Infection rates of pentastomids on lizards in urban habitats in the Brazilian northeast

Wo Almeida,Gg Santana,Ic Wanderley,Wls Vieira

doi:10.1590/s1519-69842008000400026

Wo Almeida, Gg Santana + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.1590/s1519-69842008000400026

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Abstract

The rates of pentastomid infections in the syntopic lizards Hemidactylus mabouia and Tropidurus hispidus inhabiting buildings at the Federal University of Paraiba, in João Pessoa, NE Brazil were examined. A total of 30 specimens of Hemidactylus mabouia and 55 specimens of Tropidurus hispidus were examined. The animals were sacrificed by freezing and then fixed and conserved in 70% alcohol. Analyses of the respiratory tract of Hemidactylus mabouia demonstrated that these lizards were infected by Raillietiella frenatus at a rate of 20% (6/30) with an average infection intensity of 1.33 +/- 0.21, 1-2. None of the specimens of T. hispidus analyzed were infected. Hemidactylus mabouia and R. frenatus are of African origin and it is possible that there are specific relationships, or preferences, between these two species.

Highlights

Parasites can be important regulatory agents in reptile populations, affecting fertility, dietary habits, death rates, or even causing local extinctions
The present study evaluated the rates of pentastomid infection in two syntopic species of lizards in an urban habitat in order to examine the composition of the pentastomid fauna and to determine infection rates
No significant differences were detected in infection rates (3 males and 3 females) or in the average infection intensities according to sex (1.33 ± 0.33, 1-2)

Summary

Introduction

Parasites can be important regulatory agents in reptile populations, affecting fertility, dietary habits, death rates, or even causing local extinctions. The examination of parasite/host relationships is of known importance in studies of the dynamics, conservation and management of reptile populations (Marcogliese, 2004). Works undertaken in Brazil on pentastomid parasitism have focused on numerous topics, including studies of the systematics of this group and rates of reptilian infection (Rego, 1984; Almeida and Christoffersen, 1999; 2002; Vrcibradic et al, 2002; Dias et al, 2005; Almeida et al, 2006a; 2006b; Almeida et al, 2007; 2008a; b; c; Anjos et al, 2008). (collected in coastal dunes areas in the states of Rio de Janeiro and Sergipe); Dias et al (2005) found infections of Raillietiella aff.

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