Multiparasitism in a wild cat (Leopardus colocolo) (Carnivora: Felidae) in southern Brazil

Multiparasitismo em um felino silvestre (Leopardus colocolo) (Carnivora: Felidae) no Sul do Brasil

Abstract

Parasitic diseases reflect the health and balance of ecosystems, affecting not only individuals but also entire populations or communities. The aim of this study was to report on the diversity of parasitic helminths detected in the feces of a wild feline in southern Brazil. Parasites were obtained from fecal samples, and four techniques were used for parasitological examination: direct examination, centrifugal flotation with zinc sulfate (Faust technique), simple sedimentation (Hoffman technique) and Baermann-Moraes. The parasites were identified through micrometry and morphology, as follows: Ancylostoma sp., Toxocara sp., Trichuridae, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Alaria sp., and Spirometra sp. We recorded the genus Ancylostoma parasitizing L. colocolo for the first time.

Keywords:
Helminth; Ancylostoma sp.; felines; pampas cat