Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in a natural population of capybaras Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris in Esteros del Iberá (Argentina)

CORRIALE, MARÍA JOSÉ; MILANO, ALICIA MF; GÓMEZ, MUÑOZ MARÍA DE LOS A; HERRERA, EMILIO

Revista Ibero-Latinoamericana de Parasitología

Sociedad Española de Parasitología y Organo Oficial de la Federación Latinoamericana de Parasitólogos

Lugar: Santiago; Año: 2011 vol. 70 p. 189 - 196

0718-8730

A study was conducted to determine the presence and prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in a capybara population in the Esteros del Iberá, in relation to age classes and seasons from February 2007 to September 2008. For this study, 200 fresh fecal samples were randomly collected (50 fecal samples in each season) and were classified according to their size into age groups (infants, juveniles and adults). The samples were concentrated using two methods: Willis flotation and modified Telemann sedimentation. Seven species of helminth and three species of protozoans were identified. The study showed that the overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 70.9%. Strongyles and Eimeria were the most prevalent parasites encountered in the area. The global prevalence, polyparasitims and infection with protozoans were higher in the spring than in any other season. We found greater polyparasitism in young animals, however the global prevalence were similar among the different age groups. Moreover same species were only present in certain age groups. The environmental conditions during the spring would favour the development and survival of the pre-parasitic forms in the environment, which implies a greater probability of host infection, especially in the more susceptible groups such as juveniles and infants.