Uncinaria hamiltoni (Nematoda: Ancylostomatidae) in South American sea lions, Otaria flavescens, from northern Patagonia, Argentina.
Thirty-one South American sea lion pups (Otaria flavescens) found dead in Punta León, Argentina, during the summer of 2002, were examined for hookworms (Uncinaria hamiltoni). Parasite parameters were analyzed in 2 locations of the rookery, i.e., a traditional, well-structured breeding area and an expanding area with juveniles and a lax social structure. Prevalence of hookworms was 50% in both localities, and no difference was observed in prevalence between pup sexes (P > 0.05). Hookworms were concentrated in the small intestine. Transmammary transmission is assumed because only adult hookworms were found in the pups. The mean intensity of hookworms per pup was 135; the mean intensity in females (92.78) was significantly different (P < 0.05) from that of males (230.25). No difference (P > 0.05) in intensity was found between the 2 breeding areas, although prevalence was higher in the traditional breeding area than in the other area. Location was the only factor affecting hookworm prevalence (P log-linear model: 0.9552; chi2: 1.5629). No apparent trend between body condition and intensity of hookworms was observed.
Berón-Vera
B
B
Laboratorio de Mamíferos Marinos, Centro Nacional Patagónico, CONICET, Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia, Boulevard, Brown 3600, 9120 Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina. barbara.beron@uv.es
Crespo
E A
EA
Raga
J A
JA
Pedraza
S N
SN
D000723:Ancylostomatoidea / Q000145:classification / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D000818:Animals; D001118:Argentina / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006725:Hookworm Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D046070:Sea Lions / Q000469:parasitology*; D017678:Sex Distribution