Characterization and Distribution of Isospora sabiai N. SP. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Thrushes Turdus spp. (Passeriformes: Turdidae) from Brazil.

A new coccidian species (Protozoa: Apicomplexa: Isospora) is described parasitizing white-necked thrushes Turdus albicollis Vieillot, 1818; rufous-bellied thrushes Turdus rufiventris Vieillot, 1818; pale-breasted thrushes Turdus leucomelas Vieillot, 1818; and yellow-legged thrushes Turdus flavipes Vieillot, 1818 from 3 different localities in Brazil. Isospora sabiai n. sp. has oocysts that are subspherical to ellipsoidal, 20.9 × 18.6 µm, with smooth, delicate, bilayered wall, ∼1.1 µm thick. Micropyle inconspicuous or imperceptible. Oocyst residuum absent, but small polar granules rounded or comma-shaped are present. Sporocysts are elongate ellipsoidal to reniform, 16.5 × 9.2 µm. The Stieda body is knob-like. Sub-Stieda body rounded to conical, sometimes homogeneous with the Stieda body. Sporocyst residuum is present, usually as a cluster of numerous granules. Sporozoites are vermiform with 2 refractile bodies. The oocysts and sporocysts of I. sabiai n. sp. are uniform in the proportionality of width on length, but exhibited different patterns of size associated with each host species; therefore, an ecological discussion is introduced aimed at associating these morphometrical patterns of the oocysts with the habits of the different species of thrushes. This is the seventh isosporoid coccidian reported from New World turdids.

Characterisation of Isospora lusitanensis n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Eurasian blackbird Turdus merula Linnaeus (Passeriformes: Turdidae) in mainland Portugal.

A new coccidian species (Protozoa: Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) is described from a specimen of the Eurasian blackbird Turdus merula Linnaeus held for rehabilitation and reintroduction into the wild in a centre for research and recovery of wild animals in Quinta de Marim, Olhão, Portugal. Isospora lusitanensis n. sp. has subspherical to ovoidal oöcysts, measuring on average 26.4 × 23.4 µm, with smooth, bi-layered wall c.1.1 µm thick. Micropyle and oöcyst residuum are absent, but a polar granule is present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, measuring on average 16.0 × 10.9 µm. Stieda body is knob-like and sub-Stieda body is prominent and rounded. Sporocyst residuum is composed of scattered spherules. Sporozoites are vermiform, with one refractile body and a nucleus. The morphological and morphometric data for the new species were compared with those for species parasitising birds of the Muscicapidae, Turdidae, Timaliidae, Troglodytidae and Cinclidae, which are considered phylogenetically close. The original histograms of Isospora turdi Schwalbach, 1959 were redrawn for comparison with I. lusitanensis n. sp. and a linear regression of width against length of the oöcysts is presented for characterisation. This is the first isosporoid coccidian described from T. merula in mainland Portugal.

Isospora massardi sp. nov. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the white-necked thrush Turdus albicollis (Passeriformes: Turdidae) from Brazil.

A new coccidian species (Protozoa: Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) are reported from the white-necked thrush Turdus albicollis Vieillot, 1818, a very common species in South America. Isospora massardi sp. nov. oocysts are subspherical, 18.6 × 17.7 µm, with smooth, bilayered wall, ~0.9 µm. Micropyle, oocyst residuum are absent, but two polar granules are frequently present. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 14.8 × 9.3 µm. Stieda body is knob-like to rounded and substieda body is rounded. Sporocyst residuum is composed of scattered spherules of different sizes. Sporozoites are vermiform with posterior and anterior refractile bodies and a nucleus. This is the sixth description of an isosporoid coccidium infecting a New World turdid bird.

Eimeria spp. from Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica): new characteristic features and diagnostic tools / Eimeria spp. de codornas japonesas (Coturnix japonica): novas características e ferramentas de diagnóstico

The Japanese quail Coturnix japonica originated from North Africa, Europe and Asia, is used worldwide as an experimental animal and model for aviculture. The current paper characterizes Eimeria bateri, Eimeria tsunodai and Eimeria uzura recovered from C. japonica. Based on the fact that quails have a global distribution, as are their coccidia, the findings of this study should provide the means for diagnosis of those Eimeria spp. in other regions and continents. Eimeria bateri showed the greatest intensity of infection and shed oocysts from the fourth day after infection; in contrast, E. tsunodai and E. uzura shed oocysts from the fifth day after infection. The three species shared a high degree of similarity and were all polymorphic. Yet, the application of line regressions, histograms and ANOVA provided means for the identification of these species. Finally, the algorithm was very efficient since verified that resultant values were not superimposed.

A codorna japonesa Coturnix japonica originária do norte da África, Europa e Ásia, é utilizada mundialmente como um animal experimental e modelo para avicultura. O presente trabalho caracteriza Eimeria bateri, Eimeria tsunodai e Eimeria uzura recuperadas de C. japonica. Baseado no fato de que as codornas têm uma distribuição global, como são os seus coccídios, os resultados deste estudo devem propiciar o diagnóstico destas Eimeria spp. em outras regiões e continentes. Eimeria bateri demonstrou a maior intensidade de infecção e eliminaram oocistos a partir do quarto dia após infecção, em contraste E. tsunodai e E. uzura eliminaram oocistos a partir do quinto dia após infecção. As três espécies foram morfometricamente semelhantes e polimórficas. No entanto, a aplicação da regressão linear, histogramas e ANOVA proveram meios para a identificação destas espécies. Finalmente, o algoritmo foi totalmente eficiente uma vez que valores resultantes não foram sobrepostos.

Infection by Toxoplasma gondii in Neotropical non-human primates / Infecção por Toxoplasma gondii em primatas neotropicais não-humanos

Toxoplasma gondii (Nicolle et Manceaux, 1909) is an obligatory intracellular protozoan parasite of warm animals, including human and non-human primates. Domestic and wild felids are considered definitive hosts. Several authors have already identified lesions in New World primates caused by T. gondii. Nevertheless, little is known about serological studies on those animals. With this reason, New World non-human primates of the genera Cebus and Callithrix that were apprehended by governmental authorities and sent to the Wildlife Screening Center (Cetas)/IBAMA, at the municipality of Seropédica, state of Rio Janeiro, were bled and sera were submitted to the indirect hemagglutination test for detection of anti-T. gondii antibodies. From 21 sera of Cebus primates, 76.19% (16/21) had anti-T. gondii antibodies. Titles varied from 16 to 2048. In samples from 21 Callithrix, only 4.5% (1/22) had anti-T. gondii antibodies. Only one animal had a title of 32. During all the time those animals were clinical evaluated until sample was collected; none of them had any clinical sign or sequel related to infection by T. gondii. The fact that the origin of these primates is unknown and that there is no information about their feeding habits before captivity makes it difficult to determine the source of T. gondii infection.

Toxoplasma gondii (Nicolle et Manceaux, 1909) é um protozoário parasita intracelular obrigatório de animais homeotérmicos, incluindo primatas humanos e não humanos, e que tem felídeos domésticos e silvestres como hospedeiros definitivos. Inúmeros trabalhos já identificaram lesões causadas por T. gondii em primatas neotropicais, entretanto, poucos estudos abordando a resposta sorológica destes animais ao parasito foram feitos. Com este intuito, primatas neotropicais do gênero Cebus e Callithrix apreendidos por órgãos governamentais e enviados ao Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres (Cetas)/IBAMA, no município de Seropédica/RJ, tiveram amostras de sangue coletadas e as alíquotas séricas submetidas ao teste de hemaglutinação indireta para detecção de anticorpos anti-T. gondii. Dos 21 animais do gênero Cebus avaliados, em 76,19% (16/21) das amostras foram identificados anticorpos hemaglutinantes anti-T. gondii. Os títulos hemaglutinantes variaram desde 16 até 2048. Por outro lado, dos 22 primatas do gênero Callithrix cujas amostras séricas foram testadas, apenas 4,5% (1/22) apresentaram anticorpos anti-T. gondii. Apenas o título de 32 foi identificado em um único animal. Durante a avaliação clínica e o tempo em que os animais permaneceram no CETAS, desde a chegada, em nenhum animal foram observados sinais clínicos ou sequelas condizentes com a infecção por T. gondii. O desconhecimento sobre a verdadeira procedência desses símios, bem como os aspectos sanitários relativos à alimentação deles dificulta a determinação da fonte de infecção por T. gondii.

Isosporoid Coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) parasites of tanagers (Passeriformes: Thraupidae) from the Marambaia Island, Brazil / Coccídios isosporóides (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) parasitos de traupídeos (Passeriformes: Thraupidae) da ilha de Marambaia, Brasil

In recent years some coccidian parasites of birds were recorded in Marambaia Island, which is a protected environment with a great biodiversity of birds, mainly tanagers. In this current study Isospora tiesangui, I. sepetibensis, I. ramphoceli, I. navarroi, I. cadimi and I. marambaiensis were identified according to their respective thraupid hosts of the Marambaia Island. These species were characterized with histograms, linear regression and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The main feature of identification was the morphology of the sporocyst, mainly Stieda and substieda bodies, since the morphometry did not provide sufficient differentiation. Besides, Dacnis cayana and Thraupis palmarum were reported as new hosts to I. sepetibensis and I. navarroi respectively.

Nos últimos anos, alguns coccídios de aves foram registrados na Ilha da Marambaia, que é um ambiente protegido com uma grande biodiversidade de aves, principalmente traupídeos. No presente estudo Isospora tiesangui, I. sepetibensis, I. ramphoceli, I. navarroi, I. cadimi e I. marambaiensis foram identificadas de acordo com suas respectivos hospedeiros da Ilha da Marambaia, RJ. Essas espécies foram caracterizadas com histogramas, regressão linear e análise de variância (ANOVA). A principal característica de identificação foi a morfologia do esporocisto, principalmente os corpos de stieda e substieda, uma vez que a morfometria não forneceu diferenciação suficiente. Além disso, Dacnis cayana e Thraupis palmarum foram registrados como novos hospedeiros para I. sepetibensis e I. navarroi respectivamente.

Prevalence of parasites in soil and dog feces according to diagnostic tests.

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of parasites in soil and dog feces according to diagnostic tests. We studied soil from 25 public squares in Seropédica, Brazil. Five samples of soil were collected from each square. Eighty-one fresh fecal samples from dogs were analyzed. The technique described by Dunsmore et al. and an adaptation of the Rugai et al. method were used to recover parasites in soil, and the Willis, Hoffman and Centrifugal-Flotation techniques were used to detect parasites in feces. The chi(2) and Fischer's exact tests were used to analyze the statistical significance of the results. Seven squares were found to be contaminated, and the most prevalent parasites were Ancylostoma spp. (13.6%) and Toxocara spp. (4.0%). The Dunsmore et al. technique and the adaptation of the Rugai et al. method did not differ in the detection of Toxocara spp. (p=0.21), Trichuris spp. (p=0.25), Ascaris spp. (p=0.49) and Strongyloides spp. (p=0.49) in soil. However, the two methods differed in the detection of Ancylostoma spp. eggs (p=0.029) and larvae (p=0.001). According to granulometric analysis, the soil samples consisted mainly of sand (from 96.6% to 82.8%). Parasites were detected in 75 fecal samples, the most frequent being Ancylostoma spp. (80.1%), Toxocara spp. (11.1%) and Cryptosporidium spp. (7.4%). There was no difference between the Willis and Centrifugal-Flotation techniques in the detection of Ancylostoma spp., and both techniques were better than the Hoffman technique for detecting this parasite in feces. The Hoffman and Centrifugal-Flotation techniques were different (p=0.03) in Toxocara spp. detection. No difference was observed among these three for Cryptosporidium spp. detection. The prevalences of zoonotic parasites in both dog feces and soil have implications for the spread of human disease in these areas.

[Prevalence of antibodies anti-Toxoplasma gondii in slaughtered cattle at stockyards in the State of Bahia, Brazil]. / Prevalência de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii em bovinos abatidos em matadouros do estado da Bahia, Brasil.

Serum samples of 600 slaughtered cattle from Ilhéus and Itabuna Municipal slaughterhouse and Jequié Federal slaughterhouse, all of them located in the State of Bahia were screened using an indirect immunofluorescent antibody test against Toxoplasma gondii. Prevalence was 11.83% (71), and positive samples were distributed as 19.3% (37) from Ilhéus, 9.8% (21) from Itabuna and 6.8% (13) from Jequié slaughterhouses respectively. From positive cattle, 91.5% (65) had titles 1:64, and 8.5% (6) had title 1:256. The majority of serum positive samples against T. gondii were related to animals from dairy farms which were slaughtered at municipality stockyards under municipal inspection in comparison with those slaughtered at Federal inspection which were related to beef cattle that were raised in farms extensively.

Prevalência de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii em bovinos abatidos em matadouros do estado da Bahia, Brasil / Prevalence of antibodies anti-Toxoplasma gondii in slaughtered cattle at stockyards in the State of Bahia, Brazil

Foram analisados 600 soros de bovinos abatidos nos matadouros sob Inspeção Municipal de Ilhéus e Itabuna, e no matadouro frigorífico sob Inspeção Federal em Jequié, BA, para anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii por imunofluorescência indireta. A prevalência total foi de 11,83 por cento (71), sendo os animais positivos 19,3 por cento (37) no matadouro de Ilhéus, 9,8 por cento em Itabuna (21) e 6,8 por cento (13) em Jequié. Dos animais positivos, 65 (91,5 por cento) tiveram título de 1:64, e 6 (8,5 por cento) de 1:256. A maioria dos soros positivos para T. gondii foram oriundos de animais provenientes de granjas leiteiras e foram abatidos nos matadouros sob inspeção municipal em comparação com aqueles animais que procederam de fazendas com criação extensiva, e abatidos em matadouros sob inspeção federal.

Serum samples of 600 slaughtered cattle from Ilhéus and Itabuna Municipal slaughterhouse and Jequié Federal slaughterhouse, all of them located in the State of Bahia were screened using an indirect immunofluorescent antibody test against Toxoplasma gondii. Prevalence was 11.83 percent (71), and positive samples were distributed as 19.3 percent (37) from Ilhéus, 9.8 percent (21) from Itabuna and 6.8 percent (13) from Jequié slaughterhouses respectively. From positive cattle, 91.5 percent (65) had titles 1:64, and 8.5 percent (6) had title 1:256. The majority of serum positive samples against T. gondii were related to animals from dairy farms which were slaughtered at municipality stockyards under municipal inspection in comparison with those slaughtered at Federal inspection which were related to beef cattle that were raised in farms extensively.

Neospora caninum seropositivity in cattle breeds in the South Fluminense Paraíba Valley, state of Rio de Janeiro: [revision] / Soropositividade para Neospora caninum e raças bovinas no vale do Paraíba sulfluminense, estado do Rio de Janeiro: [revisão]

The infection by Neospora caninum of different cattle breeds in dairy properties in two municipalities of the South Fluminense Paraíba Valley, state of Rio de Janeiro, was evaluated. Considering a sampling universe of 2,491 cows, blood samples were collected from 563 dairy cows in 57 farms, which were randomically selected in proportion to the number of animals, using a random stratified sampling system. For each property the number of selected cows was proportional to the herd size. Abortion or other reproductive disorders were not considered as criteria for selecting the animals, and seropositivity was determined by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A high association (p=0.006) between seropositivity and racial patterns was found. The analysis revealed that in comparison of pure black-and-white Holstein cows versus Zebu (p=0.0028), Holstein cows showed 2.65 times greater odds for seropositivity. In the same way, by comparing black-and-white Holstein versus Zebu + crossbreed Zebu/Holstein (p=0.01), it was noted that there is 2.23 times more chance for seropositivity in Holstein cattle. There were no significant differences concerning the comparison of Holstein cattle versus crossbreed Zebu/Holstein (p=0.08) or Zebu versus crossbreed Zebu/Holstein (p=0.11). This study supports the hypothesis that there is a close association between cattle breeds and the frequency of infection by N. caninum.

A realização deste estudo teve como objetivo verificar a ocorrência diferenças na distribuição da infecção por Neospora caninum em bovinos leiteiros da raça Holandesa Preta e Branca e mestiços na Mesorregião Fluminense a maior bacia leiteira do Rio de Janeiro. De um total de 2.491 vacas foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 563 de forma não randomizada, pertencentes a 57 propriedades localizadas nos municípios de Resende e Rio Claro. O tamanho da amostra por propriedade foi proporcional ao número de animais alvo da mesma. O abortamento ou distúrbios reprodutivos não foram utilizados como critérios de seleção. Foi verificada associação altamente significativa entre a soropositividade e o padrão racial (p=0,006). Ao conduzir as análises entre apenas dois padrões verificou-se os seguintes resultados: HPB versus zebuínos (p=0,0028) com 2,65 mais chances de sorpositividade em bovinos HPB; HPB versus (zebuínos + Gir x Holandês) p=0,01, com 2,23 mais chances de sopositividade também na raça HPB. Não houve diferença significativa entre HPB versus Gir x Holandês (p=0,08) e entre os zebuínos e Gir x Holandês (p=0,11). Este estudo suporta a hipótese que existe uma estreita relação entre a presença da infecção e a raça européia Holandesa Preta e Branca, na região e condições em que foi desenvolvido o presente estudo.

Aflatoxin effetc on the oocysts morphometry and contribution on the morphology of Eimeria bateri Bhatia, Pandey and Pande, 1965 from the japanese quail Coturnix japonica in Brazil / Efeito da aflatoxina sobre a morfbmetria dos oocistos e contribuição para a morfologia de Eimeria bateri Bhatia, Pandey and Pande, 1965 da Codorna japonesa Coturnix japonica no Brasil

The purpose of this study was to characterize Eimeria bateri oocysts and to evaluate the aflatoxin effect in the morphometry of sporulated oocysts in Japanese quails infected naturally. Of a total of 50 quails naturally infected by E. bateri were randomly divided into two groups with 25 birds each. In one of them, quails were orally administered with aflatoxin in dose of 0.04 mg/kg body weight previously. Both experimental groups shed E. bateri oocysts. These oocysts were subspherical to ellipsoidal, 25.1 x 18.9 Lim, with bi-layered wall. Micropyle and residuum were absent, but one or more polar granules were present. Sporocysts elongate ovoid, 12.5 x 7.4 μm. Stieda and substieda bodies were present. Sporocyst residuum was dispersed and sporozoites presented a nucleus and a refractile body. Histograms confirmed the presence of a single species, E. bateri. Linear regression proved that E. bateri oocysts are polymorphic, due, basically, to shape of these oocysts. The comparative morphometry between two experimental groups demonstrated that the aflatoxin influenced significantly in the E. bateri oocysts.

O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar os oocistos de Eimeria bateri e avaliar o efeito da aflatoxina na morfometria destes oocistos em codornas japonesas naturalmente infectadas. Cinqüenta codornas naturalmente parasitadas por E. bateri foram separadas aleatoriamente em dois grupos com 25 aves cada. Um dos grupos foi intoxicado experimentalmente com aflatoxina, por via oral, na dose de 0,04 mg/kg de peso vivo. Os dois grupos experimentais eliminaram oocistos de E. bateri nas fezes. Esses oocistos foram de subesféricos a elipsóides, 25,1 x 18,9 Lm, com parede dupla. A micrópila e o resíduo estavam ausentes, mas um ou vários grânulos polares estavam presentes. Esporocistos ovóides alongados, 12,5 x 7,4 L m. Os corpos de Stieda e substieda estavam presentes. O resíduo do esporocisto estava disperso e os esporozoítas apresentaram um núcleo e um corpo refráctil. Os histogramas confirmaram a presença de uma única espécie, E. bateri. A regressão linear comprovou que os oocistos de E. bateri são polimórficos, devido, basicamente, à forma desses oocistos. A morfometria comparativa entre os dois grupos experimentais, demonstrou que a aflatoxina influiu significativamente nos oocistos de E. bateri.

Sarcocystis cruzi (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) no cachorro-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous) / Sarcocystis cruzi (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) in the crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous)

Esporocistos de Sarcocystis foram identificados nas amostras fecais de um cachorro-do-mato. Eles foram dados por via oral para um bezerro em aleitamento, sendo observados cistos com morfologia compatível com os de Sarcocystis cruzi na musculatura cardíaca e esquelética, três meses após a infecção. Musculatura cardíaca deste bezerro foi dada para um segundo cão doméstico livre de coccídios, que eliminou esporocistos compatíveis com os de Sarcocystis em suas fezes, tendo com períodos pré-patente e patente 11 e 12 dias após a infecção respectivamente. Para comparar a morfologia dos esporocistos e cistos, um segundo cão, também livre de coccídios, foi alimentado com musculatura cardíaca de um bovino infectando naturalmente e positivo para cistos de S. cruzi. Esporocistos compatíveis com os eliminados pelo primeiro cão foram encontrados nas fezes. Apesar dos esporocistos eliminados pelo cachorro-do-mato serem significativamente diferentes dos eliminados pelos cães infectados experimentalmente, pode se considerar com base na morfologia dos esporocistos, cistos e na transmissão biológica que a espécie encontrada nas fezes do cachorro-do-mato é Sarcocystis cruzi.

Sporocysts of Sarcocystis were identified in feces samples of a crab-eating fox, and were orally given to a suckling calf; after 3 months of infection, sarcocysts morphologically similar to Sarcocystis cruzi were observed in cardiac and skeletal striated muscles. The cardiac muscles of this calf were orally given to a puppy free of coccidia, that shed sporocysts in its feces.with a prepatent and patent period of 11 and 12 days after infection, respectively. To compare the morphology of the sporocysts and cysts, a second puppy was fed on bovine cardiac muscles infected naturally, and sporocysts identical to those shed by the first dog were recovered from its feces. In spite of the significant difference between sporocysts found in the mucosa of the crab-eating fox and those shed by the first and second puppies, the species observed in this study was considered to be Sarcocystis cruzi, based on size of the sporocyts, morphology of the cyst wall, and the pray-predator cycle.

Sarcocystis cruzi (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) no cachorro-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous) / Sarcocystis cruzi (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) in the crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous)

Esporocistos de Sarcocystis foram identificados nas amostras fecais de um cachorro-do-mato. Eles foram dados por via oral para um bezerro em aleitamento, sendo observados cistos com morfologia compatível com os de Sarcocystis cruzi na musculatura cardíaca e esquelética, três meses após a infecção. Musculatura cardíaca deste bezerro foi dada para um segundo cão doméstico livre de coccídios, que eliminou esporocistos compatíveis com os de Sarcocystis em suas fezes, tendo com períodos pré-patente e patente 11 e 12 dias após a infecção respectivamente. Para comparar a morfologia dos esporocistos e cistos, um segundo cão, também livre de coccídios, foi alimentado com musculatura cardíaca de um bovino infectando naturalmente e positivo para cistos de S. cruzi. Esporocistos compatíveis com os eliminados pelo primeiro cão foram encontrados nas fezes. Apesar dos esporocistos eliminados pelo cachorro-do-mato serem significativamente diferentes dos eliminados pelos cães infectados experimentalmente, pode se considerar com base na morfologia dos esporocistos, cistos e na transmissão biológica que a espécie encontrada nas fezes do cachorro-do-mato é Sarcocystis cruzi.

Sporocysts of Sarcocystis were identified in feces samples of a crab-eating fox, and were orally given to a suckling calf; after 3 months of infection, sarcocysts morphologically similar to Sarcocystis cruzi were observed in cardiac and skeletal striated muscles. The cardiac muscles of this calf were orally given to a puppy free of coccidia, that shed sporocysts in its feces.with a prepatent and patent period of 11 and 12 days after infection, respectively. To compare the morphology of the sporocysts and cysts, a second puppy was fed on bovine cardiac muscles infected naturally, and sporocysts identical to those shed by the first dog were recovered from its feces. In spite of the significant difference between sporocysts found in the mucosa of the crab-eating fox and those shed by the first and second puppies, the species observed in this study was considered to be Sarcocystis cruzi, based on size of the sporocyts, morphology of the cyst wall, and the pray-predator cycle.

Contribution on the study of Isospora hemidactyli Carini, 1936 and a report of an adeleid pseudoparasite of the house gecko Hemidactylus mabouia, from the Rio de Janeiro Metropolitan Region, Brazil / Contribuição para o estudo de Isospora hemidactyli Carini, 1936 e relato de um pseudoparasita adelídeo da lagartixa doméstica Hemidactylus mabouia da região Metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

A description of the coccidium Isospora hemidactyli from the house gecko Hemidactylus mabouia, a very common at dwellings in Rio de Janeiro Metropolitan Region, was made in this study. Histograms and linear regression were made for this species and determined the homogeneity of these oocysts despite of large range. Besides it, polysporocystid oocysts also were recovered from feces of the H. mabouia house gecko and they were similar to those described previously as the genus Adelina. This species should be parasitizing an invertebrate ingested by house gecko, and for that reason, is a pseudoparasite. Oocysts of I. hemidactyli were subspherical to ellipsoidal, 24.4 × 22.3μm, with single-layered wall and one polar granule. Sporocysts were subspherical to ellipsoidal, 11.8 × 9.8μm with Stieda and substieda bodies, residuum and sporozoites with refractile body. Oocysts of the pseudoparasite Adelina sp. were ellipsoidal, 36.3 × 30.9μm, with bi-layered wall and without micropyle, residuum and polar granule. Eight to 15 sporocysts were presents and were subspherical to broadly ellipsoidal, 12.4 × 11.2μm. Stieda and substieda bodies were absent. Sporozoites present refractile bodies at both ends.

Uma descrição do coccídio Isospora hemidactyli da lagartixa doméstica Hemidactylus mabouia, muito comum em residências da região metropolotana do Rio de Janeiro, foi feita neste estudo. Os histogramas e a regressão linear para esta espécie confirmaram a homogeneidade de seus oocistos apesar da grande amplitude de variação. Além disto, oocistos polisporocísticos também foram recuperados das fezes de H. mabouia e foram semelhantes aos descritos anteriormente no gênero Adelina. Esta espécie devia estar parasitando um invertebrado ingerido pela lagartixa doméstica, e por essa razão, é um pseudoparasita. Oocistos de I. hemidactyli foram sub-esféricos a elipsóides, 24,4 × 22,3μm, com parede simples e um grânulo polar. Os esporocistos foram subesféricos a elipsóides, 11,8 × 9,8μm com corpos de Stieda e substieda, resíduo e esporozoítas com corpo refráctil. Oocistos do pseudoparasita Adelina sp. foram elipsóides, 36,3 × 30,9μm, com parede dupla e sem micrópila, resíduo e grânulo polar. Oito a 15 esporocistos estavam presentes e foram subesféricos a elipsóides, 12,4 × 11,2μm. Os corpos de Stieda e substieda estavam ausentes. Os esporozoítas apresentam corpos refrácteis em ambas as extremidades.

Eimerid coccidia from capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) in southern Bahia, Brazil / Coccídios eimerídios em capivaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) no sul da Bahia

Two eimerid coccidia are reported in a capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) population kept in captivity in the south of Bahia, northeastern Brazil (14º 47' 57.89"S and 39º 10' 10.58" W). Oocysts of Eimeria ichiloensis are subspheroidal to ellipsoidal, 26.2 x 21.7mm with bi-layered wall, the outer yellow and sculptured and the inner, dark and smooth. Residuum is absent, but usually 2-3 polar granules are present. Sporocysts are ovoid, 12.0 x 7.6mm. Stieda body and sporocyst residuum are present. Oocysts of Eimeria trinidadensis are subspheroidal to ellipsoidal, 22.2 x 19.6mm with bi-layered wall, the outer yellow and smooth, and the inner dark and smooth. Residuum is absent, but one polar granule is present. Sporocysts are ovoid, 11.0 x 6.9mm. Stieda body and sporocyst residuum are present. Based on these descriptions and previous ones it can be concluded that these coccidea species are widely dispersed in capybaras in South America.

Duas espécies de Eimeria foram relatadas em capivaras Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris cativas no sul da Bahia, nordeste do Brasil (14º 47' 57.89"S and 39º 10' 10.58" W). Os oocistos de Eimeria ichiloensis são sub-esferoidais a elipsoidais, 26,2 x 21,7mm. Apresentam parede dupla, sendo a externa amarela e esculpida e a interna, escura e lisa. Resíduo está ausente, mas usualmente 2-3 grânulos polares estão presentes. Os esporocistos são ovóides, 12,0 x 7,6mm. Corpo de Stieda e resíduo do esporocisto estão presentes. Oocistos de Eimeria trinidadensis são sub-esferoidais a elipsoidais, 22,2 x 19,6mm. Apresentam parede dupla, sendo a externa amarela e lisa e a interna, escura e lisa. Resíduo está ausente, mas um grânulo polar está presente. Os esporocistos são ovóides, 11,0 x 6,9mm. Corpo de Stieda e resíduo do esporocisto estão presentes. Baseado nestas descrições e em descrições prévias foi possível concluir que estas espécies estão amplamente dispersas em capivaras na América do Sul.

Eimeria divinolimai sp. n. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in the rufous casiornis Casiornis rufus Vieillot, 1816 (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae) in Brazil.

Eimeria divinolimai sp. n. from the rufous casiornis, Casiornis rufus (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae) was described in Brazil. Oocysts are subspherical 17.84 +/- 1.52 by 15.90 +/- 0.99microm (15.61-20.00 x 14.15-17.80). Shape-index (length/ width) of 1.12 +/- 0.05 (1.01-1.20). Wall smooth and bilayered, being yellowish outer and darker inner, 2.13 +/- 0.16 microm (2.00-2.38) thick. Micropyle and residuum are absent, but one subspherical polar granule is present. Sporocysts are ovoid ranging from 14.98 +/- 0.85 by 7.50 +/- 0.44 microm (13.81-1619 x 6.76-8.09), with smooth, thin and single-layered wall. Stieda body prominent, without substiedal body and with residuum granulated. Sporozoites with refractile body at one end.

Eimeria divinolimai sp. n. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in the rufous casiornis Casiornis rufus Vieillot, 1816 (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae) in Brazil / Eimeria divinolimi n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) no caneleiro, Casiornis rufus Vieillot, 1816 (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae) no Brasil

Eimeria divinolimai sp. n. from the rufous casiornis, Casiornis rufus (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae) was described in Brazil. Oocysts are subspherical 17.84 ± 1.52 by 15.90 ± 0.99µm (15.61-20.00 x 14.15-17.80). Shape-index (length/ width) of 1.12 ± 0.05 (1.01-1.20). Wall smooth and bilayered, being yellowish outer and darker inner, 2.13 ± 0.16 µm (2.00-2.38) thick. Micropyle and residuum are absents, but one subspherical polar granule is present. Sporocysts are ovoid ranging from 14.98 ± 0.85 by 7.50 ± 0.44 µm (13.81-1619 x 6.76-8.09), with smooth, thin and single-layered wall. Stieda body prominent, without substiedal body and with residuum granulated. Sporozoites with refractile body at one end.

Eimeria divinolimi sp. n. do caneleiro (Casiornis rufus) foi descrita no Brasil. Os oocistos são subsféricos medindo 17,84 ± 1,52 por 15,90 ± 0,99 µm (15,61-20,00 x 14,15-17,80). O índice morfométrico de 1,12 ± 0,05 (1,01-1,20). Parede do oocisto lisa e dupla, sendo a externa amarelada e a interna escura, medindo 2,13 ± 0,16 µm (2,00-2,38). A micrópila e o resíduo estão ausentes, mas um grânulo polar subesférico está presente. Os esporocistos são ovóides medindo de 14,98 ± 0,85 por 7,50 ± 0,44 µm (13,81-16,19 x 6,76-8,09). A parede do esporocisto é única, lisa e fina. O corpo de Stieda é proeminente, sem corpo de substieda e com resíduo granular. Os esporozoítas com corpos refráteis em uma das extremidades.

[Relationship between companion animals and intestinal parasites in children at municipality of Seropédica, RJ]. / Relação entre animais de companhia e parasitoses intestinais em crianças, Município de Seropédica, RJ.

Several parasitic zoonoses are associated to the human and companion animals, mainly dogs and cats. The present work aimed to analyze the relationship of parasites in children at the Center of Integral Attention to the Child Paulo Dacorso Filho and their companion animals where to verify the relationship of positive children for some parasites, which got in contact with infected animals. In a total of 64 fecal samples, they were consisted by 46 childrens fecal samples and 21 of their companion animals, being 18 from dogs and 3 from cats. Those were analyzed by using the techniques of centrifugal-flotation in brilliant field and staining by modified Ziehl-Neelsen to determine Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts. Of the childrens samples, 91% were positive for the genus Cryptosporidium, of those 13 samples; they were also in association to Giardia intestinallis, two to Ascaris lumbricoides, two to Trichuris trichiura and one to Endolimax nana only. Of the dogs samples, 94.44% were positive where Cryptosporidium spp. was observed in 94.44% of them, Ancylostoma spp. In 50%, Cystoisospora canis in 5.55% and Toxocara canis in 11.11%. The parasite that was common among children and animals belongs to genus Cryptoporidium. However, most of the positive children for Cryptosporidium spp., did not get in contact with animals.

First report of Tyzzeria parvula (Kotlán, 1933) Klimes, 1963 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae), in swan goose Anser cygnoides L., 1758, in Brazil.

This is the first description of Tyzzeria parvula from the swan goose (Anser cygnoides) in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Fecal samples were collected from 15 swan geese, but only four of them shed oocysts in feces. After sporulation, the oocysts were spherical to sub-spherical, and measured 12.4 +/- 1.0 (11-15) x 10.4 +/- 0.8 mum (8-12). They presented a shape index of 1.2 (1.0-1.4), with a bi-layered wall that was 0.7 +/- 0.1 mum (0.6-0.8) thick. The outer side was smooth and colorless, while the inner side was pale greenish. Micropyles and polar granules were absent. The residuum sometimes formed a mass of spherules and granules and, at other times, was dispersed. Sporozoites had one rounded end and the other end was fine and slightly curved.

[Evaluation of small intestine and mesenteric lymph nodes of dogs (Canis familiaris) experimentally infected by Sarcocystis cruzi (Hasselman, 1923) Wenyon, 1926 (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae)]. / Avaliação do intestino delgado e linfonodos mesentéricos de cães (Canis familiaris) infectados experimentalmente com Sarcocystis cruzi (Hasselman, 1923) Wenyon, 1926 (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae).

Species of the genus Sarcocystis are considered as important parasites of domestic animals. Dogs are considered as definitive host for a variety species of Sarcocystis, when they fed on intermediated host tissues cysts shed sporocysts in their feces. Grinded bovine cardiac muscles, positive for Sarcocystis cruzi was given to two puppies free of coccidia. Both animals shed sporocysts in their feces at 12 days after infection (DAI). These sporocysts measured 17.44 +/- 0.82 11.60 +/- 0.66 mum with shape index of 1.50 +/- 0.05. At 23 DAI, these animals were posted and samples of the small intestine, such as: duodenum, jejune, ileum and mesenteric lymph nodes were collected. In the analysis of small intestine, sporocysts were observed under de mucosa and they were characterized by sporulated sporocysts with sporozoites. Lesions were consisted of discrete edema and plasmocytic cells infiltrations which they were associated to a minimal inflammatory reaction in the presence of parasitic stages. On the other hand, sporocysts were observed at the cortical region near of lymphatic vessels adjacent to mesenteric lymph nodes capsule. It indicated the involvement of the lymphatic vessels in the sporocysts dispersion in the dog mesenteric lymph nodes.