High parasitism by Primasubulura jacchi (Ascaridida: Subuluridae) and infestation of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (Acari: Ixodidae) in Callithrix jacchus (Primates: Callitrichidae) in Northeastern Brazil

Abstract

The common marmoset ( Callithrix jacchus ) is a neotropical primate widely distributed in Brazil and frequently associated with urban and peri-urban environments, a condition that favors exposure to different parasites. The present study aimed to report the occurrence of Primasubulura jacchi and to document the first record of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato parasitizing C. jacchus in Northeastern Brazil. A debilitated female C. jacchus was rescued in a peri-urban area of the municipality of Garanhuns, Pernambuco, and referred to the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of the Agreste of Pernambuco for clinical evaluation. Due to the severe clinical condition, the animal was euthanized. During necropsy, a fecal sample was collected directly from the rectum and analysed through egg flotation technique. Main macroscopic findings included extensive cutaneous lesions on the left thoracic and pelvic limbs, intense tick infestation and intestinal parasitism by nematodes. Ticks were morphologically identified as Rh. sanguineus s.l., whereas adult nematodes and eggs were identified as P. jacchi . This study expands the knowledge of the parasitic fauna associated with C. jacchus in Northeastern Brazil and reinforces the importance of health monitoring of primates in anthropized environments.

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