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GASTROINTESTINAL HELMINTHS IN WILD FELIDS IN THE CERRADO AND PANTANAL: ZOONOTIC BIOINDICATORS IN IMPORTANT BRAZILIAN BIOMES
Simple Summary: Wildlife in the Pantanal and Cerrado regions of Brazil face increasing threats, such as deforestation, urbanization, and road construction, which disrupt their natural habitats and increase the risk of diseases, including those that can spread to humans. The aim of this study was to characterize parasites affecting wild felids (large cats) in these areas, focusing on interactions among parasites, hosts, and the environment. The results provide a basis for the development of strategies to prevent the spread of disease and promote animal and human health. The use of advanced technology to monitor ecological changes and the importance of involving local communities in conservation efforts are emphasized. By integrating scientific research with public health measures and community engagement, this project aims to create sustainable solutions to protect biodiversity and public health. This is crucial for maintaining the ecosystem balance and ensuring the health of wildlife and nearby human populations.
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Environmental changes in the Brazilian Pantanal and Cerrado facilitate the spread of parasitic diseases in wildlife, with significant implications for public health owing to their zoonotic potential. This study aimed to examine the occurrence and diversity of gastrointestinal parasites in wild felids within these regions to assess their ecological and health impacts. We collected and analyzed helminth-positive samples from 27 wild felids using specific taxonomic keys. Diverse parasitic taxa were detected, including zoonotic helminths, such as Ancylostoma braziliense, Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma pluridentatum, Toxocara cati, Toxocara canis, Dipylidium caninum, Taenia spp., Echinococcus spp., and Spirometra spp. Other nematodes, such as Physaloptera praeputialis and Physaloptera anomala, were identified, along with acanthocephalans from the genus Oncicola and a trematode, Neodiplostomum spp. (potentially the first record of this parasite in wild felids in the Americas). Human encroachment into natural habitats has profound effects on wild populations, influencing parasitic infection rates and patterns. This study underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and research on parasitic infections as a means of safeguarding both wildlife and human populations and highlights the role of wild felids as bioindicators of environmental health.
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MDPI
Citation
MORAES, Iago de Sá et al. Gastrointestinal helminths in wild felids in the Cerrado and Pantanal: zoonotic bioindicators in important brazilian biomes. Animals, v. 14, n. 11, p. 1-23, 30 May 2024.DOI
10.3390/ani14111622ISSN
2076-2615Notes
Produção científica do Laboratório de Biologia e Parasitologia de Mamíferos Silvestres Reservatórios.Simple Summary: Wildlife in the Pantanal and Cerrado regions of Brazil face increasing threats, such as deforestation, urbanization, and road construction, which disrupt their natural habitats and increase the risk of diseases, including those that can spread to humans. The aim of this study was to characterize parasites affecting wild felids (large cats) in these areas, focusing on interactions among parasites, hosts, and the environment. The results provide a basis for the development of strategies to prevent the spread of disease and promote animal and human health. The use of advanced technology to monitor ecological changes and the importance of involving local communities in conservation efforts are emphasized. By integrating scientific research with public health measures and community engagement, this project aims to create sustainable solutions to protect biodiversity and public health. This is crucial for maintaining the ecosystem balance and ensuring the health of wildlife and nearby human populations.
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