First report of parasitism by Hexametra boddaertii (Nematoda: Ascaridae) in Oxyrhopus guibei (Serpentes: Colubridae)

Abstract

The current study summarizes the postmortem examination of a specimen of Oxyrhopus guibei (Serpentes, Colubridae) collected in Iguazu National Park (Argentina), and found deceased a week following arrival to the serpentarium of the National Institute of Tropical Medicine (Argentina). Although the snake appeared to be in good health, a necropsy performed following its death identified the presence of a large number of roundworms in the coelomic cavity, with indications of peritonitis and serosal adherence. Additional observations from the necropsy revealed small calcifications in the mesothelium of the coelomic cavity; solid and expressive content in the gallbladder; massive gastrointestinal obstruction due to nematodes; and lung edema and congestion. Histopathological analyses of lung sections also showed proliferative heterophilic and histiocytic pneumonia. Parasites isolated from both the intestine and coelomic cavity were identified as Hexametra boddaertii by a combination of light and scanning electron microscopic examination. Results from this necropsy identify O. guibei as a new host for H. boddaertii, and is the first report of a natural infection by Hexametra in Argentina. Since Hexametra parasites may contribute to several pathological conditions in humans, and with the recent availability of O. guibei specimens through the illegal pet trade, it is necessary to consider the possibility of zoonotic helminth transmission of Hexametra from snake to human.

Parasitic Fauna of Captive Snakes (Serpentes, Colubridae) from Northeastern Argentina

“…Coinciding with Melgarejo-Giménez (2006), we also found that rhabdiasid nematodes are the most frequent among them. Furthermore, we identified Erythrolamprus aesculapii as a new host for Hexametra boddaertii, highlighting the possibility of zoonotic transmission of this helminth from snake to human (Peichoto et al, 2016). In fact, this nematode genus was previously reported in cases of ocular and visceral larva migrans in humans (Goodart et al, 1985; Bowman, 1987).…”

Natural history bycatch: a pipeline for identifying metagenomic sequences in RADseq data

“…We also retrieve sequences from Platyhelminthes, Nematoda, and Apicomplexa. All three phyla are known gut community members ( De Chambrier & De Chambrier, 2010 ; Molnár et al, 2012 ; Peichoto et al, 2016 ). In addition to the phyla common to all four samples, we find taxa specific to individual hosts.…”

Infection ofHexametra angusticaecoidesChabaud & Brygoo, 1960 (Nematoda: Ascarididae) in a population of captive crested geckoes,Correlophus ciliatusGuichenot (Reptilia: Diplodactylidae)

“…Despite the common occurrence of Hexametra in lizards and snakes, there are few reports of associated mortality (Jacobson, 2007). An infection of Hexametra boddaertii (Baird, 1860) was found in a wild-caught snake in Argentina; the snake died after a few days despite being in apparent good health (Peichoto et al ., 2016). Over 100 nematodes were collected from the coelomic cavity (smaller worms) and the intestinal tract (larger worms); initial fecal examination had shown a heavy infection with ascaridoids but attempts to de-worm the snake were unsuccessful (Peichoto et al ., 2016).…”