Uncinaria hamitltoni (Nematoda, Ancylostomatidae) in South American Sea Lions, Otaria flavescens, from Patagonia.

BERON VERA, B.; CRESPO, E. A.; RAGA, J. A.; PEDRAZA, S. N.

JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY

Allen Press

Lugar: Kansas; Año: 2004 vol. 90 p. 860 - 863

0022-3395

Thirty one South American sea lion pups (Otaria flavescens) found dead in Punta León, Argentina, during summer 2002 were examined for the first time for hookworms (Uncinaria sp.). Traditional breeding areas and new breeding areas (with younger animals and a lax social structure) can be found there. Prevalence of hookworms was 50%; no difference was observed in prevalence between pup sexes (p>0.05). Hookworms were aggregated in the small intestine. Transmammary transmission is assumed as only adult hookworms were found. Mean intensity of hookworms per pups was 135; mean intensity in females (230.25) was significantly different (p<0.05) from males (92.78). No difference (p>0.05) in prevalence and intensity was found between the two breeding areas. No apparent trend between body condition and intensity of hookworms was observed. Uncinariosis may be considered as a potential mortality factor in South American sea lions in northern Patagonia.