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This paper records the first occurrence of Epistylis sp. on the body surface of Argulus sp. parasitizing Hoplias aimara from the upper Araguari River, in the eastern Amazon region, in the north of Brazil. Of the 16 specimens of H. aimara examined, 93.7% had their pelvic, caudal and pectoral fins and tegument infested by Argulus sp. (n = 73), which in turn were infested by Epistylis sp. The specimens of Epistylis sp. from the body surface of Argulus sp. were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The present study also identified a widening of the geographic distribution of these two species of ectoparasites to the eastern Amazon region of Brazil.

This study investigated the parasite communities of wild Acestrorhynchus falcatus and Acestrorhynchus falcirostris populations living in sympatry in Brazilian Amazon. In these two hosts, a total of 12 parasite species e 1-9 parasite species were found per fish, and 10 of these species are metazoans. Eight species of parasites were common to both host species and four of them exhibited differences in abundance and/or prevalence. Parasite communities of the hosts were taxonomically similar (83%) and composed of both ectoparasites and endoparasites, and characterized by high prevalence and high abundance of endoparasites and an aggregated dispersion pattern. For A. falcirostris, the dominant parasite was Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, and for A. falcatus, it was Piscinoodinium pillulare. Shannon diversity and Berger-Parker dominance were similar for both hosts, while the parasites species richness and evenness showed differences influenced by the ectoparasites species. These two populations of hosts that inhabited the same geographical area had different sizes, but were exposed to the same infective stages, and acquired qualitatively and quantitatively similar endoparasites community, thus indicating that the amounts and types of prey congeneric that they were eating were similar. Therefore, the overlap in the same occurrence area play an important role in the parasite communities to these phylogenetically related hosts.

The purpuse of this study was to investigated the influence of anthropogenic impacts on Podocnemis unifilis nesting on a stretch from Falsino river, with two forest reserves, and one urban area on the Araguari river, state of Amapá, eastern Amazon (Brazil). A total of 180 nests were found, being 89.4 % in the forest reserves and only 10.6 % in urban areas. On Falsino river, we observed a spawning pattern, because the number of nests was correlated to the length and width of the nesting locations. On Araguari river, the P. unifilis nests were generally found in areas with surrounding vegetation up to 5 meters in height, minimum distance of 120 meters from residences and immediately or after places of higher exploration of pebbles. Females from Falsino river had smaller eggs, but the neonates were bigger and with higher body condition index than the neonates from Araguari river. About 80 % of the nests were prey, mostly because of the large collection of eggs for feeding. Furthermore, it was found that adult turtle hunting has been intense. Although one of the areas is in forest reserves, the human impacts were similar to those caused in urban areas, indicating the need to implement protection programs for the conservation of P. unifilis.

This study compared the parasite communities of Hoplias malabaricus and Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus from Amazon river system. Hoplias malabaricus were infected by Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Piscinoodinium pillulare, Tetrahymena sp., Urocleidoides eremitus, Braga patagonica, metacercariae of Clinostomum marginatum, Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus, larvae of Contracaecum sp. and larvae of Nomimoscolex matogrossensis. Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus were also infected by these same species of protozoans, nematodes, digeneans and cestodes, except for Tetrahymena sp. and B. patagonica, which were replaced by Argulus pestifer, Urocleidoides sp., Whittingtonocotyle caetei, Whittingtonocotyle jeju and Gorytocephalus spectabilis. For both hosts, I. multifiliis and P. pillulare were the predominant parasites. Most of the parasites presented an overdispersion. Parasite species richness, Brillouin diversity, evenness and Berger-Parker dominance were similar for the two hosts. The length and weight of H. malabaricus showed a positive correlation with the abundance of U. eremitus and Contracaecum sp., while the weight of H. unitaeniatus showed a positive correlation with the abundance of I. multifiliis. The diversity of ectoparasites seemed to be influenced by the behavior of these two hosts. This was shown by the similar parasite communities and was characterized by low species diversity, low evenness and low richness, and by a high prevalence of ectoparasites.

Foi comparada a relação peso-comprimento (RPC) e fator de condição relativo (Kn) de Paracheirodon axelrodi de habitat natural após sua captura e transporte, simulando fielmente algumas etapas do processo de extração de peixes ornamentais amazônicos. Os peixes foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos: habitat natural (pré-transporte) e após a captura e transporte (pós-transporte). Em cada grupo foram medidos a massa corporal (Wt) e comprimentou total (Lt) para determinação da RPC e Kn em 2,528 2 diferentes faixas de tamanho.

The purpose of this study was to use the informations relating to parasite crustaceans species that was published over the course of one century (1913 to 2013), in order to search for infestation and distribution patterns among these ectoparasites in Brazilian freshwater fish species. This search was carried out on 445 samples of 119 host fish of 27 families within the orders Characiformes, Perciformes, Clupeiformes, Mugiliformes, Osteoglossiformes, Symbranchiformes, Tetraodontiformes and Siluriformes from various regions of Brazil. We organized different host-parasite systems into matrices grouping species at different taxonomic and infestation levels and according to host parameters. Five families of parasites (Ergasilidae, Argulidae, Lernaeidae, Lernaeopodidae and Cymothoidae) distributed into 76 species of 27 genera were analyzed in the host samples, which presented dominance of Ergasilidae species, mainly from the genus Ergasilus. Some crustaceans are host and site-specific, especially in relation to fish in particular habitats and lifestyles (e.g. Perulernaea gamitanae, Anphira branchialisand Riggia paranensis), while other parasites frequently have no preference (e.g. Lernaea cyprinaceaand Braga patagonica). We found broadly similar distribution patterns for some crustacean species among the different localities, whereas other species showed well-defined geographical patterns, and these findings were discussed.

Os estudos sobre os parasitos e doenças parasitárias são de grande interesse para a piscicultura, uma vez que podem afetar o crescimento dos peixes. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a fauna parasitária e relação parasito-hospedeiro em Colossoma macropomumx Piaractus brachypomus(tambatinga) de 10 pisciculturas do estado do Amapá, Amazônia. Dos 503 peixes examinados, 63,1% estavam parasitados e 49.299.189 parasitos foram coletados, tais como Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Piscinoodinium pillulare, Trichodinasp., Tetrahymenasp., Anacanthorus spathulatus, Linguadactyloides brinkmanni, Mymarothecium boegeri, Notozothecium janauachensis, Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus)inopinatus, Neoechinorhynchus buttneraee Perulernaea gamitanae. Porém, a dominância foi de I. multifiliis, seguida de P. pillularee monogenoideas, parasitos que apresentaram padrão de dispersão agregado juntamente com P. gamitanae. Houve correlação positiva do comprimento dos hospedeiros com a prevalência parasitária total, bem como do tamanho dos peixes com a abundância de I. multiliis, P. pillulare, monogenoideas e P. gamitanae, mas os níveis infecção não influenciaram o fator de condição relativo dos hospedeiros. A ocorrência de ectoparasitos foi favorecida pelo manejo e pobre condição sanitária das pisciculturas, mas a presença de espécies de endoparasitos foi devido ao abastecimento dos viveiros com água provenientes de corpos de água naturais. Este foi primeiro relato de I. multiliis, P. pillulare, Trichodinasp., Tetrahymenasp., A. spathulatus, N. janauachensis, N. buttneraee P.(S.) inopinatus para tambatinga no Brasil.

We analyzed the infestation levels of Excorallana berbicensis on Acestrorhynchus falcirostris, Ageneiosus ucayalensis, Geophagus proximus, Hemiodus unimaculatus, Psectrogaster falcata and Serrasalmus gibbus in a reservoir in the Araguari River basin, northern Brazil, during the dry and rainy seasons. For P. falcata, the infestation levels due to E. berbicensis were greater during the rainy season. For all the species studied, the peak parasite prevalence was in the month of highest rainfall levels and there were two peaks of parasite abundance: one in the month with highest rainfall level and the other in the month of transition from the rainy season to the dry season. In these hosts, around 70% of the E. berbicensis specimens were collected during the rainy season. The body conditions of the hosts also did not suffer any seasonal influence. Despite the differences in seasonal rainfall levels, there was no fluctuation in transparency, turbidity, pH, electric conductivity, temperature and dissolved oxygen levels in the water, due to the stability of these parameters during the seasonal cycle investigated in this artificial Amazon ecosystem. This was the first report on the seasonality of infestation by E. berbicensis associated with fish.

This study assessed the effectiveness of three anticoagulants in blood parameters of "cururu" stingrays Potamotrygon cf . histrix. Blood from ten individuals were collected and diluted with anticoagulants EDTA 5% and 10%, heparin 2500 and 5000 UI and sodium citrate 3.2%. A blood sample without anticoagulant was also evaluated. The blood of samples without anticoagulant and with sodium citrate 3.2% coagulated in 20% and 30% of the cases, respectively. Clumps of cells were observed during erythrocyte counting in 30% of samples with EDTA 10%, 40% of samples with heparin 2500 IU and 60% of samples with heparin 5000 IU. No alterations were observed on the erythrogram of "cururu" stingrays with different anticoagulants, the values of plasma glucose were similar in all groups and total protein levels were lower in the samples with EDTA 5% and 10%. The use of sodium citrate 3.2% is not recommended for blood sample conservation of Potamotrygon cf . histrix. stingrays, but anticoagulants did not affect the parameters analyzed in the determination of plasma glucose and erythrogram. Therefore , these results indicate that in order to blood coagulation the samples should be collected directly with any of these anticoagulants concentrations.

Este estudo investigou os parâmetros hematológicos de Mylossoma duriventre Cuvier, 1817 da bacia do Rio Solimões, estado do Amazonas, Amazônia central, no Brasil. Variações intraespecíficas foram observadas para os parâmetros investigados, mas o hematócrito foi o parâmetro com menor variação. O número de eritrócitos mostrou correlação altamente positiva com o hematócrito. Nas extensões sanguíneas M. duriventre foram quantificados e caracterizados linfócitos, monócitos, neutrófilos, eosinófilos e leucócitos granular PASpositivo, mas houve predominância de linfócitos e neutrófilos. Tais leucócitos apresentaram características similares a de outras espécies de serrasalmídeos. Porém, foram observadas variações interespecíficas em alguns parâmetros investigados quando comparados a outros Serrasalmidae e Characidae da literatura. Este foi o primeiro estudo sobre parâmetros hematológicos de M. duriventre e os resultados obtidos poderão servir de comparação para outros estudos com esse peixe em outros ambientes.

Este estudo descreve a ocorrência de Ar gulus juparanensis Lemos de Castro, 1950 (Argulidae) na superfície corporal de P otamotrygon constellata, Potamotrygon dumerilii, P otamotrygon motoro, Potamotrygon orbignyi, P otamotrygon scobina e P otamotrygon sp. da foz do Rio Amazonas no Estado do Amapá, Norte do Brasil. Dos 103 espécimes de Potamotrygon spp. examinados, 88,3% (n=91) estavam com a superfície abdominal infestada por A. juparanensis. Este foi o primeiro registro de A. juparanensis para raias da família P otamotrygonidae na foz do rio Amazonas.

The aim of this study was to investigate the parasitic endohelminth fauna of Metynnis hypsauchen from Jari River basin, in Brazilian Amazon. The 30 examined fish were parasitized by one or more species of endoparasites. A total of 4337 parasites were collected including Dadayus pacuensis, Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus, Spinoxyuris oxydoras, Contracaecum sp. and Acanthocephala gen. sp. However, there was a dominance of D. pacuensis followed by S. oxydoras, and all parasites showed an aggregate dispersion. There was positive correlation between the abundance of P. (S.) inopinatus and the length and abundance of D. pacuensis with the weight of the host. The body condition of the hosts was not affected by parasitism. This first study on parasites of M. hypsauchen showed that this fish is an intermediate or definitive host for some species of these parasites.

The aim of the present study was to compare the component parasite communities of the Pterophyllum scalare and Mesonauta acoracichlids in the Amazon River system in northern Brazil. From September to December 2012, 42 specimens of P. scalareand 38 specimens of M. acorawere captured using hand nets and gillnets in the Igarape Fortaleza basin, a tributary of the Amazon River in the state of Amapa. Of the P. scalarespecimens examined, 97.6% were parasitized by Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Tripartiellasp., Trichodina nobilis, Gussevia spiralocirra, Posthodiplostomum sp., Capillaria pterophylli, Ichthyouris sp. and Gorytocephalus spectabilis. Similarly, all specimens of M. acorawere parasitized by I. multifiliis, Tripartiellasp,T. nobilis, Sciadicleithrum joanae, Posthodiplostomum sp., Pseudoproleptus sp., Ichthyouris sp. and G. spectabilis. However, for both hosts the dominance was of I. multifiliisand with an overdispersion of parasites. Parasite communities of P. scalare and M. acorawere similar and only Pseudoproleptussp. and Posthodiplostomum sp. were larvae. Brillouin diversity, parasite species richness and evenness were higher forM. acorathan for P. scalare, which presented a negative correlation of parasite abundance with body size. Both cichlid species had parasite communities characterized by low diversity and low species richness, with a predominance of ectoparasite species and greatest richness of helminth species, with a low abundance of endoparasites. This was the first study on the parasite diversity in wild P. scalareandM. acora.

Foram avaliadas as infestações parasitárias em híbridos tambatinga (Colossoma macropomum e Piaractus brachypomus) criados em tanque-rede no estado do Amapá, norte do Brasil. A boca, opérculos, brânquias e trato gastrointestinal de 50 espécimes foram examinados para coleta de protozoários e metazoários. Dos peixes necropsiados, 60% estavam com as brânquias parasitadas por Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ciliophora), Piscinoodinium pillulare (Dinoflagellida) e Mymarothecium boegeri (Monogenoidea). Houve baixa comunidade parasitária constituída por elevado parasitismo por protozoários e baixo parasitismo por monogenoidea, que ocorreu em 10% dos hospedeiros. Assim, a dominância foi de I. multifiliis e P. pillulare, parasitos que apresentaram dispersão agregada nos hospedeiros. O parasitismo não teve efeito sobre as condições corporais dos hospedeiros, uma vez que o fator de condição relativo (Kn) de peixes parasitados (Kn = 0,999 ± 0,008) e não parasitados (Kn = 1,000 ± 0,018) foi similar, provavelmente devido aos moderados níveis de infestação por ectoparasitos. Este primeiro estudo sobre níveis de infestações parasitárias em híbridos tambatinga do Brasil mostrou uma baixa riqueza de espécies de parasitos.

Predation and alteration of microhabitats may represent high risk for nesting of Amazonian turtles. This study aimed at investigating the nesting and body parameters of neonates of Podocnemis unifilis in the Araguari River basin, State of Amapá, Brazil. The spawning sites of this turtle were monitored along the Falsino River (a region with two reserves) and in the urban area of the Porto Grande city along the Araguari River, from August to December 2011. A total of 180 nests were found and the nesting occurred from September to November, with prevalence in October. Eggs hatching occurred in December. The mean incubation period was 63.5 ± 5.2 days and the eggs hatching success was 25%. However, approximately 80% of the nests had suffered predation mainly by humans, which occurred in both the protected areas of the reserves and the urban area. The pattern of nesting site choice was discussed. Egg size was larger than that previously described for the same turtle species in the other regions. The body condition index of neonates indicated a good use of vitelline reserves. The results indicate the urgent need for strategic actions to conserve and maintain the natural stocks of this relatively vulnerable turtle in the region. Made available in DSpace on 2014-07-22T06:01:15Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 CPAFAP2014Nestingandneonates.pdf: 889017 bytes, checksum: 73003c484add686b5e2f01bf9ac4923d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-07-09

The parasitic fauna of wild Osteoglossum bicirrhosum from central Amazon (Brazil) and wild Astronotus ocellatus from eastern Amazon (Brazil) as well as the host-parasite relationship were evaluated. 87.5% O. bicirrhosum were parasitized only by Gonocleithrum aruanae (Monogenoidea). 92.8% A. ocellatus were parasitized by Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ciliophora), Gussevia asota (Monogenoidea), Posthodiplostomum sp. metacercariae (Diplostomidae), Procamallanus inopinatus adults and Contracaecum larvae (Anisakidae). High levels of infection by G. aruanae occurred in O. bicirrhosum while in A. ocellatus the highest levels of infection were caused by helminthes ectoparasites such as G. asota, and endoparasites such as Posthodiplostomum sp., P. inopinatus and Contracaecum sp. There was a significant (p>0.05) negative correlation between the intensity of helminthes species and the relative condition factor (Kn) from A. ocellatus, indicating that these parasites are pathogenic for hosts. The parasite fauna of O. bicirrhosum was scarce, while the parasites for A. ocellatus were mainly helminthes species, including adults and larval forms. Such differences on parasites fauna of both omnivore hosts may due to their history life as well as environmental and biological factors.

The present study provides the first investigation on the ecological aspects of the parasites M. lippincottianus from the Amazonian basin, as well as the parasite-host relationship. 76 out of the examined fish (98.7%) were parasitized by at least one species of parasites. A total of 8,774 parasites were collected, being Ichthyophthirius multifiliis,Anacanthorus jegui,Dadayius pacupeva, Digenea gen. sp. (metacercariae), Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus)inopinatus, Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) sp., Spinoxyuris oxydoras, Contracaecum sp. larvae, Dolops longicaudaand Hirudinea gen. sp. Ichthyophthirius multifiliiswas the dominant species, followed by A. jegui. Among the endoparasites, S. oxydoras andD. pacupevawere predominant. The mean diversity of parasites was HB = 0.96 ± 0.32 and there was aggregate distribution pattern. A positive correlation of body weight with the abundance of I. multifiliisand S. Oxydoraswas observed, whereas a negative correlation of body weight with abundance of the Contracaecum sp. larvae was found. The relative condition factor (Kn) was not negatively affected by parasites, and a positive correlation between Kn and abundance of I. multifiliis, S. oxydoras andD. pacupevawas found. This study is the first one to record I. multifiliis, D. longicauda and A. jeguiparasitizing M. lippincottianus, as well as the first record of D. pacupeva and S. oxydorasin the Amazonas river system. Made available in DSpace on 2015-02-27T22:06:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 CPAFAP2014EcologyofparasitesofMetynnis.pdf: 246090 bytes, checksum: 500228016c5a93a3ac553bd440059ea1 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-02-24

Os parasitos têm sido reconhecidos como importantes componentes dos ecossistemas. Esses usam o ambiente para a sua transmissão e podem infectar diversas espécies de peixe no ecossistema. O presente estudo investigou a ecologia parasitária em Squaliforma emarginata e Harttia duriventris da bacia Igarapé Fortaleza, região de Macapá, estado do Amapá, Norte do Brasil. Para ambos os peixes houve similar nível de infecção por Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ciliophora), parasito dominante e com dispersão agregada. Spironucleus sp. (Hexamitidae) ocorreu somente nas brânquias de H. duriventris, enquanto Trinigyrus mourei (Monogenoidea) e Procamallanus inopinatus (Camallanidae) foram encontrados somente S. emarginata. O índice de Brillouin, riqueza de espécies de parasitos, uniformidade e dominância de Berger-Parker foram maiores em S. marginata, mas para ambos os hospedeiros a comunidade parasitária foi caracterizada por baixa diversidade e baixa uniformidade. Em H. duriventris e S. emarginata, o baixo parasitismo não afetou o fator de condição relativo (Kn) dos hospedeiros. Em S. emarginata houve correlação positiva da abundância de I. multifiliis com o comprimento, peso e Kn dos hospedeiros, enquanto que em H. druventris somente o peso e Kn mostram correlação com a abundância desse ciliado. Este foi o primeiro registro de I. multifiliis, Spironucleus sp. e P. inopinatus para H. duriventris e S. emarginata.

Specimens of Braga patagonica Schiödte & Meinert, 1884 (Isopoda: Cymothoidae) from freshwater fishes deposited in Ichthyological Collection of Amazon National Research Institute (INPA), in central Amazon and from fishes from eastern Amazon (Brazil) were investigated. Prevalence, infection intensity and body measures of B. patagonica for different populations of this cymothoid in wild fishes species from Amazon were carried out. Four species of Serrasalmidae, one Characidae, one Cichlidae, one Cynodontidae, one Curimatidae, one Acestrorhynchidae and one Sciaenidae were recorded as new hosts for B. patagonica in the Amazon. This study indicates a low intensity and low parasitic specificity of B. patagonica, and also recorded the first parasitism by this ectoparasite in farmed Colossoma macropomum, describing its highly pathogenic effect.

We investigated the ecological relationships between parasites and the host silver arowana Osteoglossum bicirrhosum Cuvier, 1829 from Amazonian basin, in Brazil. A total of 1,570.539 parasites belonging to different taxa were found including Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Piscinoodinium pillulare (Protozoa), Gonocleithrum aruanae, Gonocleithrum planacrus, Gonocleithrum coenoideum (Monogenoidea) and Camallanus acaudatus (Nematoda); all had an aggregated dispersion. Made available in DSpace on 2015-02-11T09:05:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 CPAFAP2014ParasitediversityOsteoglossum.pdf: 130757 bytes, checksum: 1e9be5cd34de3aefee63bce2d6cad357 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-01-20

This study is the first investigation on seasonal dynamics of parasites component community of the Aequidens tetramerus from an Amazon River tributary, in Northern Brazil. A total of 239,2407 parasites were recovered from 92 hosts examined from February to October 2011. Such parasites included Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Tripartiella tetramerii and Trichodina nobilis (Protozoa), Dolops longicauda (Argulidae), Gussevia alioides, Gussevia disparoides (Monogenoidea), Digenea metacercarie, Pseudoproleptus larvae, Anisakidae larvae (Nematoda), Proteocephalidea plerocercoid (Eucestoda) and Gorytocephalus spectabilis (Acanthocephala). Ciliates were the most dominant and abundant taxon, while cestodes were the least prevalent. The parasites showed seasonal variation in their infection dynamics associated with environmental changes during the Amazonian drainage season, except the infection with I. multifiliis. The parasites community in A. tetramerus was also characterized by higher diversity, species richness and uniformity during the drainage season when compared to Amazon flood season. With the exception of T. tetramerii, these parasite species are new records for A. tetramerus.

Este estudo relata a primeira ocorrência de protozoários nas brânquias de tamoatá Hoplosternum littorale (Hancock 1828) (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae) no Brasil. Dos espécimes examinados, no período de julho a agosto de 2011, 95,3% estavam com as brânquias parasitadas por protozoários Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ciliophora) e/ou Piscinoodinium pillulare (Dinoflagellida), sendo que os maiores índices de infecção foram causados por I. multifiliis. A abundância desses parasitos não foi influenciada pelo tamanho dos peixes e não afetou o fator relativo de condição (Kn) dos hospedeiros. Este é o primeiro relato de índices epidemiológicos para H. littorale na Amazônia brasileira.

The present work morphologically characterizes Paratrichodina africana from the gills of wild and farmed Nile tilapia from Northern Brazil (eastern Amazonia). Ninety fish were captured for parasitological analysis in Macapá, State of Amapá, from a wetland area bathed by the Amazon River commonly called ?Ressaca do Zerão? (n = 52), as well as from a local fish farm (n = 38). Wet smears of the skin and gills of the captured fish were air dried at room temperature and impregnated with silver nitrate by Klein?s method for posterior examination of the adhesive disc structures. Total prevalence of parasitism was 16.6% (23% in fish from wetland and 7.8% in farmed fish). Characterized as a small‑sized trichodinid, it presented the following measures: 33.2 ± 4.7 μm body diameter, 17.5 ± 2.1 μm adhesive disc, 10.0 ± 0.9 μm denticulate ring, and 22.6 ± 2.0 denticles. Paratrichodina africana reported in this study strongly resembles those described for other localities, but it differs by presenting greater body length. This is the fourth report of P. africana parasitizing a host fish.

As espécies de plantas do gênero Lippia Linn., pertencentes à família Verbenaceae, possuem grande distribuição geográfica e são facilmente encontradas em países tropicais. No Brasil, ocorrem principalmente a Lippia alba Mill.) N. E. Brown, Lippia gracilis Schauer, Lippia grandis Schau, Lippia organoides Kunth, Lippia sidoides Cham. e Lippia triplinervis Gardner. Há muito tempo, diversas espécies de Lippia são usadas na medicina popular por suas atividades biológicas e terapêuticas. Por isso, diferentes espécies dessas plantas vêm sendo testadas, devido ao potencial bioativo, para o tratamento de diferentes doenças do homem e animais. O objetivo deste estudo foi concatenar e discutir dados da literatura sobre o uso de Lippia spp. na medicina veterinária e aquicultura. Os constituintes majoritários dessas plantas são o timol, carvacrol, geranial, linalol, p-cimeno, carvona, neral, limoneno, β-cariofileno, óxido cariofileno, mirceno e γ-terpineno. Porém, as concentrações de tais constituintes podem variar em função de diversos fatores aqui discutidos. Estudos in vivo e in vitro usando principalmente L. alba, L. sidoides, L. gracilis, L. organoides e L. gracilis comprovaram atividade antimicrobiana, antiparasitária, antinflamatória, analgésica, anestésica e antitumoral em animais, indicando grande potencial dessas espécies para uso na medicina veterinária. Algumas espécies de Lippia estão sendo utilizadas também na aquicultura. Assim, produtos obtidos dessas plantas são recursos promissores, necessitando de estudos para desenvolvimento de tecnologias que possibilitem seu uso na sanidade e produção animal.

This work is the first study on parasitic fauna of Curimata cyprinoides Linnaeus, 1766 (Curimatidae) and the host-parasite relationship. The total of 154,740 parasites such as Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ciliophora), trophozoite of Spironucleus sp. (Hexamitidae), Urocleidoides sp. (Monogenoidea), Digenea gen. sp. and Polymorphus sp. (Polymorphidae) were collected. The component community showed low diversity (HB = 0.004 ± 0.020) and parasite species richness (1.4 ± 0.6). However, I. multifiliis and Urocleidoides sp. were prevalent and with higher intensity on the host population and also aggregated the distribution pattern. The occurrence of these ectoparasites in C. cyprinoides may be a consequence of its alimentary diet. Positive correlation between the abundance and size of I. multifiliis and the relative condition factor of the host were observed and discussed. These data represent increased knowledge of the biology of these parasites. Furthermore, this study expanded the geographic distribution of some parasite species for this new host from Brazil.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the parasitic fauna of hybrid tambacu (Colossoma macropomum x Piaractus mesopotamicus) from fish farms and the host; parasite relationship. A hundred and fourteen fish were collected from four fish farms in Macapá, in the state of Amapá, Brazil, 80.7% of which were infected by: Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ciliophora); Piscinoodinium pillulare (Dinoflagellida); Anacanthorus spatulatus, Notozothecium janauachensis, and Mymarothecium viatorum (Monogenoidea); Neoechinorhynchus buttnerae (Acanthocephala); Cucullanus colossomi (Nematoda); Perulernaea gamitanae (Lernaeidae); and Proteocephalidae larvae (Cestoda). A total of 8,136,252 parasites were collected from the examined fish. This is the first record of N. buttnerae, C. colossomi, N. janauachensis, M. viatorum, and Proteocephalidae for hybrid tambacu in Brazil. Ichthyophthirius multifiliis was the most prevalent parasite, whereas endohelminths were the less. A positive correlation was observed between number of I. multifiliis and total length and weight of fish, as well as between number of P. gamitanae and total length. The infection by I. multifiliis had association with the parasitism by Monogenoidea. Low water quality contributes to high parasitism of hybrid tambacu by ectoparasites, which, however, does not influence the relative condition factor of fish.

This study presents the first report of infection by Linguadactyloides brinkmanni Thatcher & Krytsky, 1983 (Monogenoidea, Dactylogyridae, Linguadactyloidinae) on the gills of hybrid tambatinga (Colossoma macropomum x Piaractus brachypomus) from fish farms from the city of Macapá, state of Amapá, Brazil. Out of 201 hybrid tambatinga examined, ten were infected by L. brinkmanni (prevalence= 4.9%). From these hosts, 21 specimens of L. brinkmanni were collected and the mean intensity of infection was 2.1 (1-4 parasites/host). This study expands the distribution of this monogenoidean for a new host.

This study describes the parasitic fauna of Mylossoma duriventre caught at Lake Coari, a tributary of the middle Solimões River, in the state of Amazonas (central Amazon, Brazil) and the relative condition factor (Kn). Out of 70 necropsied specimens, 90% had the gills parasitized by the helminth Anacanthorus paraspathulatus Kritsky, Boeger & Van Every, 1992 (Dactylogyridae: Anacanthorinae) and the intestine by Eustrongylides Jägerskiöld 1909 (Nematoda: Dioctophymatidae) larvae. A total of 19,763 specimens of A. paraspathulatus were collected, but the infection by Eustrongylides sp. larvae seemed to be accidental, after all, only three hosts were trophically infected. However, there was no significant difference (p

This study describes the parasitic fauna of Oxydoras niger from the Coari Lake, tributary of the medium Solimões River, State of Amazonas, Brazil, and the relationship between the number of Monogenoidea and the condition factor. From a total of 27 examined fish, 70.3% were parasitised by at least one parasite species as follows: Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Protozoa), Chilodonella sp. (Protozoa), Cosmetocleithrum gussevi, C. confusus, C. parvum and Cosmetocleithrum sp. (Monogenoidea), Paracavisona impudica (Acanthocephala), Cucullanus grandistomis (Nematoda), Proteocephalus kuyukuyu (Cestoda) and Dadaytrema sp. (Digenea). Monogenoidea helminthes were the most prevalent parasite when compared to protozoan and intestinal helminthes. This study showed that O. niger has a great parasite diversity composed mainly of monogenoideans followed by acanthocephalan and digenean. This is the first record of Dadaytrema in O. niger from the Brazilian Amazon. There was a positive correlation between the number of monogenoideans and the condition factor (Kn) of fish, and with this mean intensity of infection, fish welfare was not affected. Este estudo descreve a fauna parasitária de Oxydoras niger do lago Coari, tributário do médio rio Solimões, estado do Amazonas, Brasil, e a relação entre o número de Monogenoidea e o fator de condição. De um total de 27 peixes examinados, 70,3% estavam parasitados por pelo menos uma espécie de parasito como segue: Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Protozoa), Chilodonella sp. (Protozoa), Cosmetocleithrum gussevi, C. confusus, C. parvum and Cosmetocleithrum sp. (Monogenoidea), Paracavisona impudica (Acanthocephala), Cucullanus grandistomis (Nematoda), Proteocephalus kuyukuyu (Cestoda) and Dadaytrema sp. (Digenea). Helmintos monogenóideos foram os mais prevalentes quando comparados com protozoários e helmintos intestinais. Este estudo mostrou que O. niger apresenta grande diversidade de parasitos composta principalmente de monogenóideos seguidos de acantocéfalos e digenéticos. Este foi o primeiro relato de Dadaytrema em O. niger na Amazônia brasileira. Foi observada correlação positiva entre o número de monogenóideos e o fator de condição (Kn) e nessa intensidade média de infecção o bem-estar do peixe não foi afetado.

The purpose of this work was to determine the mean lethal concentration (LC50-96h) of copper sulfate (CuSO4) for juveniles Colossoma macropomum (Characidae), to evaluate the effectiveness of different concentrations of CuSO4 on elimination of parasites, as well as to study the effects of CuSO4 on blood parameters after short-term exposure. After determination of the LC50-96h from 17.5 mg L-1 of CuSO4, it was investigated the effects of exposure for 48 h to 1.75, 4.37 and 8.75 mg L-1 of CuSO4, on parasites and blood parameters. In gills and skin, concentrations of 4.37 and 8.75 mg L-1 of CuSO4 eliminated Monogenoidea Anacanthorus spathulatus. In fish exposed to different concentrations of CuSO4, plasma total protein, chloride, potassium, glucose and copper levels, hemoglobin and hematocrit were similar to controls, whereas sodium levels presented decrease in fish exposed to 1.75 and 4.37 mg L-1. Red blood cell counts decreased in fish exposed to different three concentrations of CuSO4, while the Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) increased. However, exposure to 8.75 mg L-1 of CuSO4 caused decrease on total leukocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils and PAS-positive granular leukocytes (PAS-GL) number when compared to control fish.

This study describes the parasitic fauna and the host-parasite relationship of Semaprochilodus insignis Jardine, 1841 from Coari Lake, a tributary of the middle Solimões River (state of Amazonas, Brazil) in Central Amazonia. Of 56 fish examined, 23.2% had gills parasitized by Gyrodactylus Gemini Ferraz, Shinn & Sommerville 1994 (Monogenoidea: Gyrodactylidae), and the intestine by Procamallanus inopinatus Travassos, Artigas & Pereira, 1928 (Nematoda: Camallanidae). The highest rates of infection were caused by G. gemini. Even though the relative condition factor (Kn) was not affected by parasitism, there was a positive correlation between the intensity of both helminthes, the Kn and the total length of the hosts. This is the first report on the parasitic fauna of S. insignis with occurrences of G. gemini and P. inopinatus for this Neotropical host from the Amazonia.

The aim of this paper was to characterize the morphological and cytochemical aspects of thrombocytes and leukocytes in hatchlings of Podocnemis expansa, P. unifilis and P. sextuberculata from the lower Purus River, Amazonas State, Brazil. Blood smears were submitted to staining by Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS), Peroxidase (PER), Toluidine Blue (TB), Sudan Black B (SBB) and Bromophenol Blue (BB). Only the lymphocytes did not present a positive-PAS reaction, while heterophils of P. unifilis showed a weak positive reaction. Azurophils, heterophils and eosinophils had a weak positive reaction for PER, with the exception of heterophils in P. expansa which stained intensely. Positive staining with BB was observed in granules of heterophils, eosinophils and basophils of P. expansa, P. unifilis and P. sextuberculata, but this was weak in basophils of P. sextuberculata. Sudanophilia was observed in heterophils granules and in eosinophils of P. expansa, P. unifilis and P. sextuberculata. Metachromasia was demonstrated in basophils of these three species. In these turtle hatchlings, heterophils and eosinophils are the most frequent leukocytes and both have a similar role in defense, since the granules of these granulocytes present glycogen, sudanophilia, peroxidase and basic proteins.

This study aimed to report infection by metacercariae of the genera Posthodiplostomum Dubois, 1936 (Diplostomidae) and Herpetodiplostomum Dubois, 1936 (Proterodiplostomidae) in the gills of Oscar Astronotus ocellatus Agassiz, 1831 (Cichlidae) from Lake Pracuúba, in the municipality of Pracuúba, State of Amapá (eastern Amazonia), Brazil. Out of 202 A. ocellatus examined, 142 had gills infected by metacercariae of Herpetodiplostomum sp. (prevalence= 70.3%) and Posthodiplostomum sp. (prevalence= 59.4%). However, 97 hosts were infected by both metacercariae species (prevalence= 48.0%). A total of 1123 specimens of Herpetodiplostomum sp. and 463 specimens of Posthodiplostomum sp. were collected and the mean intensity of infection was 7.8 ± 11.6 and 3.9 ± 4.4, respectively. This is the first report of Digenea in A. ocellatus.

Farming of native carnivore fish species has drawn attention due to their promising use in aquaculture. Among these species, tucunaré of the genus Cichla stand out, them being of high economical interest for sport fishing and Amazon's industry of ornamental fish. The present study describes the weight-length relationship (WLR), relative condition factor (Kn), red blood cell parameters, thrombocytes and leukocytes count of Cichla temensis Humboldt, 1821, farmed in central Amazon. Fish that underwent food training during fingerling culture received extruded ration containing 45% of crude protein during fattening, and had Kn with values from 0.925-1.199, which indicated good health condition during the culture. The equation obtained from the WLR was W = 0.0073Lt3.1435, indicating an isometric growth, which is the desirable for fish of fish farm. Red blood cell counts, total thrombocyte and leukocyte counts, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), concentration of mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCHC), lymphocytes, monocytes and neutrophils had intra-specific variation. A significant (p