Contribución al estudio de las parasitosis que afectan a los colúbridos en cautiverio: posible correlación con las propiedades de sus venenos
Data
2019-08-05
Autores
Bustos, Mária Lucía
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Resumo
Actualmente muchas especies de colúbridos son mantenidas en cautiverio para la extracción periódica de veneno y su posterior estudio; en estas condiciones, son frecuentes las enfermedades provocadas por el estrés, y la morbi-mortalidad suele ser elevada. A pesar de la diversidad de parásitos descriptos en ofidios, lo cierto es que la información sobre parásitos afectando a colúbridos aún es escasa. Así, este trabajo tuvo la intención de determinar la frecuencia y diversidad de parásitos afectando a colúbridos mantenidos en dos serpentarios de Argentina. Para tal fin se evaluaron, mediante examen clínico y análisis coproparasitológico seriado, 30 especímenes en total durante los primeros 90 días de cautiverio de cada uno de ellos, obteniéndose un 83% de animales positivos a parasitosis (considerando endoparásitos y ectoparásitos). Algunos parásitos fueron identificados a nivel de especie mediante su observación con microscopio óptico y/o microscopio electrónico de barrido. En los casos en los que se produjo la muerte de los ejemplares se realizó necropsia y análisis histopatológico de muestras de tejidos para determinar su causa y observar las lesiones a nivel sistémico posiblemente derivadas de la acción parasitaria. Además, se investigó la afectación estructural de la Glándula de Duvernoy causada por rabdítidos, y la posible consecuencia en su producto de secreción (veneno). En conjunto, este trabajo aporta información relevante en cuanto a la prevalencia y diversidad de parásitos que afectan a colúbridos de la región nordeste de Argentina, así como también a las posibles consecuencias que estas infestaciones pueden tener sobre su estado sanitario en general, y en particular, sobre la estructura/función de su aparato venenoso.
Nowadays, many species of colubrid snakes are kept in captivity in order to be submitted periodically to venom extraction procedures and later studies; in these conditions, pathological events associated with stress are very common, and morbidity and mortality are often high in frequency. Despite the diversity of parasites described in ophidians, there are few reports about the parasite fauna in colubrids. This study addresses the frequency and diversity of parasites found in this group of snakes admitted to captivity in two serpentariums from Argentina. A total of 30 colubrid specimens were analyzed – by clinical examination and serial coproparasitological surveys - during their first 90 days of being in captivity. Twenty-five specimens (83%) were found to be positive for the presence of parasites (endoparasites and ectoparasites). Some parasites were identified to species level through optical and scanning electron microscopy observation. In cases of death, specimens were necropsied and histopathological exams were performed to determine its cause(s). In addition, we revealed some systemic lesions induced by endoparasites in colubrids, showing for the first time rhabitid-induced lesions in the Duvernoy’s gland, as well as possible alterations caused by this taxon on venom features. Thus, this study contributes with useful information about the prevalence and diversity of parasites that affect colubrids from northeastern Argentina, and the consequences of these infestations on their health status and the structure/function of their venom system
Nowadays, many species of colubrid snakes are kept in captivity in order to be submitted periodically to venom extraction procedures and later studies; in these conditions, pathological events associated with stress are very common, and morbidity and mortality are often high in frequency. Despite the diversity of parasites described in ophidians, there are few reports about the parasite fauna in colubrids. This study addresses the frequency and diversity of parasites found in this group of snakes admitted to captivity in two serpentariums from Argentina. A total of 30 colubrid specimens were analyzed – by clinical examination and serial coproparasitological surveys - during their first 90 days of being in captivity. Twenty-five specimens (83%) were found to be positive for the presence of parasites (endoparasites and ectoparasites). Some parasites were identified to species level through optical and scanning electron microscopy observation. In cases of death, specimens were necropsied and histopathological exams were performed to determine its cause(s). In addition, we revealed some systemic lesions induced by endoparasites in colubrids, showing for the first time rhabitid-induced lesions in the Duvernoy’s gland, as well as possible alterations caused by this taxon on venom features. Thus, this study contributes with useful information about the prevalence and diversity of parasites that affect colubrids from northeastern Argentina, and the consequences of these infestations on their health status and the structure/function of their venom system
Abstract
Descrição
Dissertação de mestrado apresentada ao Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências, do Instituto Latino-Americano de Ciências da Vida e da Natureza, da Universidade Federal da
Integração Latino-Americana, como requisito parcial à obtenção do título de Mestre em Ciências. Orientador: Prof. Dra. María Elisa Peichoto e Coorientador: Prof. Dra. Gladys Pamela Teibler
Palavras-chave
Cobras - Cativeiro, Colubridae, Parasitos, Veneno
Citação
BUSTOS, María Lucía. Contribución al estudio de las parasitosis que afectan a los colúbridos en cautiverio: posible correlación con las propiedades de sus
venenos. 2019. 106 p. Disertación de maestría (Programa de Pos-Graduación en Biociencias) – Universidad Federal de Integración Latinoamericana, Foz do Iguaçu, 2019