Helminths assemblage of Trachemys dorbigni (Testudines: Emydidae) in southern Brazil: implications of anthropogenic environments and hosts genders / Assembleia de helmintos de Trachemys dorbigni (Testudines: Emydidae) no sul do Brasil: implicações dos ambientes antrópicos e do gênero sexual dos hospedeiros

The assemblage of helminths of Trachemys dorbigni was analyzed according two environments (rural and urban) and according to hosts gender. Thus, the helminths found were: Spiroxys contortus (Rudolphi, 1819), Falcaustra affinis (Leidy, 1856), Camallanus emydidius Mascarenhas & Müller, 2017, Dioctophyme renale (Goeze, 1782) (larvae), Eustrongylides sp. (larvae) (Nematoda), Telorchis corti (Stunkard, 1915), Telorchis achavali Mañé-Garzón & Holcman-Spector, 1973, Telorchis spp. (Digenea), Polystomoides rohdei Mañé-Garzón & Holcman-Spector,1968 and Neopolystoma sp. (Monogenoidea). Parasitological indices suggests that S. contortus, F. affinis, C. emydidius, T. corti and P. rohdei are species common in helminth assemblage of T. dorbigni in southern Brazil. Infection by Dioctophyme renale is typical of the urban area and suggest relation with eutrophication process and feedback of parasitic cycle in the freshwater urban environment. Parasitological indices of Neopolystoma sp. and T. achavali suggest to be occasional infections; whereas infection by Eustrongylides sp. could be considered accidental. About Telorchiidae, there was no co-occurrence of the species of this group for the examined hosts. In relation to hosts gender, it was observed that infections by S. contortus, F. affinis, C. emydidius and T. corti had higher rates in females, showing a more intimate association with the females of T. dorbigni. The results suggest that human impact on the environment could affect the infrapopulacional dynamics of parasite species influencing the presence and rates of infection of helminths or exacerbating heterogeneities related to hosts gender.(AU)

A assembleia de helmintos de Trachemys dorbigni foi analizada de acordo com dois ambientes (rural e urbano) e de acordo com o gênero sexual dos hospedeiros. Os helmintos encontrados foram: Spiroxys contortus (Rudolphi, 1819), Falcaustra affinis (Leidy, 1856), Camallanus emydidius Mascarenhas & Müller, 2017, Dioctophyme renale (Goeze, 1782) (larva), Eustrongylides sp. (larva) (Nematoda), Telorchis corti (Stunkard, 1915), Telorchis achavali Mañé-Garzón & Holcman-Spector, 1973, Telorchis spp. (Digenea), Polystomoides rohdei Mañé-Garzón & Holcman-Spector,1968 and Neopolystoma sp. (Monogenoidea). Os indices parasitológicos sugerem que S. contortus, F. affinis, C. emydidius, T. corti e P. rohdei são espécies comuns da assembleia de helmintos de T. dorbigni no extremo sul do Brasil. A infecção por Dioctophyme renale é tipica da area urbana e sugere estar relacionada com os processos de eutrofização e a retroalimentação do ciclo parasitário no ambiente aquático urbano. Os indices parasitológicos de Neopolystoma sp. e T. achavali sugerem que a infecção por estes seja occasional; a infecção por Eustrongylides sp. pode ser considerada acidental. Não houve co-ocorrência entre as espécies de Telorchiidae. Em relação ao gênero sexual, observou-se que as infecções por S. contortus, F. affinis, C. emydidius e T. corti apresentaram taxas mais elevadas nas fêmeas, mostrando uma associação mais íntima com as fêmeas de T. dorbigni. Os resultados sugerem que o impacto humano sobre o ambiente pode afetar a dinâmica das infrapopulações dos helmintos parasitos, influenciando a presença e os índices de infecção de helmintos ou exacerbando heterogeneidades relacionadas ao gênero sexual dos hospedeiros.(AU)

Helminth’s assemblage of Trachemys dorbigni (Testudines: Emydidae) in southern Brazil: implications of anthropogenic environments and host’s genders / Assembleia de helmintos de Trachemys dorbigni (Testudines: Emydidae) no sul do Brasil: implicações dos ambientes antrópicos e do gênero sexual dos hospedeiros

The assemblage of helminths of Trachemys dorbigni was analyzed according two environments (rural and urban) and according to host’s gender. Thus, the helminths found were: Spiroxys contortus (Rudolphi, 1819), Falcaustra affinis (Leidy, 1856), Camallanus emydidius Mascarenhas & Müller, 2017, Dioctophyme renale (Goeze, 1782) (larvae), Eustrongylides sp. (larvae) (Nematoda), Telorchis corti (Stunkard, 1915), Telorchis achavali Mañé-Garzón & Holcman-Spector, 1973, Telorchis spp. (Digenea), Polystomoides rohdei Mañé-Garzón & Holcman-Spector,1968 and Neopolystoma sp. (Monogenoidea). Parasitological indices suggests that S. contortus, F. affinis, C. emydidius, T. corti and P. rohdei are species common in helminth assemblage of T. dorbigni in southern Brazil. Infection by Dioctophyme renale is typical of the urban area and suggest relation with eutrophication process and feedback of parasitic cycle in the freshwater urban environment. Parasitological indices of Neopolystoma sp. and T. achavali suggest to be occasional infections; whereas infection by Eustrongylides sp. could be considered accidental. About Telorchiidae, there was no co-occurrence of the species of this group for the examined hosts. In relation to host’s gender, it was observed that infections by S. contortus, F. affinis, C. emydidius and T. corti had higher rates in females, showing a more intimate association with the females of T. dorbigni. The results suggest that human impact on the environment could affect the infrapopulacional dynamics of parasite species influencing the presence and rates of infection of helminths or exacerbating heterogeneities related to host’s gender.

A assembleia de helmintos de Trachemys dorbigni foi analizada de acordo com dois ambientes (rural e urbano) e de acordo com o gênero sexual dos hospedeiros. Os helmintos encontrados foram: Spiroxys contortus (Rudolphi, 1819), Falcaustra affinis (Leidy, 1856), Camallanus emydidius Mascarenhas & Müller, 2017, Dioctophyme renale (Goeze, 1782) (larva), Eustrongylides sp. (larva) (Nematoda), Telorchis corti (Stunkard, 1915), Telorchis achavali Mañé-Garzón & Holcman-Spector, 1973, Telorchis spp. (Digenea), Polystomoides rohdei Mañé-Garzón & Holcman-Spector,1968 and Neopolystoma sp. (Monogenoidea). Os indices parasitológicos sugerem que S. contortus, F. affinis, C. emydidius, T. corti e P. rohdei são espécies comuns da assembleia de helmintos de T. dorbigni no extremo sul do Brasil. A infecção por Dioctophyme renale é tipica da area urbana e sugere estar relacionada com os processos de eutrofização e a retroalimentação do ciclo parasitário no ambiente aquático urbano. Os indices parasitológicos de Neopolystoma sp. e T. achavali sugerem que a infecção por estes seja occasional; a infecção por Eustrongylides sp. pode ser considerada acidental. Não houve co-ocorrência entre as espécies de Telorchiidae. Em relação ao gênero sexual, observou-se que as infecções por S. contortus, F. affinis, C. emydidius e T. corti apresentaram taxas mais elevadas nas fêmeas, mostrando uma associação mais íntima com as fêmeas de T. dorbigni. Os resultados sugerem que o impacto humano sobre o ambiente pode afetar a dinâmica das infrapopulações dos helmintos parasitos, influenciando a presença e os índices de infecção de helmintos ou exacerbando heterogeneidades relacionadas ao gênero sexual dos hospedeiros.

Helminths assemblage of Trachemys dorbigni (Testudines: Emydidae) in southern Brazil: implications of anthropogenic environments and hosts genders

ABSTRACT The assemblage of helminths of Trachemys dorbigni was analyzed according two environments (rural and urban) and according to hosts gender. Thus, the helminths found were: Spiroxys contortus (Rudolphi, 1819), Falcaustra affinis (Leidy, 1856), Camallanus emydidius Mascarenhas & Müller, 2017, Dioctophyme renale (Goeze, 1782) (larvae), Eustrongylides sp. (larvae) (Nematoda), Telorchis corti (Stunkard, 1915), Telorchis achavali Mañé-Garzón & Holcman-Spector, 1973, Telorchis spp. (Digenea), Polystomoides rohdei Mañé-Garzón & Holcman-Spector,1968 and Neopolystoma sp. (Monogenoidea). Parasitological indices suggests that S. contortus, F. affinis, C. emydidius, T. corti and P. rohdei are species common in helminth assemblage of T. dorbigni in southern Brazil. Infection by Dioctophyme renale is typical of the urban area and suggest relation with eutrophication process and feedback of parasitic cycle in the freshwater urban environment. Parasitological indices of Neopolystoma sp. and T. achavali suggest to be occasional infections; whereas infection by Eustrongylides sp. could be considered accidental. About Telorchiidae, there was no co-occurrence of the species of this group for the examined hosts. In relation to hosts gender, it was observed that infections by S. contortus, F. affinis, C. emydidius and T. corti had higher rates in females, showing a more intimate association with the females of T. dorbigni. The results suggest that human impact on the environment could affect the infrapopulacional dynamics of parasite species influencing the presence and rates of infection of helminths or exacerbating heterogeneities related to hosts gender.

RESUMO A assembleia de helmintos de Trachemys dorbigni foi analizada de acordo com dois ambientes (rural e urbano) e de acordo com o gênero sexual dos hospedeiros. Os helmintos encontrados foram: Spiroxys contortus (Rudolphi, 1819), Falcaustra affinis (Leidy, 1856), Camallanus emydidius Mascarenhas & Müller, 2017, Dioctophyme renale (Goeze, 1782) (larva), Eustrongylides sp. (larva) (Nematoda), Telorchis corti (Stunkard, 1915), Telorchis achavali Mañé-Garzón & Holcman-Spector, 1973, Telorchis spp. (Digenea), Polystomoides rohdei Mañé-Garzón & Holcman-Spector,1968 and Neopolystoma sp. (Monogenoidea). Os indices parasitológicos sugerem que S. contortus, F. affinis, C. emydidius, T. corti e P. rohdei são espécies comuns da assembleia de helmintos de T. dorbigni no extremo sul do Brasil. A infecção por Dioctophyme renale é tipica da area urbana e sugere estar relacionada com os processos de eutrofização e a retroalimentação do ciclo parasitário no ambiente aquático urbano. Os indices parasitológicos de Neopolystoma sp. e T. achavali sugerem que a infecção por estes seja occasional; a infecção por Eustrongylides sp. pode ser considerada acidental. Não houve co-ocorrência entre as espécies de Telorchiidae. Em relação ao gênero sexual, observou-se que as infecções por S. contortus, F. affinis, C. emydidius e T. corti apresentaram taxas mais elevadas nas fêmeas, mostrando uma associação mais íntima com as fêmeas de T. dorbigni. Os resultados sugerem que o impacto humano sobre o ambiente pode afetar a dinâmica das infrapopulações dos helmintos parasitos, influenciando a presença e os índices de infecção de helmintos ou exacerbando heterogeneidades relacionadas ao gênero sexual dos hospedeiros.

The role of freshwater fish in the life cycle of Dioctophyme renale in Southern Brazil.

Brazil stands out by the diverse records of Dioctopphyme renale in different hosts; however, there is little information about the life cycle of the nematode in the region. This study aims to report on third-stage larvae infections in fish in southern Brazil. In this context, 324 fish of different species belonging to Characiformes, Cyprinodontiformes and Siluriformes were collected in an urban area of Rio Grande do Sul State, where domestic and wild hosts were reported with the nematode. Of the total fish examined, 25(7.7%) were found to be parasitized by third-stage larvae of D. renale which were found encysted in the stomach serous membrane and in the celoma cavity of Hoplosternum littorale (Siluriformes) with a prevalence of 53.2% (25/47) and mean intensity of infection of 4.4 larvae/host (1 to 13 larvae). The occurrence of larvae in H. littorale indicates the presence of parasitosis in the region; however, the contribution of this fish species as a source of infection for dogs in urban areas must be considered with caution given the difficulties these dogs may face in the capture and predation of the fish to the point of effectively maintaining the urban cycle of D. renale. In addition, the low level of larvae registered in the total sample of fish examined indicates that these hosts are unlikely to play an important role in the transmission of D. renale to domestic animals in the region of the study.

Lontra longicaudis infected with canine parvovirus and parasitized by Dioctophyma renale / Lontra longicaudis de vida livre infectada por parvovirus canino e parasitada por Dioctophyma renale

This study describes a case of parvovirus infection in a river otter (Lontra longicaudis) assisted at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and Wildlife Screening Center, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Clinical signs included apathy, dark and fetid diarrhea, and crusted lesions on the palmar pads of the fore and hind limbs. The animal died after undergoing support treatment with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, and fluid therapy. At necropsy, the intestines were reddened and edematous and the right kidney was diminished by one third of its normal size and covered with whitish, spongy material. A female Dioctophyma renale was found free in the abdominal cavity. Histologically, dilatation of the intestinal crypts and fusion and blunting of the intestinal villi were observed. In addition, moderate, multifocal lymphocytic enteritis with lymphoid depletion in Peyer's patches and mesenteric lymph nodes were present. Immunohistochemistry with anti-canine parvovirus monoclonal antibody (anti-CPV) was strongly positive in the bone marrow cells and enterocytes of the intestinal crypts, confirming the diagnosis of parvovirus infection. The peritoneum on the right kidney was expanded with a cuboidal cell border, forming multiple papillary projections associated with eggs of D. renale and severe inflammatory infiltrate (giant cells, macrophages, lymphocytes, eosinophils, and plasma cells). Areas of necrosis and mineralization were also observed. Due to fragmentation and degradation of its natural habitat, the otter approached the urban area and was contaminated with the virus, which is hosted and disseminated by domestic animals. Infection with D. renale can be associated with the large population of parasitized domestic animals, which eliminate the helminth eggs through urine, contaminating the environment where the parasite intermediate and paratenic hosts co-inhabit. The diseases of these animals can be a decline factor of wild populations that inhabit the region and are an alert to spillover risk.(AU)

Descreve-se um caso de parvovirose em uma lontra (Lontra longicaudis) enviada ao Núcleo de Reabilitação da Fauna Silvestre e Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres da Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. O animal estava debilitado, apático, apresentava diarreia escura e fétida e lesões crostosas nos coxins palmares dos membros torácicos e pélvicos, morrendo após tratamento de suporte com antibiótico, anti-inflamatório e fluidoterapia. Na necropsia os intestinos estavam edematosos e avermelhados e o rim direito estava recoberto de material brancacento e esponjoso, com comprometimento de cerca de um terço do órgão. Foi observado, também, um exemplar de Dioctophyma renale, fêmea, livre na cavidade abdominal. Histologicamente havia fusionamento das vilosidades, dilatação das criptas intestinais com enterite linfocítica moderada multifocal e depleção linfoide nos linfonodos mesentéricos. Na técnica de imuno-histoquímica (IHQ) com anticorpo monoclonal anti-Parvovírus canino (Anti-CPV) houve marcação positiva nos enterócitos da base das vilosidades intestinais e na medula óssea, confirmando o diagnóstico de parvovirose. O peritônio sobre o rim direito estava espessado e revestido por células cuboides, formando múltiplas projeções papilares, nas quais observava-se acentuado infiltrado de células gigantes, macrófagos, linfócitos, eosinófilos e plasmócitos. Entre as projeções papilares havia ovos de Dioctophyma renale, áreas de necrose, calcificação e células gigantes. Conclui-se que a lontra, em função da fragmentação e degradação de seu habitat natural, aproximou-se do centro urbano e contaminou-se com o vírus, o qual é mantido e disseminado por animais domésticos. Por sua vez, a infecção por D. renale pode estar relacionada com a presença de animais domésticos parasitados, os quais eliminam ovos do helminto através da urina contaminando o ambiente, onde coabitam hospedeiros intermediários e paratênicos do parasito. As doenças desses animais podem ser um fator de declínio das populações de animais silvestres e alerta para o risco de spill-over na região.(AU)

Lontra longicaudis infected with canine parvovirus and parasitized by Dioctophyma renale / Lontra longicaudis de vida livre infectada por parvovirus canino e parasitada por Dioctophyma renale

This study describes a case of parvovirus infection in a river otter (Lontra longicaudis) assisted at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and Wildlife Screening Center, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Clinical signs included apathy, dark and fetid diarrhea, and crusted lesions on the palmar pads of the fore and hind limbs. The animal died after undergoing support treatment with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, and fluid therapy. At necropsy, the intestines were reddened and edematous and the right kidney was diminished by one third of its normal size and covered with whitish, spongy material. A female Dioctophyma renale was found free in the abdominal cavity. Histologically, dilatation of the intestinal crypts and fusion and blunting of the intestinal villi were observed. In addition, moderate, multifocal lymphocytic enteritis with lymphoid depletion in Peyer's patches and mesenteric lymph nodes were present. Immunohistochemistry with anti-canine parvovirus monoclonal antibody (anti-CPV) was strongly positive in the bone marrow cells and enterocytes of the intestinal crypts, confirming the diagnosis of parvovirus infection. The peritoneum on the right kidney was expanded with a cuboidal cell border, forming multiple papillary projections associated with eggs of D. renale and severe inflammatory infiltrate (giant cells, macrophages, lymphocytes, eosinophils, and plasma cells). Areas of necrosis and mineralization were also observed. Due to fragmentation and degradation of its natural habitat, the otter approached the urban area and was contaminated with the virus, which is hosted and disseminated by domestic animals. Infection with D. renale can be associated with the large population of parasitized domestic animals, which eliminate the helminth eggs through urine, contaminating the environment where the parasite intermediate and paratenic hosts co-inhabit. The diseases of these animals can be a decline factor of wild populations that inhabit the region and are an alert to spillover risk.(AU)

Descreve-se um caso de parvovirose em uma lontra (Lontra longicaudis) enviada ao Núcleo de Reabilitação da Fauna Silvestre e Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres da Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. O animal estava debilitado, apático, apresentava diarreia escura e fétida e lesões crostosas nos coxins palmares dos membros torácicos e pélvicos, morrendo após tratamento de suporte com antibiótico, anti-inflamatório e fluidoterapia. Na necropsia os intestinos estavam edematosos e avermelhados e o rim direito estava recoberto de material brancacento e esponjoso, com comprometimento de cerca de um terço do órgão. Foi observado, também, um exemplar de Dioctophyma renale, fêmea, livre na cavidade abdominal. Histologicamente havia fusionamento das vilosidades, dilatação das criptas intestinais com enterite linfocítica moderada multifocal e depleção linfoide nos linfonodos mesentéricos. Na técnica de imuno-histoquímica (IHQ) com anticorpo monoclonal anti-Parvovírus canino (Anti-CPV) houve marcação positiva nos enterócitos da base das vilosidades intestinais e na medula óssea, confirmando o diagnóstico de parvovirose. O peritônio sobre o rim direito estava espessado e revestido por células cuboides, formando múltiplas projeções papilares, nas quais observava-se acentuado infiltrado de células gigantes, macrófagos, linfócitos, eosinófilos e plasmócitos. Entre as projeções papilares havia ovos de Dioctophyma renale, áreas de necrose, calcificação e células gigantes. Conclui-se que a lontra, em função da fragmentação e degradação de seu habitat natural, aproximou-se do centro urbano e contaminou-se com o vírus, o qual é mantido e disseminado por animais domésticos. Por sua vez, a infecção por D. renale pode estar relacionada com a presença de animais domésticos parasitados, os quais eliminam ovos do helminto através da urina contaminando o ambiente, onde coabitam hospedeiros intermediários e paratênicos do parasito. As doenças desses animais podem ser um fator de declínio das populações de animais silvestres e alerta para o risco de spill-over na região.(AU)

Host-Parasite relationships and co-infection of nasal mites of Chrysomus ruficapillus (Passeriformes: Icteridae) in southern Brazil

One hundred twenty-two Chrysomus ruficapillus were examined in southern Brazil, in order to research the presence of nasal mites and the parasite-host relationships. Nasal mite infections were analyzed for: presence of Ereynetidae and Rhinonyssidae considering the total number of hosts examined; Sexual maturity of males (juveniles and adults); Periods of bird collection and presence of co-infections. Were identified five taxa, four belongs to Rhinonyssidae (Sternostoma strandtmanni, Ptilonyssus sairae, P. icteridius and Ptilonyssus sp.) and one to Ereynetidae (Boydaia agelaii). Adult males were parasitized for one taxa more than juvenile males. Co-infections occurred in 22 hosts, between two, three and four taxa, belonging to Ereynetidae and Rhinonyssidae.The co-infections were more prevalent in austral autumn / winter. The host-parasite relations and co-infections by nasal mites in C. ruficapillus were reported for the first time, contributing to the knowledge about nasal mites in Brazil.(AU)

Cento e vinte e dois Chrysomus ruficapillus foram examinados no extremo sul do Brasil, a fim de pesquisar a presença de ácaros nasais e as relações hospedeiro-parasito. As infecções por ácaros nasais foram analisadas quanto a: presença de Ereynetidae e Rhinonyssidae considerando o total dos hospedeiros examinados; a maturidade sexual dos machos (juvenis e adultos); períodos de coleta das aves e presença de co-infecções. Foram identificados cinco taxa, quatro pertencentes à Rhinonyssidae (Sternostoma strandtmanni, Ptilonyssus sairae, P. icteridius and Ptilonyssus sp.) e um à Ereynetidae (Boydaia agelaii). Machos adultos foram parasitados por um taxa a mais do que os machos juvenis. Co-infecções ocorreram em 22 hospedeiros, entre dois, três e quatro taxa, pertencentes à Ereynetidae e Rhinonyssidae. As co-infecções foram mais prevalentes no outono/inverno austral. As relações hospedeiro-parasito e co-infecções por ácaros nasais em C. ruficapillus foram relatadas pela primeira vez, contribuindo para o conhecimento do hospedeiro e ampliando as informações sobre ácaros nasais no Brasil.(AU)

Host-Parasite relationships and co-infection of nasal mites of Chrysomus ruficapillus (Passeriformes: Icteridae) in southern Brazil

One hundred twenty-two Chrysomus ruficapillus were examined in southern Brazil, in order to research the presence of nasal mites and the parasite-host relationships. Nasal mite infections were analyzed for: presence of Ereynetidae and Rhinonyssidae considering the total number of hosts examined; Sexual maturity of males (juveniles and adults); Periods of bird collection and presence of co-infections. Were identified five taxa, four belongs to Rhinonyssidae (Sternostoma strandtmanni, Ptilonyssus sairae, P. icteridius and Ptilonyssus sp.) and one to Ereynetidae (Boydaia agelaii). Adult males were parasitized for one taxa more than juvenile males. Co-infections occurred in 22 hosts, between two, three and four taxa, belonging to Ereynetidae and Rhinonyssidae.The co-infections were more prevalent in austral autumn / winter. The host-parasite relations and co-infections by nasal mites in C. ruficapillus were reported for the first time, contributing to the knowledge about nasal mites in Brazil.

Cento e vinte e dois Chrysomus ruficapillus foram examinados no extremo sul do Brasil, a fim de pesquisar a presença de ácaros nasais e as relações hospedeiro-parasito. As infecções por ácaros nasais foram analisadas quanto a: presença de Ereynetidae e Rhinonyssidae considerando o total dos hospedeiros examinados; a maturidade sexual dos machos (juvenis e adultos); períodos de coleta das aves e presença de co-infecções. Foram identificados cinco taxa, quatro pertencentes à Rhinonyssidae (Sternostoma strandtmanni, Ptilonyssus sairae, P. icteridius and Ptilonyssus sp.) e um à Ereynetidae (Boydaia agelaii). Machos adultos foram parasitados por um taxa a mais do que os machos juvenis. Co-infecções ocorreram em 22 hospedeiros, entre dois, três e quatro taxa, pertencentes à Ereynetidae e Rhinonyssidae. As co-infecções foram mais prevalentes no outono/inverno austral. As relações hospedeiro-parasito e co-infecções por ácaros nasais em C. ruficapillus foram relatadas pela primeira vez, contribuindo para o conhecimento do hospedeiro e ampliando as informações sobre ácaros nasais no Brasil.

Host-Parasite relationships and co-infection of nasal mites of Chrysomus ruficapillus (Passeriformes: Icteridae) in southern Brazil

ABSTRACT One hundred twenty-two Chrysomus ruficapillus were examined in southern Brazil, in order to research the presence of nasal mites and the parasite-host relationships. Nasal mite infections were analyzed for: presence of Ereynetidae and Rhinonyssidae considering the total number of hosts examined; Sexual maturity of males (juveniles and adults); Periods of bird collection and presence of co-infections. Were identified five taxa, four belongs to Rhinonyssidae (Sternostoma strandtmanni, Ptilonyssus sairae, P. icteridius and Ptilonyssus sp.) and one to Ereynetidae (Boydaia agelaii). Adult males were parasitized for one taxa more than juvenile males. Co-infections occurred in 22 hosts, between two, three and four taxa, belonging to Ereynetidae and Rhinonyssidae.The co-infections were more prevalent in austral autumn / winter. The host-parasite relations and co-infections by nasal mites in C. ruficapillus were reported for the first time, contributing to the knowledge about nasal mites in Brazil.

RESUMO Cento e vinte e dois Chrysomus ruficapillus foram examinados no extremo sul do Brasil, a fim de pesquisar a presença de ácaros nasais e as relações hospedeiro-parasito. As infecções por ácaros nasais foram analisadas quanto a: presença de Ereynetidae e Rhinonyssidae considerando o total dos hospedeiros examinados; a maturidade sexual dos machos (juvenis e adultos); períodos de coleta das aves e presença de co-infecções. Foram identificados cinco taxa, quatro pertencentes à Rhinonyssidae (Sternostoma strandtmanni, Ptilonyssus sairae, P. icteridius and Ptilonyssus sp.) e um à Ereynetidae (Boydaia agelaii). Machos adultos foram parasitados por um taxa a mais do que os machos juvenis. Co-infecções ocorreram em 22 hospedeiros, entre dois, três e quatro taxa, pertencentes à Ereynetidae e Rhinonyssidae. As co-infecções foram mais prevalentes no outono/inverno austral. As relações hospedeiro-parasito e co-infecções por ácaros nasais em C. ruficapillus foram relatadas pela primeira vez, contribuindo para o conhecimento do hospedeiro e ampliando as informações sobre ácaros nasais no Brasil.

Camallanus emydidius n. sp. (Nematoda: Camallanidae) in Trachemys dorbigni (Duméril & Bibron, 1835) (Testudines: Emydidae) from Southern Brazil.

This paper describes a new species of Camallanus found in the freshwater turtle Trachemys dorbigni. Sixty hosts collected in Southern Brazil were examined. All hosts (100%) were parasitized by a new species of Camallanus, which was described as Camallanus emydidius n. sp. The new species differs from other Camallanus species of freshwater turtles mainly because of the morphology of the right spicule, the number of male precloacal and postcloacal papillae, and the presence of "mucrons" in the female posterior extremity.

Lagochilascariasis in cats (Felis catus domesticus) in southern Brazil.

Lagochilascariasis, a parasitic disease little known in Brazil, is caused by an ascarid nematode that has a peculiar life cycle, with a predilection site for the cervical region in the final hosts: humans, cats and dogs. We aimed to record the occurrence of Lagochilascaris minor in domestic cats from rural areas in the Municipality of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, with reports of clinical signs and the treatment applied.

Nematode parasites of Chelidae (Testudines) from southern Brazil.

The presence of helminths associated with freshwater turtles is rarely reported. There are no records of nematodes parasitizing Acanthochelys spixii, and for Hydromedusa tectifera, there is only the report of unidentified nematodes found in this species in Argentina. This is the first report of nematodes (Spiroxys contortus and Camallanus sp.) in A. spixii and the first record of Spiroxys contortus and Camallanus sp. in H. tectifera. This is the southernmost record of S . contortus because this nematode was previously recorded only in Mexico.

[Ocurrence of Ornithonyssus bursa (Berlese, 1888) (Acari: Macronyssidae) on Megascops choliba (tropical screech-owl) and Pitangus sulphuratus (great kiskadee) nestlings in the Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil]. / Ocorrencia de Ornithonyssus bursa (Berlese, 1888) (Acari: Macronyssidae) em filhotes de Megascops choliba (corujinha-do-mato) e Pitangus sulphuratus (bem-te-vi), no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil.

The Center for Rehabilitation of Wildlife and Center for Selection of Wild Animal of the Federal University of Pelotas has attended two nestlings of Megascops choliba (tropical screech-owl) (Strigiformes - Strigidae) and two of Pitangus sulphuratus (great kiskadee) (Passeriformes - Tyrannidae) heavily parasitized by mites, in May 2005 and December 2006, respectively. The nestlings and the nest of P. sulphuratus were collected in the Pelotas urban area after severe storms. The mites were removed, clarified in lactofenol, permanently mounted in Hoyer's medium and identified as Ornithonyssus bursa (Acari - Macronyssidae). Megascops choliba and Pitangus sulphuratus are reported as host of Ornithonyssus bursa in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil.

Ocorrência de Ornithonyssus bursa (Berlese, 1888) (Acari: Macronyssidae) em filhotes de Megascops choliba (corujinha-do-mato) e Pitangus sulphuratus (bem-te-vi), no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil / Ocurrence of Ornithonyssus bursa (Berlese, 1888) (Acari: Macronyssidae) on Megascops choliba (tropical screech-owl) and Pitangus sulphuratus (great kiskadee) nestlings in the Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil

O Núcleo de Reabilitação da Fauna Silvestre e Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres da Universidade Federal de Pelotas - RS atendeu dois filhotes de Megascops choliba (corujinha-do-mato) (Strigiformes - Strigidae) e dois de Pitangus sulphuratus (bem-te-vi) (Passeriformes - Tyrannidae) intensamente parasitados por ácaros, em maio de 2005 e dezembro de 2006, respectivamente. Os filhotes e o ninho de P. sulphuratus foram recolhidos na zona urbana da cidade de Pelotas - RS após forte temporal. Os ácaros foram removidos, colocados em álcool 70 por cento e levados ao laboratório de parasitologia para identificação. Os espécimes foram clarificados em lactofenol, montados em meio de Hoyer e identificados como Ornithonyssus bursa (Acari - Macronyssidae). Registra-se Megascops choliba e Pitangus sulphuratus como hospedeiros de Ornithonyssus bursa, no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil.

The Center for Rehabilitation of Wildlife and Center for Selection of Wild Animal of the Federal University of Pelotas has attended two nestlings of Megascops choliba (tropical screech-owl) (Strigiformes - Strigidae) and two of Pitangus sulphuratus (great kiskadee) (Passeriformes - Tyrannidae) heavily parasitized by mites, in May 2005 and December 2006, respectively. The nestlings and the nest of P. sulphuratus were collected in the Pelotas urban area after severe storms. The mites were removed, clarified in lactofenol, permanently mounted in Hoyer's medium and identified as Ornithonyssus bursa (Acari - Macronyssidae). Megascops choliba and Pitangus sulphuratus are reported as host of Ornithonyssus bursa in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil.

[New hosts for the nasal mite Rhinonyssus rhinolethrum (Trouessart) (Gamasida: Rhinonyssidae) in Brazil]. / Novos Hospedeiros para o Acaro Nasal Rhinonyssus rhinolethrum (Trouessart) (Gamasida: Rhinonyssidae) no Brasil.

The black-necked swan, Cygnus melanocoryphus, and the ringed teal, Callonetta leucophrys, are reported as new hosts for the nasal mite Rhinonyssus rhinolethrum (Trouessart) in Brazil.

Novos Hospedeiros para o Ácaro Nasal Rhinonyssus rhinolethrum (Trouessart) (Gamasida: Rhinonyssidae) no Brasil / New Hosts for the Nasal Mite Rhinonyssus rhinolethrum (Trouessart) (Gamasida: Rhinonyssidae) in Brazil

O cisne-do-pescoço-preto, Cygnus melanocoryphus, e a marreca-de-coleira, Callonetta leucophrys, são relatados como novos hospedeiros para o ácaro nasal Rhinonyssus rhinolethrum (Trouessart) no Brasil.

The black-necked swan, Cygnus melanocoryphus, and the ringed teal, Callonetta leucophrys, are reported as new hosts for the nasal mite Rhinonyssus rhinolethrum (Trouessart) in Brazil.

The helminth fauna of the red-crested cardinal (Paroaria coronata) Passeriformes: Emberizidae in Brazil.

With the objective of identifying the helminths of Paroaria coronata, 40 birds were necropsied, and their organs and contents were examined. The parasites were preserved in 70 masculineGL alcohol and prepared for identification using standard techniques. The helminth fauna found in P. coronata were Aproctella carinii, Dispharynx nasuta, Capillaria sp., Diplotriaena sp., Tanaisia oviaspera, Tanaisia valida, Tanaisia sp., Prosthogonimus ovatus, Orthoskrjabinia sp., and Mediorhynchus sp., with Nematoda being most represented, occurring in 22.5% of the birds. Besides being the first record of these helminths in P. coronata, this work also extends the area of occurrence of Orthoskrjabinia sp. for Brazil and of A. carinii, Diplotriaena sp., T. oviaspera, T. valida, and Mediorhynchus sp. for the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Helminths parasitizing Columbina picui (Columbiformes: Columbidae) in Brazil.

Columbina picui (picui ground-dove) is a small, diurnal columbid bird that lives, in couples or flocks, in open areas in the countryside and urban centers. The species occurs in Brazil and other countries in South America. The aim of this study was to identify the helminths that parasitize C. picui in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. Thirty-four specimens were necropsied; in each case, the organs were isolated and examined separately. The nematodes and their prevalences were: Ascaridia columbae (26.5%) and Ornithostrongylus iheringi (11.8%) in the small intestine; Dispharynx nasuta in the proventriculus (5.9%) and gizzard (2.9%); and a Dispharynx sp. (2.9%) in the proventriculus. This is the first report of D. nasuta parasitizing C. picui in Brazil and the first record of A. columbae and O. iheringi infecting C. picui in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.