds. Animals that have a habit of feeding on reptiles or amphibians are more susceptible. It mainly affects the liver and bile ducts, but it can eventually be found also in the small intestine, pancreatic ducts, lungs and other tissues. Pathophysiology includes chronic cholangitis, which may extend and affect the liver parenchyma and culminate in cholangiohepatitis, biliary fibrosis, cirrhosis and biliary obstruction. Clinical signs vary according to the severity of the case and the duration of the infection. Clinical manifestations include anorexia, lethargy, weight loss, hepatomegaly, bloating and vomiting, and jaundice and alteration of stool consistency may also occur. Adult cats, homeless or homeless with access to the street who have hunting habits, are more predisposed. The definitive diagnosis can be made through parasitological research and presence of eggs in coproparasitological analysis, by identifying eggs in the bile and more often through hepatic histopathology. Treatment consists of the use of anthelmintics, the most effective of which is praziquantel. In addition, preventive measures must be adopted, such as preventing cats from having access to intermediate hosts. The present report consists of the coproparasitological diagnosis of platinosomosis in two domestic cats, in the municipality of Pelotas, RS, Brazil.(AU)

Platynosomum spp. es un trematodo, de la familia Dicrocoeliidae, que tiene a los felinos como hospedadores definitivos, pero también puede parasitar primates y aves silvestres. Los animales que tienen la costumbre de alimentarse de reptiles o anfibios, sonmás susceptibles. Afecta principalmente al hígado y los conductos biliares, pero eventualmente también se puede encontrar en el intestino delgado, los conductos pancreáticos, los pulmones y otros tejidos. La fisiopatología incluye la colangitis crónica, que puede extenderse y afectar el parénquima hepático y culminar en colangiohepatitis, fibrosis biliar, cirrosis y obstrucción biliar. Los signos clínicos varían según la gravedad del caso y la duración de la infección. Las manifestaciones clínicas incluyen anorexia, letargo, pérdida de peso, hepatomegalia, distensión abdominal y vómitos, e ictericia y alteración de la consistencia de las heces. Los gatos adultos, sin hogar o sin hogar con acceso a la calle que tienen hábitos de caza, están más predispuestos. El diagnóstico definitivo se puede realizar mediante la investigación parasitológica y la presencia de huevos en el análisis coproparasitológico, mediante la identificación de los huevos en la bilis y más a menudo mediante la histopatología hepática. El tratamiento consiste en el uso de antihelmínticos, el más eficaz de los cuales es el praziquantel. Además, se deben adoptar medidas preventivas, como evitar que los gatos tengan acceso a huéspedes intermediarios. El presente informe consiste en el diagnóstico coproparasitológico de platinosomosa en dos gatos domésticos, en el municipio de Pelotas, RS, Brasil.(AU)

Platinossomose em felino doméstico no município de Pelotas, RS, Brasil / Platinosomosis in feline domestic in the municipality of Pelotas, RS, Brazil / Platinosomosis en felinos domésticos en el municipio de Pelotas, RS, Brasil

Platynosomum spp. é um trematódeo, da família Dicrocoeliidae, que tem como hospedeiros definitivos, os felídeos, mas também pode parasitar primatas e aves silvestres. Animais que possuem o hábito de se alimentar de répteis ou anfíbios, são mais susceptíveis. Acomete principalmente o fígado e os ductos biliares, mas pode ser eventualmente encontrado também no intestino delgado, ductos pancreáticos, pulmões e outros tecidos. A fisiopatologia inclui quadro de colangite crônica, podendo se estender e acometer o parênquima hepático e culminar com colangiohepatite, fibrose biliar, cirrose e obstrução biliar. Os sinais clínicos variam conforme a gravidade do caso e duração da infecção. As manifestações clínicas incluem anorexia, letargia, perda de peso, hepatomegalia, distensão abdominal e vômitos, podendo ocorrer, ainda, icterícia e alteração de consistência das fezes. Os gatos adultos, não domiciliados ou domiciliados com acesso à rua que possuem hábitos de caça, são mais predispostos. O diagnóstico definitivo pode ser feito pela pesquisa parasitológica e presença de ovos em análise coproparasitológica, pela identificação de ovos na bile e mais frequentemente por histopatologia hepática. O tratamento consiste no uso de anti-helmínticos, sendo que o mais eficaz é o praziquantel. Além disso, medidas preventivas devem ser adotadas, como evitar que os gatos tenham acesso aos hospedeiros intermediários. O presente relato, consiste no diagnóstico coproparasitológico de platinossomose em dois felinos domésticos, no município de Pelotas, RS, Brasil.

Platynosomumspp. is a trematode, from the family Dicrocoeliidae, which has felids as its definitive host, but can also parasite primates and wild birds. Animals that have a habit of feeding on reptiles or amphibians are more susceptible. It mainly affects the liver and bile ducts, but it can eventually be found also in the small intestine, pancreatic ducts, lungs and other tissues. Pathophysiology includes chronic cholangitis, which may extend and affect the liver parenchyma and culminate in cholangiohepatitis, biliary fibrosis, cirrhosis and biliary obstruction. Clinical signs vary according to the severity of the case and the duration of the infection. Clinical manifestations include anorexia, lethargy, weight loss, hepatomegaly, bloating and vomiting, and jaundice and alteration of stool consistency may also occur. Adult cats, homeless or homeless with access to the street who have hunting habits, are more predisposed. The definitive diagnosis can be made through parasitological research and presence of eggs in coproparasitological analysis, by identifying eggs in the bile and more often through hepatic histopathology. Treatment consists of the use of anthelmintics, the most effective of which is praziquantel. In addition, preventive measures must be adopted, such as preventing cats from having access to intermediate hosts. The present report consists of the coproparasitological diagnosis of platinosomosis in two domestic cats, in the municipality of Pelotas, RS, Brazil.

Platynosomum spp. es un trematodo, de la familia Dicrocoeliidae, que tiene a los felinos como hospedadores definitivos, pero también puede parasitar primates y aves silvestres. Los animales que tienen la costumbre de alimentarse de reptiles o anfibios, sonmás susceptibles. Afecta principalmente al hígado y los conductos biliares, pero eventualmente también se puede encontrar en el intestino delgado, los conductos pancreáticos, los pulmones y otros tejidos. La fisiopatología incluye la colangitis crónica, que puede extenderse y afectar el parénquima hepático y culminar en colangiohepatitis, fibrosis biliar, cirrosis y obstrucción biliar. Los signos clínicos varían según la gravedad del caso y la duración de la infección. Las manifestaciones clínicas incluyen anorexia, letargo, pérdida de peso, hepatomegalia, distensión abdominal y vómitos, e ictericia y alteración de la consistencia de las heces. Los gatos adultos, sin hogar o sin hogar con acceso a la calle que tienen hábitos de caza, están más predispuestos. El diagnóstico definitivo se puede realizar mediante la investigación parasitológica y la presencia de huevos en el análisis coproparasitológico, mediante la identificación de los huevos en la bilis y más a menudo mediante la histopatología hepática. El tratamiento consiste en el uso de antihelmínticos, el más eficaz de los cuales es el praziquantel. Además, se deben adoptar medidas preventivas, como evitar que los gatos tengan acceso a huéspedes intermediarios. El presente informe consiste en el diagnóstico coproparasitológico de platinosomosa en dos gatos domésticos, en el municipio de Pelotas, RS, Brasil.

Eurytrema coelomaticum natural infection in small ruminants: a neglected condition.

Pancreatic eurytrematosis (PE) is an under diagnosed and neglected parasitosis in goats and sheep in the Americas. Clinical and pathological features of PE are not well defined in small ruminants worldwide. Natural cases of PE in small ruminants were detected in the Federal District, Brazil. A survey of necropsy records, including epidemiological and clinicopathological data, in goats and sheep was conducted. Most cases of PE occurred during the rainy season in adult females, with an incidence of 12.9% in goats and 0.8% in sheep. Clinical signs varied from asymptomatic infections to anorexia, lethargy, weakness, marked weight loss and death in some goats. Overall, most cases of PE in goats and sheep were incidental necropsy findings with minor pancreatic lesions. Three goats, however, showed severe chronic pancreatitis, dilation of major pancreatic ducts with numerous trematodes present and marked abdominal fat necrosis. Morphological and molecular characterization of flukes detected Eurytrema coelomaticum. Our findings shed light on the prevalence of E. coelomaticum infections in small ruminants in the region and highlight the possibility of severe and lethal cases in goats. PE must be further investigated in small ruminant populations in relevant livestock production regions of the Americas.

Anatomopathological lesions of infection caused by Platynosomum illiciens (Braun, 1901) in Neotropical primates kept in captivity.

This study described the hepatobiliary anatomopathological lesions associated with trematode Platynosomum illiciens parasitism in Neotropical primates kept in captivity. In the evaluated organs, we observed portal fibrosis, biliary epithelial hyperplasia, and inflammatory reaction with a predominance of lymphocytes and plasmocytes, and in some cases infiltration of eosinophils and neutrophils.

Treatment of primate platynosomosis: A word of caution about the use of praziquantel in marmosets.

BACKGROUND: The successive reports of Platynosomum illiciens in Neotropical captive primates have increased interest in platynosomosis; however, its treatment is little known. METHODS: Callithrix penicillata (n = 10) naturally and chronically infected with P. illiciens were treated with praziquantel (25 mg/kg BW, three s.c. doses at 24 hours intervals), and coproparasitological tests performed over 67 days. The proportions of primates with a reduction in fecal egg counts (FEC) or negative results progressively increased after treatment, and at the last fecal tests, marmosets were negative. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Although all primates tolerated the initial days of study well, 40% (4/10) of them died between the 8th and 16th days after the onset of treatment. Clinical signs and necropsies indicated the occurrence of hepatic involvement, biliary obstruction, and cholangitis. Marmosets with a higher previous FEC were more likely to die after treatment. Use of praziquantel should be considered carefully on a case-by-case basis.

Platynosomum illiciens (Trematoda: Dicrocoeliidae) in a hybrid marmoset (Callithrix sp.) in the Municipality of Seropédica, RJ, Brazil - Case report / Platynosomum illiciens (Trematoda: Dicrocoeliidae) em um sagui híbrido (Callithrix sp.) no município de Seropédica, RJ, Brasil - Relato de caso

Abstract Platynosomum illiciens is a liver trematode encountered infecting mainly felids although it has also been reported in birds and in additional mammalian species, including non-human primates. The current study reports a natural P. illiciens infection primate of the genus Callithrix. The diagnosis was made using a combination of copro-parasitological techniques, morphological evaluation of adult specimens recovered from the liver during necropsy, and molecular analyses. Eggs were brown in color, oval, operculated, and contained a miracidium. Adult specimens recovered during necropsy were measured and showed dimensions compatible with P. illiciens. Molecular characterization of the trematode involved amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), in combination with nucleotide sequencing, of an approximately 900 base pairs fragment corresponding to 18S-ITS1-5.8S ribosomal DNA. Sequenced amplicons showed 100% nucleotide identity with sequences deposited in the GenBank database as derived from specimens of P. illiciens recovered from cats in Malaysia and Brazil. It was concluded that the morphological and molecular analyses presented herein, confirmed the identification of the trematode recovered as P. illiciens.

Resumo Platynosomum illiciens é um trematódeo do fígado, encontrado principalmente em felinos, embora também tenha sido relatado em aves e outras espécies de mamíferos, incluindo primatas não humanos. Este estudo relata um caso de parasitismo natural por P. illiciens em um primata do gênero Callithrix. O diagnóstico foi feito com uma combinação de técnicas coproparasitológicas, avaliação morfológica de espécimes adultos recuperados do fígado durante a necropsia e análise molecular. Os ovos eram de cor marrom, ovais, operculados e continham um miracídio. Espécimes adultos recuperados durante a necropsia foram medidos e mostraram dimensões compatíveis com P. illiciens. A caracterização molecular do trematódeo envolveu a reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) e o sequenciamento de um fragmento de, aproximadamente, 900 pares de bases correspondentes ao DNA robosomal 18S-ITS1-5.8S, que apresentou 100% de identidade da sequência de nucleotídeos com as sequências do GenBank depositadas como derivadas de P. illiciens recuperados de gatos na Malásia e no Brasil, respectivamente. Concluiu-se pelas análises morfológicas e moleculares aqui apresentadas, que o trematódeo é da espécie P. illiciens.

Morphological and molecular evidence reveals a new species of Lyperosomum Looss, 1899 (Digenea: Dicrocoeliidae) from Melanerpes aurifrons (Wagler, 1829) from northern Mexico.

A new species of the genus Lyperosomum Looss, 1899, from the intestine of the golden-fronted woodpecker (Melanerpes aurifrons) from northern Mexico is described. Lyperosomum cuauhxinqui sp. n. is morphologically distinguished from other congeneric species from the Americas by a higher oral/ventral sucker ratio and its body length and width. The sequences of domains D1-D3 of the large subunit (LSU) of nuclear ribosomal DNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox 1) from the mitochondrial DNA of the new species were obtained and compared with available sequences from GenBank. The genetic divergence estimated between the new species and other congeneric species ranged from 2 to 6% and 13.4 to 17.3% for LSU and cox 1, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses based on the two (LSU and cox 1) molecular markers consistently showed that L. cuauhxinqui sp. n. was nested within the genus Lyperosomum, with strong bootstrap support (100%) and Bayesian posterior probabilities (1.0). In particular, the LSU tree indicated that the sequence of the new species is closely related to sequences from Zonorchis alveyi, Zonorchis delectans and Zonorchis sp. from Central America, suggesting that these sequences should be transferred to the genus Lyperosomum. The new species represents the first record from Mexico and the fifth species identified in the Americas. Our study also revealed that the taxonomy of the genus Lyperosomum should be re-examined by combining molecular, morphological and ecological characteristics.

New dicrocoeliid digeneans from mammals in Ecuador including a highly genetically divergent new genus from an ancient marsupial lineage.

The Dicrocoeliidae is a highly diverse and broadly distributed family of digeneans typically parasitic in the gall bladder and liver of their tetrapod hosts. So far, no study has reported dicrocoeliids, or any digeneans, from the ancient marsupial family Caenolestidae. Herein, we describe a new genus of dicrocoeliids (Otongatrema n. gen.) from Tate's shrew opossum Caenolestes fuliginosus and a new species of Metadelphis (Metadelphis cesartapiai n. sp.) from a phyllostomid bat Anoura peruana collected in Ecuador. Otongatrema can be readily distinguished from the morphologically closest dicrocoeliid genera Concinnum, Conspicuum and Canaania based on the position of the genital pore, distribution/position of the uterus and extent of vitellarium. Metadelphis cesartapiai can be easily differentiated from other Metadelphis spp. based on a combination of morphological characters including body shape and size, distribution of vitellarium, shape of the gonads as well as size of suckers and cirrus sac. In addition, we used newly generated partial sequences of the nuclear 28S rRNA gene and mitochondrial cox1 genes to examine phylogenetic affinities of the new taxa within the Dicrocoeliidae. Both the 28S and cox1 phylogenies confidently positioned Otongatrema as a sister/basal group to all other dicrocoeliids sequenced so far. The phylogenetic position of Otongatrema may be explained by a close co-evolutionary relationship with Caenolestidae, one of the most basal and most ancient groups of marsupials. In addition, our 28S phylogeny provides evidence that the complete or partial loss of intestinal structures has likely occurred independently at least 3 times in the evolutionary history of the Dicrocoeliidae.

Dicrocoeliidae Family: Major Species Causing Veterinary Diseases.

This chapter analyses the taxonomic position of Dicrocoeliidae family and several of its genus and species. The biology of the major species causing veterinary diseases such Dicrocoelium dendriticum, Dicrocoelium hospes, Dicrocoelium chinensis, Eurytrema pancreaticum and Platynosomum fastosum, has been reviewed. All these species have an indirect life cycle, involving two intermediate hosts (molluscs as first and ants, grasshoppers and lizards as second). Dicrocoelium dendriticum is a very widespread hepatic trematode in the ruminants of many countries in Europe, Asia, North Africa and North America, even affecting humans. Dicrocoelium hospes is widely distributed in the savanna areas of Africa south of the Sahara, whilst D. chinensis has mainly been found in ruminants in East Asia and some European countries (probably imported from Asia). Eurytrema pancreaticum is a common parasite whose adults live in ruminant bile ducts, gall bladder, pancreatic ducts and intestines in Europe, Madagascar, Asia and South America. Adult P. fastosum live in the liver, gall bladder and pancreas of birds and mammals in Europe, Africa, Asia, North, Central and South America. Information about the epidemiology, pathology, clinical aspect, diagnosis, treatment, control, prevention and economic impact mainly of Dicrocoeliosis produced by D. dendriticum, as well as of Eurytrematodosis and Platynosomiosis, has been included.

A new species of Metadelphis Travassos, 1944 (Digenea: Dicrocoeliidae) from the gall-bladder of Molossus molossus (Pallas) (Chiroptera: Molossidae) in the Brazilian eastern Amazon.

Metadelphis tkachi n. sp. is described based on material from the gall-bladder of Molossus molossus (Pallas) (Chiroptera: Molossidae) in the Brazilian eastern Amazon. The main differentiating characters of the new species include lobed, tandem testes and elongated clusters of vitelline follicles commencing at the level of the seminal receptacle. The new species can be distinguished from Metadelphis lenti (Santos & Gibson, 1998) and Metadelphis apharyngotrema (Marshall & Miller, 1979) by the shape and position of the testes; from Metadelphis evandroi Travassos, 1944 by having tandem, lobed testes and shorter clusters of vitelline follicles; from Metadelphis compactus Travassos, 1955 by having tandem testes and more elongated clusters of vitelline follicles, and from Metadelphis alverangai Travassos, 1955 by having smaller testes and body, and vitellarium with large follicles. New morphological data are reported for M. lenti based on light and scanning electron microscopy; intraspecific variation was observed.