Detection of hemoparasites of the genus Hepatozoon parasitizing mites of the order mesostigmata and snakes received or housed in the Instituto Butantan

• Grant number: 17/12910-2
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): September 01, 2017
• Effective date (End): August 31, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Preventive Veterinary Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Valeria Castilho Onofrio
• Grantee: Stephany Rocha Ribeiro
• Home Institution: Universidade de Santo Amaro (UNISA). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Mesostigmata mites are hematophagous parasites belonging to the Superorder Parasitiformes, which can parasitize a variety of hosts, including snakes. This order is distributed throughout the world and mainly affects snakes kept in captivity. They may also parasitize other reptiles, especially saurians, and there are records of bites in human. The Macronyssidae family within this order has been identified as the vector of different diseases caused by bacteria, protozoa, nematodes and even viral diseases. However, little is known about the pathogen-vector relationship and transmission mechanisms. On the other hand, infestation with this type of mite is associated with clinical signs such as anemia, dehydration, severe depression and pruritus, inflammation and edema at the site of the bite. The present study aims to investigate the presence of mites of the order Mesostigmata and pathogens of the genus Hepatozoon in snakes at the Butantan Institute, as well as if the mites found are infected and their role as vectors of this protozoan. The snakes recently captured and delivered at the reception of venomous animals, as well as those kept in the different vivariums of this same institution, will be searched for mites, besides blood and tissue samples will be collected from these hosts. All the material collected will be tested, by means of PCR, for the presence of hemoparasites of the genus Hepatozoon. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

MENDOZA-ROLDAN, JAIRO ALFONSO; RIBEIRO, STEPHANY ROCHA; CASTILHO-ONOFRIO, VALERIA; MARCILI, ARLEI; SIMONATO, BRUNA BORGHI; LATROFA, MARIA STEFANIA; BENELLI, GIOVANNI; OTRANTO, DOMENICO; BARROS-BATTESTI, DARCI MORAES. Molecular detection of vector-borne agents in ectoparasites and reptiles from Brazil. TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES, v. 12, n. 1 JAN 2021. Web of Science Citations: 0.

MENDOZA-ROLDAN, JAIRO; RIBEIRO, STEPHANY ROCHA; CASTILHO-ONOFRIO, VALERIA; GRAZZIOTIN, FELIPE GOBBI; ROCHA, BRUNO; FERRETO-FIORILLO, BRUNO; PEREIRA, JOSIVANIA SOARES; BENELLI, GIOVANNI; OTRANTO, DOMENICO; BARROS-BATTESTI, DARCI MORAES. Mites and ticks of reptiles and amphibians in Brazil. Acta Tropica, v. 208, AUG 2020. Web of Science Citations: 1.