ANÁLISE DE COPROCULTURA PARA IDENTIFICAÇÃO DE LARVAS DE STRONGYLUS SPP. EM HYDROCHOERUS HYDROCHAERIS

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.6872413054

• Palavras-chave: Capivara. Parasitologia. Nematoide. Verminose. Animais Selvagens.

• Keywords: Capybara. Parasitology. Nematode. Helminthiasis. Wild Animals.

• Abstract: Capybaras (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris) are widely distributed animals in South and Central America, being semi-aquatic mammals. Due to their sociable nature and transit behavior, these animals are susceptible to carrying and transmitting various parasites, including nematodes, cestodes, and trematodes. The coproculture technique, performed by cultivating the feces of the study animal to hatch parasite eggs and obtain their larvae (L2), plays a crucial role in identifying larvae of these parasites. In the case of the nematode Strongylus spp., analysis is conducted using a microscope, starting with a 10x objective and then switching to a 40x lens for a more detailed identification of larval structures. A distinctive characteristic of this parasite is the absence of a sheath on the tail of the larvae. Additionally, these larvae have an average size ranging from 570 to 700 µm, and their esophagus represents approximately one-third of their total length, classified as relatively short compared to other species. This study identified the presence of Strongylus spp. parasites in free-living capybaras in the city of Maringá, Paraná state, through coproculture analysis. However, further research is needed to understand the incidence of these parasites in these animal populations and determine appropriate treatments if necessary. This investigation is crucial for preserving the health of capybaras and contributing to the conservation of these animals in the region.