Infections by Cryptosporidium spp. in aquatic mammals is a major concern due to the possibility of the waterborne transmission of oocysts. The aim of the present study was to report the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. in Antillean manatees (Trichechus manatus) and Amazonian manatees (Trichechus inunguis) from Brazil. Fecal samples were collected and processed using Kinyoun's method. Positive samples were also submitted to the direct immunofluorescence test. The results revealed the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts in 12.5% (17/136) of the material obtained from the Antillean manatees and in 4.3% (05/115) of the samples from the Amazonian manatees. Cryptosporidium spp. infection was more prevalent in captive animals than in free-ranging specimens.
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1 December 2011
Occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. in Antillean Manatees (Trichechus manatus) and Amazonian Manatees (Trichechus inunguis) from Brazil
João Carlos Gomes Borges,
Leucio Câmara Alves,
Maria Aparecida da Gloria Faustino,
Miriam Marmontel
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coccidian
diagnosis
sirenians
Trichechus inunguis
Trichechus manatus
zoonosis