ABSTRACT The human toxocariasis is the most important cosmopolite helminth infection in the world. The infection can modulate the immune response of the infected paratenic host, and it is suggested that it is an important risk factor for the development of asthma and be associated with increased levels of different markers of atopy. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between human toxocariasis with asthma and atopic diseases. The literature search identified 1705 papers on the association of Toxocara spp with asthma, Then, 24 papers were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, following the PRISMA protocols. These papers served to analyze association data as a risk factor for increased asthma and investigate the association of this infection with the appearance of atopy markers (specific IgE). The results did not indicate association between asthma and Toxocara spp seropositivity, although there was a positive trend (OR 1.47; 95% CI 0.92-2.33). However, when studies were classified by type a positive association in the case-control type studies was found (OR 1.69; 95% CI 1.06-2.70). Furthermore, there was a positive association with this atopic marker in the analysis of the association of toxocariasis with specific IgE (OR 1.77; 95% CI 1.19-2.64). The evidence found was not entirely conclusive regarding the possibility of having T. canis infection as a risk factor for the development of asthma, although there is a positive statistical trend. On the other hand, the association with specific IgE results supports previous findings in the literature, where helminth infections can stimulate the production of this type of antibody, leading to a positive association with atopy.

RESUMEN La toxocariasis humana es la helmintiasis cosmopolita más importante del mundo. La infección puede modular la respuesta inmune del huésped paraténico infectado, y se sugiere que es un factor de riesgo importante para el desarrollo de asma y estar asociado con niveles elevados de diferentes marcadores de atopia. El objetivo de este estudio fue realizar una revisión sistemática y un metanálisis de la asociación entre la toxocariasis humana con asma y enfermedades atópicas. La búsqueda bibliográfica identificó 1705 artículos sobre la asociación de Toxocara spp con asma. Luego, se seleccionaron 24 artículos con base en los criterios de inclusión y exclusión, siguiendo los protocolos PRISMA. Estos trabajos sirvieron para analizar datos de asociación como factor de riesgo de aumento del asma e investigar la asociación de esta infección con la aparición de marcadores de atopia (IgE específica). Los resultados no indicaron asociación entre asma y seropositividad a Toxocara spp, aunque hubo una tendencia positiva (OR 1,47; IC 95% 0.92-2.33). Sin embargo, cuando los estudios se clasificaron por tipo se encontró una asociación positiva en los estudios de tipo caso-control (OR 1,69; IC 95% 1.06-2.70). Además, hubo una asociación positiva con este marcador atópico en el análisis de la asociación de la toxocariasis con la IgE específica (OR 1.77; IC 95% 1.19-2.64). La evidencia encontrada no fue del todo concluyente respecto a la posibilidad de tener infección por T. canis como factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de asma, aunque existe una tendencia estadística positiva. Por otro lado, la asociación con resultados de IgE específica respalda hallazgos previos en la literatura, donde las infecciones por helmintos pueden estimular la producción de este tipo de anticuerpos, lo que lleva a una asociación positiva con la atopia.

Abstract Astyanax lacustris is a small characid fish widely distributed in Brazil, with fast-growing and omnivorous feeding habits. Although the species presents economic and ecological importance, little is known about its parasitological fauna in stream environments. This study aimed to characterize the parasitic fauna of A. lacustris in two streams in the state of Paraná, Brazil. Fifty-two specimens of A. lacustris were collected, 22 from the Carolina stream (Lower Iguaçu River) and 30 from the Carreira stream (Upper Paraná River), in July and September 2018. In both streams, there was a low richness of parasites, and the structure of the parasitic community was predominantly composed of monogeneans. These findings may be associated with the gregarious behavior of the host species. Moreover, the low occurrence of endohelminths, may be associated with the fact that in streams, the energy flow is low, and depends directly on the input of allochthonous matter, which favors the formation of shelters for the establishment of macroinvertebrates, which represent important sources of food for the ichthyofauna, and may act as intermediate and paratenic hosts of parasites. These environments require further studies to support conservation measures aimed at maintaining the balance of ecological relationships in these preserved ecosystems. Brazil fastgrowing fast growing habits importance A Fiftytwo Fifty collected 2 Lower River 3 Upper River, , 2018 parasites monogeneans Moreover endohelminths matter macroinvertebrates ichthyofauna ecosystems 201 20

Resumo Astyanax lacustris é um caracídeo de pequeno porte, amplamente distribuído no Brasil, com hábito alimentar onívoro e rápido crescimento. Embora a espécie tenha importância econômica, pouco se sabe sobre sua fauna parasitológica em ambientes de riacho. Este estudo objetivou caracterizar a fauna parasitária de A. lacustris em dois riachos do estado do Paraná. Foram coletados 52 exemplares de A. lacustris, sendo 22 no riacho Carolina (baixo rio Iguaçu) e 30 no riacho Carreira (alto rio Paraná), nos meses de julho e setembro de 2018. Em ambos os riachos, houve baixa riqueza de parasitos e a estrutura da comunidade parasitária foi caracterizada pela predominância de monogenéticos. Esses achados podem estar associados ao comportamento gregário da espécie hospedeira. Ademais, a baixa ocorrência de endohelmintos pode estar associada ao fato de que, nos riachos, o fluxo de energia é baixo e depende diretamente do aporte de matéria alóctone, que favorece a formação de abrigos para o estabelecimento de macroinvertebrados, os quais representam uma das principais fontes de alimento da ictiofauna, e podem atuar como hospedeiros intermediários e paratênicos de parasitos. Esses ambientes necessitam de mais estudos para subsidiar medidas de conservação que visem manter o equilíbrio das relações ecológicas nesses ecossistemas preservados. porte Brasil crescimento econômica A Paraná 5 2 Iguaçu 3 alto Paraná, , Paraná) 2018 monogenéticos hospedeira Ademais alóctone macroinvertebrados ictiofauna preservados 201 20

Abstract The aim of this study was to record Centrorhynchus sp. associated with the exotic species Aquarana catesbeiana (bullfrog) in southern Brazil and to present a checklist of vertebrate hosts in South America. Twenty-nine adults and juveniles of A. catesbeiana were collected in Capão do Leão, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, between October 2019 and December 2020. We found 275 specimens of Centrorhynchus sp. cystacanths in the stomach musculature and coelomic cavity of 55.1% of hosts (16). There was no significant differences in the prevalence and mean intensity of infection with cystacanths when compared males and females of A. catesbeiana. The prevalence was significantly higher in adults than in juveniles. The checklist presents 106 species of vertebrate hosts and 14 taxa of Centrorhynchus recorded in nine South American countries. Avian were the main definitive hosts of Centrorhynchus spp. and snakes Dipsadidae, anurans Hylidae and Leptodactylidae the main paratenic hosts in South America. This is the first record of Centrorhynchus cystacanths in A. catesbeiana in the South America. The study provides tools to help understand the parasitic relationships between species of Centrorhynchus and A. catesbeiana and other hosts in areas where bullfrog have been introduced. sp (bullfrog America Twentynine Twenty A Leão Sul 201 2020 27 551 55 1 55.1 16. 16 . (16) 10 countries spp Dipsadidae introduced 20 202 2 5 55. (16 (1 (

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi registrar Centrorhynchus sp. associado à exótica A. catesbeiana, no extremo sul do Brasil, e apresentar uma checklist de hospedeiros vertebrados na América do Sul. Vinte e nove adultos e juvenis de A. catesbeiana foram coletados em Capão do Leão, estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, entre outubro de 2019 e dezembro de 2020. Foram encontrados 275 cistacantos de Centrorhynchus sp. na musculatura do estômago e na cavidade celômica de 55,1% dos hospedeiros (16). Não houve diferença significativa na prevalência e intensidade média de infecção de cistacantos entre machos e fêmeas de A. catesbeiana. A prevalência foi significativamente maior em anuros adultos que em juvenis. O checklist apresentou 106 espécies de hospedeiros vertebrados e 14 taxa de Centrorhynchus registrados em nove países da América do Sul. Aves são os principais hospedeiros definitivos de Centrorhynchus spp., e serpentes Dipsadidae, anuros Hylidae e Leptodactylidae principais hospedeiros paratênicos no continente sul-americano. Este é o primeiro registro de cistacantos de Centrorhynchus em A. catesbeiana na América do Sul. O estudo fornece ferramentas para auxiliar na compreensão das interações parasitárias entre espécies de Centrorhynchus e A. catesbeiana e outros hospedeiros em áreas onde a rã-touro foi introduzida. sp Brasil Sul Leão 201 2020 27 551 55 1 55,1 16. 16 . (16) 10 spp spp. Dipsadidae sulamericano. sulamericano americano. americano sul-americano rãtouro rã touro introduzida 20 202 2 5 55, (16 (1 (

Abstract European hedgehogs, Erinaceus europaeus (Linnaeus, 1758), are small mammals found in western Europe and also in parts of northern Europe. They can be seen in rural, suburban and urban areas, but are usually found in grassland with edge habitats. These animals are omnivorous and serve as definitive or paratenic hosts for several parasites, including acanthocephalans (phylum Acanthocephala). During necropsy of a European hedgehog, a single adult parasite was collected from the intestinal lumen and preserved in 70% ethanol. After morphological evaluation of the specimen, it was identified as Moniliformis cestodiformis (von Linstow, 1904) (Acanthocephala: Moniliformidae). This is the first report of M. cestodiformis in a European hedgehog, as well as in Europe. More epidemiological studies need to be carried out to map the location and prevalence of this parasite in Portugal and the European continent. hedgehogs Linnaeus, Linnaeus (Linnaeus 1758, 1758 , 1758) rural areas habitats parasites phylum Acanthocephala. Acanthocephala . Acanthocephala) hedgehog 70 ethanol specimen von Linstow 1904 (Acanthocephala Moniliformidae. Moniliformidae Moniliformidae) M continent 175 7 190 17 19 1

Resumo Os ouriços, Erinaceus europaeus (Linnaeus, 1758), são pequenos mamíferos que se localizam na Europa ocidental e também em regiões do Norte da Europa. Eles podem ser avistados em áreas rurais, suburbanas e urbanas, mas são geralmente encontrados no campo no limite daqueles hábitats. São animais omnívoros e servem de hospedeiros definitivos ou paratênicos de muitos parasitas, incluindo acantocéfalos (filo Acanthocephala). Durante a necropsia de um ouriço, um exemplar adulto acantocéfalo foi recolhido do lúmen intestinal e preservado em etanol a 70%. Depois de uma avaliação morfológica desse exemplar, este foi identificado como Moniliformis cestodiformis (von Linstow, 1904) (Acanthocephala: Moniliformidae). Esta é a primeira referência de M. cestodiformis num ouriço, assim como na Europa. Mais estudos epidemiológicos necessitam ser realizados, para localizar este parasita e calcular a sua prevalência em Portugal e no continente europeu. ouriços Linnaeus, Linnaeus (Linnaeus 1758, 1758 , 1758) rurais urbanas hábitats parasitas filo Acanthocephala. Acanthocephala . Acanthocephala) ouriço 70 70% von Linstow 1904 (Acanthocephala Moniliformidae. Moniliformidae Moniliformidae) M realizados europeu 175 7 190 17 19 1

ABSTRACT The Atlantic anchoveta, Cetengraulis edentulus (Cuvier, 1829) is one of the most commercially important fish species in the littoral of Brazil. The present study evaluates the parasitic fauna of this engraulid fish from the southeastern Brazilian coast. Between October 2019 and March 2020, a total of 100 specimens of C. edentulus from the Sepetiba Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (22°57’44”S; 43°52’28”W), were examined. Eighty-five specimens of C. edentulus were parasitized by at least one species of metazoan, with a mean of 4.32 ± 6.12 parasites/fish. Eleven species of parasites were collected: five digeneans, two monogeneans, two copepods, one isopod and one nematode. The nematode Hysterothylacium sp. was the most abundant and dominant species, representing 51.85% of the metazoan parasites collected, showing positive correlation with the host’s total length and parasite abundance and prevalence. The mean abundance and prevalence of Hysterothylacium sp. was significantly higher in female hosts. One pair of larval endoparasites showed positive covariation. Centengraulis edentulus represents a new host record for nine species of parasites. A dominance of endoparasitic larval stages is documented in the parasite community of C. edentulus. This may be a function of the feeding habits of engraulid fish, which feed mainly on zooplanktonic organisms. It may also have to do with to the fact that C. edentulus is the intermediate and/or paratenic host of fish parasites, birds, and marine mammals.

Abstract Ten endoparasite species found in Pygocentrus piraya, which is a piranha species native to São Francisco river, were collected from 108 fish caught in Três Marias reservoir in 2004 and 2005, namely: Digenea - Austrodiplostomum sp. (metacercariae); Eucestoda – Proteocephalidae gen. sp. (plerocercoids); and Nematoda - Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus, Cystidicoloides fischeri and Capillostrongyloides sentinosa (adults); Spinitectus rodolphiheringi (juvenile); Hysterothylacium sp., Contracaecum sp. Type 1, Spiroxys sp. and Goezia sp. (larvae). In helminth fauna, P. (S.) inopinatus has shown higher prevalence and dominance. Fish sex has influenced the prevalence of Hysterothylacium sp., which was higher in female specimens. Longer total length of fish has positively influenced the abundance of C. sentinosa and Hysterothylacium sp.. The rainy season has favored parasitic indices, mainly P. (S.) inopinatus abundance, as well C. sentinosa and Hysterothylacium sp. prevalence and abundance. There were co-occurrences between adult and some larval nematodes. Endemic piranhas, as well as final hosts, are important intermediate and/or paratenic hosts, given the relevant number of larvae (proteocephalideans and nematodes) of heteroxene cycle found in them. Proteocephalidae gen. sp., C. sentinosa, Hysterothylacium sp., Contracaecum sp. Type 1, Goezia sp. and S. rodolphiheringi are new records parasitizing P. piraya in São Francisco basin.

Resumo Clarias gariepinus é um peixe do Norte da África do Sul e posteriormente introduzido em diversos países, incluindo o Brasil. O presente estudo teve como objetivo descrever o primeiro relato de metacercárias em C. gariepinus no Brasil. Para tanto, 30 C. gariepinus foram capturados em um lago na cidade de Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil. Os peixes foram eutanasiados por congelamento e necropsiados para a coleta de parasitos. Os órgãos foram dissecados e analisados para a presença de parasitos que foram processados para microscopia ótica e electronica de varredura. Os Trematodeos foram corados com carmim de Semichon e tricrômico de Gomori, observados e esquematizados sob microscópio ótico equipado com software de análise de imagens. Um total de 190 trematodeos foram coletados das brânquias, órgãos suprabrânquiais, coração, estômago, mesentério intestinal, fígado e cavidade corporal dos peixes. Os parasitos tinham corpo foliáceo, dividido por uma discrete contrição, sem primórdio genital, e órgão tribocítico presente na região posterior, típico das metacercárias da fámilia Diplostomidae. Foram classificados como do morfotipo 'Diplostomulum', baseado na morfologia da estrutura da bexiga de reserva. Este é o primeiro relato de metacercárias de Diplostomidae parasitando C. gariepinus nas Américas. Este peixe atua como hospedeiro intermediário ou paratênico deste Digenea no Brasil.

Abstract Clarias gariepinus is a fish from North of South Africa and was later introduced in several countries, including Brazil. The present study aimed to describe the first report of Diplostomidae metacercariae in C. gariepinus in Brazil. For this, 30 C. gariepinus were captured in a lake in the city of Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil. Fishes were euthanized using freezing and necropsied for collection of parasites. The organs were dissected and analyzed for the presence of parasites that were processed for light and scanning electron microscopy. Trematodes were stained with Semichon’s Carmine and Gomori’s Trichrome, observed and schematized under a light microscope with image analysis software. A total of 190 trematodes were collected from the gills, suprabranchial organs, heart, stomach, intestinal mesentery, liver and body cavity of the fish. The parasites had a foliaceous body divided by a discrete constriction, without genital primordia, and a holdfast organ present at the posterior region, typical of metacercariae of the family Diplostomidae. It was classified as the 'Diplostomulum' morphotype, based on the morphology of the reserve bladder structure. This is the first report of the metacercariae of Diplostomidae parasitizing C. gariepinus in the Americas. This fish acts as an intermediate or paratenic host of this digenean in Brazil.

Abstract Abstract: This study compared the parasites community in Corydoras ephippifer, Corydoras melanistius, Corydoras amapaensis and Corydoras spilurus from tributaries from the Amapari River in State of Amapá (Brazil). A total of 151 fish of these four ornamental species were examined, of which 66.2% were parasitized by one or more species, and a total of 732 parasites were collected. Corydoras ephippifer (91.2%) and C. spilurus (98.8%) were the most parasitized hosts, while C. amapaensis (9.6%) was the least parasitized. A high similarity (≅ 75%) of parasite communities was found in the host species. Hosts were parasitized by Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus, Camallanus sp. and metacercariae of digeneans. The parasites had an aggregated dispersion pattern, but in C. ephippifer a random dispersion of P. (S.) inopinatus was found. The parasite community was characterized by a low species richness (1-4 parasites per host), low diversity and low evenness, and consisted mainly of endoparasites with high prevalence and low abundance. An important component in the determination of the helminth parasite community composition was the dominance of species that use these fish species as secondary intermediate or paratenic hosts. This was the first study on the parasite community for these four hosts. A checklist of parasite species in wild populations of Corydoras spp. from different localities was also reported here.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar as características morfológicas e morfométricas de cistos de nematodas em fígado de Gymnotus inaequilabiatus, e a presença de centros de melanomacrófagos (CMMs) pericísticos e no parênquima hepático. Espécimes adultos, 34 fêmeas (123,1 ± 43,9 g) e 45 machos (135,5 ± 43,4g), provenientes do Rio Paraguai, Corumbá, Brasil foram utilizados. Os cistos foram quantificados em 79 fígados. Em 25 fígados foi realizada a análise histopatológica e morfometria dos cistos (diâmetro, espessura da camada de colágeno e da parede). Estimou-se a porcentagem de cistos com CMMs periférico e a densidade de CMMs no parênquima. A média de cistos macroscópicos foi de 48,7 ± 2,78. Observou-se reação granulomatosa pericística. O diâmetro, a espessura da camada de colágeno e da parede do cisto foi de 293,0 ± 75,18 (µm), 17,72 ± 6,01 (µm) e 12,21 ± 9,51 (µm), respectivamente. O número de cistos foi associado ao índice hepatossomático, (r=0,26, P <0,05). A camada de colágeno correlacionou-se com o diâmetro do cisto (r=0,62, P <0,01). CMMs pericísticos e do parênquima apresentaram correlação moderada (r=0,48) e alta (r=0,90) com o número de cistos, respectivamente. As características morfológicas do tecido hepático e a morfometria dos cistos de nematodas sugerem que G. inaequilabiatus atua como hospedeiro paratênico para larvas de nematodas.

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the morphometric measures and morphological aspects of nematode-cysts in Gymnotus inaequilabiatus, and the presence of melanomacrophage centers (MMCs) associated with the periphery of cysts and in the liver parenchyma. Adult specimens, 34 female (123.1 ± 43.9g) and 45 male (135.5 ± 43.4g), from Paraguay River, Corumbá, Brazil, were used. The number of nematode-cysts was determined in 79 livers and 25 of them randomly selected for histopathological analysis and morphometric measures of nematode-cysts (mean diameter, thickness of collagen layer, and cyst-wall layer). The percentage of cysts with MMCs on the periphery and density in the liver parenchyma was estimated. The average number of macroscopic cysts was of 48.7 ± 2.78. Granulomatous reaction was observed surrounding the cysts. Diameter, collagen layer and cyst-wall measurements were 293.0 ± 75.18 (µm), 17.72 ± 6.01 (µm) and 12.21 ± 9.51 (µm), respectively. The number of nematode-cysts was correlated with hepatosomatic index, (r=0.26, P<0.05). Collagen layer was correlated with cyst diameter (r=0.62, P<0.01). Pericystic and parenchymatous MMCs were moderately (r=0.48) and highly (r=0.90) correlated with nematode-cysts number. Morphological characteristics of hepatic tissue and cysts-nematodes measures suggest that G. inaequilabiatus acts as a paratenic host to nematodes in the larval stage.

ABSTRACT In this study, we report parasitological findings in one Mola mola specimen examined and collected as by catch-off Tomé, south central Chile, during october 2014. Adult stages of digeneans, Accacladium serpentulum and Accacladocoelium macrocotyle, cestode Anchistrocephalus microcephalus, and copepod Cecrops latreillii were isolated. Besides, at the larval stage, the third larval stage (L3) of nematode Anisakis sp. Type I, sensu Berland, 1961, and plerocerci larvae of cestode Molicola horridus were also observed. The results demonstrated the participation of M. mola as a definitive and intermediate or paratenic host in the life cycles of different parasites identified in the present study.

RESUMEN Este estudio reporta los parásitos presentes en un ejemplar de Mola mola, encontrado en la costa de Tomé, Chile, durante el mes de octubre de 2014. Se aislaron estados adultos de los digeneos Accacladium serpentulum y Accacladocoelium macrocotyle, del cestodo Anchistrocephalus microcephalus y del copépodo Cecrops latreillii. Además, se identificaron larvas de tercer estado del nematodo Anisakis sp. Tipo I, sensu Berland, 1961 (tercer estadio, L3) y plerocerci del cestodo Molicola horridus. Los resultados demuestran la participación de M. mola como hospedero definitivo, intermediario o paraténico en los ciclos de vida de los parásitos en el presente estudio.

The prospective role of the land snail Rumina decollata as a potential paratenic host of Toxocara cati for domestic cats was studied. R. decollata specimens and cats' feces were collected from the open spaces of a Buenos Aires city hospital. Cats' feces were analyzed and snails were digested to identify T. cati stages, by morphological and molecular analyses. T. cati larval eggs were recovered from 23.5% (4/17) of the sampled feces. Twenty percent of snail pools (5/25) were confirmed to be positive for Toxocara spp. third larval stage (L3) by PCR. The mean value of total larvae recovered per gram of snail in all positive pools was 5.1, with a maximum 33 L3/pool. This is the first report of T. cati infective larvae in R. decollata domestic snail as a paratenic host, since the relationship between infection in snails and in cats' feces could be demonstrated in a common environment.

Se estudió el rol prospectivo de Rumina decollata como potencial hospedador paraténico de Toxocara cati para los gatos domésticos. Se recolectaron caracoles R. decollata y heces de gatos de un hospital de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires. Se procesaron las heces y los caracoles fueron digeridos para identificar estadios de T. cati por análisis morfológico y molecular. El 23,5% (4/17) de las muestras de heces resultaron positivas a huevos larvados de T. cati. El 20% (5/25) de los pooles de caracoles fue positivo a larvas de tercer estadío (L3) de Toxocara spp. por PCR. El promedio de larvas totales recuperadas por gramo de caracol en todos los pooles positivos fue de 5.1, con un máximo de 33 L3/pool. Se trata del primer reporte de R. decollata como hospedador paraténico de T. cati, puesto que ha sido demostrada la infección en caracoles y gatos en un ambiente común.

Resumo A espécie de bagre Sciades proops habita principalmente estuários de águas rasas enlameada e lagoas salobras, ocorrendo também em águas doces. Por esses motivos acredita-se que essa espécie pode atuar como hospedeiro intermediário, definitivo e paratênico no ciclo de vida de vários parasitas. Entre novembro de 2010 a novembro de 2011 e de agosto de 2012 a julho de 2013, Um total de 126 espécimes de Sciades proops originários da região estuarina do rio Japaratuba, município de Pirambu, SE, foram examinados em busca de parasitas, dos quais 84,13% estavam parasitados por pelo menos uma espécie de parasita encontrada: Ergasilus sp. (Copepoda) (Prevalência (P)=77,78%; Intensidade Média (IM) =10,08±15,48, AbundÂncia Média (AM) =7,48±14,27) nas brânquias, Contracaecum sp. (P=23,02%; IM=20,59±80,58, AM=4,47±39,12) na cavidade geral, Procamallanus sp. (P=0,79%; IM=1, AM=0,01±0,09), Raphidascaroides sp. (P=2,31%; IM=1,33±0,58, AM=0,33±0,22) e Cuccullanus sp. (P=0,79%; IM=1, AM=0,01±0,09) (Nematoda) no intestino, Ancyrocephalinae (Monogenea) (P=0,79%; IM=1, AM=0,01±0,09) nas brânquias, Pseudoacanthostomumpanamense (P=1,59%; IM=9,00±8,49, AM=0,14±1,36) no intestino, Clinostomum sp. (P=1,59%; IM=17,50±23,33, AM=0,29±3,03) na superfície do corpo e duas metacercárias não identificadas, denominadas como Metacercária 1 (P=0,79%; IM=1, AM=0,01±0,09) e Metacercária 2 (P=0,79%; IM=7, AM=0,06±0,62) (Digenea) ambas na bexiga natatória. Ergasilus sp. foi a espécie dominante sendo classificada como central, Contracaecum sp. como a satélite e as demais como espécies secundárias. A distribuição espacial da infecção por Ergasilus sp. e Contracaecum sp. apresentaram um padrão típico de distribuição agregada. O sexo dos hospedeiros não influenciou nas infecções parasitárias, porém a infecção por Ergasilus sp. apresentou correlação positiva e significativa entre os parâmetros biométricos e os parâmetros epidemiológicos enquanto que na infecção por Contracaecum sp. a correlação ocorreu apenas com a prevalência e a abundância.

Abstract The catfish species Sciades proops inhabits muddy estuaries and shallow brackish lagoons, as well as freshwater. For these reasons, it is believed that this species may act as an intermediate, definitive and paratenic host in the life cycle of many parasites. From November 2010 to November 2011 and from August 2012 to July 2013, a total of 126 specimens of Sciades proops from the estuarine region of the Japaratuba River in the state of Sergipe, Brazil, were examined for parasites, of which 84.13% were infected by at least one species: Ergasilus sp. (Copepoda) (Prevalence P = 77.78%, Mean of Intensity MI = 10.08 ± 15.48, Mean Abundance MA = 14.27 ± 7.48) in the gills, Contracaecum sp. (P = 23.02%, MI = 20.59 ± 80.58, MA =39.12 ± 4.47) in the general cavity, Procamallanus sp. (P = 0.79%, MI = 1, MA = 0.01 ± 0.09), Raphidascaroides sp. (P = 2.31%, MI = 1.33 ± 0.58, MA = 0.33 ± 0.22) and Cuccullanus sp. (Nematoda) (P = 0.79%, MI = 1, MA = 0.01 ± 0.09) in the intestine, Ancyrocephalinae (Monogenea) (P = 0.79%, MI = 1, MA = 0.01 ± 0.09) in the gills, Pseudoacanthostomumpanamense (P = 1.59%, MI = 9.00 ± 8.49, MA = 0.14 ± 1.36) in the intestine, Clinostomum sp. (P = 1.59%, MI = 17.50 ± 23.33, MA = 0.29 ± 3.03) on the body surface and two unidentified metacercariae, referred to as Metacercaria 1 (P = 0.79%; IM = 1, MA = 0.01 ± 0.09) and Metacercaria 2 (Digenea) (P = 0.79%, MI = 7, MA = 0.06 ± 0.62) in the swim bladder. Ergasilus sp. was the dominant species and thus classified as core, with Contracaecum sp. as the satellite and other species as secondary species. The spatial distribution of infection with Ergasilus sp. and Contracaecum sp. showed a typical pattern of aggregate distribution. The sex of the host did not influence parasitic infections, but infection with Ergasilus sp. showed a positive and significant correlation with biometric and epidemiologic parameters, whereas infection with Contracaecum sp. was correlated only with prevalence and abundance.

A toxocaríase é zoonose amplamente difundida e considerada importante problema de saúde pública. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a frequência da transmissão transmamária de Toxocara canis em camundongos BALB/c neonatos amamentados por fêmeas experimentalmente infectadas com 1.200 ovos logo após o parto. Após 50 dias de idade, foi avaliada a presença de larvas em diferentes órgãos dos neonatos. A infecção por via transmamária foi confirmada em 73,9% dos camundongos amamentados por fêmeas infectadas. Estes dados demonstram elevada transmissão transmamária de T. canis e confirmam a importância desta via de transmissão em hospedeiros paratênicos.

Toxocariasis is a widespread zoonosis and is considered an important worldwide public health problem. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of trans-mammary Toxocara canis infection in newborn BALB/c mice nursed by females experimentally infected with 1,200 eggs after delivery. After 50 days of age, the presence of larvae in different organs of the offspring was investigated. Trans-mammary infection was confirmed in 73.9% of the mice that had been nursed by infected females. These data show a high trans-mammary transmission of T. canis and confirm the significance of this transmission route in paratenic hosts.

We report the helminth fauna of Boa constrictor Linnaeus, 1758 in southern Quintana Roo, Mexico. A total of 14 boas were collected in 5 localities from July 2009 to September 2010. The helminthological examination revealed the presence of 133 individuals: 70 nematodes (Contracaecum sp. type 2 larvae of Moravec, Kohn et Fernandes, 1993, Cruzia sp., Kalicephalus subulatus Molin, 1861, Physocephalus sp.), 62 digeneans (Styphlodora horridum [Leidy, 1850]) and 1 unidentified larval acanthocephalan. The nematodes K. subulatus, Physocephalus sp. and Cruzia sp. were the most prevalent; while the remaining helminths showed values lower than 10%. The digenean S. horridum was the most abundant and intense parasite, although it was found in only 1 host. It is suggested that B. constrictor participates as a definitive host for those adult helminths (Cruzia sp., K. subulatus and S. horridum), as a paratenic host (Physocephalus sp.) and as an accidental one (Contracaecum sp. type 2, larval acanthocephalan) for some larval stages. This work represents the first systematic survey on the parasitic helminth fauna of B. constrictor in Quintana Roo; therefore, it includes 3 new (Contracaecum sp. type 2, Cruzia sp., Physocephalus sp.) and 2 geographical records (K. subulatus, S. horridum).

El presente estudio registra los helmintos parásitos de Boa constrictor Linnaeus, 1758 en el sur del estado de Quintana Roo, México. Se analizaron un total de 14 boas, recolectadas en 5 localidades, entre julio 2009 y septiembre 2010. En la revisión helmintológica se obtuvieron 133 parásitos individuales: 70 nemátodos (Contracaecum sp. tipo 2 larvas de Moravec, Kohn et Fernandes, 1993, Cruzia sp., Kalicephalus subulatus Molin, 1861, Physocephalus sp.), 62 digeneos (Styphlodora horridum [Leidy, 1850]) y 1 acantocéfalo en estado larval no identificado. Los nemátodos K. subulatus, Physocephalus sp. y Cruzia sp. tuvieron los valores de prevalencia más altos, mientras que el resto de helmintos presentaron valores menores al 10%. La mayor abundancia e intensidad media correspondió a S. horridum, aunque éste sólo parasitó a 1 boa. Se sugiere que B. constrictor participa como un hospedero definitivo para los helmintos adultos (Cruzia sp., K. subulatus y S. horridum), como uno paraténico para algunas larvas (Physocephalus sp.) y accidental para otras (Contracaecum sp. tipo 2 y probablemente también para el cistacanto). Este es el primer trabajo sistemático sobre los helmintos parásitos de B. constrictor en Quintana Roo, donde se presentan nuevos registros de hospedero (Contracaecum sp. tipo 2, Cruzia sp., Physocephalus sp.) y geográficos (K. subulatus, S. horridum).

O objetivo desse trabalho foi registrar a primeira ocorrência sazonal do acantocefala Quadrigyrus nickoliSchmidt & Hugghins, 1973(Quadrigyridae) no peixe “Mato Grosso”,Hyphessobrycon eques Steindachner, 1882 (Characidae), capturados no Rio Chumucuí, região Bragantina, Pará, Brasil. Os peixes foram coletados no período de julho∕2006 a junho∕2007 e examinados com técnica padrão para detecção de parasitas. Um total de 75 parasitas foram encontrados no estômago e intestino. Dos 83 peixes capturados (50 na estação seca e 33 na chuvosa), 22 estavam parasitados por cistacantos de Quadrigyrus nickoli. No presente trabalho discute-se a importância do H. eques como hospedeiro paratênico para Quadrigyrus nickoli. Os presentes dados constituem o primeiro estudo sobre a biologia e a infecção de Q. nickoli na Amazônia oriental.

The objective of this work was to report the first seasonal occurrence of the acanthocephalan Quadrigyrus nickoliSchmidt & Hugghins, 1973(Quadrigyridae), in the “Mato Grosso”Hyphessobrycon eques (Characidae) (Steindachner, 1882), collected from the Chumucuí River, state of Pará, Brazil. The fish were collected between July 2006 (rainy season) and June 2007 (dry season) and were examined for parasites using pattern techniques. A total of 75 parasites were found in the stomach and intestine. Among 83 fish examined (50 in the dry season and 33 in the rainy season), 22 were parasitized by cystacanths of Q. nickoli. The importance of H. eques as a paratenic host for Q. nickoli is discussed. This is the first study on the biology of and infection by Q. nickoli occurring in the eastern Amazon region.