Occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. in Antillean manatees (Trichechus manatus) and Amazonian manatees (Trichechus inunguis) from Brazil.
Infections by Cryptosporidium spp. in aquatic mammals is a major concern due to the possibility of the waterborne transmission of oocysts. The aim of the present study was to report the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. in Antillean manatees (Trichechus manatus) and Amazonian manatees (Trichechus inunguis) from Brazil. Fecal samples were collected and processed using Kinyoun's method. Positive samples were also submitted to the direct immunofluorescence test. The results revealed the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts in 12.5% (17/136) of the material obtained from the Antillean manatees and in 4.3% (05/115) of the samples from the Amazonian manatees. Cryptosporidium spp. infection was more prevalent in captive animals than in free-ranging specimens.
From the Fundaçãn Mamíferos Aquáticos, Rua Paraíso do Norte, 150, Apt. 203 A, Várzea, CEP: 50.740-260, Recife-PE, Brazil. jcgborges@hotmail.com
Joāo Carlos Gomes
JC
Borges
Leucio Câmara
LC
Alves
Maria Aparecida da Gloria
MA
Faustino
Miriam
M
Marmontel
D000818:Animals; D000836:Animals, Zoo; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003457:Cryptosporidiosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D003458:Cryptosporidium / Q000302:isolation & purification; D056727:Endangered Species; D013045:Species Specificity; D020455:Trichechus; D015047:Zoonoses