Molecular detection of Hepatozoon spp. in Brazilian and exotic wild carnivores

作者：Andre M R; Adania C H; Teixeira R H F; Vargas G H; Falcade M; Sousa L; Salles A R; Allegretti S M; Felippe P A N; Machado R Z^*

来源：Veterinary Parasitology, 2010, 173(1-2): 134-138.

DOI：10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.06.014

• Hepatozoon spp.
• Wild canids
• Wild felids
• Brazil

Hepatozoon spp. are apicomplexan parasites that infect a wide variety of animals. The infection occurs through the ingestion of a hematophagous arthropod definitive host. Herein, we assessed the presence of Hepatozoon spp. in 165 captive wild felids and 100 captive wild canids using molecular techniques. We found that 6 felids (4 little spotted cats, 1 jaguarondi, and 1 puma) and 5 canids (2 bush dogs, 1 fox, 1 crab-eating fox, and 1 maned wolf) were positive for Hepatozoon spp. Hepatozoon spp. may be a potential pathogen and an opportunistic parasite in immunocompromised animals or if occurring in concomitant infections. Because most Brazilian wild felids and canids are endangered, knowing whether Hepatozoon infection represents a threat for these animals is crucial.

• 出版日期2010-10-11