Molecular detection and characterization of Bartonella spp. in small mammals in the Amazonia and Cerrado biomes, midwestern Brazil.

Although Bartonella spp. have been worldwide described in rodents and bats, few studies have reported these agents in marsupials. The present work aimed to investigate the occurrence and genetic diversity of Bartonella in small mammals (rodents, marsupials, and bats) and associated ectoparasites in two ecoregions (Amazonia and Cerrado biomes) in midwestern Brazil. For this purpose, DNA samples from 378 specimens of small mammals (128 rodents, 111 marsupials, and 139 bats) and 41 fleas (Siphonaptera) were screened for the Bartonella genus employing a quantitative real-time PCR assay (qPCR) based on the nuoG (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase gamma subunit) gene. Then, positive samples in qPCR were submitted to conventional PCR (cPCR) assays targeting the gltA, ftsZ, and rpoB genes. One (0.78 %) rodent, 23 (16.54 %) bats, and 3 (7.31 %) fleas showed positive results in the qPCR for Bartonella sp. After cPCR amplification and sequencing, 13 partial Bartonella DNA sequences of the following genes were obtained only from bats´ blood samples: 9 gltA (citrate synthase), 3 ftsZ (cell division protein), and 1 rpoB (RNA polymerase beta subunit). The maximum likelihood inference based on the gltA gene positioned the obtained sequences in three different clades, closely related to Bartonella genotypes previously detected in other bat species and bat flies sampled in Brazil and other countries from Latin America. Similarly, the ftsZ sequences clustered in two different clades with sequences described in bats from Brazil, other countries from Latin America, and Georgia (eastern Europe). Finally, the Bartonella rpoB from a specimen of Lophostoma silvicolum clustered with a Bartonella sp. sequence obtained from a Noctilio albiventris (KP715475) from French Guiana. The present study provided valuable insights into the diversity of Bartonella genotypes infecting bats from two ecoregions (Amazonia and Cerrado) in midwestern Brazil and emphasized that further studies should be conducted regarding the description and evaluation of different lineages of Bartonella in wild small mammals and their ectoparasites in different Brazilian biomes.

Gastrointestinal parasites of wild carnivores from conservation institutions in the Cerrado of Goiás, Brazil.

Increased interaction between wild and urban environments owing to human population growth, increased anthropization of biomes, and habitat loss for wild animals increases the spread of infectious and parasitic agents. The present study reports on the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in carnivorous mammals at two conservation institutions in the state of Goiás, Brazil. Fecal samples from 39 adult carnivores were collected after spontaneous defecation and analyzed by flotation and sedimentation. The structure and management data of each institution were recorded. Parasitism prevalence, binomial confidence intervals (CI) at 95%, variables associated with the presence of contact animals, size of the enclosure and type of food were recorded. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in the samples analyzed was 71.8% (CI 55.1-83.0; 28/39). Ancylostomatidae, Toxocara spp., Toxascaris leonina, Strongyloides spp., Calodium hepaticum, and Trematoda eggs, and Cystoisospora spp. oocysts were detected. Environmental conditions were not correlated with parasitism prevalence; however, the parasites found could be managed, considering their biology, such as controlling synanthropic and domestic animals in captivity, feeding with healthy feed.

Immature hard ticks infected with Rickettsia amblyommatis on breeding birds from Pantanal.

Immature hard ticks from the genus Amblyomma feed on blood from a wide range of Neotropical avian hosts. They serve as vectors for pathogens of medical and veterinary importance, such as Rickettsia agents of the spotted fever group (SFG). Hence, determining ecological factors that increase encounter rates between immature ticks and their avian hosts may contribute to the understanding of tick-borne diseases transmission. Here, we used 720 individual birds from 96 species surveyed in the Brazilian Pantanal to test whether host breeding season influenced tick infestation probabilities. Additionally, collected ticks were screened for Rickettsia agents to describe new avian-tick-bacteria associations. Our models revealed that the probability of an individual bird being infested with immature ticks was similar during the breeding and pre-breeding season, but higher loads of immature tick stages were found during the breeding season. Host sex did not predict infestation probability, but Rickettsia agents recovered from ticks were more prevalent during the pre-breeding season. The new records of host usage by larvae and nymphs of Amblyomma in Pantanal and the growing body of tick surveys in Neotropical avian communities, suggest that immature ticks may benefit from avian blood sources during their annual cycle. The low number of infected ticks with Rickettsia agents on Pantanal birds suggest that this vertebrate group are likely not acting as reservoirs for these microorganisms. However, long-term surveys at the same site are imperative to determine which tick species are acting as reservoirs for Rickettsia agents in Pantanal and determine whether birds are playing a role in dispersing ticks and tick-borne pathogens.

Occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs from Cuiabá, Mato Grosso.

Gastrointestinal parasitism by helminths and protozoa poses risks to animal and human health owing to clinical changes and transmission of potentially zoonotic agents. Thus, the present study aimed to verify the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs from the municipality of Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil, using coproparasitological tests. From June 2021 to April 2022, faecal samples were collected from domestic dogs at the Veterinary Hospital and Animal Protection Shelters in the Cuiabá municipality. A semi-structured questionnaire was applied to the owners and those responsible for the shelters to analyse the factors associated with gastrointestinal parasitism. A total of 353 faecal samples were collected and subjected to parasitological flotation and sedimentation techniques. Data were analysed using the chi-squared test and exploratory factorial analysis. The occurrence of gastrointestinal parasitism was 22.66% and the parasites found alone or in mixed infections were Ancylostoma spp., Trichuris vulpis, Toxocara spp., Dipylidium caninum, Cystoisospora spp., Giardia duodenalis, and coccidia. It was concluded that the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs is frequent, and the variables associated with these infections were source origin, breed, age, coexistence with other animals, and dull fur.

A new species of Pterygodermatites (Spirurida: Rictulariidae) in Marmosa constantiae Thomas, 1904 from an ecotone area of the biomes Cerrado/Amazon in the Mato Grosso State, Brazil.

A new species of nematode, Pterygodermatites (Paucipectines) sinopiensis n. sp. is described based on specimens recovered from the intestine of the white-bellied woolly mice opossum, Marmosa constantiae, trapped in the municipality of Sinop, Mato Grosso state, Brazil. The genus Pterygodermatites has 21 species described in mammals worldwide, and to date, only two species have been described for marsupials in Brazil. The new species is characterized by the presence of 23 small denticles and by the presence of 38-40 and 65 pairs of the cuticular processes in male and female species, respectively. Additionally, male species possess three ventral precloacal fans, and in female species, the cuticular processes are divided into 41 pairs of comb-like and 24 pairs of spine-like processes; the vulva opens approximately in pair 41. This study describes the parasite species fifth of marsupials in the Neotropical region.

Epidemiological aspects of the occurrence of anti-Sarcocystis spp. andanti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in dogs in the Northern region of Brazil / Aspectos epidemiológicos da ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Sarcocystisspp. e anti-Toxoplasma gondii em cães da região norte do Brasil

We conducted aseroepidemiological study on the occurrence of anti-Sarcocystisspp. and anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in dogs from family farming properties in the municipality of Ji-Paraná, Rondônia.Blood samples were collected from apparently healthy dogs between September 2012 and November 2013. In total, 181 blood serum samples were analyzed using an indirect immunofluorescence assay, among which 57 (31.49%) and 20 (11.04%) were positive for anti-T. gondii and anti-Sarcocystis spp., respectively. Statistical analyses showed that the type of food fed to the dogs was associated with the occurrence of anti-Sarcocystisspp. antibodies. In contrast, age and access to bovine carcasses were the risk factors for anti-T. gondii.The high occurrence of seropositive dogs for Sarcocystis spp. and T. gondii evidences the wide distribution of these agents in the studied area, possibly due to human and animal exposure to these protozoan species. In addition, anti-T. gondii antibodies were directly proportional to dog age. The increase in the number of positive animals with age was statistically significant. Furthermore, high antibody titers (up to 800) against Sarcocystis spp. in dogs suggest the possibility of recent exposure, in addition to environmental contamination by oocysts/sporocysts eliminated by the feces of these animals.

Conduzimos um estudo soroepidemiológico sobre a ocorrência de anticorpos anti- Sarcocystis spp. e anti-Toxoplasma gondiiem cães de propriedades de agricultura familiar no município de Ji-Paraná, Rondônia. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas de cães aparentemente saudáveis, entre setembro de 2012 e novembro de 2013. Ao todo, foram analisados 181 soros sanguíneos por meio do ensaio de imunofluorescência indireta, sendo positivas 57 (31,49%) e 20 (11,04%) amostras para anticorpos anti-T. gondii e anti-Sarcocystis spp., respectivamente. As análises estatísticas demonstraram que o tipo de alimentação fornecida aos cães esteve associado à ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Sarcocystis spp. Em contraste a idade e o acesso à carcaça bovina foram fatores de risco para a presença de anticorpos anti-T. gondii. A alta ocorrência de cães soropositivos para Sarcocystis spp. e T. gondii evidencia a ampla distribuição desses agentes na área estudada, possivelmente devido à exposição humana e animal a essas espécies de protozoários. Além disso, o resultado dos anticorpos anti-T. gondii relacionados a idade do cão mostraram diferença estatística, com aumento significativo no número de animais positivos com a idade. Além disso, altos títulos de anticorpos (até 800) contra Sarcocystis spp. em cães sugerem a possibilidade de exposição recente, além da contaminação ambiental por oocistos/esporocistos eliminados pelas fezes desses animais.

Parasitism of Nelore (Bos indicus) calf from northern Brazil by Ctenocephalides felis.

Ctenocephalides felis is the most common hematophagous ectoparasite of domestic cats and dogs worldwide, causing allergic dermatitis, anemia, itching, discomfort, and it is responsible for the transmission of many pathogens. In cattle, parasitism is not common but occurs due to the high adaptability of this flea species. This study aimed to report infestation of a Nellore (Bos indicus) calf from Northern Brazil by C. felis and its clinical findings. A 45 kg male calf presented diarrhea, progressive emaciation after 50 days of birth, and flea infestation. Anemia was observed (4.11 × 106/µL of erythrocytes; 20.48% of hematocrit). Coproparasitological examination and molecularly detection of Anaplasma spp. and Babesia spp. indicated negatively. Fleas were collected and taxonomically identified as C. felis. Clinical manifestations of this ectoparasite in cattle were unspecific; however, they can develop severe conditions, such as restlessness and weakness, accompanied by alopecia, emaciation, anemia, and edema of the lower limbs with intense itching and self-excoriation.

Helminth community structure of Didelphis marsupialis (Didelphimorphia, Didelphidae) in a transition area between the Brazilian Amazon and the Cerrado.

Although the common opossum, Didelphis marsupialis (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae) is a species widely distributed in South America, knowledge about their helminth parasites and helminth community structure is scarce. The aims of this study were to describe the species composition and analyze the structure of the helminth community of the common opossum in an area of the Amazonian Arc in northern Mato Grosso. The helminths were recovered, counted, and identified in 32 individuals. Overall, 10,198 specimens were categorized into 9 helminths taxa (seven nematodes, one cestode, and one acanthocephalan). The most abundant species were Aspidodera raillieti, Viannaia hamata, and Travassostrongylus orloffi. No statistically significant differences in helminth abundance and prevalence were observed between host sexes. However, young hosts had higher abundance and prevalence of Didelphonema longispiculata, whereas Oligacanthorhynchus microcephalus had higher abundance and prevalence in adult hosts. This was the first study to analyze the helminth fauna and helminth community structure of D. marsupialis in the Amazonian Arc. This is the first report of the presence of A. raillieti, D. longispiculata, T. orloffi, T. minuta, V. hamata, and O. microcephalus in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil.

Molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in neotropical primates.

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infections in primates are potentially fatal and directly impact the conservation of these animals and public health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 38 blood/clot samples collected from free-living and captive neotropical primates undergoing clinical care or found dead by environmental authorities in the Mato Grosso State, Brazil, were analyzed by PCR for DNA detection of T. gondii and N. caninum. Furthermore, eight animals were submitted to immunohistochemistry for the detection of T. gondii. RESULTS: DNA of T. gondii and N. caninum was amplified in 11 (28.95%) 10 (26.32%) of samples analyzed, respectively. Coinfection was observed in three individuals. One animal returned a positive result in the immunohistochemistry for the detection of T. gondii. CONCLUSION: These findings reflect a concern for the conservation of these animals, as the pathogen-host interaction is unpredictable and infections by these protozoa can lead to animal mortality, which has a substantial impact on endangered species.

Post mortem protozoan hemoparasites detection in wild mammals from Mato Grosso state, Midwestern Brazil.

To a better insight into the epidemiology and genetic diversity of protozoan hemoparasites infections in wild mammals, this study aimed to the post mortem detection of DNA from species of the order Piroplasmida (Babesia sp., Cytauxzoon sp., and Theileria sp.) and suborder Adelorina (Hepatozoon sp.) using polymerase chain reaction based on the 18S rRNA gene followed by genetic sequencing of blood and spleen samples collected from carcasses of 164 free-ranging and captive wild mammals from Mato Grosso state. Among them, one Leopardus pardalis, three Panthera onca, two Puma concolor were positive for Cytauxzoon sp., and six Tapirus terrestris tested positive for Piroplasmida, while one L. pardalis was positive for Hepatozoon sp. Furthermore, an uncharacterized piroplasmid genetically related to Theileria sp. previously detected in cats from Brazil was described in lowland tapirs. Despite the controversy regarding the epidemiological threat of these protozoa, the detection of these tick-borne agents in wild free-living and captive mammals, even when asymptomatic, demonstrates the importance of monitoring, particularly in hotspots such as the state of Mato Grosso, to verify the circulation and genetic diversity, to anticipate the possible emergence of diseases, and even their consequences to other animals as well as humans.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii in cattle from Unai, Minas Gerais state, Brazil.

Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread protozoan parasite that causes infections in animals and humans. The presence of tissue cysts in cattle musculature evidences their epidemiological significance in transmission to humans. The present study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of and risk factors of T. gondii seropositivity in beef cattle in the municipality of Unaí, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Bovine blood samples (n = 612) were collected from 31 herds. Risk factors associated with the animal-level and herd-level seroprevalence were analysed using a questionnaire that investigates the epidemiological aspects of toxoplasmosis. A search for anti-T. gondii antibodies was performed by means of an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Analysis of 612 samples showed 369 animals positive for anti-T. gondii antibodies (IFAT ≥64), with a seroprevalence of 60.29% (95% confidence interval (CI): 56.35-64.10). The herd-level seroprevalence was 96.77% (95% CI: 79.00-99.58). Applying a multivariate logistic regression analysis, a test of the association between seroprevalence of T. gondii infection and the potential predictors showed that cats (domestic or wild) with access to the drinking water of cattle were a significant (P = 0.001) predictor. The seroprevalence of T. gondii in cattle destined for human consumption is widely distributed throughout the entire study area. Thus, integrated control measures and strategies are suggested to prevent T. gondii infection in cattle.

Molecular detection of trypanosomatids in neotropical primates in the state of Mato Grosso, Midwest, Brazil.

Trypanosomatids are uniflagellate protozoa belonging to the Trypanosomatidae family. The genera Trypanosoma and Leishmania are of paramount importance as they contain species that cause serious diseases, such as Chagas disease and Leishmaniasis, respectively. The objective of the present study was to identify trypanosomatids present in the whole blood of free-living and captive neotropical primates in Mato Grosso State, Midwest Brazil. Between 2017 and 2019, 38 blood samples were collected from seven different neotropical primate species in seven cities in the state. Through molecular techniques, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify a fragment of the kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) and 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) gene, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis, nine Leishmania spp. [seven L. infantum and two L. (Leishmania) amazonensis] and two Trypanosoma spp. (T. minasense and T. rangeli) were identified. This study contributes to understanding the occurrence and epidemiology of trypanosomatids in Mato Grosso State and the importance of neotropical primates as trypanosome hosts and possible infection sources for other animals and humans. Future identification of other blood pathogens in neotropical primates will assist in disease control and prevention strategies.

Endoparasites of capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) from anthropized and natural areas of Brazil.

This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of endoparasites in fecal samples of capybaras from anthropized areas in seven cities in the state of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil, and natural areas in two locations in the Pantanal biome. For the parasitological evaluation of samples, feces were subjected to centrifugal sedimentation in water-ether and centrifugal flotation in sucrose solution. Out of the 113 samples examined, 97.3% (110/113) were positive for the presence of helminth eggs and/or protozoan oocysts, with 96.7% (89/92) and 100% (21/21) in capybaras from anthropized and natural areas, respectively. Helminth eggs belonging to the Class Cestoda (Monoecocestus spp.), Class Digenea, and Class Nematoda (Trichostrongyloidea, Strongyloides chapini, Protozoophaga obesa, and Capillaria hydrochoeri) were detected. Coccidia oocysts of Eimeria spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. were detected. The difference found was in the occurrence of S. chapini between anthropized and natural areas, as S. chapini was not detected in natural areas. Capybaras from anthropized areas showed a greater species richness of endoparasites, including species such as Fasciola hepatica and Cryptosporidium spp., that might have zoonotic potential.

Platynosomum fastosum in domestic cats in Cuiabá, Midwest region of Brazil.

Platynosomum fastosum, which is distributed in tropical and subtropical regions, is the main parasite in the biliary system of domestic cats. Cats can be asymptomatic or show severe signs of cholangitis. Although the infection is reported throughout Brazil, only post-mortem studies are available from the Midwest region of the country. This cross-sectional study investigated the frequency of P. fastosum parasitism in domestic cats treated at the University Veterinary Hospital in Cuiabá city, Mato Grosso, Brazil, by three coproparasitological techniques (formalin-ether sedimentation, Faust, and Hoffmann), associating clinical, laboratory (haematological, biochemical) and ultrasonographic alterations. Based on the sample calculation, 171 cats were evaluated in the clinical and laboratory and a semi-structured epidemiological questionnaire was designed and used by the tutors. The prevalence observed was 26.90%, with no significant association with sex, reproductive status, age, hunting habit, access to the street, recent anthelmintic treatment, and the guardian's lack of knowledge regarding parasitism. Of the 171 cats evaluated, 55 (32.16%) showed clinical signs suggestive of cholangitis, with a significant association of this variable. Regarding the clinical and pathological variables, mild neutrophilia and elevated serum activity of alanine amino transferase and alkaline phosphatase was observed (but not significantly), while the mean values of eosinophils, leucocytes, total protein, albumin, and globulin were normal. The ultrasound findings were like those previously described. Thus, it was observed that P. fastosum occurs in moderate prevalence in cats from Cuiabá-MT, with a significant association with clinical signs and a regular agreement between the parasitological techniques employed.

Risk factor analysis associated with Neospora caninum in dairy cattle in Western Brazilian Amazon.

Neospora caninum is considered to be one of the main causes of abortion among cattle. The present survey was conducted in the municipality of Rolim de Moura, Rondônia State, Brazil. A questionnaire that investigates the epidemiological aspects of neosporosis was used in the analysis of risk factors associated with the animal-level and herd-level prevalence in dairy cattle. A total of 416 bovine blood samples were collected from 30 farms, and N. caninum antibody levels were measured by Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT). Analysis of dairy cattle serum samples revealed the presence of anti-N. caninum antibodies to be 47.36% (n = 197). Risk factors associated with N. caninum infection were the management system and access locations of dogs. The results of the present survey indicated that infection of dairy cattle with N. caninum is widespread in the studied region of Western Amazon, which has implications for prevention and control of neosporosis in this region. Therefore, integrated control strategies and measures are recommended to prevent and control N. caninum infection in dairy cattle. In addition, direct contact between dairy cattle, dogs and wild animals, which can influence the epidemiology of neosporosis, should be investigated further.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in sheep intended for human consumption in the Rondônia state, Western Brazilian Amazon.

The aim of this study was to carry out a seroepidemiological study of anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum antibodies in serum samples from sheep intended for human consumption in the Rondônia state, in the Western Brazilian Amazon, and identify possible risk factors associated with seropositivity. The analysis of the 616 sheep serum samples revealed animal-level seroprevalence of T. gondii in the order of 52.4 % and of N. caninum of 60.6 %. Prevalence of co-infections was 33.4 %. The herd-level seroprevalence was 100 % for both the parasites. Applying of multivariate logistic regression analysis, test of the association between seroprevalence of T. gondii infection and the potential predictors showed that feed, fetal malformation, abortion, neurological problems (lambs), presence of rodents were the significant (P < 0.05) predictors. The variables presence of rodents, cats, wild animals and main activity showed statistical association (P < 0.05) with the seroprevalence of N. caninum. Due to the high prevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum found in this study, the absence of specific slaughterhouses for sheep and raw or undercooked sheep meat for human consumption we concluded that sheep can represent an important source of infection for humans.

Post mortem protozoan hemoparasites detection in wild mammals from Mato Grosso state, Midwestern Brazil / Detecção post mortem de hemoparasitas protozoários em mamíferos selvagens do estado de Mato Grosso, Centro-Oeste do Brasil

Abstract To a better insight into the epidemiology and genetic diversity of protozoan hemoparasites infections in wild mammals, this study aimed to the post mortem detection of DNA from species of the order Piroplasmida (Babesia sp., Cytauxzoon sp., and Theileria sp.) and suborder Adelorina (Hepatozoon sp.) using polymerase chain reaction based on the 18S rRNA gene followed by genetic sequencing of blood and spleen samples collected from carcasses of 164 free-ranging and captive wild mammals from Mato Grosso state. Among them, one Leopardus pardalis, three Panthera onca, two Puma concolor were positive for Cytauxzoon sp., and six Tapirus terrestris tested positive for Piroplasmida, while one L. pardalis was positive for Hepatozoon sp. Furthermore, an uncharacterized piroplasmid genetically related to Theileria sp. previously detected in cats from Brazil was described in lowland tapirs. Despite the controversy regarding the epidemiological threat of these protozoa, the detection of these tick-borne agents in wild free-living and captive mammals, even when asymptomatic, demonstrates the importance of monitoring, particularly in hotspots such as the state of Mato Grosso, to verify the circulation and genetic diversity, to anticipate the possible emergence of diseases, and even their consequences to other animals as well as humans.

Resumo Para uma melhor compreensão da epidemiologia e diversidade genética das infecções por hemoprotozoários em mamíferos selvagens, este estudo teve como objetivo a detecção post mortem de DNA de espécies da ordem Piroplasmida (Babesia sp., Cytauxzoon sp. e Theileria sp.) e subordem Adelorina (Hepatozoon sp.), utilizando-se a reação em cadeia pela polimerase, baseada no gene 18S rRNA, seguido de sequenciamento genético de amostras de sangue e baço, coletadas de 164 carcaças de mamíferos selvagens de vida livre e cativos do estado de Mato Grosso. Entre eles, um Leopardus pardalis, três Panthera onca, dois Puma concolor foram positivos para Cytauxzoon sp., e seis Tapirus terrestris testaram positivos para Piroplasmida, enquanto um L. pardalis foi positivo para Hepatozoon sp. Além disso, foi descrito em antas, um piroplasmídeo não caracterizado geneticamente, relacionado à Theileria sp., previamente detectado em gatos do Brasil. Apesar da controvérsia quanto à ameaça epidemiológica desses protozoários, a detecção desses agentes em mamíferos silvestres e cativos, mesmo quando assintomáticos, demonstra a importância do monitoramento, principalmente em hotspots, como no estado de Mato Grosso, para verificar a circulação e a diversidade genética, a fim de antecipar o possível surgimento de doenças e, até mesmo, suas consequências para outros animais, bem como os humanos.

Molecular survey of tick-borne pathogens in small mammals from Brazilian Amazonia.

Small non-volant mammals (marsupials and small rodents) were captured at three different timepoints from 23 forest fragments across three municipalities (Alta Floresta, Sinop and Cláudia) covering the Amazonian biome of the Mato Grosso State in Midwestern Brazil. The animal tissues (liver and spleen) and blood were screened using molecular tools for the detection of Babesia, Coxiella, Cytauxzoon, Hepatozoon, Theileria, and Anaplasmataceae agents. A total of 230 specimens (78 rodents and 152 marsupials) were trapped. Hepatozoon and Piroplasmorida agents were detected in the common opossums (Didelphis marsupialis). In turn, all samples (blood, liver, or spleen) collected from the small mammals were negative for the genus Coxiella and the family Anaplasmataceae, as detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Phylogenetic analyses inferred from partial sequences of the 18S rRNA gene highlighted the occurrence of new Hepatozoon and Piroplasmorida haplotypes. Future studies determining the role of common opossum (D. marsupialis) in the epidemiological cycles of Hepatozoon and Babesia under natural conditions in the Amazonian biome are necessary.

Molecular survey of tick-borne pathogens in small mammals from Brazilian Amazonia / Levantamento molecular de patógenos transmitidos por carrapatos em pequenos mamíferos da Amazônia brasileira

Abstract Small non-volant mammals (marsupials and small rodents) were captured at three different timepoints from 23 forest fragments across three municipalities (Alta Floresta, Sinop and Cláudia) covering the Amazonian biome of the Mato Grosso State in Midwestern Brazil. The animal tissues (liver and spleen) and blood were screened using molecular tools for the detection of Babesia, Coxiella, Cytauxzoon, Hepatozoon, Theileria, and Anaplasmataceae agents. A total of 230 specimens (78 rodents and 152 marsupials) were trapped. Hepatozoon and Piroplasmorida agents were detected in the common opossums (Didelphis marsupialis). In turn, all samples (blood, liver, or spleen) collected from the small mammals were negative for the genus Coxiella and the family Anaplasmataceae, as detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Phylogenetic analyses inferred from partial sequences of the 18S rRNA gene highlighted the occurrence of new Hepatozoon and Piroplasmorida haplotypes. Future studies determining the role of common opossum (D. marsupialis) in the epidemiological cycles of Hepatozoon and Babesia under natural conditions in the Amazonian biome are necessary.

Resumo Pequenos mamíferos não voadores (marsupiais e pequenos roedores) foram capturados em três diferentes períodos, ao longo de 23 fragmentos florestais de três municípios (Alta Floresta, Sinop e Cláudia), localizados no bioma amazônico do Estado de Mato Grosso, no centro-oeste do Brasil. Os tecidos dos animais (fígado e baço) e sangue foram selecionados e submetidos a ensaios moleculares para a detecção do DNA de Babesia, Coxiella, Cytauxzoon, Hepatozoon, Theileria e agentes Anaplasmataceae. Um total de 230 espécimes (78 roedores e 152 marsupiais) foram capturados. Hepatozoon e agentes Piroplasmorida foram detectados em gambás (Didelphis marsupialis). Ao contrário, todas as amostras (sangue, fígado ou baço) coletadas dos pequenos mamíferos foram negativas para o gênero Coxiella e a família Anaplasmataceae, conforme detectado pela reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). Análises filogenéticas inferidas pelas sequências parciais do gene 18S rRNA evidenciaram a ocorrência de novos haplótipos de Hepatozoon e Piroplasmorida. Futuros estudos determinando a importância do gambá-comun (D. marsupialis) nos ciclos epidemiológicos de Hepatozoon e Babesia em condições naturais, no bioma amazônico, são necessários.

Antibodies anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum in backyard pigs from the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil.

To estimate the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum, using an indirect immunofluorescent assay (IFA), and identify the risk factors associated, serum samples were collected from 1,070 pigs from 320 backyard pig farming in the of Mato Grosso state. The animal-level seroprevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum was 32.48% and 13.49%, respectively, with a herd seroprevalence of 55.63% for T. gondii and 27.81% for N. caninum. Feeding the animals with leftovers increases the probability of the presence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in pigs by 1.09-fold. Unlike to T. gondii, feeding with leftovers was found to be negatively associated with N. caninum seropositivity in farm-level analysis and in the animal-level model, so decreasing the chances of positivity. Yet, age was considered a risk factor for N. caninum seropositivity. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the impact of T. gondii infection on backyard pig farming production, and its importance as a source of toxoplasmosis infection in humans in the Mato Grosso state, as well as, the role of domestic pigs in the epidemiology of neosporosis.