Protozoa and protozoal infections in chelonians

Bardi, E.; Noviello, Emilio; Hofmannová, Lada

doi:10.1053/j.jepm.2019.06.006

Cited by 12 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 60 publications

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“…does not cause significant disease in their hosts, but due to a higher intensity of infection, the hosts may develop clinical diseases and Eimeria sp. can contribute to worsening the condition of ill or debilitated animals (McGuire et al, 2013;Bardi et al, 2019). Our results showed that the intensity of infection by oxyurid eggs differed significantly between localities, with higher intensity in SKF compared to CJM.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 62%

Prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal parasites in the vulnerable spur-thighed tortoise (<em>Testudo graeca</em>) from the central-western of Morocco

Mouden

Laghzaoui

Amahmid

et al. 2021

bah

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This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal parasites in wild Testudo graeca tortoises in Morocco. A total of 102 tortoises sampled in two arid areas: Central Jbilets Mountains (CJM) and Sidi Kaouki Forest (SKF) were macroscopically examined and subjected to qualitative (flotation and Baermann techniques) and quantitative (McMaster technique) microscopic examinations. The identified gastrointestinal parasites belong to two nematode families (Pharyngodonidae and Ascarididae) and three protozoa families (Balantidiidae, Eimeriidae and Entamoebidae). 92.1% of tortoises were determined to harbor one or more parasite types. Oxyurid adults were the most frequently encountered with a prevalence of 22.7% and 72.4% in CJM and SKF, respectively. Nematode eggs were found in almost all individuals of both populations studied. The prevalence of protozoa was 9.1% and 3.4% in CJM and SKF, respectively. Oxyurid adults showed the highest intensity in SKF (36.5 ± 30.2) whereas, ascarid adults are absent in CJM. Statistical analysis showed that the prevalence of infection by ascarids was significantly higher in adults than in juveniles. The intensity of infection by ascarid and oxyurid eggs differed significantly between sexes and localities, respectively. Our results showed a difference of infection between the two localities, which could be in relation with habitat quality. SKF is affected by both agriculture and overgrazing. In addition, the tortoises from this locality are active for a large part of the year, which increases their chance of encountering the parasites.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 62%

Prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal parasites in the vulnerable spur-thighed tortoise (<em>Testudo graeca</em>) from the central-western of Morocco

Mouden

Laghzaoui

Amahmid

et al. 2021

bah

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“…Morphologically, they are small (2.5-4 µm) vacuole-shaped intraerythrocytic parasites with chromatin granules associated (Halla et al 2014, Picelli et al 2016. These morphological features mislead many authors to identify Sauroplasmalike inclusions as Chelonoplasma, Nuttalia or Pirhemocyton (Bardi et al 2019). They can also be overlooked as artefacts or bacterial and viral infections (Telford 2009).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Under the light: high prevalence of haemoparasites in lizards (Reptilia: Squamata) from Central Amazonia revealed by microscopy

Picelli

Ramires

Masseli

et al. 2020

An. Acad. Bras. Ciênc.

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Blood samples from 330 lizards of 19 species were collected to investigate the occurrence of haemoparasites. Samplings were performed in areas of upland (terrafi rme) forest adjacent to Manaus municipality, Amazonas, Brazil. Blood parasites were detected in 220 (66%) lizards of 12 species and comprised four major groups: Apicomplexa (including haemogregarines, piroplasms, and haemosporidians), trypanosomatids, microfi larid nematodes and viral or bacterial organisms. Order Haemosporida had the highest prevalence, with 118 (35%) animals from 11 species. For lizard species, Uranoscodon superciliosus was the most parasitised host, with 103 (87%; n = 118) positive individuals. This species also presented the highest parasite diversity, with the occurrence of six taxa. Despite the diffi culties attributed by many authors regarding the use of morphological characters for taxonomic resolution of haemoparasites, our lowcost approach using light microscopy recorded a high prevalence and diversity of blood parasite taxa in a relatively small number of host species. This report is the fi rst survey of haemoparasites in lizards in the study region. It revealed a high diversity of lizard haemoparasites and highlights the need to understand their impacts on hosts.

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“…The diagnosis of amebiasis was based on the epidemiological, clinical and anatomopathological findings. Amebiasis is a well-recognized disease that usually is diagnosed post-mortem in numerous species of reptiles [1]. Unfortunately, there are no scientific articles describing these cases in Brazil.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…There are two stages: the cyst, which is the quiescent infective stage; and the trophozoite, which represents the active form. Infection occurs by the ingestion of contaminated food or water containing the cystic form [1]. Trophozoites reside in the intestinal lumen and may invade the intestinal wall and occasionally spreads to other organs, mainly the liver [12].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Episodes characterized by high mortality attributed to E. invadens are reported in red-footed tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonaria) [11] and leopard tortoises (Geochelone pardalis) [17], while similar cases with detection of Entamoeba spp. were reported in gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus), yellow-footed tortoises (Geochelone denticulate), African spurred tortoises (Geochelone sulcate), loggerhead flat-backed spider tortoises (Pyxis planicauda), musk turtles (Sternotherus minor), wood turtles (Clemmys insculpta), green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) and loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) [1]. Therefore, the aim of this manuscript is to report a case of amebiasis in a backyard red-foot tortoise in northeastern Brazil.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Amebiasis in a Backyard Red-Foot Tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonaria)

Souto

Campos

Miranda

et al. 2020

Acta Scientiae. Vet.

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Background: Amebiasis is a parasitic infection caused by obligate or facultative amoeboid protozoans, as well as free-living forms. The genus Entamoeba includes both pathogenic and commensal species that can affect humans and animals. Entamoeba histolytica is the most important species associated with intestinal and extraintestinal infections in humans, while Entamoeba invadens is considered the most common and serious pathogen to many reptile species, including lizards, snakes and crocodilians. The aim of this manuscript is to report a case of amebiasis in a backyard red-foot tortoise in northeastern Brazil.Case: A 10-month-old male red-foot tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonaria) was presented at the Animal Pathology Laboratory of the Veterinary Hospital of Federal University of Campina Grande for necropsy with a 1-week history of anorexia, apathy, and reluctance to move. According to the owner, the animal suffered from heat stress in the backyard, where it was housed with another male red-foot tortoise. At post-mortem examination, there were approximately 1 mL of yellowish viscous transudate in the coelomic cavity. The liver was large, with rounded edges and multifocal to coalescing yellowish areas in the subcapsular surface. When cut, the parenchyma was more friable and yellowish. At the opening of the small intestine, the mucosa was thickened, reddened, and contained many variably sized, dark red ulcers with depressed and hemorrhagic centers. Histopathology of the liver reveals diffuse macro and microvacuolar degeneration of the hepatocyte cytoplasm, often displacing the nucleus peripherally (fatty degeneration). There were extensive and multifocal areas of necrosis characterized by shrunken, hypereosinophilic and pyknotic hepatocytes. Amebic trophozoites were seen through the areas of necrosis and degeneration and the morphological features were suggestive of the genus Entamoeba. In the portal triads and slightly extending to the sinusoidal spaces, there is a moderate inflammatory infiltrate of macrophages, lymphocytes, plasma cells and rare heterophils. There were amebic trophozoites and thrombi in hepatic vessels, and mild intracanalicular cholestasis. The small intestine contained areas of transmural necrosis and ulceration associated with inflammatory infiltrate of macrophages, lymphocytes and plasma cells. The ulcers were covered by a thick fibrinonecrotic exudate mixed with a varying number of heterophils and macrophages. The submucosa contained hemorrhage and edema. Similar amebic trophozoites were found within the mucosa and submucosa, and also detected in the lumens of blood vessels at the submucosa. The amebic trophozoites, seen in the liver and intestine, were intensely Periodic acid–Schiff positive.Discussion: The diagnosis of amebiasis was based on the epidemiological, clinical and anatomopathological findings. Amebiasis is a well-recognized disease that usually is diagnosed post-mortem in numerous species of reptiles. Unfortunately, there are no scientific articles describing these cases in Brazil. In reptiles, the major pathogenic specie is Entamoeba invadens, while several other species are considered non-pathogenic, such as E. barreti, E. insolita, E. terrapinae, E. ctenosaurae, and E. knowlesi, among others. Although cultivation of E. invadens was not undertaken, the anatomopathological findings and the morphological appearance of the agent is highly suggestive of infection with this organism. In conclusion, amebiasis is a severe infectious disease that can affect young red-footed tortoises under adverse environmental conditions. Clinical signs are nonspecific and may be difficult to identify. The diagnosis is usually made post-mortem by anatomopathological findings and the morphological appearance of the agent.

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Protozoa and protozoal infections in chelonians

Cited by 12 publications

References 60 publications

Prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal parasites in the vulnerable spur-thighed tortoise (<em>Testudo graeca</em>) from the central-western of Morocco

Prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal parasites in the vulnerable spur-thighed tortoise (<em>Testudo graeca</em>) from the central-western of Morocco

Under the light: high prevalence of haemoparasites in lizards (Reptilia: Squamata) from Central Amazonia revealed by microscopy

Amebiasis in a Backyard Red-Foot Tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonaria)

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