Gastrointestinal parasites of cavy (Cavia aperea aperea) in southern Brazil.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the gastrointestinal parasitism in Cavia aperea aperea (cavy), captured in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul State. Fecal samples from five free-living cavies were collected for research of parasites. Samples were analyzed by the centrifugal-flotation method with zinc sulfate and parasites were identified microscopically based on (oo)cyst and egg size and morphology. Cysts of Giardia sp. and (oo)cysts of Cryptosporidium sp. and Cystoisospora sp. were observed in one or more cavies. Eggs of Paraspidodera uncinata were observed in three of the five rodents. All infected animals showed mild infection by parasite. This is the first report of Giardia sp., Cryptosporidium sp. and Cystoisospora sp. in Cavia a. aperea.
Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Faixa de Camobi-Km 9, Campus Universitário, 97105-900 Santa Maria-RS, Brazil.
Lucas Trevisan
LT
Gressler
Aleksandro Schafer
AS
da Silva
Marcos Kipper
MK
da Silva
Alexandre Alberto
AA
Tonin
Silvia Gonzalez
SG
Monteiro
D000818:Animals; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology; D005260:Female; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology*; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006374:Helminthiasis, Animal / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology*; D008297:Male; D011529:Protozoan Infections, Animal / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology*