Gastrointestinal helminths associated with three species of freshwater turtles in the Pampa biome, southern Brazil.

Maintenance of the life cycle of a wide diversity of helminths depends on the aquatic environment. Freshwater turtles are considered one of the main groups in these ecosystems due to their high density and biomass. However, there is little information on the infection parameters of helminths associated with the Chelidae species Hydromedusa tectifera, Phrynops hilarii, and Acanthochelys spixii that occur in the Pampa biome. Therefore, this study aimed at analyzing the gastrointestinal helminth assemblage of the three species. Analyses showed that A. spixii was associated with 11 helminth taxa while P. hilarii and H. tectifera were parasitized by eight taxa each. The gastrointestinal helminth assemblage of A. spixii and H. tectifera showed high similarity by the Morisita index. Infections suggest that the helminth fauna is directly related to the diet of the hosts, since A. spixii, P. hilarii, and H. tectifera are generalist and/or opportunistic with diets composed of various invertebrates, which, in turn, are part of the life cycles as intermediate hosts of most of the identified helminths. Thus, this study highlights not only the importance of helminthological research for the understanding of the biology of host organisms, but also the need for conservation of flooded areas characteristic of the Pampa biome, which is essential to maintain the diversity of the ecosystem.

The relation between columbiform birds (Columba livia) age and gender and infection indices of rhinonyssid and ereynetid mites.

Respiratory systems of birds may be parasitized by rhinonyssid and ereynetid mites, which are commonly found in their nasal cavities. Levels of infection caused by mites in relation to maturity and gender of birds have been poorly investigated. Although Columba livia is the host of both Tinaminyssus and Trispeleognathus species worldwide, there are no data on prevalence and mean intensity of infection by mites in immature and adult males and females. Therefore, this study aims to analyze infections in relation to characteristics of hosts in southern Brazil. In the sample of 160 birds under study, 24.38% were parasitized by rhinonyssid mites (Tinaminyssus melloi and Tinaminyssus columbae) while 5.0% were infested with ereynetid ones (Trispeleognathus striatus). Infections by rhinonyssid mites in immature and adult birds, as well as in male and female ones, were similar and there were no significant differences in prevalence and mean intensity of infection. However, when infections were analyzed separately, prevalence of T. melloi was significantly higher in immature (19.77%) than in adult (6.76%) birds (p = 0.021). Ereynetid mites, which parasitized only males, were more prevalent in adult (9.46%) than in immature (1.16%) birds (p = 0.025). Reproductive and behavioral characteristics of C. livia (e.g., year-round breeding and social behavior) may enable transmission and maintenance of mite populations, since direct contact among hosts and the presence of mites in their nests are considered forms of transmission. Even though information on the life history of mites is important to understand parasite-host relations, there is a gap in the biology of species commonly found in C. livia, which constitutes an area to be explored.

Centrorhynchus spp. (Acanthocephala) in South America: new anuran record and checklist of vertebrate hosts.

The aim of this study was to record Centrorhynchus sp. associated with the exotic species Aquarana catesbeiana (bullfrog) in southern Brazil and to present a checklist of vertebrate hosts in South America. Twenty-nine adults and juveniles of A. catesbeiana were collected in Capão do Leão, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, between October 2019 and December 2020. We found 275 specimens of Centrorhynchus sp. cystacanths in the stomach musculature and coelomic cavity of 55.1% of hosts (16). There was no significant differences in the prevalence and mean intensity of infection with cystacanths when compared males and females of A. catesbeiana. The prevalence was significantly higher in adults than in juveniles. The checklist presents 106 species of vertebrate hosts and 14 taxa of Centrorhynchus recorded in nine South American countries. Avian were the main definitive hosts of Centrorhynchus spp. and snakes Dipsadidae, anurans Hylidae and Leptodactylidae the main paratenic hosts in South America. This is the first record of Centrorhynchus cystacanths in A. catesbeiana in the South America. The study provides tools to help understand the parasitic relationships between species of Centrorhynchus and A. catesbeiana and other hosts in areas where bullfrog have been introduced.

An evaluation of techniques to diagnose Dioctophyme renale in dogs.

Dioctophyme renale is a nematode with zoonotic potential that affects the kidneys of carnivorous, wild, and domestic mammals. In this study, we sought to evaluate the indirect ELISA method against routine methods used to diagnose dioctophimosis. Hence, 38 dogs parasitized by D. renale, as confirmed by surgery, were selected. The dogs were evaluated by abdominal ultrasound and urinalysis, and their sera were tested by indirect ELISA using D. renale adult secretion and excretion antigen (DES). Five dogs were followed up with serum collections on day 0 (day of surgery) and 30, 60, and 90 days after surgery to evaluate antibody kinetics. Abdominal ultrasound and indirect ELISA successfully diagnosed 37 dogs parasitized by D. renale, while urinalysis diagnosed 29 animals. The positive animals were parasitized with 1-7 parasites; 17 dogs were infected by male and female parasites, 15 only by female parasites, and six were parasitized only by male parasites. When assessing specificity and sensitivity, all techniques showed 100% specificity and 81.6%, 97.4%, and 97.4% sensitivity for urinalysis, ultrasound, and ELISA, respectively (p < 0.001). The five positive dogs that were followed up after surgery showed a progressive decrease in mean absorbances in indirect ELISA (0.644, 0.516, 0.511, and 0.440, respectively). This study demonstrated that the indirect ELISA using the DE antigen could diagnose dioctophimosis regardless of the number, sex, and location of the parasites, with the potential to be used in epidemiological research and implementing immunological and molecular studies, opening new lines of research on D. renale.

Dioctophyme renale é um nematódeo que possui potencial zoonótico e acomete o rim de mamíferos carnívoros, silvestres e domésticos. Neste estudo busca-se avaliar a técnica de ELISA indireto frente metodologias de rotina utilizadas no diagnóstico da dioctofimose. Para isto, 38 cães participaram do estudo, sendo todos parasitados por D. renale, confirmados por cirurgia. Esses cães foram avaliados por ultrassom abdominal, urinálise e seus soros testado por ELISA indireto utilizando antígeno de excreção e secreção (DES) de adultos de D. renale. Destes, cinco cães foram acompanhados com coletas de soro, no dia zero (dia da cirurgia) e após 30, 60 e 90 dias da cirurgia para avaliar a cinética dos anticorpos. O ultrassom abdominal e ELISA indireto apresentaram sucesso no diagnóstico de 37 cães parasitados por D. renale, enquanto que a urinálise diagnosticou 29 animais. Os animais positivos possuíam de um a sete parasitos, 17 cães apresentaram infecções por macho e fêmeas, 15 somente por fêmeas e seis foram parasitados apenas por machos. Na avaliação da especificidade e sensibilidade, todas as técnicas apresentaram 100% de especificidade e 81,6%, 97,4%, 97,4% de sensibilidade para urinálise, ultrassom e ELISA, respectivamente (p < 0,001). Os cinco cães positivos que foram acompanhados após a cirurgia apresentaram diminuição progressiva nas médias de absorbâncias no ELISA indireto (0,644, 0,516, 0,511 e 0,440, respectivamente). O estudo demonstrou que o ELISA indireto utilizando o antígeno DES poderia diagnosticar dioctofimose, independentemente do número, sexo e localização dos parasitos, com potencial para ser utilizada em estudos epidemiológicos e na implementação de estudos imunológicos e moleculares, abrindo novas linhas de pesquisa sobre Dioctophyme renale.

Rhinonyssus nenecoi sp. nov. (Mesostigmata: Rhinonyssidae); a new nasal mite from Daption capense (Procellariiformes: Procellariidae).

Parasitic nasal mites have been surveyed in a range of vertebrate hosts, but only two species of Rhinonyssidae have been described from procellariiform seabirds. We here describe Rhinonyssus nenecoi sp. nov., from Cape petrels, Daption capense (Procellariidae), collected in Rio Grande do Sul State, southern Brazil. The new species is morphologically most similar to R. procellaricus and R. pluvialis differing mainly by a strongly sclerotised podosomal shield with four pairs of setae, covering more than half of the idiosoma; a podosomal shield with a V-shaped posteromedial projection; an irregularly-shaped sternal shield; and a ventral opisthosoma with 3-4 pairs of setae.

A new genus and new species of Cyclocoelidae (Digenea), a parasite in spotted rail, Pardirallus maculatus (Gruiformes: Rallidae), in the Pampa biome, southern Brazil.

Seventeen specimens of the spotted rail, Pardirallus maculatus (Boddaert) (Gruiformes: Rallidae), from the southern Brazil were examined for helminths. Three birds were positive for specimens of Cyclocoelidae (Digenea), which were found in both nasal and abdominal cavities. Helminths were described as Nasuscoelum pampensis n. gen., n. sp. The new genus has an intertesticular ovary forming a triangle with the testis, characterizing the Cyclocoelinae. Nasuscoelum pampensis n. gen., n. sp. is similar to Cyclocoelum mutabile (Zeder, 1800), however it differs from the latter by the presence of vitelline follicles confluence in the posterior region. A revised key to the Cyclocoelinae was proposed to include the new genus.

Parasite-host relations and new reports of helminths for Rhinella dorbignyi (Duméril & Bibron, 1841) (Anura: Bufonidae) from Neotropical region.

This study aimed to analyze helminth assemblage in Rhinella dorbignyi regarding host gender, size and mass in two sampling sites in southern Brazil, and to report new parasite associations. Anurans (n = 100) were collected in two localities from Rio Grande do Sul (RS) state, Brazil, from 2017 to 2020. Nineteen taxa (adults and larval forms) belonging to Nematoda, Acanthocephala, Digenea, and Cestoda were found in different infection sites. Cosmocercidae gen. spp., Physaloptera liophis, Catadiscus sp., and Cylindrotaenia americana were the dominant taxa in helminth assemblage. Female anurans showed higher helminth species richness than males considering the total sample (two localities) or one of the two localities. However, prevalence and mean intensity of infection did not show any significant difference between genders. Mean intensity of infection was significantly higher (19.52) in Laranjal locality. Host body size does not influence helminth abundance, as infections did not show significant correlation snout-vent length (SVL) nor body mass (BM) of anurans. The findings reveal anurans of R. dorbignyi may be intermediate, paratenic and definitive host for these parasites. Plagiorchioidea helminths (Digenea), Physaloptera liophis, larvae of Acuariidae and Spiroxys sp. (Nematoda), and cystacanth of Lueheia sp. (Acanthocephala) constitute new records for R. dorbignyi. Additionally, this is the first record of Cylindrotaenia americana larvae in this host species. Resulting information increases the knowledge on biodiversity and parasite-host relations and may help future conservation programs developed in ecosystems in the extreme south of Brazil.

Rhinonyssus rhinolethrum (Trouessart, 1895) (Mesostigmata: Rhinonyssidae) in Netta peposaca (Vieillot, 1816) (Anseriformes: Anatidae) from Southern Brazil.

Netta peposaca is an anatid endemic to the South American continent and Rhinonyssus rhinolethrum is a rhinonissid mite of wide geographical distribution parasitizing several species of anatids. The association between these organisms has been reported in Argentina; however, the number of birds examined and the parasite indices have not been reported. Thus, the objective of this study was to know the diversity of nasal mites associated with N. peposaca in southern of Brazil and the parasitological indices. The nasal cavities of 30 birds from two locations in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, were examined to collect mites. Rhinonyssus rhinolethrum occurred in 16.67% of the birds with an infection intensity of 3-24 mites/host. Infections in male and female hosts showed no significant differences. This study records for the first time R. rhinolethrum and its infection indices in N. peposaca in the southern of Brazil.

Helminths Assemblage of the bare-faced ibis, Phimosus infuscatus (Lichtenstein, 1823) (Pelecaniformes: Threskiornithidae), in southern Brazil.

Birds act as hosts for a variety of parasites, many of these are unreported. The literature provides scant information on the helminth fauna of Phimosus infuscatus. The presence of helminths were investigate in 28 birds from Pelotas, Capão do Leão, and Rio Grande in Rio Grande do Sul. The preparation and identification of helminths followed protocols. Prevalence (P%), mean intensity of infection (MII), and mean abundance (MA) were estimated. The following helminths were found: Hystrichis acanthocephalicus , Dioctophyme renale (larva), Porrocaecum heteropterum , Baruscapillaria sp., Aproctella carinii , Paradeletrocephalus minor, and Cyathostoma sp. (Nematoda); Echinostomatidae gen. sp., Tanaisia valida, and Athesmia sp. (Trematoda: Digenea) and Megalacanthus sp. (Cestoda). The most prevalent species were H. acanthocephalicus, P. heteropterum, Megalacanthus sp., and Echinostomatidae gen. sp. and Megalacanthus sp. had the highest MII and MA. There was a significant difference in the prevalence of H. acantocephalicus between female and male bird hosts. We report Echinostomatidae gen. sp., T. valida, Athesmia sp., Cyathostoma sp., A. carinii, P. minor, D. renale (larva), Baruscapillaria sp., and Megalacanthus sp. for the first time in P. infuscatus in Brazil.

Occurrence of Dioctophyme renale larvae (Goeze, 1782) (Nematoda: Enoplida) in a new host from southern Brazil.

Dioctophymatosis is caused by the giant kidney worm Dioctophyme renale which occurs in dogs, cats, and wild mammals. In Brazil, the disease has been diagnosed in dogs from several states around the country. In the present study, the occurrence of D. renale larvae in snakes from southern of Brazil is reported. Three specimens of Philodryas patagoniensis (Serpentes: Dipsadidae) (common names in Brazil: "parelheira", "papa-pinto") roadkill in the county of Capão do Leão, State of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil, were necropsied. Two third-stage larvae of D. renale were found in the coelomic cavity of P. patagoniensis. This study reveals a new host for D. renale larvae in the southern region of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. This particular geographic area of the country has stood out as several cases of D. renale infection have been reported in a number of vertebrates from this region including domestic dogs and cats and wild animals such as carnivores, fish, and freshwater turtles.

Rhinonyssidae (Acari) in the house sparrows, Passer domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Passeriformes: Passeridae), from southern Brazil.

We report the occurrence and infection parameters of two species of nasal mites in Passer domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758) (house sparrow). Nasal passages, trachea, lungs, and air sacs of 100 house sparrows captured in an urban area at the city of Pelotas, State of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil, were examined with a stereomicroscope. The mite, Sternostoma tracheacolum Lawrence, 1948 was present in the trachea and/or lungs (or both) of 13 birds (13%) at a mean intensity of 6.7 mites/infected host. Ptilonyssus hirsti (Castro & Pereira, 1947) was found in the nasal cavity of 1 sparrow (1%); coinfection was not observed in this bird. There was no significant difference in the prevalence and mean intensity of infection of S. tracheacolum between male and female birds. To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the occurrence of S. tracheacolum in P. domesticus in Brazil and the presence of P. hirsti in P. domesticus from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. This is the first survey to provide the infection parameters of each of these mites in house sparrows.

Acuariidae (Nematoda) in Procellariiformes (Aves) on the southern coast of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Acuariidae nematodes are normally found in the digestive tract of aquatic birds, including Procellariiformes. Were examined Calonectris borealis (n = 4), Diomedea exulans (n = 1), Macronectes giganteus (n = 8), Thalassarche chlororhynchos (n = 5), Thalassarche melanophrys (n = 15), Procellaria aequinoctialis (n = 4), Puffinus gravis (n = 2) and Puffinus puffinus (n = 6), collected on the southern coast of RS, Brazil. A total of 16 birds (35.5%) were parasitized by two species of Acuariidae. Stegophorus diomedeae and Seuratia shipleyi were identified, with prevalences of 26.1% and 21.7%, respectively. Few studies on nematodes in Procellariiformes have been conducted. Here, the acuariids Seuratia shipleyi in Calonectris borealis and Procellaria aequinoctialis and Stegophorus diomedeae in Diomedea exulans, Procellaria aequinoctialis and Thalassarche chlororhynchos were reported for the first time.

Digenetic helminths of Leptodactylus latrans (Anura: Leptodactylidae) and Rhinella dorbignyi (Anura: Bufonidae) in southern Brazil / Helmintos digenéticos de Leptodactylus latrans (Steffen, 1815) (Anura: Leptodactylidae) e Rhinella dorbignyi (Duméril & Bibron, 1841) (Anura: Bufonidae) no sul do Brasil

Anuros são citados como hospedeiros para uma vasta diversidade de helmintos, entretanto as informações relativas a helmintofauna de anuros no Brasil, são pouco abordadas, sobretudo na região sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Este estudo tem como objetivo registrar os helmintos digenéticos parasitos de Leptodactylus latrans e Rhinella dorbignyi no extremo sul do Brasil. Para realização da pesquisa foram coletados entre agosto de 2017 e agosto de 2018, 60 espécimes de anuros, L. latrans (n= 30) e R. dorbignyi (n= 30), os quais foram necropsiados e os helmintos coletados, fixados e corados para identificação conforme bibliografia especifica para cada grupo. Os índices de infecção estimados foram prevalência (P%), intensidade média de infecção (IMI) e abundância média (AM). Do total de anuros examinados, 28 indivíduos (46,66%) apresentaram helmintos digenéticos, totalizando 255 espécimes de parasitos. Leptodactylus latrans esteve parasitado por Gorgoderina megacysta (P = 40%), Haematoloechus freitasi (P = 23,33%), Catadiscus spp. (P = 30%), Plagiorchioideae gen. spp. (P = 63,33%), e Halipegus sp. (P = 3,33%), enquanto R. dorbignyi apresentou infecção por Gorgoderina sp. (P = 3,33%), Haematoloechus sp. (P = 3,33%), Catadiscus sp. (P = 3,33%), Plagiorchioideae gen. sp. (P = 3,33%), e Diplostomidae gen. spp. (metacercárias) (P = 6,66%).(AU)

Even though anurans have been hosts to an array of helminths, data on the helminth fauna of anurans in Brazil are scarce. This study aims at reporting digenetic helminths on Leptodactylus latrans (Steffen, 1815) and Rhinella dorbignyi (Duméril & Bibron, 1841) in southern of Brazil. Sixty specimens of anurans L. latrans (n= 30) and R. dorbignyi (n= 30) were collected between August 2017 and August 2018. Then, necropsy was performed and helminths were collected, fixed and dyed to be identified in agreement with specific bibliography. Estimated infection indices were prevalence (P%), mean intensity of infection (MII) and mean abundance (MA). Twenty-eight anurans (46.66%) exhibited digenetic helminths, totalizing 255 parasite specimens. Leptodactylus latrans was infected with Gorgoderina megacysta Mañé-Garzón & González, 1978 (Gorgoderidae) (P = 40%), Haematoloechus freitasi Mané Garzón & Solares, 1959 (Haematoloechidae) (P = 23.33%), Catadiscus spp. (Diplodiscidae) (P = 30%), Plagiorchioideae fam. gen. spp. (P = 63.33%) and Halipegus sp. (Derogenidae) (P = 3.33%), whereas R. dorbignyi was infected with Gorgoderina sp. (P = 3.33%), Haematoloechus sp. (P = 3.33%), Catadiscus sp. (P = 3.33%), Plagiorchioideae fam. gen. sp. (P = 3.33%) and Diplostomidae gen. spp. (metacercariae) (P = 6.66%).(AU)

New records of helminths in Chelidae freshwater turtles (Testudines) in South America / Novos registros de helmintos em tartarugas de água doce Chelidae (Testudines) na América do Sul

. Estudos helmintológicos com tartarugas de água doce Chelidae na América do Sul foram conduzidos na Argentina, Uruguai e Brasil, onde foram relatados nematoides, digenéticos e monogenéticos. Nesse contexto, o objetivo do estudo é registrar novas ocorrências de helmintos gastrintestinais associados a Acanthochelys spixii, Hydromedusa tectifera e Phrynops hilarii. Foram examinados 65 hospedeiros, provenientes da região sul do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Sete taxa pertencentes a Nematoda, Digenea e Monogenoidea são reportados em novos hospedeiros na América do Sul bem como, um Nematoda e dois Digenea tem novo registro de hospedeiro para o Brasil. Assim, o estudo amplia o conhecimento sobre a diversidade de helmintos e a distribuição geográfica dos taxa encontrados parasitando tartarugas Chelidae.(AU)

Helminthological studies with Chelidae freshwater turtles in South America were conducted in Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil, where nematodes, digeneans and monogeneans were reported. In this context, the study aims to report new cases of gastrointestinal helminth parasites of Acanthochelys spixii, Hydromedusa tectifera, and Phrynops hilarii. A total of 65 hosts from the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, were examined. Seven taxa belonging to Nematoda, Digenea, and Monogenoidea have new cases on hosts Chelidae in South America, as well as a Nematoda and two Digenea have new host cases for Brazil. Thus, the study expands the knowledge about the diversity of helminths and the geographic distribution of taxa associated with Chelidae turtles.(AU)

Digenetic helminths of Leptodactylus latrans (Anura: Leptodactylidae) and Rhinella dorbignyi (Anura: Bufonidae) in southern Brazil / Helmintos digenéticos de Leptodactylus latrans (Steffen, 1815) (Anura: Leptodactylidae) e Rhinella dorbignyi (Duméril & Bibron, 1841) (Anura: Bufonidae) no sul do Brasil

Anuros são citados como hospedeiros para uma vasta diversidade de helmintos, entretanto as informações relativas a helmintofauna de anuros no Brasil, são pouco abordadas, sobretudo na região sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Este estudo tem como objetivo registrar os helmintos digenéticos parasitos de Leptodactylus latrans e Rhinella dorbignyi no extremo sul do Brasil. Para realização da pesquisa foram coletados entre agosto de 2017 e agosto de 2018, 60 espécimes de anuros, L. latrans (n= 30) e R. dorbignyi (n= 30), os quais foram necropsiados e os helmintos coletados, fixados e corados para identificação conforme bibliografia especifica para cada grupo. Os índices de infecção estimados foram prevalência (P%), intensidade média de infecção (IMI) e abundância média (AM). Do total de anuros examinados, 28 indivíduos (46,66%) apresentaram helmintos digenéticos, totalizando 255 espécimes de parasitos. Leptodactylus latrans esteve parasitado por Gorgoderina megacysta (P = 40%), Haematoloechus freitasi (P = 23,33%), Catadiscus spp. (P = 30%), Plagiorchioideae gen. spp. (P = 63,33%), e Halipegus sp. (P = 3,33%), enquanto R. dorbignyi apresentou infecção por Gorgoderina sp. (P = 3,33%), Haematoloechus sp. (P = 3,33%), Catadiscus sp. (P = 3,33%), Plagiorchioideae gen. sp. (P = 3,33%), e Diplostomidae gen. spp. (metacercárias) (P = 6,66%).

Even though anurans have been hosts to an array of helminths, data on the helminth fauna of anurans in Brazil are scarce. This study aims at reporting digenetic helminths on Leptodactylus latrans (Steffen, 1815) and Rhinella dorbignyi (Duméril & Bibron, 1841) in southern of Brazil. Sixty specimens of anurans L. latrans (n= 30) and R. dorbignyi (n= 30) were collected between August 2017 and August 2018. Then, necropsy was performed and helminths were collected, fixed and dyed to be identified in agreement with specific bibliography. Estimated infection indices were prevalence (P%), mean intensity of infection (MII) and mean abundance (MA). Twenty-eight anurans (46.66%) exhibited digenetic helminths, totalizing 255 parasite specimens. Leptodactylus latrans was infected with Gorgoderina megacysta Mañé-Garzón & González, 1978 (Gorgoderidae) (P = 40%), Haematoloechus freitasi Mané Garzón & Solares, 1959 (Haematoloechidae) (P = 23.33%), Catadiscus spp. (Diplodiscidae) (P = 30%), Plagiorchioideae fam. gen. spp. (P = 63.33%) and Halipegus sp. (Derogenidae) (P = 3.33%), whereas R. dorbignyi was infected with Gorgoderina sp. (P = 3.33%), Haematoloechus sp. (P = 3.33%), Catadiscus sp. (P = 3.33%), Plagiorchioideae fam. gen. sp. (P = 3.33%) and Diplostomidae gen. spp. (metacercariae) (P = 6.66%).

New records of helminths in Chelidae freshwater turtles (Testudines) in South America / Novos registros de helmintos em tartarugas de água doce Chelidae (Testudines) na América do Sul

. Estudos helmintológicos com tartarugas de água doce Chelidae na América do Sul foram conduzidos na Argentina, Uruguai e Brasil, onde foram relatados nematoides, digenéticos e monogenéticos. Nesse contexto, o objetivo do estudo é registrar novas ocorrências de helmintos gastrintestinais associados a Acanthochelys spixii, Hydromedusa tectifera e Phrynops hilarii. Foram examinados 65 hospedeiros, provenientes da região sul do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Sete taxa pertencentes a Nematoda, Digenea e Monogenoidea são reportados em novos hospedeiros na América do Sul bem como, um Nematoda e dois Digenea tem novo registro de hospedeiro para o Brasil. Assim, o estudo amplia o conhecimento sobre a diversidade de helmintos e a distribuição geográfica dos taxa encontrados parasitando tartarugas Chelidae.

Helminthological studies with Chelidae freshwater turtles in South America were conducted in Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil, where nematodes, digeneans and monogeneans were reported. In this context, the study aims to report new cases of gastrointestinal helminth parasites of Acanthochelys spixii, Hydromedusa tectifera, and Phrynops hilarii. A total of 65 hosts from the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, were examined. Seven taxa belonging to Nematoda, Digenea, and Monogenoidea have new cases on hosts Chelidae in South America, as well as a Nematoda and two Digenea have new host cases for Brazil. Thus, the study expands the knowledge about the diversity of helminths and the geographic distribution of taxa associated with Chelidae turtles.

Occurrence of Chandleronema longigutturata (Nematoda: Acuariidae) in Procyon cancrivorus in the Neotropical region.

Procyon cancrivorus is a wild animal that is found from Central America to Uruguay and northeastern Argentina. It is one of the least studied carnivore species in Brazil. For the purpose of identifying helminths that parasitize P. cancrivorus, individuals of this species that had been run over and killed by motor vehicles were collected from highways in the southern part of the state of Rio Grande do Sul. At necropsy, their organs, along with organ contents and mucous membranes, were examined for parasite collection. The nematodes found in the stomachs of these Procyonidae were cleared with lactophenol and Chandleronema longigutturata was identified. This report provides the first record of occurrences of C. longigutturata in the Neotropical region and its parasitism in P. cancrivorus.

Serum anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in Passer domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Passeriformes: Passeridae), in the municipality of Pelotas, RS, Brazil / Anticorpos séricos anti-Toxoplasma gondii em pardais, Passer domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Passeriformes: Passeridae), do município de Pelotas, RS, Brasil

The objective of this study was to detect the presence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in serum samples from 100 house sparrows (Passer domesticus Linnaeus, 1758) that were caught in the municipality of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The modified agglutination test (MAT) was used to investigate anti-T. gondii antibodies and samples with a cut-off dilution > 5 were considered positive. Among the 100 serum samples analyzed, 80 (80%) were reactive. These results demonstrate that P. domesticus may play an important role in the epidemiological chain of T. gondii, since it is widely distributed throughout Brazil, and may act as a source of infection to domestic and wild felids.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi detectar a presença de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii em amostras de soro de 100 pardais (Passer domesticus Linnaeus, 1758) capturados na área urbana do município de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Para a pesquisa de anticorpos anti-T. gondii foi utilizado o teste de aglutinação modificado (MAT) e foram consideradas positivas as amostras que apresentaram título > 5. Das 100 amostras de soro analisadas, 80 (80%) foram reagentes. Esses resultados demonstram que P. domesticus, por ser amplamente distribuído em todo país, pode desempenhar um papel importante na cadeia epidemiológica de T. gondii, podendo atuar como fonte de infecção para felinos domésticos e silvestres.(AU)

Serum anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in Passer domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Passeriformes: Passeridae), in the municipality of Pelotas, RS, Brazil / Anticorpos séricos anti-Toxoplasma gondii em pardais, Passer domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Passeriformes: Passeridae), do município de Pelotas, RS, Brasil

The objective of this study was to detect the presence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in serum samples from 100 house sparrows (Passer domesticus Linnaeus, 1758) that were caught in the municipality of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The modified agglutination test (MAT) was used to investigate anti-T. gondii antibodies and samples with a cut-off dilution > 5 were considered positive. Among the 100 serum samples analyzed, 80 (80%) were reactive. These results demonstrate that P. domesticus may play an important role in the epidemiological chain of T. gondii, since it is widely distributed throughout Brazil, and may act as a source of infection to domestic and wild felids.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi detectar a presença de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii em amostras de soro de 100 pardais (Passer domesticus Linnaeus, 1758) capturados na área urbana do município de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Para a pesquisa de anticorpos anti-T. gondii foi utilizado o teste de aglutinação modificado (MAT) e foram consideradas positivas as amostras que apresentaram título > 5. Das 100 amostras de soro analisadas, 80 (80%) foram reagentes. Esses resultados demonstram que P. domesticus, por ser amplamente distribuído em todo país, pode desempenhar um papel importante na cadeia epidemiológica de T. gondii, podendo atuar como fonte de infecção para felinos domésticos e silvestres.(AU)

Mites Macronyssidae parasites of Passer domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Passeriformes: Passeridae) in the Southern of Brazil / Ácaros Macronyssidae parasitos de Passer domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Passeriformes: Passeridae) no extremo sul do Brasil

O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar as espécies de ácaros hematófagos parasitos de Passer domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758) e analisar os índices de infestação em relação ao gênero, massa corporal e comprimento total dos hospedeiros. Para isso, cada um dos 100 pardais capturados na área urbana de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, foi sexado, pesado e medido. A coleta dos ácaros foi realizada após aplicação de um talco repelente de ectoparasitos sobre o corpo das aves. Pellonyssus reedi ocorreu em 29 pardais com intensidade média de 8,37 ácaros/hospedeiro e Ornithonyssus bursa ocorreu em duas aves, somente um hospedeiro macho adulto apresentou co-infestação. A prevalência e intensidade média de infestação por P. reedi entre hospedeiros machos e fêmeas adultos não apresentou diferença significativa, também não houve correlação entre a abundância dessa espécie, massa corporal e comprimento total dos pardais. Relata-se a ocorrência de P. reedi e O. bursa parasitando P. domesticus no extremo sul do Brasil.(AU)

The aim of this study was to report the species of haematophagous parasitic mites of Passer domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758) and analyze the infestation rates regarding to gender, body mass, and total length of the hosts. To do so, each of the 100 house sparrows captured in the urban area of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, was identified by gender, weighed, and measured. The mite collection was carried out after applying an ectoparasite-repelling talc in the body of the birds. Pellonyssus reedi was found in 29 house sparrows with mean intensity of 8.37 mites/host and Ornithonyssus bursa was found in two birds, only one male host showing co-infestation. The prevalence and mean intensity of P. reedi between male and female adults did not show significant difference, nor was there any correlation among species abundance, body mass, and total length of the house sparrows. We report the occurrence of P. reedi and O. bursa parasitizing P. domesticus in the southern of Brazil.(AU)