Morphological and molecular characterization of parabasilids isolated from ex situ nonhuman primates and their keepers at different institutions in Brazil.

Intestinal protozoa, which can be asymptomatic or cause diarrhea, dysentery and even death, are among the main agents that affect nonhuman primates (NHPs) kept under human care. Nevertheless, information on the molecular and morphometric profiles of parabasilids in the Neotropics is still scarce. In this context, the objective of this study was to isolate the Parabasalia protozoa detected in the feces of NHPs and their keepers in Pavlova and TYSGM9 media and to characterize the isolates by molecular biology and morphometry. Fecal samples from NHPs from five Brazilian institutions were analyzed. Direct examination was performed immediately after obtaining the samples. A total of 511 fecal samples from NHPs were collected, and 10.6% contained parabasilids. Regarding the handlers, of the 74 samples analyzed, three were positive. In vitro-generated parabasilid isolates were successfully obtained from all positive samples, as identified via microscopy. Isolates of the parasite were obtained both from New World NHPs, including the genera Leontopithecus, Saguinus, Leontocebus, Aotus, Saimiri, Sapajus, and Alouatta, and from the Old World primate Pan troglodytes. Forty-nine NHP isolates were molecularly identified: Pentatrichomonas hominis (16), Trichomitus batrachorum (14), Tetratrichomonas brumpti (13) and Hypotrichomonas hampli (6). The human isolates were identified as Tetratrichomonas sp. (2) and T. batrachorum (1). Visualization and morphometric analysis revealed trophozoites with piriform or rounded shapes that presented variable measurements. The isolates previously characterized as P. hominis had up to five free flagella, while T. batrachorum and Tetratrichomonas sp. had up to four free flagella, and H. hampli had a maximum of three free flagella. These morphometric characteristics corroborated the molecular identification. In general, a variety of parabasilids were observed to infect NHPs, and T. batrachorum was isolated from biological samples from both NHPs and their keepers, a finding that reinforces the susceptibility of these hosts to infections by parabasilids in Brazil.

The Phylogenetic Characterization of Balantioides coli Isolated in the Pavlova Culture Medium Supplemented with Coconut Water and Animal Serum.

Balantioides coli is a ciliated protist that can cause dysentery in humans, pigs and nonhuman primates and may have the potential for zoonotic transmission. Its diagnosis is routinely performed through conventional parasitological techniques, and few studies have used culturing techniques to isolate it, applying molecular tools for the characterization of this protozoan. Thus, the objective of this study was to confirm B. coli diagnosis using molecular tools and to characterize the genetic variants of this parasite isolated from pigs kept on family farms in Brazil using three different culture media that differed in the serum added. Fecal samples from pigs were inoculated in Pavlova medium plus coconut water (PC), fetal bovine serum (PB) and horse serum (PH). Of the 127 samples positive for forms compatible with the phylum Ciliophora, 31 were selected for isolation. The most successful medium for isolation was PB 19/31 (61.3%), followed by PH 18/31 (58.1%) and PC 11/31 (35.5%). Of the nucleotide sequences generated, 20 were classified as genetic variant type B0, two as A1 and 15 as A0. The results indicated that PC, despite having allowed the isolation of B. coli for a short period, was not an adequate medium for the maintenance of this parasite in vitro, therefore requiring improvement.

First record of Cebidicola armatus (Phthiraptera: Trichodectidae) on the Brachyteles hypoxanthus (Primate: Atelidae) in Brazil.

This study reports for the first time the infestation of Cebidicola armatus in Brachyteles hypoxanthus. In total, 14 lice were recovered of an individual in Minas Gerais, Brazil. These were subjected to a microscopic analysis and the identification of C. armatus was carried out through its very characteristic morphology.

Identification of third stage larvae of strongyles and molecular diagnosis of Strongylus vulgaris in the feces of Thoroughbred horses kept in training centers in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The aims of the present study were to identify strongyles in the feces of Thoroughbred horses based on larval morphology; to detect Strongylus vulgaris using molecular diagnosis and compare results to those of feces culture; and to determine the association between the presence of S. vulgaris with corresponding animal information (age range, gender, and anthelmintic use). Feces of horses kept in six Training Centers in Rio de Janeiro State, that showed the presence of ≥500 eggs per gram of feces (EPG) were subjected to strongyle identification. Of the 520 fecal samples collected, 35 had an EPG ≥ 500. After fecal culture for L3 larvae identification, DNA was extracted, subjected to PCR to amplify the ITS2 region DNA fragment of S. vulgaris, and sequenced. A total of 3500 larvae were analyzed. Most were classified as small strong (99.7%), with an emphasis on the type A subfamily of Cyathostominae. Forms of S. vulgaris only corresponded to 0.2%. In all, 25 samples showed amplified S. vulgaris DNA products and 11 showed nucleotide sequences with high sequence identity. Fecal culture and PCR results showed poor agreement (kappa = 0.105) for S. vulgaris diagnosis. Age, gender, anthelmintic use, and anthelmintic administration interval were not statistically significant. The present study showed the presence of S. vulgaris in the feces of horses kept in Rio de Janeiro Training Centers, mainly seen via PCR, which has emerged as the most effective tool for diagnosis. This study made it possible to identify strongyles that infect horses in the region, emphasizing upon the necessity for constant monitoring of the animals.

Piroplasmid Infections Among Domestic Dogs in the Mountain City of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to analyze the frequency of the piroplasmids in blood from dogs and ticks recovered from these animals in Teresópolis city, located in the mountain region of Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. In addition to the clinical and hematological profile. METHODS: A total of 400 dogs attended in a veterinary clinic in this city between 2020 and 2021 were included. The blood was collected from the dogs, along with ticks and information on these dogs was obtained through a questionnaire applied to the owners. Thin-smear analyses and complete blood counts were performed. All forms characteristic of piroplasmids were measured and classified morphologically. The blood was also subjected to PCR assays based on the genes 18S rRNA and hsp70. In addition, the ixodid ticks were classified morphologically and subjected to PCR for piroplasmids research. The amplified products were sent for gene sequencing. RESULTS: Piroplasmids were detected in 2.3% of the dogs. The variables statistically associated with infections in these animals were hemorrhage/bleeding, jaundice, anisocytosis, activated monocytes and macroplatelets (p ≤ 0.05). Piriform, ring-shaped, oval and aberrant structures were viewed in erythrocytes, neutrophils and monocytes, with lengths greater than and less than 2.5 µm. The nine positive samples from these dogs were characterized as due to Rangelia vitalii. However, one sequence from B. vogeli was detected in a single adult specimen of R. sanguineus. CONCLUSION: Although circulation of two species of piroplasmids potentially infective for domestic dogs has been observed in the mountain city of Rio de Janeiro, infection due to R. vitalii was mostly seen in the dogs of the present study.

Comparison of immunological and molecular methods for laboratory diagnosis of ocular toxoplasmosis in blood, serum and tears in Brazil.

Ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) is caused by protozoan T. gondii. Ophthalmological examination is considered the gold standard for OT diagnosis, and laboratory tests are used for diagnostic confirmation. However, these tests can present different results, which change depending on their basis, on sample type and on patients' clinical alteration. Thus, the aim of the present study is to assess immunodiagnostic and molecular techniques applied in blood, serum and tear fluid to diagnose T. gondii infection in patients seen at an Ophthalmology Clinic. In total, 160 patients were included in the study, 40 of them had OT with active lesions (G1); 40 had OT with healed lesions (G2), 40 had non-toxoplasmic uveitis (G3) and 40 had no ocular alterations (G4). Serum samples were subjected to Immunoenzymatic Assay (ELISA) and to Indirect Immunofluorescence Reaction (IFAT) to search for anti-T. gondii IgM and IgG. Tear fluid samples were analyzed through ELISA for IgA research. All blood and tear fluid samples were subjected to conventional polymerase chain reaction (cPCR) and in a Nested PCR model for T. gondii DNA amplification with targets B1, GRA7 and REP 529. IgG and IgM anti-T. gondii was detected in serum samples from 106 and 15 patients, respectively, when combining ELISA and IFAT results. Anti-T.gondii IgA antibodies were detected in 9.2% of the tear material. Nested PCR with GRA7 target showed higher positivity in blood samples (24.4%); Nested PCR with B1 target showed a higher frequency of positivity in tears (15%). Biological samples of patients with active lesions showed the highest positivity frequencies in all immunodiagnostic assays, as well as in most PCR models. The present results highlighted the need of associating techniques with different fundamentals to confirm OT diagnosis. Furthermore, further tear fluid analyses should be performed to validate this biological material as lesser invasive alternative for the more accurate OT diagnosis.

Zoonotic Parasites in Artiodactyls with Emphasis on the Feral Boar in the Atlantic Forest, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to identify the species of artiodactyl host related to the fecal matter collected in a forest area in Rio de Janeiro state and carry out a parasitological investigation. METHODS: Artiodactyl feces were collected between 2020 and 2021. The fecal samples were examined to identify the host through macroscopic and molecular analysis. The remaining samples were subjected to a fecal parasite analysis using microscopic techniques, and feces containing cysts of the phylum Ciliophora underwent a molecular analysis. RESULTS: Of the 101 samples collected, 71.3% were found in Pavão Valley, the most anthropized area of the park. In the molecular analysis, 79 samples were identified as belonging to Sus scrofa and 2 as Mazama gouazoubira. The most frequently detected forms were cysts of the phylum Ciliophora (39.6%), followed by eggs of Ascaris spp. (11.8%) and Metastrongylus spp. (5.9%). Nucleotide sequences of Balantioides coli were characterized in 26 samples, and in 13 samples variants of type B0 and in 11 type A0 were identified. CONCLUSIONS: It should be noted that this is the first study in the Americas that has identified B. coli in free-living S. scrofa feces, citing this bioinvader as one of the reservoirs of this parasite.

Gastrointestinal Parasites Affecting Non-Human Primates That Are Kept Ex Situ and Their Handlers in Different Brazilian Institutions: Diagnosis and Analysis of Risk Factors.

AIM: Determining gastrointestinal parasites' frequency in non-human primates (NHPs) and handlers in different Brazilian institutions, and associate it with management information. METHODS: Different institutions in São Paulo (A), Brasília (B), Rio de Janeiro (C), Pará (D) and Santa Catarina (E) were included in the study. Fecal samples were processed by using coproparasitological techniques; information about NHP handling and professionals' routine were collected through the use of questionnaires. RESULTS: In total, 33.1% of 511 NHP samples were positive for parasites; the Entamoebidae Group and Strongyloides sp.-compatible eggs were the most detected protozoa and helminths, respectively. The Entamoebidae Group was mainly diagnosed in Alouatta from Institutions E and D, and was also the only parasite detected in handlers. Strongyloides-compatible eggs were mostly evident in fecal samples collected from Cebidae from Institutions B and D. Some risk factors associated with parasite infection were a high number of animals in the same enclosure and their use for research protocol purposes, whereas quarantine, a post-infection vacant period in enclosures and antiparasitic supply were categorized as protective factors against these agents' infection. CONCLUSIONS: Parasites showing different transmission routes but concomitantly circulating in NHP institutions located in different Brazilian regions were identified in the current study, with an emphasis on those presenting zoonotic potential.

Occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii and other gastrointestinal parasites in free-roaming cats from the Rio de Janeiro zoo.

This communication aimed to determine the frequency of infection by T. gondii and other gastrointestinal parasites in free-living cats captured in BioParque do Rio (Fundação RioZoo), Brazil. To this end, 58 blood and 51 fecal samples were collected from 68 cats from July 2019 to September 2020. The serum obtained was analyzed by indirect fluorescent antibody test for anti-T. gondii IgG. Fecal samples were examined by microscopic parasitological techniques. Of the total, 10.3% of the animals presented anti-T. gondii IgG. Parasitic structures were observed in 39.2% of the fecal samples. Hookworms were the most detected parasites (19.6%) followed by Cystoisospora sp. (11.7%), Dipylidium caninum (7.8%) and Toxocara cati (3.9%). These results indicated the exposure of this population of stray cats to potentially zoonotic parasites, which in addition to causing possible damage to domestic and wild animal health, also pose risks to public health.

Esta comunicação teve como objetivo determinar a frequência de infecção por T. gondii e outros parasitas gastrointestinais em gatos de vida livre capturados no BioParque do Rio (Fundação RioZoo), Brasil. Para isso, foram coletadas 58 amostras de sangue e 51 amostras fecais de 68 gatos capturados entre julho de 2019 e setembro de 2020. O soro obtido foi submetido à reação de imunofluorescência indireta para IgG anti-T. gondii. As amostras fecais foram submetidas a técnicas parasitológicas microscópicas. Do total, 10,3% dos animais apresentaram IgG anti-T. gondii. Estruturas parasitárias foram observadas em 39,2% das amostras fecais. Os ancilostomídeos foram os parasitas mais detectados (19,6%), seguidos por Cystoisospora sp. (11,7%), Dipylidium caninum (7,8%) e Toxocara cati (3,9%). Esses resultados indicaram a exposição dessa população de gatos de rua a parasitas potencialmente zoonóticos, que, além de causar possíveis danos à saúde dos animais domésticos e selvagens, também representam riscos à saúde pública.

Diagnosis of endoparasite species and subtypes of Cryptosporidium spp. with one health importance, in feces from captive snakes in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

In captivity, snakes may present chronic infections with high mortality, such as those caused by Cryptosporidium serpentis, or they may be pseudoparasitized by species that present zoonotic potential. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of helminths and protozoa in the feces of captive snakes, characterize the species and subtypes of Cryptosporidium spp. and correlate the parasites detected with other information obtained from these animals. Feces were collected from 189 snakes kept at the Vital Brazil Institute, Rio de Janeiro, including samples from Bothrops jararaca, Bothrops jararacussu, Bothrops moojeni, Bothrops atrox, Bothrops leucurus, Crotalus durissus and Lachesis muta. All the samples were subjected to microscopy techniques and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in association with sequencing, to identify Cryptosporidium spp.. Forms of parasites infecting the snakes were identified through microscopy in 50.8% of the samples. Helminths were detected more often than protozoa in the feces of these animals, mainly comprising eggs resembling Kalicephalus sp. and oocysts of Eimeria sp.. Pseudoparasites such as Syphacia sp., Aspiculuris sp. and Hymenolepis nana were also detected. Through correlating the results obtained from parasitological staining techniques and PCR, the total frequency of Cryptosporidium sp. was found to be 19%. The species C. tyzzeri and C. parvum were identified. Characterization using the target gp60 showed subtypes with high potential for zoonotic transmission, especially IIaA15G2R1 and IIaA14G2R1 of C. parvum and IXbA8 of C. tyzzeri. This study highlighted the need for more intensive health management in the Institute's serpentarium and, especially, in its bioterium where rodents are reared as a food source for these snakes.

Prevalence, Risk Factors and Diagnosis of Helminths in Thoroughbred Horses Kept at Training Centers in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of helminths in Thoroughbred horses in Rio de Janeiro; make correlations with risk factors for these infections; and compare the efficiency of three floatation solutions applied in the quantitative Mini-FLOTAC technique. Fecal samples from 520 horses were collected from six training centers between 2019 and 2021. These were subjected to the Mini-FLOTAC technique using three solutions: NaCl (density = 1.200 g/mL), ZnSO4 (1.350 g/mL) and ZnSO4 (1.200 g/mL); and also to qualitative techniques. Information on the horses' sex and age of horses was retrieved from the studbook; data on management from a questionnaire. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 71.9%, with significant differences between training centers (P ≤ .05). On farm C, 87.7% of the samples presented strongylids and 38.7% had Parascaris spp., with the highest egg counts per gram of feces (EPG), of 358.33 and 40.41 respectively. Horses less than 3 years of age were about eight times more likely to be parasitized by strongylids and eleven times more likely to have EPG ≥500. The NaCl solution used in Mini-FLOTAC enabled recovery of the greatest number of samples with high EPG and reached the highest sensitivity values in the diagnosis when compared to the other solutions. Moreover, in the diagnoses, the levels of agreement between the results from the solutions used in Mini-FLOTAC were substantial. However, in estimating the EPG, full agreement between the results from the solutions used in Mini-FLOTAC was not obtained.

First microscopic and molecular parasitological survey of Strongylus vulgaris in Brazilian ponies.

The frequency of gastrointestinal parasites with an emphasis on Strongylus vulgaris was investigated among the Brazilian Pony breed kept on farms in the municipality of Teresópolis, state of Rio de Janeiro. Fecal samples were collected in three stud farms: A (n= 22 animals), B (n= 3), and C (n= 2). Fecal samples were subjected to the quantitative Mini-FLOTAC technique, using three different solutions, and to qualitative techniques. The parasite prevalence was found to be 81.4%. Eggs from strongylids were identified in 74% of the ponies. Eggs of Parascaris spp. were detected in 22.7% of the animals, which were all females of farm A. At this locality, mares were kept with their foals in fenced paddocks all the time. The NaCl solution of d = 1.200 g/ml was generally the one that presented the highest frequency of diagnosis of nematode eggs and the highest mean of fecal eggs per gram. The fecal samples were also subjected to the polymerase chain reaction for amplification of DNA from the ITS2 region for Strongylus vulgaris. Twelve samples presented nucleotide sequences for S. vulgaris. In the end, this study revealed the high frequency (96.3%) of S. vulgaris among ponies on farms in Teresópolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Comparison of McMaster and Mini-FLOTAC techniques for the diagnosis of internal parasites in pigs.

This purpose of this study was to compare the efficiency of the McMaster and Mini-FLOTAC quantitative techniques in the investigation of helminths in feces of pigs. An analysis was made of 74 fecal samples from pigs raised on family farms located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. These were analyzed by the Mini-FLOTAC and McMaster techniques in a solution of 1,200g/mL NaCl. This investigation revealed a superiority in the frequency of all helminths detected by Mini-FLOTAC, including Ascaris suum, Trichuris suis, strongyles and Strongyloides ransomi. The Kappa index revealed substantial agreement in all comparisons made in relation to the frequency of positive samples. However, significant statistical differences in the comparison of EPGs between McMaster and Mini-FLOTAC were observed for all nematodes (p ≤0.05). Higher values of Pearson's linear correlation coefficient (r), between the techniques in relation to EPG were observed for A. suum and T. suis, differently from what was observed for strongyles and S. ransomi. Mini-FLOTAC proved to be a more satisfactory and reliable technique both for the diagnosis of parasites and for the determination of EPG in pig feces due to the larger size of its counting chambers, thus increasing the helminth egg recovery rates.

Isolation and genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii from a captive black-and-gold howler monkey (Alouatta caraya Humboldt, 1812) in Brazil.

Toxoplasma gondii was isolated in mice from different tissues of a captive black-and-gold howler monkey (Alouatta caraya) kept in a colony at the Primatology Center of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, and it was genotypically characterized based on using PCR-RFLP and Microsatellite Analysis (MS), later on. T. gondii was successfully isolated from inocula deriving from heart, liver and tissue pool (heart, liver, lungs, axillary lymph nodes and cerebellum) samples. The isolate was named TgBgHmBrRJ1. The high virulence of the aforementioned strain was observed in infected mice. Non-archetypal genotype (ToxoDB PCR-RFLP #206) was obtained through PCR-RFLP. This genotype had been previously described in 12 isolates from different hosts, also in Southeastern Brazil, a fact that indicates likely high circulation of this genotype in this region. The isolate was also classified as non-archetypal, based on MS genotyping, as well as presented genotypic identity close to that of strains isolated from free-range non-symptomatic chickens (TgCkBr244,245,278,279) in Espírito Santo State. It is worth emphasizing that despite the large number of reports about clinical toxoplasmosis in neotropical primates in Brazil, this is just the second isolate of this parasite ever reported in this group of animals.

Family-Run Pig Farms: Research and Extension Activities for Parasite Control in a Municipality in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The parasites infesting pigs and pig farmers on family farms in Rio de Janeiro city, Brazil, were analyzed, and extension activities were carried out to impart information about parasites. Between 2020 and 2021, fecal samples were collected from 180 pigs as well as ear scrapings from 142 pigs. In addition, 34 stool specimens from farmers and their families were analyzed. The collected material was processed by parasitological techniques. Parasites were detected in 86.1% of the pigs, forms of phylum Ciliophora (70.5%), strongylids (56.7%), Strongyloides ransomi (44.4%), coccidia (38.3%) and Ascaris suum (32.2%). Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis were identified in 3.5% of the pigs. An analysis of infections by age group revealed that the general frequency of phylum Ciliophora and strongylid parasites was statistically significant. Other factors also associated with the frequency of the parasites included the type of food fed to the pigs, cleaning of the facilities, care of piglets and type of facility. The frequency of intestinal parasites of farmers themselves was low; however, the high rate of parasite infections detected in pigs highlighted the precarious conditions of hygiene of the farms. Lastly, the farmers' participation in extension activities was a step forward in actions to improve their farm management.

Socioeconomic profile, animal care, sanitary practices, and knowledge about parasites among owners of domestic dogs and cats treated in Rio de Janeiro city.

Urban canine and feline populations are expanding worldwide, a fact that can boost the transmission of zoonotic parasites. Thus, it is necessary understanding dog and cat owners' profile, as well as their perceptions about zoonoses, to develop preventive strategies based on the One Health approach. The aim of the current study is to compare the profile of dog and cat owners, whose domestic pets were treated at Jorge Vaitsman Veterinary Medicine Center, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Dog and cat owners, whose domestic pets were treated in the routine service of the aforementioned medical clinic, from August 2017 to November 2018, filled a structured questionnaire comprising closed questions in order to collect information about their socioeconomic profile, hygiene habits, animal care and knowledge about parasites. Comparative analysis was applied to data collected from dog and cat owners, based on using Fischer's Exact Test or Pearson's Chi-square. In total, 350 individuals - 244 dog owners and 106 cat owners - filled the questionnaire. The comparative analysis of socioeconomic profile, animal care, sanitary practices and knowledge about parasites did not show differences between dog and cat owners (p≥0.05). Animal vaccination and deworming practices were significantly more prevalent among dog owners than among cat owners (p≤0.05). Overall, respondents have shown lack of knowledge about parasitic zoonoses. Results in the current study have evidenced the need of mediating and promoting information about potentially zoonotic parasitic agents among domestic pet owners, as well as the key role played by veterinarians as mediators of primary prevention measures against these agents.

As populações urbanas de cães e gatos estão em expansão, o que pode facilitar a transmissão de parasitas zoonóticos. Nesse sentido, é necessário conhecer o perfil dos donos de cães e gatos e suas percepções sobre zoonoses para construir estratégias preventivas em uma abordagem em Saúde Única. Este estudo teve como objetivo comparar o perfil dos donos de cães e gatos atendidos no Centro de Medicina Veterinária Jorge Vaitsman, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Entre agosto de 2017 e novembro de 2018, proprietários de cães e gatos atendidos na rotina da clínica médica responderam a um questionário estruturado composto por questões fechadas relacionadas ao seu perfil socioeconômico, hábitos de higiene, cuidados com os animais e conhecimento sobre parasitas. A análise comparativa dos dados obtidos de proprietários de cães e gatos foi realizada por meio do Teste Exato de Fischer ou Qui-quadrado de Pearson. No total, 350 indivíduos responderam ao questionário, sendo 244 donos de cães e 106 donos de gatos. A análise comparativa do perfil socioeconômico, cuidados com os animais, práticas sanitárias e conhecimento sobre parasitos não mostrou diferenças entre proprietários de cães e gatos (p≥0,05). As práticas de vacinação e desparasitação dos animais foram significativamente mais frequentes entre os donos de cães do que entre os donos de gatos (p≤0,05). De maneira geral, foi possível evidenciar entre as respostas recuperadas um desconhecimento sobre zoonoses parasitárias. Os resultados obtidos evidenciam a necessidade de mediação e divulgação de informações sobre agentes parasitários potencialmente zoonóticos para os proprietários, destacando os veterinários, no papel de mediadores das medidas de prevenção primária contra esses agentes.

Piroplasm Infection in Domestic Cats in the Mountainous Region of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Piroplasm infections in domestic cats have been reported with increasing frequency in numerous countries. However, in some states of Brazil, little information is available about the occurrence of these parasites. Blood samples were collected from 250 cats treated at a private clinic in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro. The samples were each subjected to a blood count, microscopic examination, and molecular research on piroplasms. The animals' clinical histories and epidemiological information were analyzed to identify the risk factors associated with infection. Ticks were recovered during the clinical care and were identified and subjected to molecular analyses to determine the presence of piroplasm DNA. Piroplasms were detected in 2.7% (7/250) of the cats. Nucleotide sequences of Babesia vogeli were identified in six cats, while the Cytauxzoon sp. was identified in one cat. Cats displaying apathy/weakness/prostration and hemorrhage/bleeding were more likely to be infected. In addition, Amblyomma aureolatum was recovered from a cat PCR-negative for piroplasms. This is the first study in Rio de Janeiro that has detected Babesia vogeli in cats. The results obtained here underscore the need for further studies in Rio de Janeiro to investigate the dynamics of such infections and the vectors involved.

Pediculosis knowledge among schoolchildren parents and its relation with head lice prevalence.

Pediculosis mainly affects school-age children worldwide. The aim of this study was to identify and analyze the knowledge of the parents and guardians of children in elementary schools in Niterói, Brazil, regarding pediculosis. Questionnaires were applied to 237 guardians of children at five 1-5 grade municipal schools. The responses were analyzed and correlated with positivity to louse infestation, detected by scalp aspiration. 73.8% of the respondents reported that their child had already been infested with lice. 32.9% presented correct responses about transmission. Incorrect responses were attributed to the air/wind, blood type and the fact that lice jump and fly. 40.1% of the respondents erroneously correlated control over the parasitosis with hygiene. A majority of the participants (58.6%) responded that pediculosis is harmful to health, while a small proportion (20.7%) considered it to be a disease. The prevalence of pediculosis was 19.8% among schoolchildren. Female sex, pruritus on the head and indifference regarding infestation were shown to be risk factors for pediculosis. The lack of perception of pediculosis as a disease may lead to naturalization of this parasitosis. Incorrect responses may add difficulty to implementation of preventive and curative approaches, which highlights the importance of dissemination of correct information about pediculosis.

Toxoplasma gondii in the faeces of wild felids from the Atlantic Forest, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasma gondii is a apicomplexan parasite of virtually all warm-blooded species. All true cats (Felidae) can act as definitive hosts for this parasite by shedding resistant oocysts into the environment. However, the patterns of oocysts shedding are only partially understood in domestic cats and largely unknown in wild felids. OBJECTIVES: We carried out molecular analysis of 82 faecal samples from wild felids collected in the Serra dos Órgãos National Park (Parnaso), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. METHODS: We screened samples for T. gondii DNA using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) targeting the 529bp DNA fragment. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive samples were genotyped using 15 microsatellite markers. RESULTS: Only one faecal sample from a Puma yagouaroundi was PCR-positive [cycle threshold (Ct) = 26.88]. This sample was contaminated by a T. gondii strain of BrIII lineage, a common lineage in domestic animals from Brazil. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: This first report of T. gondii in faeces of wild South American felids in their natural environment indicates infrequent oocyst shedding and suggests a role of acquired immunity in limiting re-excretion as in domestic cats. The presence of a domestic strain of T. gondii in a faecal sample from a wild felid at very low concentrations (not detected by microscopy) is consistent with the hypothesis of host-parasite co-adaptations limiting the circulation of T. gondii strains between domestic and wild environments.

Cryptosporidium species in non-human animal species in Latin America: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Cryptosporidiosis is an infection caused by a protozoon that inhabits the gastrointestinal tract. More than forty valid species have been described in the genus Cryptosporidium, infecting a broad range of hosts around the world, some with zoonotic transmission and others with predominant anthroponotic transmission. Prevalence studies conducted in Latin American countries have been specific, without consolidating information on species prevalences. Thus, the aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis addressing the prevalence of Cryptosporidium species in animals in Latin America. The estimated pooled prevalence rate for cryptosporidiosis in animals, by means of meta-analysis with a random-effects model, based on species identification, was 18.0% (95% CI 11.0%-27.0%) with high heterogeneity. The estimated overall prevalence was 20.3% (36/177) in pets, 19.9% (1309/6573) in livestock animals and 23.9% (954/3995) in exotic/captive animals. Evidence of circulation of 16 Cryptosporidium species was found in five Latin American countries: Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Argentina and Mexico. Through meta-analysis with a random-effects model, the pooled prevalence rate for Cryptosporidium parvum was 0.7% (95% CI 0.2%-2.4%). Cryptosporidium felis (8.5%) was the most prevalent species in pets, C. parvum (10.3%) in livestock animals and Cryptosporidium galli (17.6%) in exotic/captive animals. C. parvum was the species with the greatest geographical dispersion, which can be explained by its eurixenic and zoonotic potential. Few studies on cryptosporidiosis in animals in Latin America were found, which shows that there is a need for investment in and expansion of studies on this parasite. The pooled prevalence of C. parvum in Latin America and its wide circulation are similar to what has been observed in other developing regions, which reaffirms the importance of this species as the cause of a neglected, emerging and zoonotic parasitosis.