Gastrointestinal Helminths in Wild Felids in the Cerrado and Pantanal: Zoonotic Bioindicators in Important Brazilian Biomes.

Environmental changes in the Brazilian Pantanal and Cerrado facilitate the spread of parasitic diseases in wildlife, with significant implications for public health owing to their zoonotic potential. This study aimed to examine the occurrence and diversity of gastrointestinal parasites in wild felids within these regions to assess their ecological and health impacts. We collected and analyzed helminth-positive samples from 27 wild felids using specific taxonomic keys. Diverse parasitic taxa were detected, including zoonotic helminths, such as Ancylostoma braziliense, Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma pluridentatum, Toxocara cati, Toxocara canis, Dipylidium caninum, Taenia spp., Echinococcus spp., and Spirometra spp. Other nematodes, such as Physaloptera praeputialis and Physaloptera anomala, were identified, along with acanthocephalans from the genus Oncicola and a trematode, Neodiplostomum spp. (potentially the first record of this parasite in wild felids in the Americas). Human encroachment into natural habitats has profound effects on wild populations, influencing parasitic infection rates and patterns. This study underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and research on parasitic infections as a means of safeguarding both wildlife and human populations and highlights the role of wild felids as bioindicators of environmental health.

Helminth community of Nectomys squamipes naturally infected by Schistosoma mansoni in an endemic area in Brazil: A comparison of 22 years apart.

The municipality of Sumidouro in the state of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil, is considered an area with low endemicity of Schistosoma mansoni. In this municipality, the wild water rat Nectomys squamipes is a wild reservoir of S. mansoni. A helminth community survey was carried out on N. squamipes populations in Sumidouro from 1997 to 1999. In the present study, we compared the helminth fauna and the helminth community structure of N. squamipes with a recent survey after a 22-year time interval, considering that the prevalence of S. mansoni infection in humans remained stable and that the area showed the same environmental characteristics. Seventy-three host specimens of N. squamipes collected between 1997 and 1999 and 21 specimens collected in 2021 were analyzed in this study. Seven helminth species were found in each collection period. The nematode Syphacia evaginata was recorded for the first time in N. squamipes in 2021. Syphacia venteli was the most abundant species in both periods and the most prevalent in 2021. During the period from 1997 to 1999, the most prevalent species was Hassalstrongylus epsilon. Significant differences in prevalence and abundance in relation to host sex were observed only for S. mansoni in 1997-1999. Significant differences in the abundance of the helminth species over time were observed only in Physaloptera bispiculata. Hassalstrongylus epsilon, S. venteli and S. mansoni were the dominant species in both periods. Litomosoides chagasfilhoi, Echinostoma paraensei paraensei and P. bispiculata became dominant, codominant and subordinate, respectively, over time. In conclusion, the helminth community of N. squamipes remained stable, with similar species richness, prevalence and abundance values and low beta-diversity over time. The occurrence of S. mansoni in the water rat has remained stable for decades, highlighting its importance for schistosomiasis control.

First report of the intestinal helminth community in the broad-headed spiny-rat Clyomys laticeps (Rodentia, Echimyidae).

The broad-headed spiny rat, Clyomys laticeps, is an echimyid rodent found in open areas of Cerrado and Pantanal biomes in central Brazil and Paraguay. Little is known about the parasites associated with this semi-fossorial species, as no previous studies have been conducted on their helminth fauna. The aim of this study was to report the helminth community structure of C. laticeps inhabiting Serra de Caldas Novas State Park, a Cerrado area in central Brazil. Trappings were carried out in dry grasslands from January to October 2016, and the large and small intestines of 14 C. laticeps individuals were examined for the presence of helminths. Three nematode species were found: Fuellebornema almeidai, Pterygodermatites (Paucipectines) sp., and Subulura forcipata, and 85.7% of the studied species were infected with at least one of these helminths. F. almeidai was the most prevalent species among hosts, and S. forcipata was the most abundant. This study is the first report on helminth community structure in C. laticeps. We report a new host species and increase the known geographical range of F. almeidai, and provide the first record of Pterygodermatites (Paucipectines) sp. infecting echimyids. This is also the first report of S. forcipata in a mammal host.

First report of the intestinal helminth community in the broad-headed spiny-rat Clyomys laticeps (Rodentia, Echimyidae) / Primeiro registro da comunidade de helmintos intestinais do rato de espinho Clyomys laticeps (Rodentia, Echymyidae)

The broad-headed spiny rat, Clyomys laticeps, is an echimyid rodent found in open areas of Cerrado and Pantanal biomes in central Brazil and Paraguay. Little is known about the parasites associated with this semi-fossorial species, as no previous studies have been conducted on their helminth fauna. The aim of this study was to report the helminth community structure of C. laticeps inhabiting Serra de Caldas Novas State Park, a Cerrado area in central Brazil. Trappings were carried out in dry grasslands from January to October 2016, and the large and small intestines of 14 C. laticeps individuals were examined for the presence of helminths. Three nematode species were found: Fuellebornema almeidai, Pterygodermatites (Paucipectines) sp., and Subulura forcipata, and 85.7% of the studied species were infected with at least one of these helminths. F. almeidai was the most prevalent species among hosts, and S. forcipata was the most abundant. This study is the first report on helminth community structure in C. laticeps. We report a new host species and increase the known geographical range of F. almeidai, and provide the first record of Pterygodermatites (Paucipectines) sp. infecting echimyids. This is also the first report of S. forcipata in a mammal host.(AU)

Clyomys laticeps é um roedor equimídeo encontrado em áreas abertas dos biomas Cerrado e Pantanal, ao longo do Brasil central e Paraguai. Essa espécie apresenta hábitos semi-fossoriais e atividade noturna. Até o momento, não existem estudos sobre seus parasitas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever a comunidade de helmintos encontrados em C. laticeps, capturados no Parque Estadual da Serra de Caldas Novas, uma área de Cerrado no Brasil Central. Os indivíduos foram capturados em área de campo sujo entre janeiro e outubro de 2016. Os intestinos delgado e grosso de 14 roedores foram examinados quanto à presença de helmintos. Três espécies de nematoides foram encontradas: Fuellebornema almeidai, Pterygodermatites (Paucipectines) sp. e Subulura forcipata. Considerando-se as três espécies, 85,7% dos roedores apresentaram pelo menos um helminto. F. almeidai foi a espécie mais prevalente, enquanto Subulura forcipata foi a mais abundante. Este estudo é o primeiro registro da estrutura da comunidade de helmintos para C. laticeps. Como resultado, foi registrado um novo hospedeiro e o aumento da área de distribuição geográfica para o nematódeo F. almeidai e o primeiro caso de Pterygodermatites (Paucipectines) sp. infectando um roedor equimídeo. Além disso, este estudo também traz o primeiro registro de S. forcipata infectando um mamífero.(AU)

Monitoramento dos pontos críticos relativos à biossegurança, barreiras sanitárias e macroambiente do biotério de experimentação do pavilhão Leônidas Deane - IOC/FIOCRUZ / /The monitoring of biosecurity, sanitary barriers and the macro-environmental critical points in the animal experimentation facilities of the Leônidas Dane Pavilion - 10C/FIOCRUZ

Objetivou-se com esse estudo a realização do monitoramento dos pontos críticos de biossegurança, macroambiente e das barreiras sanitárias existentes no Biotério de Experimentação do Pavilhão Leônidas Deane (IOC/Fiocruz). Em um primeiro momento foi efetuado o levantamento do fluxo de trabalho do biotério, onde identificada a rotina dos trabalhos desenvolvidos e os respectivos riscos envolvidos nessas atividades. Adicionalmente, os parâmetros de macroambiente foram padronizados e monitorados para a espécie utilizada (Mus musculus). Diariamente os técnicos do biotério verificaram os referidos parâmetros e certificaram a manutenção da integridade das barreiras sanitárias de esterilização e descontaminação, através da autoclavação. Os camundongos foram mantidos em racks ventilados (com lotação máxima de 05 animais por microisolador). A temperatura da sala dos animais era 21 ± 1°C, com fotoperíodo controlado por timer (ciclo de 12h claro/escuro). As partes mecânicas da autoclave e dos racks ventilados foram revisados mensalmente por empresas especializadas e quando necessário, as peças eram prontamente substituídas. Naquele momento, os ruídos emitidos por tais equipamentos eram verificados e não foram superiores a 60dB. Os potenciais riscos físicos, químicos, biológicos e ergonômicos foram encontrados no fluxo de trabalho do biotério. A identificação e o monitoramento dos riscos, na rotina dos trabalhos executados, são de fundamental importância para propor medidas preventivas e corretivas necessárias. Além disso, a manutenção das condições de macroambiente, específica para as espécies utilizadas como modelos experimentais, é um dos quesitos que confere bem estar aos animais, gerando, consequentemente, resultados ezperimentais confiáveis e reprodutíveis.

The aim of this study is to monitor the performance of Biosecurity, Macro-environment and the Sanitary Barriers that exist in the animal experimentation facilities of the Leônidas Dean Pavilion (IOC/Fiocruz); At first a survey was mae of the animal experimentation facilities workflow, where we identified the work routine and the risks involved therein. Additionaly the macro-environment parameters were standardized and monitored for the species used (Mus musculus). Every day the staff verified these parameters and certified the integrity of the sanitary barriers as quell as decontamination and sterilization by autoclaving. The mice were maintained in ventilated racks (with maximum capacity of 05 animals per microisolador). The animal room temperature was 21 ± 1°C with a time controlled photoperiod (12h cycle of light/dark). The mechanical parts of the autoclave and ventilated racks were reviewed monthly by specialized companies and when necessary, the parts were readily replaced. At this point, the noise emitted by such equipment were checked and found not hogher than 60dB. Potential physical, chemical, biological and ergonomic risks were found in the animal experimentation facilities workflow. The identification and monitoring of risks in the worl rouine are essential in order to propose proventive measures and corrective actions. Furthermore, maintaining, is one of the requirements for the well bring of the animals, which consequently generates, reliable and reproducible experimental results.

Monitoramento dos pontos críticos relativos à biossegurança, barreiras sanitárias e macroambiente do biotério de experimentação do pavilhão Leônidas Deane - IOC/FIOCRUZ / /The monitoring of biosecurity, sanitary barriers and the macro-environmental critical points in the animal experimentation facilities of the Leônidas Dane Pavilion - 10C/FIOCRUZ

Objetivou-se com esse estudo a realização do monitoramento dos pontos críticos de biossegurança, macroambiente e das barreiras sanitárias existentes no Biotério de Experimentação do Pavilhão Leônidas Deane (IOC/Fiocruz). Em um primeiro momento foi efetuado o levantamento do fluxo de trabalho do biotério, onde identificada a rotina dos trabalhos desenvolvidos e os respectivos riscos envolvidos nessas atividades. Adicionalmente, os parâmetros de macroambiente foram padronizados e monitorados para a espécie utilizada (Mus musculus). Diariamente os técnicos do biotério verificaram os referidos parâmetros e certificaram a manutenção da integridade das barreiras sanitárias de esterilização e descontaminação, através da autoclavação. Os camundongos foram mantidos em racks ventilados (com lotação máxima de 05 animais por microisolador). A temperatura da sala dos animais era 21 ± 1°C, com fotoperíodo controlado por timer (ciclo de 12h claro/escuro). As partes mecânicas da autoclave e dos racks ventilados foram revisados mensalmente por empresas especializadas e quando necessário, as peças eram prontamente substituídas. Naquele momento, os ruídos emitidos por tais equipamentos eram verificados e não foram superiores a 60dB. Os potenciais riscos físicos, químicos, biológicos e ergonômicos foram encontrados no fluxo de trabalho do biotério. A identificação e o monitoramento dos riscos, na rotina dos trabalhos executados, são de fundamental importância para propor medidas preventivas e corretivas necessárias. Além disso, a manutenção das condições de macroambiente, específica para as espécies utilizadas como modelos experimentais, é um dos quesitos que confere bem estar aos animais, gerando, consequentemente, resultados ezperimentais confiáveis e reprodutíveis.(AU)

The aim of this study is to monitor the performance of Biosecurity, Macro-environment and the Sanitary Barriers that exist in the animal experimentation facilities of the Leônidas Dean Pavilion (IOC/Fiocruz); At first a survey was mae of the animal experimentation facilities workflow, where we identified the work routine and the risks involved therein. Additionaly the macro-environment parameters were standardized and monitored for the species used (Mus musculus). Every day the staff verified these parameters and certified the integrity of the sanitary barriers as quell as decontamination and sterilization by autoclaving. The mice were maintained in ventilated racks (with maximum capacity of 05 animals per microisolador). The animal room temperature was 21 ± 1°C with a time controlled photoperiod (12h cycle of light/dark). The mechanical parts of the autoclave and ventilated racks were reviewed monthly by specialized companies and when necessary, the parts were readily replaced. At this point, the noise emitted by such equipment were checked and found not hogher than 60dB. Potential physical, chemical, biological and ergonomic risks were found in the animal experimentation facilities workflow. The identification and monitoring of risks in the worl rouine are essential in order to propose proventive measures and corrective actions. Furthermore, maintaining, is one of the requirements for the well bring of the animals, which consequently generates, reliable and reproducible experimental results.(AU)