학술논문
Molecular confirmation of Fasciola hepatica infection in capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) from the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil
Document Type
other
Author
Source
Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia Veterinária. January 2021 30(2)
Subject
Language
English
ISSN
1984-2961
Abstract
Sixty-two fecal samples of capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) living in eight conservation units (CUs) across the state of Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil, were assessed for the presence of eggs of liver flukes via sedimentation. Fasciola hepatica eggs were found in 37.1% (23/62) of the samples. Positive samples were found in six CUs (75%), three CUs located in the southern region of the state and three others in the metropolitan region of the capital city of Vitória. Identification of Fasciola hepatica eggs collected from capybara fecal samples were based on morphology, and confirmed using molecular methods. Our results suggest that capybaras may serve as a wild reservoir host for F. hepatica, possibly contributing to the epidemiology and geographic range expansion of this zoonotic parasite across its vast range of distribution in South America.