First report of Gongylonema sp. in a free ranging callitrichid from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest: case report / Primeiro relato de Gongylonema sp. em um calitriquídeo de vida livre proveniente da Mata Atlântica brasileira: relato de caso

This is the first report of parasitism by Gongylonema sp. in a free-ranging callitrichid from the Atlantic forest of Espírito Santo, Brazil. A juvenile male of Geoffroy's marmoset (Callithrix geoffroyi) was euthanized due to poor prognosis, then necropsied. Samples of the tongue were collected for routine histological processing. Microscopically, there were transversal sections of adult nematodes within the epithelial layer of the mucosa of the tongue. Lingual scraping demonstrated a small number of oval embryonated eggs with a thick capsule. The morphology of the adult parasites and the eggs, associated with its location, were compatible with the Spirurida nematode of the genus Gongylonema. Further studies are needed to evaluate the impact of this parasite on free-ranging callitrichid populations.(AU)

Este é o primeiro relato de parasitismo por Gongylonema sp. em um calitriquídeo de vida livre proveniente da Mata Atlântica do Espírito Santo, Brasil. Um sagui-da-cara-branca (Callithrix geoffroyi), macho, jovem, foi eutanasiado, devido a prognóstico desfavorável, e necropsiado. Fragmentos de língua foram coletados para processamento histológico de rotina. Microscopicamente, havia cortes transversais de nematoides adultos na mucosa da língua. Na raspagem da mucosa da língua, foi observada pequena quantidade de ovos larvados ovais com cápsula espessa. A morfologia do parasita adulto e dos ovos, associada à localização do agente, é compatível com nematoide Spirurida do gênero Gongylonema. São necessários estudos adicionais para avaliar o impacto desse parasito nas populações de calitriquídeos de vida livre.(AU)

Schistosomes and Microfilarial Parasites in Magellanic Penguins.

The Magellanic Penguin ( Spheniscus magellanicus) is native to Argentina, Chile, and the Falkland/Malvinas Islands, and is a regular winter migrant in Uruguayan and Brazilian coastal waters. The species is known to be susceptible to a variety of gastrointestinal nematodes, cestodes, trematodes, and acanthocephalans, as well as renal trematodes and pulmonary nematodes. Schistosomes (Platyhelminthes, Trematoda, Schistosomatidae) and microfilariae (Nematoda, Secernentea, Onchocercidae) were histologically identified in Magellanic Penguins ( Spheniscus magellanicus) that died while under care at rehabilitation centers in southern Brazil. Phylogenetic analysis of the COI gene, ITS-1 region, 5.8S rRNA gene, ITS-2 region, and 28S rRNA gene sequences of the schistosome revealed that it is closely related to, but distinct from, a schistosome reported from the African Penguin ( Spheniscus demersus). The schistosomes from Magellanic and African Penguins were grouped with Gigantobilharzia huronensis, Gigantobilharzia melanoidis, and Dendritobilharzia pulvurenta; however, the lack of a clearly monophyletic origin precludes determining their genus. The incidental discovery of novel parasites during a study that did not specifically aim to investigate the occurrence of helminths underscores the value of histopathological examination as an exploratory diagnostic approach.

Diagnostic exercise. Cerebral mass in a puppy with respiratory distress and progressive neurologic signs.

A 5-month-old mongrel puppy with a history of respiratory disease presented with progressive neurologic dysfunction. Hematologic results included leukocytosis (neutrophilia with a left shift) and lymphopenia. A mass in the right forebrain, identified by magnetic resonance imaging, was biopsied during decompressive craniectomy. The histologic diagnosis was granulomatous meningoencephalitis with intralesional amoebae. The dog died within 24 hours of surgery. At necropsy, a well-demarcated granuloma was confined to the cerebrum, but granulomatous pneumonia was disseminated through all lobes of the lung. Concurrent infections included canine distemper, canine adenoviral bronchiolitis, and oral candidiasis. Canine distemper virus probably caused immunosuppression and increased susceptibility to secondary infections.

Granulomatous nephritis in psittacines associated with parasitism by the trematode Paratanaisia spp.

Trematodes belonging to the family Eucotylidae are parasites of the kidney and ureter, and affect several bird species. However, psittacines have not been identified as hosts of these parasites. Three birds, an adult female blue and gold macaw (Ara ararauna), an adult female blue-winged macaw (Propyrrhura maracana) and an adult male white-eared parakeet (Pyrrhura leucotis) were admitted at the Veterinary Hospital of the Fundação Zoo-Botânica de Belo Horizonte, Brazil (FZB/BH). All three birds had severe dehydration and cachexia. The blue and gold macaw presented with dyspnea, apathy, and incoordination. Blood cell counts indicated discrete anemia and leucopenia. Blood biochemistry revealed significant increase in levels of uric acid (61 mg/dl) and blood urea nitrogen (22 mg/dl). The bird died within 24 h after admission. The other two birds were admitted with similar clinical signs, but died prior to a complete clinical examination. At the necropsy, in all the three birds, the kidneys were enlarged with brown-yellowish discoloration and irregular cortical surface. On the cut surface, there was a brown-yellowish material with few visible parasites flowing out of the parenchyma. When fragments of the kidneys were placed in 10% formalin, a large number of trematodes came out of the renal parenchyma. The parasites were identified as Paratanaisia robusta infecting all three birds, and P. bragai infecting the blue-winged macaw and the white-eared parakeet. Histologically, there was an interstitial, multifocal to coalescent, lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate with some epithelioid macrophages, and a few heterophils, characterizing a granulomatous nephritis. Adult worms and eggs were observed within dilated tubules and in the renal pelvis. In the blue and gold macaw, some parasite eggs were located interstitially associated with an intense adjacent granulomatous reaction.

Intranuclear coccidiosis in tortoises: nine cases.

Chelonian intranuclear coccidiosis has been reported once, in two radiated tortoises (Geochelone radiata), and is apparently rare. We describe intranuclear coccidiosis diagnosed histologically in two radiated tortoises, three Travancore tortoises (Indotestudo forstenii), two leopard tortoises (Geochelone pardalis), one bowsprit tortoise (Chersina angulata), and one impressed tortoise (Manouria impressa). Infection was systemic and involved alimentary, urogenital, respiratory, lymphoid, endocrine, and integumentary systems. Trophozoites, meronts, merozoites, macrogametocytes, microgametocytes, and nonsporulated oocysts were seen histologically or by electron microscopy. Intracytoplasmic and extracellular stages of parasite development also were identified histologically. Sequencing of a coccidial 18S rRNA consensus polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product revealed a novel sequence that provided phylogenetic information and may be useful for further diagnostic test design. Intranuclear coccidiosis was associated with variable degrees of inflammation in all cases, was considered the cause of death in six tortoises, and was a substantial contributing factor to the cause of death in two tortoises.

Comparative pathology of parasitic infections in free-ranging and captive pit vipers (Bothrops jararaca).

Between June 1997 and May 1998, 47 pit vipers (Bothrops jararaca) (Group A) were euthanased when they were brought to the Instituto Butantan by farmers, and examined postmortem; during the same period, 91 snakes of the same species (group B) were examined after they had died in an outdoor serpentarium. The majority of the parasites encountered were nematodes; lungworms, Rhabdias vellardi, and the intestinal hookworm Kalicephalus inermis were the most common. Some of the snakes in group A were heavily infested, but their lesions were mild, whereas in group B the parasites were generally accompanied by severe lesions. The parasites with a direct life cycle were more common than those with obligatory intermediate hosts, and the snakes were more commonly infected during the hotter and more humid seasons.

Hepatitis associated with a Sarcocystis canis-like protozoan in a Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi).

A Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi) died in captivity at the National Marine Fisheries Service, Kewalo Basin Facility in Honolulu, Hawaii. The animal was icteric, and the liver was friable. Microscopic lesions were detected in the colon and liver. Colonic lesions included multifocal, necrohemorrhagic colitis associated with gram-negative bacilli. The liver lesions included random hepatic necrosis and cholestasis. Asexual stages of a Sarcocystis canis-like apicomplexan were detected in hepatocytes. The parasite divided by endopolygeny. Merozoites occasionally formed rosettes around a central residual body. Ultrastructurally, merozoites lacked rhoptries. This is the first report of S. canis infection in M. schauinslandi, which is an endangered pinniped in U.S. waters.

Localized 4f states and dynamic Jahn-Teller effect in PrO2.

Neutron spectroscopic measurements of the magnetic excitations in PrO2 reveal (1) sharp peaks characteristic of transitions between levels of the 4f(1) configuration of Pr4+ split by the cubic crystal field, and (2) broad bands of scattering centered near 30 and 160 meV. We present a simple model based on a vibronic Hamiltonian that accounts for these contrasting features of the data. The analysis shows that 90%+/-10% of the Pr ions have a localized 4f(1) configuration and provides strong evidence for a dynamic Jahn-Teller effect in the gamma(8) electronic ground state.

Disseminated toxoplasmosis in magpie geese (Anseranas semipalmata) with large numbers of tissue cysts in livers.

Fatal disseminated Toxoplasma gondii infection was diagnosed in 2 captive magpie geese (Anseranas semipalmata) from a zoo in Texas. Both geese died suddenly, without apparent clinical signs. Lesions associated with T. gondii tachyzoites were seen in lungs, pancreas, liver, adrenals, bursa of Fabricius, spleen, brain, and kidneys. Toxoplasmic pneumonia and hepatitis were considered to be the primary cause of death. An unusual feature was the presence of numerous tissue cysts in hepatocytes of both geese. The diagnosis was confirmed immunohistochemically. Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 2 of 11 other geese from the zoo examined using the modified agglutination test. This is the first report of T. gondii infection in magpie geese (Anseranas semipalmata).

Fatal toxoplasmosis in free-ranging endangered 'Alala from Hawaii.

The 'Alala (Corvus hawaiiensis) is the most endangered corvid in the world, and intensive efforts are being made to reintroduce it to its former native range in Hawaii. We diagnosed Toxoplasma gondii infection in five free-ranging 'Alala. One 'Alala, recaptured from the wild because it was underweight and depressed, was treated with diclazuril (10 mg/kg) orally for 10 days. Antibodies were measured before and after treatment by the modified agglutination test (MAT) using whole T. gondii tachyzoites fixed in formalin and mercaptoethanol. The MAT titer decreased four-fold from an initial titer of 1:1,600 with remarkable improvement in physical condition. Lesions of toxoplasmosis also were seen in two partially scavenged carcasses and in a third fresh intact carcass. Toxoplasma gondii was confirmed immunohistochemically by using anti-T. gondii specific serum. The organism was also cultured by bioassay in mice from tissues of one of these birds and the brain of a fifth 'Alala that did not exhibit lesions. The life cycle of the parasite was experimentally completed in cats. This is the first record of toxoplasmosis in 'Alala, and the parasite appears to pose a significant threat and management challenge to reintroduction programs for 'Alala in Hawaii.

Fatal infections with Balamuthia mandrillaris (a free-living amoeba) in gorillas and other Old World primates.

Balamuthia mandrillaris is a newly described free-living amoeba capable of causing fatal meningoencephalitis in humans and animals. Because the number of human cases is rapidly increasing, this infection is now considered an important emerging disease by the medical community. A retrospective review of the pathology database for the Zoological Society of San Diego (the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Wild Animal Park) for the period July 1965 through December 1994 revealed five cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis, all in Old World primates. The infected animals were a 3-year, 10-month-old female mandrill (Papio sphinx), from which the original isolation of B. mandrillaris was made, a 5-year-old male white-cheeked gibbon (Hylobates concolor leucogenys), a 1-year-old female western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), a 13-year, 5-month-old male western lowland gorilla, and a 6-year-old female Kikuyu colobus monkey (Colobus guereza kikuyuensis). Two different disease patterns were identified: the gibbon, mandrill, and 1-year-old gorilla had an acute to subacute necrotizing amoebic meningoencephalitis with a short clinical course, and the adult gorilla and colobus monkey had a granulomatous amoebic meningoencephalitis with extraneural fibrogranulomatous inflammatory lesions and a long clinical course. Indirect immunofluorescent staining of amoebas in brain sections with a Balamuthia-specific polyclonal antibody was positive in all five animals. Indirect immunofluorescent staining for several species of Acanthamoeba, Naegleria fowleri, and Hartmanella vermiformis was negative. Direct examination of water and soil samples from the gorilla and former mandrill enclosures revealed unidentified amoebas in 11/27 samples, but intraperitoneal inoculations in mice failed to induce disease. Attempts to isolate amoebas from frozen tissues from the adult male gorilla were unsuccessful.

Swollen eyelid associated with Foleyella sp infection in a chameleon.

An adult female Oustalet's chameleon was examined to determine the cause of a fluctuant enlargement of the right superior eyelid. Surgical exploration of the subcutaneous tissues of the eyelid revealed live microfilarial parasites, which were identified later as Foleyella sp. These parasites, although seldomly reported, are fairly common in imported chameleons and can be detected during examination of blood smears. Surgical removal continues to be the treatment of choice for these parasites, because the efficacy and safety of many new anthelmintic agents have not been determined for use in chameleons.

Biliary coccidiosis in a ferret (Mustela putorius furo).

This report documents the first case of biliary coccidiosis in the ferret. Multiple life stages of a coccidian parasite, including meronts, gametocytes, and oocysts were present in the epithelium of hepatic bile ducts and the gallbladder. Based on morphologic characteristics, the organisms were identified as Eimeria sp., most likely E. furonis.

Onchocerciasis in two dogs.

Although widely reported in cattle, horses, and other ungulates, onchocerciasis has only recently been reported in 1 dog. We report 2 additional dogs with onchocerciasis involving the palpebral conjunctiva, third palpebra, and sclera. Both dogs were evaluated because of ocular or periocular masses. Histologically, viable adult parasites were surrounded by minimal fibrosis and few macrophages. Pyogranulomas were often centered around degenerating or mineralized Onchocerca organisms. Onchocerciasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of ocular or periocular nodules in dogs, particularly dogs from western states.

Etiology of acute diarrhea among United States military personnel deployed to South America and west Africa.

A study of acute diarrhea was conducted from 1985 to 1987 among U.S. military personnel participating in routine shipboard exercises in South America and West Africa and ground troops deployed to coastal Ecuador. An enteropathogen was identified in 146 (51%) of 289 acute cases of diarrhea. Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, found in 50 (17%) patients with diarrhea, was the most commonly identified enteropathogen. Viral enteropathogens were also found in a high percentage of acute cases of diarrhea: rotavirus was detected in 11% of the patients and Norwalk virus infection in 10%. Most enteric pathogens were acquired in equal frequencies in South America and West Africa, except for rotavirus infection which was identified more often in West Africa and enteroaggregative E. coli infection which was identified more often in South America. Bacterial enteropathogens were frequently resistant to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, but no resistance to quinolone drugs was observed, indicating that quinolone drugs have become important agents for the treatment of diarrhea in South America and West Africa.