In total, 29 specimens of Anatolian banded newt, Ommatotriton nesterovi, and 43 specimens of Caucasian banded newt, Ommatotriton ophryticus, collected from 5 provinces in Türkiye between 2006 and 2023 were examined for helminths. The collection yielded 3 species of Nematoda (Megalobatrachonema terdentatum, Oxysomatium brevicaudatum, and Amphibiocapillaria tritonispunctati) in O. nesterovi and 1 species of Digenea (Brachycoelium salamandrae) and 3 species of Nematoda (M. terdentatum, Neoxysomatium caucasicum, and Aplectana sp.) in O. ophryticus. This study provides the first helminthological research on salamander species O. nesterovi and O. ophryticus in Türkiye, along with initial host records for several helminth species, and establishes a new locality record for N. caucasicum.
The diversity of ectoparasites and their relationships with hosts in the fragmented landscape of central Brazil is still poorly understood. This study investigated the ectoparasite communities of mesostigmata mites, ticks, and fleas associated with non-volant small mammals in southern Goi & aacute;s, Brazil. From January 2020 to May 2022, 10 quarterly field campaigns were conducted, with each lasting from 5 to 7 nights. The captured small mammals were screened for ectoparasites. Order Mesostigmata (n = 8 species) was the predominate group of parasites found on the small mammals, while Siphonaptera (n = 2 species) was found only on Gracilinanus agilis. Gigantolaelaps wolffsohni (n = 80 individuals) was the most frequently found parasitic species, occurring on 1 marsupial (Didelphis albiventris) and 3 rodent species (Calomys tener, Hylaeamys megacephalus, and Oecomys cleberi). This study addresses a knowledge gap by documenting the ectoparasite fauna associated with nonvolant small mammals in a fragmented portion of the Cerrado in central Brazil. Knowing the identity of these ectoparasites is essential to understanding species distribution and richness patterns, especially in an anthropogenically altered ecosystems.
Examination of the feces of a star-nosed mole, Condylura cristata, collected from Wisconsin, for coccidian parasites yielded oocysts of Isospora condylurae Duszynski, 1989. Oocysts were mostly ellipsoidal and measured 17.1 x 9.3 mu m (length [L] 3 width [W]) with a L/W ratio of 1.9, and typically 1 polar granule was present. Sporocysts were ellipsoidal and measured 11.4 x 5.7 mu m with a L/W ratio of 2.0; a knoblike Stieda body and trapezoidal sub-Stieda body were present as well as a sporocyst residuum composed of various-sized granules dispersed between the sporozoites or in a compact mass. New photomicrographs are provided for the coccidian, which represents only the second time the species has been reported in 35 yr. We document a new geographic distribution for I. condylurae. We also provide a summary of the 8 isosporans of North American moles.
Cryptosporidium serpentis (Apicomplexa: Cryptosporidiidae) was molecularly detected from cloacal swabs of 3 water snake species, including Nerodia erythrogaster, Nerodia rhombifer, and the state threatened Nerodia harteri, collected from 7 artificial reservoirs along the Brazos and Colorado rivers. While no effects to behavior and body condition were visible in positive individuals at the time of capture, previous studies have shown the potential of infection by Cryptosporidium serpentis to cause chronic gastrointestinal disease. Future studies should aim to increase understanding of the threat Cryptosporidium serpentis poses to water snakes and wildlife conservation.
