Dioctophymosis in a free-ranging maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus): clinical-therapeutic, ultrasonographic and pathological aspects - case report / [Dioctofimose em um lobo guará (Chrysocyon brachyurus) de vida livre: aspectos clínico-terapêuticos, ultrassonográficos e patológicos - relato de caso]

Dioctophymosis is the disease caused by Dioctophyma renale, a large nematode, popularly known as giant kidney worm, and whose definitive hosts are the domestic dog and many wild mammal species. There are some reports of maned wolf parasitism by D. renale, however, in most cases the reports are restricted to the finding of the parasite during necropsy, without clinical assessment. The present report aimed to describe the clinical-therapeutic, ultrasonographic and pathological aspects of D. renale parasitism in a free-ranging maned wolf, emphasizing the treatment with an association of doramectin, praziquantel, pyrantel pamoate, and febantel that resulted in complete elimination of the parasite.(AU)

A dioctofimose é a doença causada pelo Dioctophyma renale, um nemátodo grande, popularmente chamado de verme gigante do rim e que tem como hospedeiro definitivo o cão doméstico e inúmeras espécies de mamíferos silvestres. Existem alguns relatos do parasitismo do lobo-guará por D. renale, contudo, na maioria das vezes, os relatos se restringem apenas ao achado do parasita durante a necropsia, sem a correlação clínica. O presente relato objetiva descrever os aspectos clínico-terapêuticos, ultrassonográficos e patológicos do parasitismo por D. renale em um lobo-guará de vida livre, enfatizando o tratamento com uma associação de doramectina, praziquantel, pamoato de pirantel e febantel, o que resultou na eliminação completa do parasita.(AU)

Endoparasites in group of wild animals raised in captivity / Endoparasitas em plantel de animais silvestres criados em cativeiro

Free-living wild animals can host a wide variety of endoparasites. When subjected to conditions of captivity, these animals can go through stressful situations and develop parasites. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify parasitic infection in wild mammals, birds, and reptiles kept at the "Universidade de Caxias do Sul" Zoo, in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. The population studied was based on 76 animals, divided into 50% (38/76) birds, 35.53% (27/76) mammals, and 14.47% (11/76) reptiles distributed in 33 different enclosures. Fecal samples were collected from the enclosures and analyzed in triplicate, using the centrifugal-flotation method with a zinc sulfate solution. Samples from the enclosures 31, 32, 33, (where snakes are located), and 15 (animal death), were not analyzed in triplicate, so the total number of analyses was 91 samples. The results showed that 41.76% (38/91) of the samples were positive for at least one class of endoparasites, such as Nematoda, Cestoda, or Coccidia. The positive samples showed the presence of at least one or more parasites from orders Strongylida (34.21%), Enoplida and Strongylida (23.68%), Enoplida only (23.68%), Cyclophyllidea and Oxyurida (5.26%), Ascaridida only (5.26%), Enoplida, Strongylida, and Ascaridida (5.26%), and Enoplida and Eucoccidiorida (2.63%). Considering the positive samples, 55.26% were collected from birds, 39.47% from mammals, and 5.27% from reptiles. Capillaria sp. eggs were the main structure found in birds, and eggs from the order Strongylida were the most found in samples from mammals. This study showed the order Strongylida as the most frequent parasite found in 63.16% of the total samples, established either in isolated or mixed infestations. Also, mammals and birds were those with a greater quantity of positive samples for endoparasites. Therefore, this study emphasizes the importance of carrying out research assessing the gastrointestinal parasitic fauna in wild animals, so one can determine the conditions under which these parasites become pathogenic to wild animals raised in captivity.(AU)

Os animais silvestres de vida livre podem albergar uma grande variedade de endoparasitas. Esses animais, quando submetidos a condições de cativeiro podem passar por situações de estresse e desenvolver parasitoses. Neste sentido, o objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar a infecção parasitária em mamíferos, aves e répteis silvestres mantidos no Zoológico da Universidade de Caxias do Sul, no Rio Grande do Sul/Brasil. A população estudada foi de 76 animais, nos quais 50% (38/76) eram aves, 35,53% (27/76) mamíferos e 14,47% (11/76) répteis, distribuídos em 33 recintos diferentes. Amostras de fezes foram coletadas dos recintos e analisadas em triplicata pelo método de centrífugo-flutuação com solução de Sulfato de Zinco. Como não foi possível analisar em triplicata o material dos recintos 31, 32, 33 os quais alojam as serpentes e o recinto 15 pois o animal veio a óbito, o total de análises foi de 91 amostras. Os resultados demonstraram que 41,76% (38/91) das amostras foram positivas para, pelo menos, um endoparasita da classe Nematoda, Cestoda ou Coccidia. As amostras positivas indicaram a presença de um ou mais parasitas sendo da ordem Strongylida (34,21%), Enoplida e Strongylida (23,68%), apenas Enoplida (23,68%), Cyclophyllidea e Oxyurida (5,26%), apenas Ascaridida (5,26%), Enoplida, Strongylida e Ascaridida (5,26%), e Enoplida e Eucoccidiorida (2,63%). Das amostras positivas 55,26% foram de aves, sendo que ovos de Capillaria sp. foi a principal estrutura identificada, 39,47% de mamíferos apontando que a ordem Strongylida foi a mais prevalente e 5,27% de répteis. O estudo demonstrou que, dentre os parasitas encontrados, aqueles da ordem Strongylida foram os mais frequentes, sendo observada em monoinfecção ou infecção mista em 63,16% das amostras analisadas. Dos animais avaliados, as aves e mamíferos foram os que apresentaram maior quantidade de amostras positivas para endoparasitas. Diante disso, é importante a realização de pesquisas que permitem avaliar a fauna parasitária para que seja possível determinar as condições em que esses parasitas se tornam patogênicos aos animais cativos.(AU)

Use of Mini-FLOTAC and Fill-FLOTAC for rapidly diagnosing parasitic infections in zoo mammals / Utilização do Mini-FLOTAC e Fill-FLOTAC no diagnóstico rápido de infecções parasitárias de mamíferos em zoológicos

Abstract Animals reared in restricted environments are highly susceptible to gastrointestinal infection by helminths and protozoa and therefore zoos are characterized as being parasite-rich environments. Successful implementation of control programs of these parasites in zoo environment depends upon precise and rapid diagnosing of gastrointestinal infections. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the role of the Mini-FLOTAC technique in combination with Fill-FLOTAC for rapidly diagnosing parasitic infections in zoo mammals. Fecal samples were collected from 70 animals in four different zoos located in central and southern Italy. All the samples were analyzed using Mini-FLOTAC in combination with Fill-FLOTAC. Out of the 70 pooled samples examined, 80% (24/30) were positive for at least one parasite. Among the gastrointestinal nematodes, Strongyles were the most frequent (40%), followed by Trichuris spp. (23.3%), Parascaris spp. (13.3%) and Capillaria spp. (3.3%). Among the protozoa, Blastocystis spp., Giardia spp. and Eimeria spp. were detected in 6.6%, 3.3% and 3.3%, respectively. These results show that Mini-FLOTAC in combination with Fill-FLOTAC can be used, not only for rapidly diagnosing parasitic infections in zoo mammals, but also for monitoring control programs in which large numbers of fecal samples need to be examined rapidly and reliably.

Resumo Animais criados em ambiente restritos são altamente suscetíveis a infecção gastrointestinal por helmintos e protozoários, constituindo os zoológicos em ambientes com alta contaminação por parasitos. O sucesso da implementação de programas de controle contra estes parasitos em zoológicos depende do rápido diagnóstico das infecções por parasitas gastrointestinais. O objetivo deste estudo foi demonstrar o papel da técnica do Mini-FLOTAC em combinação com o Fill-FLOTAC no diagnóstico rápido das infecções parasitárias em mamíferos em zoológicos. Amostras de fezes foram coletadas de 70 animais de quatro diferentes zoológicos no centro e sudoeste da Itália. Todas as amostras foram analisadas pela técnica do Mini-FLOTAC em combinação com o Fill-FLOTAC. Do total de 70 pools de fezes examinadas, 80% (24/30) foram positivas para pelo menos um parasito. Entre os nematoides gastrointestinais a maior frequência foi observada para estrongilídeos (40%), seguida por Trichuris spp. (23,3%), Parascaris spp. (13,3%) e Capillaria spp. (3,3%). Entre os protozoários Blastocystis spp., Giardia spp. e Eimeria spp. foram detectados em 6,6%, 3,3% e 3,3%, respectivamente. Estes resultados demonstram que a técnica do Mini-FLOTAC em combinação com o Fill-FLOTAC pode ser utilizada não somente para o diagnóstico rápido das infecções parasitárias em mamíferos em zoológicos, mas também no monitoramento de programas de controle onde grande número de amostras fecais devem ser examinadas de forma rápida e confiável.

Ticks infesting captive and free-roaming wild animal species at the São Paulo Zoo, São Paulo, Brazil / Carrapatos infestando espécies de animais silvestres cativas e de vida livre no Zoológico de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil

Abstract Ticks are ectoparasites of worldwide distribution that affect vertebrates and can transmit pathogens to animals and humans. The Zoological Park Foundation of São Paulo (FPZSP) is located in a Conservation Unit in one of the most important remaining fragments of the Atlantic Rainforest biome in the suburbs of São Paulo, Brazil. The FPZSP houses more than 3,000 wild animals on exhibit, in breeding programs and in environmental education programs, and also attracts migratory birds and free-roaming wildlife. This study focused on identifying the diversity of tick species that infest captive and free-roaming animals at the FPZSP. The collection of ticks kept at the FPZSP contains 523 specimens that were collected from different host species between 1990 and 2017. Ten tick species were found. In addition, Amblyomma aureolatum (Pallas) was found on stray cats living in the Atlantic forest fragment in the FPZSP. This study reveals a low occurrence of parasitism in captive animals and a high diversity of tick species collected from hosts in this Atlantic forest fragment, contributing information about host-parasite relationships and potential vectors of zoonotic diseases, since the vectors of Brazilian spotted fever, A. aureolatum and Amblyomma sculptum Berlese, were found in some hosts.

Resumo Os carrapatos são ectoparasitas da classe Arachnida, conhecidos como importantes vetores de agentes infecciosos para animais e humanos. A Fundação Parque Zoológico de São Paulo (FPZSP) localizada em uma Unidade de Conservação do bioma Mata Atlântica e inserida na cidade de São Paulo, mantém mais de 3.000 animais selvagens cativos, abrigando ainda diversas espécies silvestres nativas da Mata Atlântica. Devido à importância do conhecimento dos carrapatos que parasitam a fauna selvagem, o objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar a coleção de carrapatos da FPZSP e analisar a diversidade desses parasitas em animais cativos e de vida livre. O acervo de carrapatos mantidos pela FPZSP contém 523 exemplares que foram coletados de diferentes espécies hospedeiras, desde 1990 até 2017. Dez espécies de carrapatos foram encontradas. Além dos animais silvestres, foram encontrados Amblyomma aureolatum (Pallas) em gatos domésticos errantes que circulam nas áreas da FPZSP. Este trabalho demonstra a baixa ocorrência de parasitismo em animais cativos e a alta diversidade de carrapatos nos hospedeiros deste fragmento de Mata Atlântica, contribuindo com informações sobre a relação parasita-hospedeiro e potenciais vetores de doenças zoonóticas, já que os vetores da Febre Maculosa Brasileira A. aureolatum e Amblyomma sculptum Berlese, foram encontrados em alguns hospedeiros.

Gyrostigma rhinocerontis (Diptera: Oestridae, Gasterophilinae) in white rhinoceroses (Ceratotherium simum) imported from South Africa: occurrence in Itatiba, São Paulo, Brazil / Gyrostigma rhinocerontis (Diptera: Oestridae, Gasterophilinae) em rinocerontes-brancos (Ceratotherium simum) importados da África do Sul: ocorrência em Itatiba, São Paulo

Fly larvae from the Gasterophilinae subfamily of the Oestridae family are parasites of domestic (equine) and wild (rhinos and equine) odd-hoofed ungulates (Perissodactyla). The gastric parasite of African Rhinos is Gyrostigma rhinocerontis (formerly Gyrostigma pavesii), which in its larva phase can be found in the feces of their hosts and can reach 40mm length. The adult is the largest fly in Africa, reaching 41mm long, with 71-mm wingspan. The Gyrostigma genus does not occur naturally in Brazil. There is one previous report of the occurrence of its larvae in the feces of a white rhino brought from South Africa in the 1990's, which was housed in a zoo located in Rio Grande do Sul. The present paper furnishes data from a zoo of the city of Itatiba, São Paulo state, Brazil, where Gyrostigma rhinocerontis larvae were found in 2005 in the feces of a group of white rhinos (Ceratotherium simum) legally imported from South Africa. The rhinos were kept in a breeding and preservation farm. This paper also reports the measures taken to control the case and avoid the dissemination of the parasite, calling attention to the fact of globalization, which allows international and intercontinental transit of wild animals with potential risks of adaptation of exotic parasites to new ecosystems.(AU)

As larvas dos dípteros da subfamília Gasterophilinae da família Oestridae parasitam ungulados perissodáctilos, tanto domésticos (equídeos) quanto selvagens (rinocerontes e equídeos). O parasito gástrico dos rinocerontes africanos é Gyrostigma rhinocerontis (anteriormente Gyrostigma pavesii), que na fase larval pode ser encontrada nas fezes dos hospedeiros, e chega a medir 40mm de comprimento. O adulto é a maior mosca daquele continente, atingindo até 41mm de comprimento, e envergadura de 71 mm. O gênero Gyrostigma não ocorre naturalmente no Brasil, onde anteriormente existia somente um relato do achado de larvas, nas fezes de um rinoceronte-branco oriundo da África do Sul nos anos 90 do século XX, e albergado num zoológico localizado no Rio Grande do Sul. Este artigo apresenta dados sobre o achado, em um zoológico no município de Itatiba, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, de larvas de Gyrostigma rhinocerontis nas fezes de um grupo de rinocerontes-brancos (Ceratotherium simum) importados legalmente da África do Sul, onde eram mantidos em uma fazenda de preservação com criação manejada, em 2005. São relatadas também as medidas tomadas para controle do caso e prevenção da disseminação do parasito, e se discutem os riscos da globalização, que viabiliza o trânsito internacional e intercontinental de animais selvagens, com riscos potenciais de adaptação de parasitos exóticos a novos ecossistemas.(AU)

Occurrence of ticks on wild animals received and attended at the Parque Zoológico Municipal Quinzinho de Barros, Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil / Ocorrência de carrapatos em animais silvestres recebidos e atendidos pelo Parque Zoológico Municipal Quinzinho de Barros, Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brasil

Ticks are ectoparasites of the class Arachnida that parasitize terrestrial vertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. This paper reports the occurrence of hard ticks on wild animals received and attended by the Veterinary Hospital of Parque Zoológico Municipal Quinzinho de Barros, located in Sorocaba municipality, São Paulo state, Brazil. From September 1999 to May 2015, ticks were collected on wild animals of the Sorocaba region and other 20 municipalities in the state of São Paulo. Altogether, 43 larvae, 637 nymphs and 1,178 adults (631 males and 547 females) were identified, totaling 1,858 samples of 14 different tick species. During routine clinical examinations, two species of reptiles, a species of bird and 11 different species of mammals were inspected, resulting in 103 samples from wild animals. The following tick species were found: Amblyomma rotundatum on reptiles; Amblyomma sculptum on birds; and Amblyomma aureolatum, Amblyomma brasiliense, Amblyomma calcaratum, Amblyomma dubitatum, Amblyomma longirostre, Amblyomma nodosum, Amblyomma ovale, A. sculptum, Amblyomma varium, Ixodes aragaoi, Haemaphysalis juxtakochi, Rhipicephalus microplus and Dermacentor nitens on mammals. This study reports the first records of A. rotundatum females parasitizing Hydromedusa tectifera and Oxyrhopus guibei, A. dubitatum nymphs and H. juxtakochi nymphs on Chrysocyon brachyurus, A. brasiliense nymphs on Myrmecophaga tridactyla and Tamandua tetradactyla, and A. sculptum nymphs on Alouatta guariba and Sphiggurus villosus. Our results highlight zoos as a source of valuable information for the parasitological knowledge of Brazilian wildlife...

Os carrapatos são ectoparasitas da classe Arachnida que parasitam vertebrados terrestres, anfíbios, repteis, aves e mamíferos. O presente trabalho relata a ocorrência de carrapatos ixodídeos em animais silvestres recebidos e atendidos pelo Hospital Veterinário do Parque Zoológico Municipal Quinzinho de Barros, localizado no município de Sorocaba, estado de São Paulo, Brasil. De setembro de 1999 a maio de 2015, foram coletados carrapatos em animais silvestres da região de Sorocaba e de outros 20 municípios do interior do estado de São Paulo. Ao todo, foram identificados 43 larvas, 637 ninfas e 1.178 adultos (631 machos e 547 fêmeas), totalizando 1.858 exemplares de 14 espécies distintas de ixodídeos. Durante exames clínicos de rotina, foram inspecionadas duas espécies de repteis, uma espécie de ave e 11 espécies distintas de mamíferos de um total de 103 animais silvestres amostrados. Nos repteis foram identificados Amblyomma rotundatum, nas aves Amblyomma sculptum e nos mamíferos Amblyomma aureolatum, Amblyomma brasiliense, Amblyomma calcaratum, Amblyomma dubitatum, Amblyomma longirostre, Amblyomma nodosum, Amblyomma ovale, A. sculptum, Amblyomma varium, Ixodes aragaoi, Haemaphysalis juxtakochi, Rhipicephalus microplus e Dermacentor nitens. Este estudo relata os primeiros registros de fêmeas de A. rotundatum parasitando Hydromedusa tectifera e Oxyrhopus guibei, assim como ninfas de A. dubitatum e H. juxtakochi em Chrysocyon brachyurus, ninfas de A. brasiliense em Myrmecophaga tridactyla e Tamandua tetradactyla, além de ninfas de A. sculptum em Alouatta guariba e Sphiggurus villosus no país, demonstrando que os zoológicos são uma fonte de informação valiosa para o conhecimento parasitológico da fauna silvestre brasileira...

Prevalence in some pathogens in a population of zoo animals

Zoos unintentionally provide pathogens with a high diversity of species of different origins. Zoo practices of mixing reservoir species with other susceptible species can provide opportunities for pathogens to spread beyond normal hosts. This paper describes some pathogens of bacterial, parasitological and viral origin that were identified in some bovines [five species], caprines [two species], cervids [two species], primates [two species] and felines [two species] groups. Bacterial examination of fecal samples revealed the detection of E.coli, Salmonella spp., Pasteurella spp., Klebseilla spp., Campylobacter spp. Streptococci spp., and Staphylococci spp., with 52% overall prevalence of infection. Parasitological investigation using floatation and sedimentation technique of fecal samples indicated the occurrence of Isopora spp., Trichuris spp., Ascarids spp., Toxocara spp., Trichostrongyloid spp., and Nematodirus spp. with 19% prevalence of infection of the examined samples. Sarcoptic mange was only identified in olive baboon, Papio anubis through examination of skin scrapings. Antibodies against bovine viral diarrhea [BVD] and bovine herpes virus-1 [BHV-1] in antelopes and feline corona virus [FCoV] in felines were detected using specific Enzyme-linked immune assay [ELISA test]. The seroprevalence of BVD and BHV-1 in the examined antelopes was 5.3% and 6.7%, respectively. Antibodies against FCoV were detected in both lions and cheetahs where cheetahs had higher seroprevalence rate [100%] than lions [50%]. There is a need for zoo veterinarians to review and update the current preventive and management policies to identify sources of infection and control diseases of exotic species in future

MOLECULAR TYPING OF Giardia duodenalis ISOLATES FROM NONHUMAN PRIMATES HOUSED IN A BRAZILIAN ZOO / Genotipagem de isolados de Giardia duodenalis de primatas não humanos mantidos em zoológico do Brasil

Giardia infections in captive nonhuman primates (NHP) housed at a Brazilian zoo were investigated in order to address their zoonotic potential. Fresh fecal samples were collected from the floors of 22 enclosures where 47 primates of 18 different species were housed. The diagnosis of intestinal parasites after concentration by sedimentation and flotation methods revealed the following parasites and their frequencies: Giardia (18%); Entamoeba spp. (18%); Endolimax nana (4.5%); Iodamoeba spp. (4.5%); Oxyurid (4.5%) and Strongylid (4.5%). Genomic DNA extracted from all samples was processed by PCR methods in order to amplify fragments of gdh and tpi genes of Giardia. Amplicons were obtained from samples of Ateles belzebuth, Alouatta caraya, Alouatta fusca and Alouatta seniculus. Clear sequences were only obtained for the isolates from Ateles belzebuth (BA1), Alouatta fusca (BA2) and Alouatta caraya (BA3). According to the phenetic analyses of these sequences, all were classified as assemblage A. For the tpi gene, all three isolates were grouped into sub-assemblage AII (BA1, BA2 and BA3) whereas for the gdh gene, only BA3 was sub-assemblage AII, and the BA1 and BA2 were sub-assemblage AI. Considering the zoonotic potential of the assemblage A, and that the animals of the present study show no clinical signs of infection, the data obtained here stresses that regular coproparasitological surveys are necessary to implement preventive measures and safeguard the health of the captive animals, of their caretakers and of people visiting the zoological gardens.

A pesquisa de infecções por Giardia e a caracterização genotípica deste protozoário foi realizada em primatas não humanos (PNH) mantidos em Zoológico a fim de avaliar o seu potencial zoonótico. As amostras dos animais consistiram de fezes colhidas do piso de 22 baias onde eram mantidos 47 primatas de 18 diferentes espécies. Exames coproparasitológicos foram realizados pelos métodos de concentração por sedimentação e centrífugo-flutuação e revelaram a presença dos seguintes parasitas e suas respectivas frequências: Giardia (18%); Entamoeba spp. (18%); Endolimax nana (4.5%); Iodamoeba spp. (4.5%); oxiurídeos (4.5%) e estrongilídeos (4.5%). O DNA extraído de todas as amostras fecais foi submetido à técnica de PCR para a amplificação dos genes gdh e tpi de Giardia, porém, só foram obtidos amplicons das quatro amostras positivas provenientes de Ateles belzebuth, Alouatta caraya, Alouatta fusca and Alouatta seniculus. O seqüenciamento dos fragmentos amplificados foi possível apenas para as amostras oriundas de Ateles belzebuth (BA1), Alouatta fusca (BA2) e Alouatta caraya (BA3), cuja análise fenética de ambos os genes revelou pertencerem ao genótipo A. As análises das sequências de tpi revelaram que todas as amostras pertencem ao subgenótipo AII. No que se refere ao gene gdh as análises revelaram uma amostra pertencente ao subgenótipo AII (BA3) e duas ao subgenótipo A1 (BA1 e BA2). Considerando o potencial zoonótico do genótipo A e o fato de que os animais não apresentavam sintomas de infecção, os dados do presente trabalho salientam a importância de se realizar, periodicamente, exames coproparasitológicos dos animais de zoológico, para implementação de medidas preventivas para resguardar a saúde dos animais em cativeiro, a de seus tratadores e dos visitantes de parques zoológicos.

Serologic evidence of human Rickettsia infection found in three locations in Panamá / Evidencia serológica de infecciones de Rickettsia en humanos provenientes de tres localidades de Panamá

Introduction: Since the middle of last century, cases of rickettsiosis have been found in Panamá when outbreaks of murine typhus and spotted fever were reported. Since then, little information exists about its prevalence in this country, since it is most often is misdiagnosed as another disease. Objectives: The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the presence of Rickettsia infections in humans in three locations in Panamá. These locations are agricultural areas, near forested areas or those who work in zoo. Materials and methods: Three locations where chosen for this study: Tortí, El Valle de Antón and workers in the Summit Municipal Park in Panamá City. All volunteers signed an informed consent and answered a questionnaire. The samples were analyzed for the detection of rickettsial spotted fever and typhus group by the indirect immunofluorescence (using commercial kits) and antigens of Rickettsia rickettsii and R. amblyommii. Results: Blood samples were taken from 97 volunteers in Tortí (25), El Valle de Anton (37) and Summit Municipal Park (35). Of these, a total of 38 (39%) samples reacted to one of the two methods: eight (32%) in Tortí, 18 (48%) in El valle and 12 (34%) in Summit Municipal Park. Conclusion: The results show a high prevalence of antibodies to Rickettsia belonging to the spotted fever group in each of the three study areas, in addition to presenting evidence of the typhus group Rickettsia in El Valle de Anton. These areas could be considered endemic for rickettsiosis as there are conditions for maintaining them.

Introducción. Desde mediados del siglo pasado, se conocen en Panamá casos de rickettsiosis, cuando fueron reportados brotes de tifus en ratones y de fiebres manchadas. A partir de entonces, poca información se tiene sobre su prevalencia en este país, lo cual se debe principalmente a que son confundidos con otras enfermedades. Objetivos. El objetivo de este trabajo fue demostrar la presencia de rickettsiosis en humanos provenientes de tres localidades de Panamá, que corresponden a zonas agropecuarias, cercanas a bosques, o que trabajaban en zoológicos. Materiales y métodos. Se escogieron tres localidades para este estudio: Tortí (provincia de Panamá), El Valle de Antón (provincia de Coclé) y el Parque Municipal Summit en Ciudad de Panamá. Los voluntarios firmaron un consentimiento informado, además de responder un cuestionario. De cada voluntario se extrajo sangre venosa, la que fue analizada por medio de inmunoflorescencia indirecta, utilizando kits comerciales y láminas sensibilizadas con antígenos cultivados de Rickettsia rickettsii y Rickettsia amblyommii . Resultados. Se tomaron muestras de 97 voluntarios, 25 en Tortí, 37 en El Valle de Antón y 35 en el Parque Municipal Summit. De estos, 38 (39 %) de las muestras fueron positivas en algunas de las dos técnicas practicadas: 8 (32 %) en Tortí, 18 (48 %) en El Valle y 12 (34 %) en el Parque Municipal Summit. Conclusión. Se demuestra una alta prevalencia de anticuerpos contra Rickettsia del grupo de las fiebres manchadas en las tres áreas de estudio, además de presentarse evidencia de títulos para Rickettsia del grupo tifus en El Valle de Antón. Estas zonas podrían considerarse como endémicas por rickettsiosis, ya que existen condiciones que permiten el mantenimiento de las mismas.

Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi em canídeos silvestres mantidos em cativeiro, no Estado de Mato Grosso / Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi in wild canids kept in captivity in the State of Mato Grosso

INTRODUÇÃO: Leishmaniose visceral é uma zoonose que acomete diversos mamíferos tendo os canídeos domésticos como principais reservatórios em ambiente urbano. A presente nota descreve a infecção de canídeos silvestres por Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi mantidos em cativeiro no Estado de Mato Grosso, Brasil. MÉTODOS: De seis raposas (Cerdocyon thous) e um cachorro vinagre (Spheotos venaticus), foram coletadas amostras de pele, medula óssea e linfonodo para detecção e caracterização de Leishmania sp pela técnica de PCR-RFLP. RESULTADOS: Todos as animais pesquisados apresentaram-se positivos para Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi. CONCLUSÕES: Destaca-se a importância de monitoramento adequado dos mesmos, além do maior controle desta enfermidade já que estes animais estão em ambientes de recreação pública.

INTRODUCTION: Visceral leishmaniasis is a zoonosis that affects many mammals, and domestic canids are the main reservoirs in urban environments. This note describes infection by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi among wild canids kept in captivity in the State of Mato Grosso, Brazil. METHODS: Skin, bone marrow and lymph node samples were collected from six crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) and one bush dog (Spheotos venaticus), in order to detect and characterize Leishmania using the PCR-RFLP technique. RESULTS: All the animals studied were positive for Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the importance of adequate monitoring of these animals, as well as greater control of this disease, given that these animals are in a public recreation environment.

Sarcocystosis among Wild Captive and Zoo Animals in Malaysia

Sarcocystis sp. infection was investigated in 20 necropsied captive wild mammals and 20 birds in 2 petting zoos in Malaysia. The gross post-mortem lesions in mammals showed marbling of the liver with uniform congestion of the intestine, and for birds, there was atrophy of the sternal muscles with hemorrhage and edema of the lungs in 2 birds. Naked eye examination was used for detection of macroscopic sarcocysts, and muscle squash for microscopic type. Only microscopically visible cysts were detected in 8 animals and species identification was not possible. Histological examination of the sections of infected skeletal muscles showed more than 5 sarcocysts in each specimen. No leukocytic infiltration was seen in affected organs. The shape of the cysts was elongated or circular, and the mean size reached 254 x 24.5 micrometer and the thickness of the wall up to 2.5 micrometer. Two stages were recognized in the cysts, the peripheral metrocytes and large numbers of crescent shaped merozoites. Out of 40 animals examined, 3 mammals and 5 birds were positive (20%). The infection rate was 15% and 25% in mammals and birds, respectively. Regarding the organs, the infection rate was 50% in the skeletal muscles followed by tongue and heart (37.5%), diaphragm (25%), and esophagus (12.5%). Further ultrastructural studies are required to identify the species of Sarcocystis that infect captive wild animals and their possible role in zoonosis.

Concurrent Capillaria and Heterakis Infections in Zoo Rock Partridges, Alectoris graeca

Two adult rock partridges raised in a city zoo were examined parasitologically and pathologically. Two distinctive eggs resembling those of Capillaria and Heterakis were detected in the feces. At necropsy, a markedly-dilated duodenum with severe catarrhal exudates, containing adult worms of Capillaria sp. and Heterakis sp. in the cecum, was observed. Male Capillaria had the cloacal aperture extended almost terminally with a small bursal lobe and an unsheathed spicule with transverse folds without spines. Female Capillaria had a vulva that was slightly prominent and slightly posterior to the union of the esophagus and intestine. The esophagus of the adult Capillaria was more than a half as long as the body in the male, but was much shorter in the female. Based on these morphological features, the capillarid nematode was identified as Capillaria obsignata. The male adult worms of Heterakis was identifiable by 2 dissimilar spicules, a unique morphological feature where the right spicule was considerably longer than the left, which is also a characteristic feature of Heterakis gallinarum. This is the first report of concurrent infections with C. obsignata and H. gallinarium in rock partridges.

Coprotiella venezuelensis: a new record of cleistothecia genus of the ascomycetes in the world

A new record, Coprotiella venezuelensis was isolate on rhinoce-rosdung collected at south park Maracaibo zoo in Zulia State, Venezuela. The genus is compared with Coprotus and C.gongylospora having ascospores possessing De Bary bubbles.

Un nuevo registro, Coprotiella venezuelensis, fue aislado en heces de rinocerontes, colectados en el Parque Sur Zoológico en el estado Zulia, Venezuela. El género es comparado con Coprotus y C. gongylospora presentando ascósporas con burbujas de Bary.

Primeiro relato de Cryptosporidium spp: em emas (Rhea americana) cativas de zoológico no Brasil / First report of Cryptosporidium spp: in captive rheas (Rhea americana) in a Brazilian zoo

Este estudo objetivou avahar a ocorrência de oocistos de Cryptosporidium spp. em emas (Rhea americana) cativas no Parque Zoológico da Fundação Zoobotânica do Rio Grande do Sul, sul do Brasil. Foram identificados oocistos de Cryptosporidium spp. em esfregaços de fezes de emas e em amostras de agua, coradas pela técnica de Ziehl-Neelsen modificada. A análise morfométrica dos coccídeos revelou pequenos oocistos esféricos medindo, em media, 4,91 um X 4,91 /im e relação comprimento/largura de razão 1. A confirmação da prêsera de oocistos nas amostras de fezes e de agua é relevante pelo potencial de transmissão e manutenção da criptosporidiose em hospedeiros susceptíveis. Este é o primeiro relato de Cryptosporidium spp. em R. americana no Brasil.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts in common rhea (Rhea americana) living in captivity in the zoological park of the Zoobotanical Foundation of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts were detected in fecal smears of common rhea and in water samples by using the modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining method. The morphometric analysis of coccidia revealed small spherical oocysts, measuring, on average, 4.91 [im x 4.91 fim, and a length/width ratio of 1. The detection of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts in fecal and water samples is important as it can indicate the transmission and maintenance of cryptosporidiosis in susceptible hosts. This is the first report of Cryptosporidium spp. in R. americana in Brazil.

Ocorrência de Platynosomum illiciens em felinos selvagens mantidos em cativeiro no estado da Bahia, Brasil / Occurrence of Platynosomum illiciens in enclosured wild cats in the state of Bahia, Brazil

This paper reports the occurrence of eggs of Platynosomum illiciens, found in the feces of three species of wild cats Herpailurus yagouaroundi, Puma concolor and Leopardus tigrinus from material collected at the enclosures of the Park Zoobotânico Getúlio Vargas in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. It is the first record of this parasite in P. onca and L. tigrinus.

O presente trabalho relata a ocorrência de ovos de Platynosomum illiciens nas fezes de três espécies de felídeos silvestres Herpailurus yagouaroundi, Panthera onca e Leopardus tigrinus coletados nos recintos do Parque Zoobotânico Getúlio Vargas em Salvador, Bahia, Brasil. Sendo o primeiro registro deste parasito em P. onca e F. tigrinus.

Zoonotic fascioliasis in donkeys: ELISA [FGES] and postmortum examination in the Zoo, Giza, Egypt

In Egypt, zoonotic fascioliasis is increasing. In this study, postmortum examination of 88 donkeys used as gargantuan meal in the Zoo at Giza revealed hepatic fascioliasis in 15 [17.05%]. The serum examination for anti-Fasciola antibodies by ELISA showed positivity in 12/15 with crude worm antigen, and positivity in 14/15 with locally prepared Fasciola excretory-secretory [Fges] antigen. The zoonotic role of animal fascioliasis was discussed

Cryptosporidium parvum en animales domésticos y en monos de un zoológico / Cryptosporidium parvum in domestic animals and in monkeys from a zoo

El objetivo del trabajo fue detectar infecciones por Cryptosporidium sp en animales domésticos y en monos de un zoológico, en la provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Se procesaron 375 muestras de materia fecal de distintas especies mediante la técnica de sedimentación de Ritchie modificada (formol -éter) para concentrar los ooquistes. El sedimento se tiñó mediante la técnica de Ziehl-Neelsen modificada. Se detectaron ooquistes de Cryptosporidium sp en 7 de 175 muestras de materia fecal de perro, en 2 de 17 de gato, en 4 de 22 de ovinos, en 21 de 131 cabras, en 29 de 109 de terneros, en 2 de 2 de equinos y en 2 de 5 de cobayos (Cavia porcellus). Se examinaron 14 muestras de heces de monos, entre ellas, se detectaron ooquistes en la muestra de 1 hembra carayá (Alouatta caraya) adulta, en la de 1 mono araña (Ateles paniscus) macho adulto, en la muestra colectiva de 7 monos saimiri (Saimiri boliviensis) adultos, en la muestra de 2 hembras y 1 macho caí (Cebus apella), en la muestra colectiva de hamadríades (Papio hamadryas) y en la de 1 chimpancé joven (Pan troglodytes).

Occurrence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in Wrinkled Hornbill and other birds in the Kuala Lumpur National Zoo.

The occurrence of a coccidian parasite, Cryptosporidium, among birds in the Kuala Lumpur National Zoo was investigated in this study. A hundred bird fecal samples were taken from various locations of the zoo. Fecal smears prepared using direct smear and formalin ethyl acetate concentration technique were stained with modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain. Samples positive for Cryptosporidium with Ziehl-Neelsen stain were later confirmed using the immunofluorescence technique and viewed under the epifluorescence microscope. Six species of bird feces were confirmed positive with Cryptosporidium oocysts. They included Wrinkled Hornbill (Aceros corrugatus), Great Argus Pheasant (Argusianus argus), Black Swan (Cygnus atratus), Swan Goose (Anser cygnoides), Marabou Stork (Leptoptilos crumeniferus), and Moluccan Cockatoo (Cacatua moluccencis). These birds were located in the aviary and lake, with the Moluccan Cockatoo routinely used as a show bird. Results obtained in this study indicated that animal sanctuaries like zoos and bird parks are important sources of Cryptosporidium infection to humans, especially children and other animals.

Freqüência de parasitas intestinais em felinos mantidos em zoológicos / Frequency of intestinal parasites in felines kept in zoos

The endoparasites occurrence in felines confined in two Zoos, between December 1999 and April 2000, was studied. Fecal samples of 18 felines (Panthera tigris, Panthera leo, Felis serval, Panthera onca, Puma concolor, Leopardus tigrinus and Leopardus wiedii) were collected and the methods of Faust, modified Baermann and Hoffmann, were used for fecal analyses. Three genera were identified in the feces: Trichuris spp., Toxocara spp. and Giardia spp. In the zoo of Pomerode, six animals (46 percent) were infected by Trichuris spp. and/or Giardia spp. and all samples from the zoo of Brusque were infected by Trichuris spp., Toxocara spp. and Giardia spp.

Infección por coccidios en carnívoros silvestres de cautiverio de Argentina / Coccidian infection in captive wild carnivores from Argentina

With the objective to determine the infection frequency by coccidia protozoa, 159 fecal samples from captive wiid camivores were analyzed. A 10.7 percent of the animal analyzed were positive to the infection. Whereas the family Procyonidae has a high percentage of positivity (35 percent), Canidae have lower infection ratio (23-33 percent) and Felidae only 0.3 percent). Family Musteldiae show negative findings