Abstract Introduction. Anthonomus eugenii causes considerable economic losses in sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum). Chemical control is ineffective; therefore, it is essential to explore other management alternatives. Objective. To determine the potential of Beauveria spp. strains for the biological control of Anthonomus eugenii in sweet pepper under greenhouse conditions. Materials and methods. The research was conducted between May and August 2023 at the Fabio Baudrit Moreno Agricultural Experimental Station in Alajuela, Costa Rica, in a 96 m2 multispan greenhouse. The evaluated treatments were INTA H-140, INTA H-149, INTA H-168, INTA H-181, and an absolute control, using a completely randomized design with three replications. The number of live adults and infested peppers were quantified weekly. Pearson correlation analysis and repeated measures ANOVA were performed for the evaluated variables. Results. There was an interaction between treatments and days after transplant (dat) for the number of live adults (p < 0.05). INTA H-168 strain significantly reduced the Anthonomus eugenii population in the 60 dat and 64 dat evaluations, with differences of 22.96 and 47.15 adults, respectively. For the variable of the number of infested peppers, there was only an individual effect by dat (p < 0.05). Additionally, a positive correlation was found between the average number of infested peppers and the number of live adults for the 64 dat and 73 dat (p < 0.05). Conclusion. The significant reduction in live adults in the first two evaluations of INTA H-168 strain and its parasitism evidence a biological potential for the control of Anthonomus eugenii.

Resumen Introducción. La especie Anthonomus eugenii provoca considerables pérdidas económicas en el cultivo de chile dulce (Capsicum annuum). El control químico es poco efectivo y es indispensable explorar otras alternativas para su manejo. Objetivo. Determinar el potencial de cepas de Beauveria spp. para el control biológico de Anthonomus eugenii en chile dulce en condiciones de invernadero. Materiales y métodos. La investigación se ejecutó entre mayo y agosto de 2023 en la Estación Experimental Agrícola Fabio Baudrit Moreno en Alajuela, Costa Rica, en un invernadero multicapilla de 96 m2. Los tratamientos evaluados fueron INTA H-140, INTA H-149, INTA H-168, INTA H-181 y un testigo absoluto, mediante un diseño completamente aleatorizado con tres repeticiones. Se cuantificó el número de adultos vivos y el número de chiles infestados cada semana. Se efectuó un análisis de correlación de Pearson y un análisis de varianza con medidas repetidas en el tiempo para las variables evaluadas. Resultados. Hubo interacción entre los tratamientos y los días después de trasplante (ddt) para el número de adultos vivos (p < 0,05). La cepa INTA H-168 redujo significativamente la población de Anthonomus eugenii a los 60 ddt y los 64 ddt, con diferencias de 22,96 y 47,15 adultos, respectivamente. Para la variable de número de chiles infestados hubo un efecto individual por ddt (p < 0,05). Además, se encontró una correlación positiva entre el promedio de chiles infestados y el número de adultos vivos para los 64 ddt y los 73 ddt (p < 0,05). Conclusiones. La reducción significativa de adultos vivos en las dos primeras evaluaciones de la cepa INTA H-168 y su parasitismo evidencia un potencial biológico para el control de Anthonomus eugenii.

ABSTRACT Gastrointestinal parasitism in captive psittacine birds is a worldwide health problem that is manifested mainly by forced adaptation to captivity. The aim of this study was to determine the coprological prevalence of parasitic genera in psittacine birds in three custody centres located in the district of Rumisapa, Lamas (Centre 1); Sector Ahuashiyacu Alto, la Banda de Shilcayo, San Martín (Centre 2) and Sector Bocatoma, Tarapoto, San Martín (Centre 3), Peru. In total, 40 samples were taken from each custody centre in 11 repetitions and processed using qualitative techniques (direct smear, sedimentation technique and flotation technique). The prevalence found corresponded to Ascaridia sp. (10.83%) (13/120), Strongylus type eggs (10.0%) (12/120) and Capillaria sp. (8.33%) (10/120). It was also determined that Centre 2 had a higher prevalence (13.3%) (16/40) compared to the other centres. Monoparasitism (94%) was significantly higher than biparasitism (6%). A significant statistical association was found between the prevalence of parasitism and the origin of the custody centres (p<0.05).

RESUMEN El parasitismo gastrointestinal en aves psitácidas de cautiverio es un problema sanitario extendido a nivel mundial que se manifiesta principalmente por la forzada adaptación al cautiverio. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la prevalencia coprológica de géneros parasitarios en aves psitácidas en tres centros de custodia ubicadas en el distrito de Rumisapa, Lamas (Centro 1); Sector Ahuashiyacu Alto, la Banda de Shilcayo, San Martín (Centro 2) y Sector Bocatoma, Tarapoto, San Martín (Centro 3), Perú. La colecta de heces fue en función a las jaulas como unidad experimental. Se tomaron 40 muestras por cada centro de custodia en 11 repeticiones y se procesaron mediante técnicas cualitativas (frotis directo, técnica de sedimentación y técnica de flotación). La prevalencia encontrada correspondió a Ascaridia sp. (10.83%) (13/120), huevos tipo Strongylus (10.0%) (12/120) y Capillaria sp. (8.33%) (10/120). Asimismo, se determinó que el Centro 2 tuvo mayor prevalencia (13.3%) (16/40) con respecto a los otros centros. El monoparasitismo (94%) fue notablemente mayor sobre el biparasitismo (6%). Se encontró asociación estadística significativa entre prevalencia de parasitismo y procedencia de los centros de custodia (p<0.05).

Abstract Wild animals are hosts for many species of parasites which act as opportunistic or primary agents of disease. This study investigated the presence of endoparasites in the gastrointestinal tracts of wild animals from the State of Mato Grosso do Sul in the Cerrado, Atlantic Forest, and Pantanal biomes. From October 2022 to June 2024, fecal samples were collected from wild animals at two locations: Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (CRAS) in Campo Grande and the Paragem Municipal Natural Park (PNMP) in Dourados. A total of 109 fecal samples were collected: 96 from CRAS and 13 from PNMP and techniques of flotation and sedimentation were used. The prevalence of parasitism was 51.04% and 23.07% in the captive and free-living animals, respectively. The parasites found were nematodes (Strongyloidea, Ancylostomatidae, Ascaridida, Ascaropsinae, Toxocara spp., Capillarinae, Trichuris spp., Ascaris suum, Oxyurida, and nematode larvae), cestodes (Dipylidium spp. and Spirometra spp.), trematodes (Paragonimus spp.), and protozoa (Entamoeba spp., Eimeria spp., Cystoisospora spp., and Coccidia). The highest prevalence was observed for helminths of the Strongyloidea and Ancylostomatidae, followed by Coccidia and Entamoeba spp.. We highlight the importance of such studies to better understand the circulation of etiological agents that may pose a risk to animal and human health.

Resumo Animais selvagens são hospedeiros de muitas espécies de parasitas que atuam como agentes oportunistas ou primários de doenças. Este estudo investigou a presença de endoparasitas no trato gastrointestinal de animais selvagens do Estado do Mato Grosso do Sul, nos biomas Cerrado, Mata Atlântica e Pantanal. De outubro de 2022 a junho de 2024, amostras fecais foram coletadas de animais selvagens em dois locais: Centro de Reabilitação de Animais Silvestres (CRAS), em Campo Grande, e Parque Natural Municipal da Paragem (PNMP), em Dourados. Ao todo, 109 amostras fecais foram coletadas: 96 do CRAS e 13 do PNMP, utilizando-se as técnicas de flotação e sedimentação. A prevalência de parasitismo foi de 51,04% e 23,07% nos animais cativos e de vida livre, respectivamente. Os parasitas encontrados foram nematoides (Strongyloidea, Ancylostomatidae, Ascaridida, Ascaropsinae, Toxocara spp., Capillarinae, Trichuris spp., Ascaris suum, Oxyurida e larvas); cestódeos (Dipylidium spp. e Spirometra spp.), trematódeos (Paragonimus spp.) e protozoários (Entamoeba spp., Eimeria spp., Cystoisospora spp. e Coccidia). A maior prevalência foi observada para helmintos de Strongyloidea e Ancylostomatidae, seguidos por Coccidia e Entamoeba spp.. Destaca-se a importância desses estudos para melhor compreender a circulação de agentes etiológicos que podem representar risco à saúde animal e humana.

ABSTRACT This text analyzes how women in vulnerable contexts, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, achieve empowerment through African-based religions, with a focus on Candomblé and Umbanda. Based on intercultural philosophy and the exusiac perspective, the article highlights how these religious practices function as spaces of resistance and healing, welcoming women in situations of domestic violence and social vulnerability. The text expands the concept of “social parasitism”, introduced by Manoel Bomfim (1993), to include gender issues, reflecting on structural inequalities between men and women. The figure of Iansã is central to understanding how these religions help women deal with adversity, promoting cultural and collective strengthening. The article argues that Afro-Brazilian religions not only heal, but also rescue cultural practices erased by colonialism.

RESUMO Este texto analisa como mulheres em contextos de vulnerabilidade, especialmente durante a pandemia de Covid-19, alcançam empoderamento por meio das religiões de matriz africana, com foco no Candomblé e na Umbanda. Fundamentado na filosofia intercultural e na perspectiva exusíaca, o artigo destaca como essas práticas religiosas funcionam como espaços de resistência e cura, acolhendo mulheres em situação de violência doméstica e vulnerabilidade social. O texto expande o conceito de “parasitismo social”, introduzido por Manoel Bomfim (1993), para incluir questões de gênero, refletindo sobre as desigualdades estruturais entre homens e mulheres. A figura de Iansã é central para compreender como essas religiões ajudam as mulheres a lidarem com adversidades, promovendo fortalecimento cultural e coletivo. O artigo faz a argumentação de que as religiões afro-brasileiras não só curam, mas também resgatam práticas culturais apagadas pelo colonialismo.

ABSTRACT In pest control, understanding insecticide compatibility and selectivity is crucial to effectively integrate the use of insecticides and parasitoids. The aim of this study was to evaluate the compatibility of mixtures of insecticides and fungicides recommended for melon and their selectivity in Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae). The were evaluated the compatibility of six mixtures: 1) Spinetoram + Pyraclostrobin and Fluxapyroxad; 2) Cyromazine + Pyraclostrobin and Fluxapyroxad; 3) Cyproconazole + Spinetoram; 4) Cyantraniliprole + Abamectin + Metiram and Pyraclostrobin; 5) Spinetoram + Azoxystrobin and Difenoconazole; 6) Abamectin + Cyantraniliprole; and a Control (distilled water). The compatible mixtures were applied to Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller, 1879) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs, before and after T. pretiosum parasitism. Was evaluated: mortality of adult T. pretiosum females after exposure to treated eggs, parasitism, emergence and number of parasitoids emerged/egg. Only treatment 4 showed change in physical stability after 5 minutes. In selectivity tests, treatments 1, 3, and 5 caused greater mortality (>47%) of female adults. In pre-parasitism, parasitism (>77%) and emergence (>76%) were observed in all treatments, and all the mixtures were classified as innocuous to the parasitoid in these parameters. In post-parasitism, treatments affected negatively emergence (>51%) and number of parasitoids/egg at the three ages studied. Therefore, all mixtures were considered stable and viable for use with T. pretiosum, as long as they were applied before parasitoid releases.

ABSTRACT Myenteric plexus injury is responsible for the morpho-functional alterations observed in chagasic megaesophagus (CME). The inflammatory response, characterized by elevated synthesis of IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-4, contributes to the persistence of parasitism and inflammation. This study assessed the mRNA expression of cytokines, transcription factors, and metalloproteases in subjects with CME. From 2011 to 2017, esophageal samples were collected from 54 subjects with CME (38 advanced and 16 nonadvanced) and eight subjects with idiopathic megaesophagus (IME). The quantitative mRNA expression of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, IL-17, IL-22, IL-23, IL-27, T-bet, ROR-γT, GATA-3, MMP-1, MMP-2, and TIMP-3 genes was analyzed using SYBR Green systems. T-bet expression was significantly higher in the CME group compared to the IME group and the GATA-3 and ROR-γT expression in the CME group, corroborating the higher IFN-γ expression observed in subjects with advanced CME. The increased T-bet and IFN-γ expression in advanced CME reflects the maintenance of a Th1 response in situ and the morpho-functional changes seen in the organ.

ABSTRACT Trypanosoma cruzi infection involves transmission of metacyclic trypomastigotes through injured skin or mucosa via contaminated feces from insect vectors like Triatoma dimidiata (Latreille, 1811). Currently, there is insufficient information describing the immune response to feces naturally contaminated with metacyclic trypomastigotes. Mice subcutaneously inoculated with tissue-culture derived trypomastigotes (TCT) or T. dimidiata feces containing metacyclic trypomastigotes (MT) or previously multi-exposed (ME) with feces without metacyclic trypomastigotes and then infected with feces containing metacyclic parasites or only T. dimidiata feces (F) was studied from 15 min to three months post-infection. PCR detection of parasite DNA at the inoculation site demonstrated persistence of T. cruzi DNA up to 20 days in MT and TCT but disappeared earlier in the ME test group. A rapid spread of T. cruzi DNA to regional lymph nodes was observed in all experimental groups. A lower amount of amastigote nests in the heart with concomitant intense inflammation was noticed in ME mice in comparison to the MT group. CD4 + T cell subtypes at popliteal lymph nodes shows early Th1 and Th17 responses at seven days in ME mice, whereas Th1, Th17 and Treg predominate in MT mice after three weeks, and feces induces Th1, Th17 and Treg at a later stage. Our study shows that previous exposure to feces prior to infection with T. cruzi helps control parasitism at the inoculation site and in heart tissue, and an early induction of Th1 and Th17 T cell subtypes.

Abstract Parasites are an important part of ecosystems, but are frequently ignored in studies on major anthropogenic impacts on aquatic environments. Biological invasions are responsible for biodiversity loss, and are one of the possible consequences of water transfer projects. In addition, there is a possibility that the non-native species brings, at least in part, its parasite fauna to the invaded area, or acquire new parasites in the new environment. Here, we investigated the endoparasites of a non-native fish species that was recently recorded in the upper Paraíba River basin, Northeastern Brazil, after a major water transfer project. Fifty specimens of Moenkhausia costae were collected from the Poções reservoir, Monteiro municipality, Paraíba State. Forty-two hosts were parasitized (84%), and 179 parasite specimens were collected. The endoparasite community was composed of six species of nematodes. There was no significant correlation between parasitism and the size of the hosts, nor the host’s condition factor. Although the size of parasitized and non-parasitized fish did not differ, the relative condition factor was significantly higher for parasitized fish. Future studies should investigate which parasites were introduced with M. costae, and which ones were part of the invaded environment.

RESUMO Diversos fatores afetam direta ou indiretamente a produtividade da soja, destacando-se o parasitismo de nematoides das lesões radiculares, Pratylenchus brachyurus, que causa prejuízos significativos em várias regiões produtoras. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a eficiência de diversos tratamentos químicos aplicados na semente e/ou no sulco de plantio de soja, em áreas naturalmente infestadas e em vasos contendo solo infestado com Pratylenchus brachyurus. Foram testadas aplicações de Tiodicarbe no tratamento de sementes e no sulco de plantio, além de Cadusafós e um condicionador de solo. Concluiu-se que os tratamentos de sementes e sulco não causaram sintomas visuais de intoxicação na cultura. O uso de tratamento de sulco em complemento ao tratamento de sementes aumentou a produtividade da cultura, dependendo dos produtos utilizados. Isoladamente, o tratamento de sementes com Tiodicarbe foi tão eficaz na redução da população total de Pratylenchus brachyurus nas raízes de soja quanto o tratamento de sulco com Cadusafós ou Cadusafós + Maskio. O tratamento de sulco com Tiodicarbe, complementar ao tratamento de sementes com o mesmo produto, foi eficiente no controle de nematoides das lesões radiculares no ensaio em vaso, aumentando a produtividade da soja em mais de 9 sacas por hectare em áreas naturalmente infestadas pelo nematoide.

ABSTRACT Various factors directly or indirectly affect soybean productivity, especially parasitism by the root lesion nematodes Pratylenchus brachyurus, which causes significant losses in different producing regions. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of various chemical treatments applied to the seeds and/or in the planting furrow of soybeans, in naturally infested areas, and in pots containing soil infested with Pratylenchus brachyurus. Applications to the seeds and in the planting furrow were tested with Thiodicarb, as well as Cadusafos and a soil conditioner. It was concluded that seed and furrow treatments did not cause visual symptoms of intoxication in the crop. The use of furrow treatment in addition to seed treatment increased crop productivity, depending on the used products. Individually, seed treatment with Thiodicarb was as effective in reducing the total population of Pratylenchus brachyurus in soybean roots as furrow treatment with Cadusafos or Cadusafos + Maskio. Furrow treatment with Thiodicarb, in addition to seed treatment with the same product, was effective in controlling root lesion nematodes in the pot trial, increasing soybean productivity by more than nine bags per hectare in areas naturally infested with the nematode.

Resumo O uso de inseticidas botânicos é uma alternativa sustentável para a regulação de Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) em culturas de brássicas. Da mesma forma, o controle biológico com parasitóides pode ser uma ferramenta eficaz quando integrado a bioinseticidas. No entanto, a segurança dos inimigos naturais dos insetos deve ser priorizada nos programas de controlo de pragas. Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos dos extratos aquosos de Serjania erecta Radlk (Sapindaceae) e Serjania marginata Casar (Sapindaceae), nas concentrações de 5% e 10%, na reprodução de Tetrastichus howardi (Olliff, 1893) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) em larvas de P. xylostella, tratadas topicamente com extratos. Além disso, avaliamos a sobrevivência de fêmeas adultas de T. howardi expostas aos respectivos extratos de Serjania spp.. Para tanto, foram realizados dois bioensaios. No primeiro foram selecionadas larvas de 4º ínstar de P. xylostella e aplicados topicamente 20 μL de cada tratamento (S. erecta 5%, S. erecta 10%, S. marginata 5%, S. marginata 10%, água destilada) em cada larva e depois exposta ao parasitismo de T. howardi por 48 horas. Foram avaliadas a porcentagem de parasitismo e emergência (%), duração do ciclo de vida (dias), número total de progênies, razão sexual e longevidade dos adultos. No segundo bioensaio, foi utilizado o sistema ASPECLE (Avaliação da Seletividade de Pesticidas Sob Condições Laboratoriais Estendidas), adaptado do modelo padrão da Organização Internacional para Controle Biológico (IOBC). Neste bioensaio foram introduzidos cinco discos de folhas de repolho em cada cilindro de vidro do sistema ASPECLE, devidamente tratados com água destilada, extratos aquosos de S. erecta e S. marginata, nas concentrações de 5% e 10%, ou acefato. Posteriormente, dez fêmeas adultas de T. howardi foram liberadas em cada cilindro e o sistema foi acionado. A sobrevivência dos parasitóides foi avaliada por 24, 48, 72, 96 e 120 horas. Os extratos aquosos de S. marginata e S. erecta nas concentrações de 5% e 10% não interferiram no parasitismo de T. howardi sobre larvas de 4º ínstar de P. xylostella. Experimentos de campo deverão ser desenvolvidos para comprovar o efeito negativo dos extratos aquosos de S. marginata e S. erecta sobre outras características biológicas de T. howardi. Por precaução, liberações de T. howardi e pulverizações de extratos aquosos de S. marginata e S. erecta devem ser feitas em momentos diferentes para o manejo biológico de P. xylostella.

Abstract The use of botanical insecticides is a sustainable alternative for the regulation of Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) in brassica crops. Similarly, biological control with parasitoids can be an effective tool when integrated with bioinsecticides. However, the safety of natural insect enemies must be prioritized within pest control programs. The objective was to evaluate the effects of the water-based extracts of Serjania erecta Radlk (Sapindaceae) and Serjania marginata Casar (Sapindaceae), at 5% and 10% concentrations, on the reproduction of Tetrastichus howardi (Olliff, 1893) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) in larvae of P. xylostella, topically treated with extracts. In addition, we evaluated the survival of adult females of T. howardi exposed to the respective extracts of Serjania spp. For this purpose, two bioassays were conducted. In the first, 4th instar larvae of P. xylostella were selected, and 20 μL of each treatment was applied topically (S. erecta 5%, S. erecta 10%, S. marginata 5%, S. marginata 10%, distilled water) in each larva and then exposed to T. howardi parasitism for 48 hours. The percentage of parasitism and emergence (%), life cycle length (days), total number of progeny, sex ratio and adult longevity were evaluated. In the second bioassay, the ASPECLE (Evaluation of Pesticide Selectivity under Extended Laboratory Conditions) system, adapted from the International Organization for Biological Control (IOBC) standard model, was used. In this bioassay, five cabbage leaf disks were introduced in each glass cylinder of the ASPECLE system, duly treated with distilled water, aqueous extracts of S. erecta and S. marginata, at concentrations of 5% and 10%, or acephate. Subsequently, ten adult females of T. howardi were released in each cylinder and the system was activated. Parasitoid survival was evaluated for 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours. The aqueous extracts of S. marginata and S. erecta at concentrations of 5% and 10% did not interfere in the parasitism of T. howardi on 4th instar larvae of P. xylostella. Field experiments should be developed to prove the negative effect of aqueous extracts of S. marginata and S. erecta on other biological characteristics of T. howardi. As a precaution, releases of T. howardi and sprays of aqueous extracts of S. marginata and S. erecta should be made at different times for the biological management of P. xylostella.

Abstract Anacondas rank among the largest snakes on Earth. Found throughout South America, including urban areas, they are commonly traded globally. However, information on anacondas’ parasites and pathogens is scattered, necessitating a comprehensive summary. Using morphological and molecular approaches, we provide new records of the ticks <italic>Amblyomma</italic> <italic>dissimile</italic> and <italic>A. rotundatum</italic> hosted on ethanol-preserved specimens of<italic> Eunectes murinus</italic> and <italic>E. deschauenseei</italic>. The presence of <italic>A. rotundatum</italic> on <italic>E. deschauenseei</italic> represents the first record to this rare and poorly known species. Our literature review revealed 45 organisms living on anacondas (13 animal species, four protozoans, 10 fungi, 17 bacteria, and one viral lineage), mostly on <italic>E. murinus</italic>. Anacondas rescued in urban areas or kept in zoos provide a fortuitous opportunity for collecting data on parasites and pathogens, useful for measuring the impacts of habitat anthropization, as well as for preventing the spread of diseases disseminated by traded animals. Withal, characterizing anacondas’ parasites and pathogens is paramount to establishing appropriate treatment of diseases caused by these agents, and in cases of accidents involving humans.

Abstract We analyzed the distribution of endoparasites in five species of Hylidae frogs during their reproductive period, aiming to understand how the host's habitat influences the parasites. Five anuran species (Boana raniceps, Pithecopus azureus, Pseudis platensis, Scinax acuminatus and Scinax nasicus) were sampled in temporary and permanent ponds in Nhecolândia Pantanal, Brazil. A total of 276 individuals were collected, 43.84% of which were parasitized by endoparasites. Metacercariae of Diplostomidae gen. sp. were predominant, accounting for 85.94% of the total parasites found. Nematodes and cestodes were also identified, with nematodes representing 7.85% of the total parasites. Statistical analyses indicated that host body size was not a significant predictor of parasitism probability, although a weak negative correlation between host body size and parasite abundance was observed. Network analysis revealed a modular structure in the parasite-host interactions, with moderate connectivity. These results suggest that environmental factors, particularly those related to the aquatic habitats of anurans, play a fundamental role in shaping parasite community structure. This study provides important insights into the complex ecological interactions between anurans and their parasites, significantly contributing to the understanding of parasite-host interaction dynamics in the Pantanal ecosystem.

Resumo Foi analisada a distribuição de endoparasitas em cinco espécies de anuros da família Hylidae, durante seu período reprodutivo, buscando compreender como o habitat do hospedeiro influencia os parasitos. Cinco espécies de anuros (Boana raniceps, Pithecopus azureus, Pseudis platensis, Scinax acuminatus e Scinax nasicus) foram amostradas em lagoas temporárias e permanentes no Pantanal da Nhecolândia, Brasil. No total, 276 indivíduos foram coletados, dos quais 43, 84% estavam parasitados por endoparasitas. Metacercárias de Diplostomidae gen. sp. foram predominantes, correspondendo a 85,94% do total de parasitos encontrados. Também foram identificados nematódeos e cestódeos, com os primeiros representando 7,85% do total de parasitos. As análises estatísticas indicaram que o comprimento corporal do hospedeiro não foi um preditor significativo da probabilidade de parasitismo, embora uma fraca correlação negativa entre o comprimento e a abundância de parasitos tenha sido observada. A análise de redes evidenciou uma estrutura modular nas interações parasito-hospedeiro, com conectividade moderada. Os resultados sugerem que fatores ambientais, especialmente aqueles relacionados aos habitats aquáticos dos anuros, desempenham um papel fundamental na organização das comunidades de parasitas. Este estudo fornece informações importantes sobre as complexas interações ecológicas entre anuros e parasitas, contribuindo significativamente para a compreensão da dinâmica na interação parasito-hospedeiro no ecossistema do Pantanal.

RESUMO: Neurocisticercose (NCC) é uma doença parasitária do sistema nervoso central de humanos, causada pelo metacestoda de Taenia solium, também conhecido como Cysticercus cellulosae. No entanto, a infecção cerebral por metacestódeos de T. solium em animais de companhia é rara. Este estudo descreve os aspectos patológicos e parasitológicos da NCC em um cão. Um canino, fêmea, de oito anos de idade, Boxer, da cidade de Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brasil, com histórico de acesso a área rural nos finais de semana e sinais clínicos agudos de convulsão tônico-clônica generalizada, como rigidez de membros (quadro espástico), respiração ofegante, perda de consciência, progredindo para movimentos rítmicos dos membros, foi encaminhado para necropsia no Setor de Patologia Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Lavras (UFLA). Na necropsia foram encontrados três cistos parasitários em região cortical dos hemisférios cerebrais e cistos calcificados no miocárdio. O diagnóstico foi baseado na morfologia do parasito após dissecção do cisticerco e por microscopia eletrônica de varredura. O metacestoda de T solium era constituído por uma vesícula semitranslúcida contendo um protoexcólex cujo rostelo tinha duas fileiras de ganchos, formando uma coroa dupla, e quatro ventosas. Os achados demonstram que, apesar de rara, a NCC deve ser considerada em cães com sinais clínicos de convulsão, especialmente em áreas geográficas com alta prevalência do parasitismo e alerta para a necessidade de vigilância para essa doença.

ABSTRACT: Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a parasitic disease of the central nervous system in humans caused by Taenia solium metacestodes, also known as Cysticercus cellulosae. However, cerebral infections caused by metacestodes in companion animals are rare. This study described the pathological and parasitological aspects of NCC in one dog. An 8-year-old female Boxer dog from Lavras City, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, with a history of access to rural areas on weekends and acute clinical signs of generalized tonic-clonic seizures, including limb stiffness (spasticity), labored breathing, consciousness, and progression to rhythmic jerking of the limbs, was submitted for necropsy at the Veterinary Pathology Sector of the Universidade Federal de Lavras (UFLA). At necropsy, three parasitic cysts were found in the cortical region of the cerebral hemispheres, and calcified cysts were found in the myocardium. The diagnosis was based on parasite morphology after cyst dissection and scanning electron microscopy. The T solium metacestoda appears as a semi-translucent vesicle with a protoscolex containing a rostellum with hooks arranged in two rows, forming a double crown and four suckers. These findings demonstrated that; although rare, NCC should be considered in dogs with clinical signs of seizures, especially in geographical areas with a high prevalence of parasitism and warrants surveillance for this disease.

ABSTRACT Palmistichus elaeisis (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is a parasitoid with potential for use in control of lepidopteran pests; its integrated use with botanical insecticides may be feasible in pest management. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the susceptibility of P. elaeisis to the essential oils of pepper-rosemary and lemongrass. The experiment was implemented in a completely randomized design, in a 2 (oils) × 4 (concentrations: 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 %) factorial arrangement, with two controls (detergent and deltamethrin). The following traits were evaluated: parasitism (%) - in the F1 generation, emergence (%), the progeny per pupa, the sex ratio, the longevity of the parental generation of males and females, and the egg-adult period of the parental and F1 generation. There were no significant differences for the biological parameters evaluated regarding the essential oils, thus indicating that the oils were innocuous to P. elaeisis. This result was confirmed by the percentage of emergence of the next generation (F1), which was always greater than 85%. The essential oils also did not affect the percentage of parasitism of the F1 generation. Thus, at the dosages tested, the essential oils of pepper-rosemary and lemongrass are selective agents that do not damage P. elaeisis.

Resumen Introducción: Macrobrachium amazonicum está ampliamente distribuido en América del Sur, se encuentra en las cuencas de los ríos Orinoco, Amazonas y Paraguay, se utiliza como una fuente importante de proteínas para alimentar a las poblaciones ribereñas. Este camarón es hospedero de los ectoparásitos crustáceos: Probopyrus pandalicola, Probopyrus floridensis y Probopyrus bithynis (Bopyridae), que infestan la cavidad branquial de la especie. Objetivo: Reportar la prevalencia y abundancia de ectoparásitos (P. pandalicola, P. floridensis y P. bithynis) y el factor de condición de M. amazonicum en el| río Amazonas, al este de la Amazonía. Métodos: Los camarones fueron recolectados entre mayo 2017 y abril 2018, con la ayuda de matapis (trampa artesanal) en los municipios de Mazagão (Estado de Amapá) y Santarém (Estado de Pará), Brasil. Resultados: Se capturaron un total de 216 camarones parasitados con ectoparásitos, 133 de ellos en la región de Mazagão (53 P. pandalicola, 48 P. bithynis y 32 P. floridensis) y 83 en la región de Santarém (45 P. pandalicola y 38 P. bithynis). En Mazagão, los valores más altos de prevalencia se registraron en mayo (1.98 %) para P. floridensis, julio (2.18 %) para P. bithynis y marzo (1.93 %) para P. pandalicola. En la región de Santarém, los valores más altos de prevalencia se registraron en febrero, de 3.47 para P. pandalicola y 2.89 para P. bithynis. En cuanto a la abundancia de parásitos, no hubo diferencia entre las especies agrupadas entre las regiones (t = 0.32, p = 0.739). Los camarones parasitados de Mazagão y Santarém mostraron factores de condición por debajo de lo esperado, con un promedio de 0.85 ± 0.55 para Santarém y 0.88 ± 0.44 para Mazagão. Conclusiones: Durante el estudio, se encontró que P. pandalicola, P. bithynis y P. floridensis estuvieron presentes en M. Amazonicum todo el año. Además, hubo un efecto de parasitismo sobre M. Amazonicum en las áreas de estudio.

Abstract Introduction: Macrobrachium amazonicum is widely distributed in South America, occurring in the Orinoco, Amazon and Paraguay river basins, being used as an important source of protein for feeding riverside populations. This prawn is host to the crustacean ectoparasites Probopyrus pandalicola, Probopyrus floridensis and Probopyrus bithynis (Bopyridae) that infest the gill cavity of the species. Objective: To report the prevalence and abundance of ectopasites (P. pandalicola, P. floridensis and P. bithynis) and the condition factor in M. amazonicum from the Amazon River, Eastern Amazon. Methods: The prawns were collected from May 2017 to April 2018, with the artisanal trap matapi in the municipalities of Mazagão (state of Amapá) and Santarém (state of Pará), Brazil. Results: 216 prawns infected with ectoparasites were captured, 133 in the Mazagão region (53 P. pandalicola, 48 P. bithynis and 32 P. floridensis) and 83 in the Santarém region (45 P. pandalicola and 38 P. bithynis). In Mazagão, the highest prevalence values were recorded in May (1.98 %) for P. floridensis, July (2.18 %) for P. bithynis, and March (1.93 %) for P. pandalicola. In the Santarém region, the highest prevalence values were recorded in February, 3.47 for P. pandalicola and 2.89 for P. bithynis. Regarding the abundance of parasites, there was no difference between the species grouped between the regions (t = 0.32, p = 0.739). Parasitized prawns from Mazagão and Santarém presented condition factors below expectations, with an average of 0.85 ± 0.55 for Santarém and 0.88 ± 0.44 for Mazagão. Conclusions: During the study it was found that P. pandalicola, P. bithynis and P. floridensis were present in M. amazonicum throughout the year. Furthermore, there was an effect of parasitism on M. amazonicum in the study areas.