Antibiotic-Resistant Salmonella, isolated from cloacal swab samples from turtles in Guatemala / Salmonella resistente a antibióticos, aislada de muestras de hisopados cloacales en tortugas de Guatemala

Salmonellosis is a relevant public health threat worldwide. Reptiles are commonly involved in human cases. A microbiological survey was conducted from August to October 2018 to isolate Salmonella bacteria and de-termine if they were resistant to regularly used antibiotics in eight species of pet turtles (Kinosternon acutum sp., K. leucostomum, K. scorpioides, Rhinoclemmys areolata sp., R. pulcherrima, Staurotypus salvinii sp., Trachemys scripta and T. venusta) in Guatemala city, San Lucas Sacatepéquez and Antigua Guatemala. Cloacal swabs were taken from 63 turtles and cultivated in the Microbiology Laboratory at the Veterinary Medicine and Animal Hus-bandry Faculty, University of San Carlos of Guatemala, in Guatemala City. Three samples were positive to the presence of Salmonella sp. One of these isolates (from Trachemys scripta) was resistant to gentamicin, penicillin and amikacin, other isolate (from T. scripta) was partially resistant to amoxicilin + clavulanic acid and penicillin, and other (from T. venusta) to penicillin. These findings highlight the need for better biosecurity practices and show the capacity of bacteria to develop survival strategies that involve resistance to harmful substances like antibiotics.

La salmonelosis es una importante enfermedad zoonótica considerada una amenaza a la salud pública a nivel mundial. Los reptiles están comúnmente involucrados en la transmisión animal-humano. Con el objetivo de determinar la presencia de Salmonella y determinar su resistencia a antibióticos de uso común, se realizó un estudio exploratorio en ocho especies de tortugas (Kinosternon acutum sp., K. leucostomum, K. scorpioides, Rhinoclem-mys areolata sp., R. pulcherrima, Staurotypus salvinii sp., Trachemys scripta y T. venusta) en Guatemala y en San Lucas Sacatepéquez. Se tomaron hisopados cloacales de 63 especímenes y se cultivaron en el Laboratorio de Microbiología de la Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia de la Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala. Tres muestras fueron positivas a la presencia de Salmonella sp. Uno de los aislados (de Trachemys scripta) fue resistente a gentamicina, penicilina y amikacina, otro aislado (de T. scripta) fue parcialmente resistente a amoxicilina + ácido clavulánico y a penicilina y un tercer aislado (de T. venusta) a penicilina. Estos hallazgos resaltan la necesidad de mejores prácticas de bioseguridad y muestran la capacidad de las bacterias para desarrollar estrategias de sobrevivencia que involucran la resistencia a sustancias que les son nocivas, como los antibióticos.

Atractis thapari (Nematoda, Atractidae) parasitizing Chelonoidis carbonarius and C. denticulatus (Testudinidae) in the state of Piauí, Brazil / Atractis thapari (Nematoda, Atractidae) parasitando Chelonoidis carbonarius e C. denticulatus (Testudinidae) no estado do Piauí, Brasil

Abstract Atractis thapari Petter, 1966, an atractid nematode, was collected parasitizing the large intestine of tortoises of the species Chelonoidis carbonarius (Spix, 1824) (Cc) and C. denticulatus (Linnaeus, 1766) (Cd) (Testudinidae) in the Zoobotanical Park of the municipality of Teresina, state of Piauí, Brazil. Taxonomic identification was based on morphological and morphometrical features, and using bright-field and scanning electron microscopy. The present study adds new observations on the morphology of A. thapari, mainly relating to mouth papillae, the excretory pore, deirids, and male and female posterior ends. The parasitic indices of prevalence (P), mean intensity (MI), mean abundance (MA) and range of infection (RI) for A. thapari in these two tortoise species were: P = 100%, MI = 154,667, MA = 154,667, RI = 5,500-588,500 (Cc); P = 100%, MI = 93,639, MA = 93,639, RI = 1,000-224,500 (Cd). This report confirms the occurrence of A. thapari in Neotropical region, South America, Brazil, and extends its occurrences to a new host, the tortoise C. carbonarius. Adjustment of host management with the aim of improving hygiene and health conditions is suggested.

Resumo Atractis thapari Petter, 1966, um nematoide atractídeo, foi coletado parasitando o intestino grosso de jabutis, Chelonoidis carbonarius (Spix, 1824) (Cc) e C. denticulatus (Linnaeus, 1766) (Cd) no Parque Zoobotânico, município de Teresina, estado do Piauí, Brasil. A identificação taxonômica foi baseada nos caracteres morfológicos e morfométricos usando microscopias de campo claro e eletrônica de varredura. O presente estudo adiciona novas observações na morfologia, principalmente relacionadas as papilas bucais, poro excretor, deirídeos, e extremidade posterior de machos e fêmeas. Os índices parasitários de prevalência (P), intensidade média (IM), abundância média (AM) e amplitude de variação de infecção (AI) de A. thapari em ambos jabutis foram P = 100%, IM = 154.667, AM = 154.667, AI = 5.500-588.500 (Cc); P = 100%, I M= 93.639, AM = 93.639, AI = 1.000-224.500 (Cd). Este registro confirma a ocorrência de A. thapari na região Neotropical, América do Sul, Brasil, e expande a um novo hospedeiro, o jabuti C. carbonarius. É sugerido um ajuste no manejo dos hospedeiros objetivando melhora das suas condições higiênico sanitárias.

Primeiro registro de machos de Amblyomma rotundatum (Acari: Ixodidae) em jabuti-tinga (Chelonoidis denticulatus) no estado do Amazonas, Amazônia brasileira: relato de caso / First record of males of Amblyomma rotundatum (Acari: ixodidae) on yellow-footed tortoise (Chelonoidis denticulatus) in the Amazonas state, Brazilian Amazon: case report

O carrapato Amblyomma rotundatum é uma espécie partenogenética, encontrada principalmente em anfíbios e répteis silvestres em todos os biomas brasileiros. No presente relato, registra-se a ocorrência de dois machos dessa espécie de ixodídeo encontrados em um jabuti-tinga (Chelonoidis denticulatus) proveniente do município de Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil.(AU)

The Amblyomma rotundatum tick is a parthenogenetic species, found mainly in wild amphibians and reptiles in all Brazilian biomes. The present report records the occurrence of two males of this ixodid species found on yellow-footed tortoise (Chelonoidis denticulatus) from the municipality of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil.(AU)

Chapiniella variabilis (Nematoda) parasitizing Chelonoidis carbonarius and C. denticulatus (Testudinidae) in the state of Piauí / Chapiniella variabilis (Nematoda) parasitando Chelonoidis carbonarius e C. denticulatus (Testudinidae) do estado do Piauí

Abstract Chapiniella variabilis (Chapin, 1924), a strongylid nematode, was collected parasitizing the large intestine of the tortoises Chelonoidis carbonarius (Spix, 1824) (Cc) and C. denticulatus (Linnaeus, 1766) (Cd) in the Zoobotanical Park of the municipality of Teresina, state of Piauí, Brazil. The taxonomic identification was based on morphological and morphometric features, using bright-field and scanning electron microscopy. The present study adds new observations on the morphology, mainly relating to the mouth papillae, external and internal leaf-crown elements, excretory pore, deirids and male and female posterior end. The parasitic indices of prevalence (P), mean intensity (MI), mean abundance (MA) and range of infection (RI) of C. variabilis in these two tortoise species were: P = 100%, MI = 833.3, MA = 833.3, RI = 500-1,500 (Cc); P = 100%, MI = 472.2, MA = 472.2, RI = 333-500 (Cd). This record expands occurrences of C. variabilis to a new host, C. carbonarius, and to another state in Brazil, in the Neotropical region of South America. Adjustment to host management with the aim of improving hygiene and health conditions is suggested.

Resumo Chapiniella variabilis (Chapin, 1924), um nematoide estrongilídeo, foi coletado parasitando o intestino grosso de jabutis, Chelonoidis carbonarius (Spix, 1824) e C. denticulatus (Linnaeus, 1766) do Parque Zoobotânico, município de Teresina, estado do Piauí, Brasil. A identificação taxonômica foi baseada nos caracteres morfológicos e morfométricos usando microscopias de campo claro e eletrônica de varredura. O presente estudo adiciona novas observações na morfologia, principalmente relacionadas as papilas bucais, elementos externos e internos da coroa-foliar, poro excretor, deirídeos, e extremidade posterior de machos e fêmeas. Os índices parasitários de prevalência (P), intensidade média (IM), abundância média (AM) e amplitude de variação de infecção (AI) de C. variabilis em ambos jabutis foram P = 100%, IM = 833,3, AM = 833,3, AI = 500-1.500 (Cc); P = 100%, IM = 472,2, AM = 472,2, AI = 333-500 (Cd). Este registro aumenta a ocorrência de C. variabilis a um novo hospedeiro, C. carbonarius, e a um outro estado do Brasil, na região Neotropical da América do Sul. É sugerido um ajuste no manejo dos hospedeiros objetivando melhora das suas condições higiênico sanitárias.

Ecologia da comunidade de helmintos gastrointestinais de tartarugas-verdes ( Chelonia mydas ) recolhidas no litoral do Espírito Santo / Community ecology of gastrointestinal helminths from green turtles (Chelonia mydas) collected in the coast of Espírito Santo

A tartaruga-verde, Chelonia mydas, apresenta distribuição cosmopolita. No Brasil, ocorre na costa, porém desova em ilhas oceânicas. A helmintofauna de tartarugas-verdes é diversificada, podendo-se dizer que tem a maior diversidade comparada com outras espécies de tartarugas. Objetivou-se avaliar aspectos ecológicos da comunidade de helmintos gastrointestinais e relacionar com a condição corporal de tartarugas-verdes recolhidas no litoral do Espírito Santo. Foram utilizados 36 exemplares juvenis da espécie C. mydas. O trato gastrointestinal foi separado e dividido em porções: esôfago/estômago, intestino delgado e intestino grosso. Cada porção foi inspecionada à procura de parasitos, e os exemplares encontrados foram separados para posterior identificação. Das 36 tartarugas avaliadas, 34 estavam parasitadas por helmintos (94,44%), com um total de 10.734 helmintos. Foram encontradas 18 espécies de trematodas pertencentes a quatro famílias. A riqueza de espécies encontrada foi de 4,29±2,19 (1-10) e a intensidade média de infecção foi de 315,64±281,83 (2-994) helmintos. Os parasitos mais prevalentes foram Cricocephalus albus, Metacetabulum invaginatum e Neoctangium travassosi, ambos com 61,11% (22/36), Pronocephalus obliquus com 33,33% (12/36), e Glyphicephalus lobatus com 30,55% (11/36). O helminto mais abundante foi M. invaginatum com 70,63 helmintos/animal, seguido de C. albus com 58,77 helmintos/animal e N. travassosi com 41,75 helmintos/animal.(AU)

The green turtle, Chelonia mydas has worldwide distribution. In Brazil, it is found on the coast, but spawning occurs on oceanic islands. The helminth fauna of green turtles is diverse and has the greatest diversity when compared with other species of turtles. This study aims to evaluate ecological aspects of gastrointestinal helminth community and connect to the body condition of green turtles collected on the coast of Espírito Santo. A total of 36 juvenile specimens of the species C. mydas were used. The gastrointestinal tract was removed and divided into portions: esophagus/stomach, small intestine and large intestine. Each portion was inspected looking for parasites and the specimens found were separated for later identification. Of the 36 turtles evaluated, 34 were parasitized by helminths (94.44%), with a total of 10,734 helminths. Results include findings of 18 species of trematodes belonging to four families. The species richness was 4,29 ± 2,19 (1-10) and the mean intensity of infection was 315,64 ± 281,83 (2-994) helminths. The prevalent parasites were Cricocephalus albus, Metacetabulum invaginatum and Neoctangium travassosi, both with 61,11% (22/36), Pronocephalus obliquus with 33,33% (12/36), and Glyphicephalus lobatus with 30,55% (11/36). The abundant helminth was Metacetabulum invaginatum with helminths 70,63/animal, followed by C. albus with helminths 58,77/animal and N. travassosi with helminths 41,75/animal.(AU)

An Outbreak of Trichinellosis by Consumption of Raw Soft-Shelled Turtle Meat in Korea

Trichinellosis transmission to humans via the consumption of reptile meat is rare worldwide. In Korea, however, 2 such outbreaks, possibly via consumption of soft-shelled turtle meat, have occurred in 2 successive years. In 17 August 2014, 6 patients were admitted to Wonju Severance Christian Hospital complaining of myalgia, fever, and headache. Eosinophilia was the indication of the initial laboratory results, and they were eventually diagnosed as trichinellosis by ELISA. All of the patients worked at the same company and had eaten raw soft-shelled turtle meat at a company dinner 10 days prior to their admission. They were treated with albendazole for 2 weeks, upon which all of their symptoms disappeared. This is the 8th report on human trichinellosis in Korea, and the second implicating raw soft-shelled turtle meat.

Marine leech Ozobranchus margoi parasitizing loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil / Sanguessugas Ozobranchus margoi parasitando uma tartaruga cabeçuda (Caretta caretta) no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

This paper reports the finding of several Ozobranchus margoi (Annelida: Hirudinea) parasitizing a loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) that was found in the municipality of Tavares, state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. Since this parasite is considered to be a vector of chelonid herpesvirus 5 (ChHV-5), the leeches collected were tested for the presence of this virus. All the specimens were negative on PCR analysis. Although O. margoi is considered to be a common sea turtle parasite, this is the first official record describing collection of this parasite from a loggerhead turtle in southern Brazil, within the country's subtropical zone. This finding draws attention to the presence of this parasite and to the risk of leech-borne infectious diseases among turtles found along the coast of southern Brazil.

Este artigo relata a descoberta de vários exemplares de Ozobranchus margoi (Annelida Hirudínea) parasitando uma tartaruga cabeçuda (Caretta caretta) encontrada no município de Tavares, Rio Grande do Sul, sul do Brasil. Uma vez que esse parasito é considerado vetor do chelonid herpesvirus 5 (ChHV 5), as sanguessugas foram testadas para a presença deste vírus. Todas as amostras foram negativas pela análise de PCR. Embora o O. margoi seja considerado um parasito comum de tartarugas marinhas, este é o primeiro registro oficial que descreve a coleta deste parasita em uma tartaruga cabeçuda no sul do Brasil, dentro da zona subtropical do país. Este achado chama a atenção para a presença deste parasita e para o risco de sanguessugas transmitirem doenças infecciosas em tartarugas no litoral sul do Brasil.

A new Eimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae), possessing mitra-shaped oocysts, from the Neotropical chelid turtle Batrachemys heliostemma (Testudines: Chelidae), and its comparison with Eimeria mitraria (Laveran & Mesnil 1902)

Eimeria jirkamoraveci sp. n. is described from faeces of two specimens of the toad-headed, side-necked turtle Batrachemys heliostemma collected at Iquitos in Peru. Oocysts are ovoid to almost spherical, 10.6 (8-12) Î 8.9 (7-10) mum, without micropyle, polar granule and oocyst residuum. One conically stretched end and three blunt conical tubercles at the opposite end of oocyst give it mitra-like appearance. Sporocysts are elongated, ellipsoidal, 7.2 (6-8) Î 4.1 (4-4.5) mum, with a small, knob-like Stieda body and sporocyst residuum composed of fine granules. To avoid possible conspecificity, the described new species is thoroughly compared with the most similar coccidium, E. mitraria, collected from its type host, Chinemys reevesii.

Eimeria peltocephali n. sp., (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the freshwater turtle Peltocephalus dumerilianus (Chelonia: Pelomusidae) and Eimeria molossi n. sp., from the bat, Molossus ater (Mammalia: Chiroptera)

The oocyst is described of Eimeria peltocephali n. sp. from faeces of the freshwater turtle Peltocephalus dumerilianus from Barcelos, State of Amazonas, Brazil. Sporulation is exogenous and fully developed oocysts are elongate, ellipsoidal or cylindrical, frequently curved to a banana-shape, 54.4 x 19.1 (37.5 -68.7 x 18.7 - 20.0µm), shape-index 2.8 (1.8 - 3.9). The oocyst wall is single thin, colourless layer about 1µm thick, with no micropyle. There is a bulky oocyst residuum, at first spherical to ellipsoidal, 19 x 16 (16.2 -26.2 x 16 - 21.5µm), but becoming dispersed on maturation. There are no polar bodies. The sporocysts, 19.1 x 6.8 (17.5 -21.2 x 6.2 -7.5 µm), shape-index 2.8 (2.3 -3.2), are usually disposed in pairs at each end of the oocyst, and bear an inconspicuous Stieda body in the form of a flat cap. The sporozoites are elongate and slightly curved around the residuum. No refractile bodies were seen. Eimeria molossi n. sp. is described from the molossid bat Molossus ater. Sporulation is exogenous and the mature oocysts are predominantly broadly ellipsoidal, 23.4 x 17.5 (18-30 x 15-22.5 µm), shape-index 1.3 (1-1.6). The oocyst wall is about 2 µm thick, and of three layers: an inner thin, colourless one and two outer layers which are thicker, yellowish-brown, prominently striated and in close apposition. There is no micropyle or oocyst residuum, but one and occasionally two polar bodies are usually present. Sporocysts sre ellipsoidal, 10.2 x 7.5 (10-12.5 x 7.5 µm), shape-index 1.4 (1.3-1.7) with an inconspicuous Stieda body. Endogenous stages are described in the epithelial cells of the small intestine.

Paraorientatractis semiannulata n. g., n. sp. (Cosmocercoidea: Atractidae) from the large intestine of the side-necked turtle, Podocnemis unifilis Troschel, 1848 (Testudines: Pelomedusidae) in Brazil

Specimens collected from the large intestine of the side-necked turtle Podocnemis unifilis Troschel, 1848, in the region of Cumina and Trombetas rivers near Para, Brazil are assigned to a new genus and Paraorientatracti semiannulata. The new genus is separated from the nearest genus Orientatractis by the funnel-shaped mouth opening, the presence of 4 distinct lips, 4 papillae in the internal cycle, one on each lip margin, 2 lateral amphids with large amphidial pores and absence of submedian papillae. It is also separated from Orientatractis and Proatractis by the presence of striated lateral alae which curve dorsally extending from mid oesophagus to mid tail, the difference in size of the vulvar opening and the presence of large transverse ridges or semiannules on the dorsal surface. The new species can be separated from the species of the genera Orientatractis and Proatractis by the characters that distinguish the genera and the arrangement of the caudal papillae on the male. A host/parasite list for Podocnemis spp. is included.

Parapleurogonius brevicecum gen. et sp. n. (Trematoda: Pronocephalidae) from a freshwater turtle in peninsular Malaysia.

Parapleurogonius brevicecum gen. et sp. n. is described from the freshwater turtle, Kachuga trivittata, in Selangor, Malaysia. Parapleurogonius is most closely related to Pleurogonius Looss, 1901, but from which it can be distinguished by the termination of the ceca at or just overlapping the anterior border of the testes and the pretesticular position of the excretory pore. Additionally, Parapleurogonius is described from a freshwater turtle, whereas Pleurogonius is only known from marine hosts.