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

CORRIALE M.J.; MILANO A.M.F.; GÓMEZ MUÑOZ M.A.; HERRERA E.A.

Revista Ibero-Latinoamericana de Parasitología

Revista Ibero-Latinoamericana de Parasitología

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 Ibera, in relation to age classes and season 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%. Strongyloides 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 any other season (p=0.035; p< 0.001 and p< 0.001, respectively). We found greater polyparasitims in young animals (p= 0.036), however the global prevalence were similar among the differents age groups. Moreover same species were only present in certain age groups. The enviromental conditions during the spring would favour the development and survival of the pre-parasitic forms in the enviroment, wich implies a greater probability of host infection, specially in the more susceptible groups such as juveniles and infants.