Integrative taxonomy of Metastrongylus spp. in wild boars from Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Wild boars (Sus scrofa) may cause substantial damage to crops and can spread zoonotic parasites to domestic animals, posing a risk to health and animal production. Metastrongylus spp. can negatively affect the wild boar population, increasing piglet mortality. In addition to that, studies with Metastrongylus genetic characterization are still scarce in Brazil. The present study aims to characterize Metastrongylus spp. from wild boars hunted in the states of São Paulo, Paraná, and Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, using traditional morphological description and DNA sequences in an integrative taxonomic approach. METHODS: After nematode collection from 58 wild boars, the parasites were morphologically identified and genetically characterized by the amplification of 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA), 28S rDNA, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, and cox-1 mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Descriptors of infection were determined and Pearson's Chi-square test was applied to compare the prevalence of infections among the identified parasite species, host age group (juveniles and adults), and sex. The Mann-Whitney U test was performed to compare the mean intensity between the age groups and sex. RESULTS: Metastrongylus salmi, Metastrongylus apri, and Metastrongylus pudendotectus were identified in 77.6% (45/58) of the necropsied wild boars. Metastrongylus salmi was the most prevalent and abundant species (70.7%, 11.1), followed by M. pudendotectus (18.9%, 4.3) and M. apri (17.2%, 2.2). Metastrongylus pudendotectus showed the highest mean intensity and range (25.2, 1-93), followed by M. salmi (15.7, 1-58) and M. apri (12.6, 3-27). We found a significantly higher prevalence of Metastrongylus spp. and M. salmi in adult wild boars, probably associated with a more prolonged time of exposure to intermediate host species. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that ITS2 region and cox-1 mtDNA are the most suitable genetic markers for Metastrongylus species characterization. Genetic variability between M. apri and M. salmi isolates was verified. CONCLUSIONS: We expand the knowledge about the Metastrongylus community in the non-captive wild boar population from Brazil as well as the importance of this exotic species in the maintenance of Metastrongylus spp. in its areas of occurrence. The novel genetic sequences obtained may help further studies to understand the genetic diversity in other nematode populations from Brazil and other countries.

Comparative analysis of diagnostic methods and risk factors for Aelurostrongylus abstrusus infection in brazilian cats.

This study aimed to prospectively evaluate the risk factors of infection by Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in Brazilian cats with cough and/or radiographic changes, using as diagnostic tools the Baermann method (BM), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of feces, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and cytology. Forty-three cats that were presented with cough or lung radiographic abnormalities compatible with bronchoalveolar disease were included in the study. After clinical evaluation, feces samples were collected to investigate lungworm parasitism through BM and PCR. BALF was performed to provide samples for cytology, bacteriology, and fungal culture. Stool PCR was considered the gold standard for diagnosis tests, and the other methods were evaluated by their agreement. PCR presented 74% (32/43) of positivity for A. abstrusus, while in the BM, 41% (18/43) were positive. BM showed sensitivity of 56.25% and specificity of 100% when compared with PCR. No larva was found in the cytological evaluation of 21 BALF samples. Lungworm is an important cause of bronchopulmonary disease in domestic cats in Brazil and should be included as a differential diagnosis when a cat is presented with cough or radiographic abnormalities. BM is a sensitive, non-invasive, and cheap technique to diagnose the disease, but it is not as sensitive as PCR.

Occurrence of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in domestic cats in Vilhena, Rondônia, Brazil.

Aelurostrongylosis, caused by the metastrongylid nematode Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, is an underestimated feline respiratory disease. Cats infected by A. abstrusus may show subclinical to severe clinical signs. Aelurostrongylus abstrusus has a worldwide distribution. Nevertheless, studies on this parasite in Brazil are scarce, and most have been conducted in the southern regions. This study investigated the occurrence of A. abstrusus in cats in Vilhena, Rondônia, Brazil, from April 2020 to February 2021. Three consecutive individual fecal samples from 101 cats were examined using Baermann and Hoffman tests. Two cats (1.98%) scored positive for A. abstrusus, one with the Baermann examination, and one with the Hoffman technique. No other lungworms were retrieved. The clinicopathological and epizootiological implications are described and discussed.

Molecular detection of Metastrongylus salmi eggs from pigs in low-resource communities in the state of Piauí, northeastern Brazil.

Metastrongylosis is an infection of the respiratory tract of pigs caused by parasites of the genus Metastrongylus, whose eggs are similar to other Strongylida through light microscopy; species-specific identification can be performed with molecular tools. We explored the species composition and the genetic diversity of Metastrongylus infecting pigs in close contact with humans in impoverished rural communities in the state of Piauí, in northeastern Brazil. Fecal samples (n = 78) were collected for parasitologic tests. Egg morphometry and molecular characterization, using the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene, were performed. For strongyliform eggs, 62 of 78 (80%) pigs were positive and 6 of 99 (6%) eggs had dimensions compatible with Metastrongylus. Of the 37 samples submitted to PCR, 10 were identified as M. salmi. We found 3 M. salmi haplotypes, including 2 new and 1 described previously in Europe. Overall, M. salmi demonstrated lower intraspecific genetic diversity: diversity index (H) ± SD = 0.318 ± 0.164, n = 12, compared with published M. pudendotectus sequences (1.000 ± 0.272, n = 3). To our knowledge, M. salmi DNA sequences have not been published previously from pigs in South America.

The giant African snail Achatina (Lissachatina) fulica Bowdich, 1822 as an intermediate host of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (Railliet, 1898) in the Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil.

Aelurostrongylus abstrusus is a metastrongilid nematode that causes feline aelurostrongylosis. The adult life stage parasitizes the lungs of wild and domestic felids. Terrestrial mollusks act as its intermediate host, and birds, amphibians, and small mammals act as paratenic hosts. Aelurostrongylus abstrusus presents a worldwide distribution, and in Brazil it has been recorded in most states. The present study investigates the occurrence of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in terrestrial mollusks from urban areas of two out of the six Mesoregions of Rio de Janeiro state: Metropolitana and Centro Fluminense (46 municipalities). Larvae were recovered from the tissue of the mollusks collected during the surveys and identified based on morphology and sequences of the Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 (ITS2). In all, 2791 mollusks, belonging to 14 different species, were collected. Larvae of A. abstrusus were recovered from two species: Achatina fulica in 22 out of 46 municipalities, and from the slug Latipes erinaceus in 1 out of 46 municipalities. Aelurostrongylus abstrusus was recorded in half (50%) of the municipalities of the Metropolitana Mesoregion and in 44% of those of the Centro Fluminense Mesoregion. Results indicate a strong association between A. abstrusus and A. fulica, since 99% of the mollusks infected with A. abstrusus were A. fulica. This study recorded A. abstrusus in the Centro Fluminense Mesoregion and naturally parasitizing L. erinaceus for the first time. Despite the high number of mollusks infected with A. abstrusus and their wide distribution in Rio de Janeiro State, there are still few reports of infection in Brazilian felids, probably given that this is an under-diagnosed parasitosis in this country. Further studies in other regions of the Rio de Janeiro State, and other Brazilian States, focusing on intermediate and definitive hosts, particularly in the urban environments where they coexist, are needed. These studies will enable further understanding of the epidemiology and prevention of aelurostrongylosis.

Prevalence of Protostrongylus sp. in ruminants in a semi-arid region of Northeastern Brazil / [Prevalência de Protostrongylus sp. em ruminantes na região semiárida do nordeste do Brasil]

Objetivou-se neste estudo determinar a prevalência de vermes pulmonares em ruminantes do semiárido, nordeste do Brasil. Amostras fecais (n=429), de bovinos (n=219), caprinos (n=122) e ovinos (n=88) foram coletadas e laboratorialmente analisadas pela técnica de Baermann. Larvas de Protostrongylus sp. foram detectadas em 8,19% (10/122) dos caprinos. Elas apresentaram o comprimento médio de 351µm (±29,06µm) e largura média de 19µm (±1,46µm). Todos os animais positivos eram mantidos em sistema de criação semi-intensivo e não apresentavam sinais clínicos sugestivos da infecção por nematódeos pulmonares. Bovinos e ovinos foram negativos. Este estudo fornece dados sobre a infecção por parasitos pulmonares em caprinos de uma importante área de criação de pequenos ruminantes no Nordeste do Brasil, onde informações sobre esses parasitos são quase inexistentes. Apesar da ausência de sinais clínicos nos animais deste estudo, medidas sanitárias são preconizadas para prevenir a infecção por esses nematódeos e reduzir o impacto econômico que eles podem causar na produção pecuária.

Lungworms in ruminants from Brazil: A retrospective epidemiological study over four decades.

Lungworms such as Dictyocaulus spp. in cattle and small ruminants, and Muellerius capillaris and Protostrongylus rufescens in small ruminants are important pathogens, causing respiratory disease in these livestock species. Despite their veterinary importance, lungworms of livestock have been poorly studied in certain regions of the world, including Brazil. Therefore, much of their epidemiology and economic impacts on production remain unknown. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the historical and current data published on lungworm infection of domestic ruminants in Brazil. This review consisted of a comprehensive search of technical and scientific publications between January 1980 to December 2020, using online sources such as PubMed, Google Scholar and Scielo. Twenty-four articles published over the last 40 years reporting lungworms exclusively in cattle (n = 16), goats (n = 6) and sheep (n = 1) in Brazil were included. In addition, a study (n = 1) with both goats and sheep were also utilized. Overall, 12 studies were based only on post-mortem examination, five in the detection of specimens in fecal samples, and seven were based on fecal analysis followed by post-mortem examination. Out of all studies, 66.7% (n = 16) articles registered D. viviparus, 4.2% (n = 1) D. filaria, 8.3% (n = 2) P. rufescens, 16.7% (n = 4) M. capillaris, and 4.2% (n = 1) co-infection by D. filaria and M. capillaris. The existence of suitable environmental conditions, as well as intermediate and definitive hosts in Brazil contribute for the survival and development of these nematode species. The majority of the reports of lungworms originate from the Southern and Southeastern regions of the country, whose mild temperatures likely contribute to their occurrence. Finally, lungworms of ruminants have been reported over the past four decades in Brazil, but most of the information was obtained at post-mortem examination. Therefore, further studies to investigate epidemiological aspects in different hosts and regions of the country are needed.

Evaluation of terrestrial gastropods as possible intermediate hosts of Gurltia paralysans in southern Chile.

Gurltia paralysans is the causal agent of gurltiosis in domestic cats in South America. Although the life cycle of G. paralysans is unknown, it is thought that gastropods could act as intermediate hosts (IHs), as is the case for several nematodes in the Angiostrongylidae family. The aim of this study was to search for G. paralysans larvae in terrestrial gastropods and determine their role in the life cycle of this nematode species. Terrestrial gastropod samples (n=835) were collected in Punucapa, Valdivia, southern Chile, where cases of gurltiosis had been reported before. The samples included species from the families Arionidae, Limacidae, Helicidae and Milacidae. All gastropods were subjected to enzymatic digestion to isolate G. paralysans larvae. Ten percent of the gastropod samples were analyzed using seminested PCR targeting the 28S rRNA gene, while 2.6% were analyzed by histopathological examination. The results indicated the absence of G. paralysans when using any of the three methods. In conclusion, further studies are needed to evaluate specific species of aquatic or native gastropods acting as possible IHs (in this geographic location).

Evaluation of terrestrial gastropods as possible intermediate hosts of Gurltia paralysans in southern Chile / Avaliação de gastrópodes terrestres como possíveis hospedeiros intermediários de Gurltia paralysans no sul do Chile

Abstract Gurltia paralysans is the causal agent of gurltiosis in domestic cats in South America. Although the life cycle of G. paralysans is unknown, it is thought that gastropods could act as intermediate hosts (IHs), as is the case for several nematodes in the Angiostrongylidae family. The aim of this study was to search for G. paralysans larvae in terrestrial gastropods and determine their role in the life cycle of this nematode species. Terrestrial gastropod samples (n=835) were collected in Punucapa, Valdivia, southern Chile, where cases of gurltiosis had been reported before. The samples included species from the families Arionidae, Limacidae, Helicidae and Milacidae. All gastropods were subjected to enzymatic digestion to isolate G. paralysans larvae. Ten percent of the gastropod samples were analyzed using seminested PCR targeting the 28S rRNA gene, while 2.6% were analyzed by histopathological examination. The results indicated the absence of G. paralysans when using any of the three methods. In conclusion, further studies are needed to evaluate specific species of aquatic or native gastropods acting as possible IHs (in this geographic location).

Resumo Gurltia paralysans é o agente etiológico da gurltiose em gatos domésticos na América do Sul. Embora o ciclo biologico de G. paralysans seja desconhecido, provavelmente é indireto com gastrópodes atuando como hospedeiros intermediários (HIs), como no caso de vários nematoides da família Angiostrongylidae. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a presença de larvas de G. paralysans em gastrópodes terrestres para avaliar seu papel no ciclo de vida do parasito. Amostras de gastrópodes terrestres (n = 835) foram coletadas em Punucapa, Valdivia, sul do Chile, onde casos de gurltiose foram relatados anteriormente. As amostras incluíram espécies das famílias Arionidae, Limacidae, Helicidae e Milacidae. Todos os gastrópodes foram submetidos à digestão enzimática para isolar as larvas de G. paralysans. 10% das amostras foram analisadas, utilizando-se seminested PCR para o gen 28S RNAr de G. paralysans, enquanto 2,6% foram analisados ​​por exame histopatológico. Os resultados indicaram ausência de G. paralysans em todos os três métodos. Os dados permitem concluir que são necessários mais estudos para avaliar espécies específicas de gastrópodes aquáticos ou nativos, que atuam como possíveis hospedeiros intermediários nessa localização geográfica.

Additional characterization of the adult worm Mammomonogamus laryngeus (Railliet, 1899) and the tissue lesions caused by the infection in buffaloes.

Mammomonogamus spp. are parasites with curious characteristics, such as the "Y" shape that results from male and female maintaining the permanent copulation position and the controversial presence or absence of spicules. These nematodes are hematophagous and cause damage to the upper respiratory tracts of cattle, sheep, goats, deer, wild yaks, and orangutans. Human infection is rare and most cases until now have been in the Caribbean Islands or in Brazil, and mainly in farmworkers but recently there have been reports affecting tourists. In the present work, the parasites were recovered from the laryngopharynx and larynx region of Bubalus bubalis on the island of Marajó, Pará, Brazil. Different microscopy methodologies were applied (bright field, fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy) to explore the ultrastructural details of the anterior end, genital structures and the host tissue damage caused by the nematodes. The well-developed mouth is an important structure in the identification of these nematodes and used by the parasite to adhere to the host's tissue. Different methodologies in microscopy and molecular biology contributed to a detailed morphological description and showed the phenotypic position of Mammomonogamus laryngeus. Light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed details of the papillae, amphids, festoons, ribs, and teeth. Fluorescence microscopy enabled a detailed characterization of different structures, such as the bursal rays and SEM enabled the visualization of the specialized features of the cuticle surface in the male and female. Histopathological analyses, cryofracture and environmental SEM experiments of the infected tissues were carried out in order to investigate the lesions resultant from the parasitism. In addition, the parasite couples were submitted to cryofracture and these results revealed details of the reproductive structures of both sexes, including the male spicule.

The lungworm, Halocercus brasiliensis (Nematoda: Pseudaliidae), from Guiana Dolphins Sotalia guianensis from Brazil with Pathological Findings.

The Guiana dolphin, Sotalia guianensis, is a small cetacean species found on the Atlantic coast of Central and South America from Honduras to Santa Catarina State, Brazil. The nematode Halocercus brasiliensis infects this cetacean, resulting in lung pathologies and death. The present study aimed to conduct a morphological and morphometric study of specimens of H. brasiliensis collected from S. guianensis from the coast of the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. For this study, 7 dolphins were collected and examined for the presence of lung parasites. Nematodes were collected and processed for light microscopy, and lung fragments were processed for histological analysis. The nematodes were identified as H. brasiliensis according to their morphology and morphometry. The histopathological analysis revealed mineralization of the bronchiolar cartilage and inflammatory process. The parasitic infections by H. brasiliensis in S. guianensis can contribute to the debilitating status of these cetaceans, resulting in their stranding and accidental capture in fishing nets.

First report of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in St. Kitts.

A 4-month-old intact male domestic shorthair kitten living in St Kitts, West Indies presented with respiratory distress, cachexia, and mucopurulent nasal discharge. Thoracic radiographs revealed a diaphragmatic hernia. The diaphragmatic hernia as well as subpleural pulmonary nodules suspicious for verminous pneumonia were identified during a postmortem examination. Histology showed multifocal to coalescing pyogranulomatous and eosinophilic pneumonia centered on larvae and morulated eggs. The lesion and nematode morphology were consistent with Aelurostrongylus abstrusus. Although Aelurostrongylus abstrusus has been reported worldwide, this is the first report of a metastrongyloid lungworm in cats in St. Kitts and for the West Indies. This case report should increase the awareness of A. abstrusus pneumonia in cats from St. Kitts and other locations in the eastern Caribbean.

Verminose pulmonar em felino por Aelurostrongylus abstrusus - relato de caso / Pulmonary verminosis in feline by Aelurostrongylus abstrusus - case report

Among the possible pathologies that can affect the respiratory tract of the felines, are those caused by pulmonary parasites, especially Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, a nematode of the superfamily Metastrongyloidea, commonly called the pulmonary worm of the cat. Because of the common symptomatology of other respiratory diseases of different etiologies, a diagnosis error may occur. In this way, larval research through coproparasitological technique is of great importance. The objective of this report is to describe the case of a feline with aelurostrongilose, evidencing the diagnosis and treatment of it.

Dentre as possíveis patologias que podem acometer o trato respiratório dos felinos, estão as causadas por parasitos pulmonares, destacando-se o Aelurostrongylus abstrusus,  um nematódeo da superfamília Metastrongyloidea, comumente chamado de verme pulmonar do gato. Pelo fato de apresentar sintomatologia comum a outras doenças respiratórias, de diferentes etiologias, pode ocorrer erro de diagnóstico. Desta forma, a pesquisa de larvas através de técnica coproparasitológica é de grande importância. O objetivo deste relato é descrever o caso de um felino com aelurostrongilose, evidenciando o diagnóstico e o tratamento do mesmo.

Verminose pulmonar em felino por Aelurostrongylus abstrusus - relato de caso / Pulmonary verminosis in feline by Aelurostrongylus abstrusus - case report

Among the possible pathologies that can affect the respiratory tract of the felines, are those caused by pulmonary parasites, especially Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, a nematode of the superfamily Metastrongyloidea, commonly called the pulmonary worm of the cat. Because of the common symptomatology of other respiratory diseases of different etiologies, a diagnosis error may occur. In this way, larval research through coproparasitological technique is of great importance. The objective of this report is to describe the case of a feline with aelurostrongilose, evidencing the diagnosis and treatment of it.(AU)

Dentre as possíveis patologias que podem acometer o trato respiratório dos felinos, estão as causadas por parasitos pulmonares, destacando-se o Aelurostrongylus abstrusus,  um nematódeo da superfamília Metastrongyloidea, comumente chamado de verme pulmonar do gato. Pelo fato de apresentar sintomatologia comum a outras doenças respiratórias, de diferentes etiologias, pode ocorrer erro de diagnóstico. Desta forma, a pesquisa de larvas através de técnica coproparasitológica é de grande importância. O objetivo deste relato é descrever o caso de um felino com aelurostrongilose, evidenciando o diagnóstico e o tratamento do mesmo.(AU)

The invasive giant African snail Lissachatina fulica as natural intermediate host of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Angiostrongylus vasorum, Troglostrongylus brevior, and Crenosoma vulpis in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Several metastrongyloid lungworms are unreported pathogens in Colombia. Angiostrongylus vasorum and Crenosoma vulpis target the cardiopulmonary system of domestic and wild canids. Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and Troglostrongylus brevior infect felids and considering that six wild felid species exist in Colombia, knowledge of feline lungworm infections is important for their conservation. The zoonotic metastrongyloids Angiostrongylus costaricensis and Angiostrongylus cantonensis can cause severe gastrointestinal and neurological diseases. Angiostrongylus costaricensis has been reported in Colombia, while Ang. cantonensis is present in neighbouring countries. Research on the epidemiology of metastrongyloids in Colombia and South America more broadly requires evaluating the role that gastropods play as intermediate hosts in their life cycles. This study assessed the prevalence of metastrongyloid larvae in populations of the invasive giant African snail, Lissachatina fulica, in Colombia. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A total of 609 Lissachantina fulica were collected from 6 Colombian municipalities. The snails were then cryo-euthanized, artificially digested and the sediments examined microscopically for the presence of metastrongyloid larvae. Based on morphological characteristics 53.3% (56/107) of the snails from Puerto Leguízamo (Department of Putumayo) were infected with Ael. abstrusus larvae, 8.4% (9/107) with Ang. vasorum larvae, 6.5% (7/107) with T. brevior larvae and 5.6% (6/107) with C. vulpis larvae, being the region with highest prevalences of the four species. Snails from Andes (Department of Antioquia) and Tulúa (Department of Valle del Cauca) were positive for Ang. vasorum larvae with a prevalence of 4.6 (11/238) and 6.3% (4/64), respectively. Species identifications were confirmed by PCR and sequencing. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: This epidemiological survey reports for first time the presence of Ael. abstrusus, T. brevior, C. vulpis and Ang. vasorum in L. fulica in a number of regions of Colombia.

Angiostrongylus vasorum and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus: Neglected and underestimated parasites in South America.

The gastropod-borne nematodes Angiostrongylus vasorum and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus are global causes of cardio/pulmonary diseases in dogs and cats. In the last decade, the number of reports on canine and feline lungworms has increased in several areas of Europe and North America. The unspecific clinical signs and prolonged course of these diseases often renders diagnosis challenging. Both infections are considered as emerging and underestimated causes of disease in domestic pets. In South America, little information is available on these diseases, apart from occasional reports proving the principle presence of A. vasorum and A. abstrusus. Thus, the purpose of this review is to summarize reports on infections in both domestic and wildlife animals in South America and to increase the awareness on gastropod-borne metastrongyloid parasites, which also include important zoonotic species, such as A. cantonensis and A. costaricensis. This review highlights the usefulness of diagnostic tools, such as the Baermann funnel technique, serology and PCR, and proposes to include these routinely on cases with clinical suspicion for lungworm infections. Future national epidemiological surveys are recommended to be conducted to gain a deeper insight into the actual epidemiological situation of gastropod-borne parasitoses in South America.

Infecção natural por larvas de metastrongilídeos em moluscos terrestres de diferentes regiões do estado de São Paulo

Objetivo: Caracterizar a série histórica do número de municípios infestados por Aedes aegypti e por Aedes albopictus no estado de São Paulo (ESP), de 1986 a 2015. Analisar sua sazonalidade, temperaturas médias, indicadores de infestação de cada espécie, e verificar sua interdependência espacial na Região Metropolitana do Vale do Paraíba Paulista (RMVP). Material e Métodos: Os dados das ações de vigilância entomológica foram obtidos com o índice de Breteau (IB), do banco de dados da Superintendência de Controle de Endemias (Sucen). Foram calculadas as médias aritméticas por mês e ano, e analisadas pelo teste de Wilcoxon. Os mapas de temperatura foram obtidos junto ao Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (INMET). Para análise geoespacial das espécies na RMVP foi empregado o indicador global de Moran (I) e o estimador de densidade Kernel (k). Resultados: O estado de São Paulo apresentou-se quase que totalmente infestado pelas duas espécies, com registro de coexistência em 93,64% dos municípios. A trajetória geográfica dessas espécies...

Ancient parasites from endemic deer from "CUEVA PARQUE DIANA" archeological site, Patagonia, Argentina.

The narrow Andean-Patagonian temperate rainforest strip in the west of southern South America is inhabited by two endemic species of cervids, the southern pudu (Pudu puda) and the huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus), both cataloged as near threatened and threatened species, respectively. One of the possible causes of their declined number is the susceptibility to livestock diseases. Significant zooarchaeological records of both deer have been found throughout the Holocene from Patagonia. The present contribution reports the first paleoparasitological results obtained from coprolites of endemic deer from the archeological site "Cueva Parque Diana," Neuquén Province, Argentina, and discusses the possible diseases found in ancient times. Thirty-four coprolites were fully processed, rehydrated, homogenized, sieved, subjected to spontaneous sedimentation, and examined by light microscopy. Thirty samples contained parasite remains. The presence of diverse parasitic diseases such as trematodioses, metastrongylosis, trichuriosis, strongylida gastroenteritis, dioctophymosis, and coccidiosis which could cause diseases in deer previous to the arrival of European livestock and the presence of zoonotic diseases in the hunters-gatherers and fishermen are discussed.

Parelaphostrongylus tenuis Cerebrospinal Nematodiasis in a Horse with Cervical Scoliosis and Meningomyelitis.

There are reports of horses with acute onset acquired cervical scoliosis and cutaneous analgesia. The underlying dorsal gray column myelitis that produces these neurologic signs has been only presumptively attributed to migration of Parelaphostrongylus tenuis within the spinal cord. Despite previous confirmation brain by polymerase chain reaction testing, of P. tenuis within the brain of horses by polymerase chain reaction testing, genetic testing has failed to definitively identify the presence of this parasite in cases of equine myelitis. This case report provides molecular confirmation via polymerase chain reaction of P. tenuis within the cervical spinal cord of a horse with scoliosis and cutaneous analgesia.

Natural infection of the feline lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in the invasive snail Achatina fulica from Argentina.

The giant African snail Achatina fulica is an invasive mollusk native to Africa, the first record in Argentina was in Puerto Iguazú, in northeastern Argentina in 2010. Recently it was reported in Corrientes Province. This snail can act as an intermediate host of Metastrongyloidea nematodes of importance in public health as: Angiostrongylus cantonensis, Angiostrongylus costaricensis and Angiostrongylus vasorum. Taking into account the presence of A. fulica in Argentina, the objectives of this study is to assess the presence of Metastrongyloidea nematodes in this mollusk species in Puerto Iguazú, Misiones, close to the international border with Brazil and Paraguay. A total of 451 samples were collected from February 2014 to November 2015. The snails were processed using a digestion technique to recover the parasites. A total of 206 nematodes larvae were founded in the digestion solution of 10 hosts (P=2%; MA=0.5; MI=21). Third larval stage (L3) nematodes identified as Aelurostrongylus abstrusus were founded parasitizing the snails. No other larval stage was observed. This species has veterinary importance because it causes 'aelurostrongilosis', also known as feline strongyloidosis. This study constitutes the first record of a Metastrongyloidea nematode in A. fulica in Argentina and also highlights the susceptibility of this mollusk as intermediate host of other helminthes of health importance. The present study suggests that there is a need to establish an epidemiological monitoring system in order to prevent the possible installation of an infected mollusks focus.