Raillietiella mottae (Pentastomida: Raillietiellidae) infecting Ameiva ameiva (Squamata: Teiidae) in Araripe Plateau, Northeast Brazil

Braz J Biol. 2019 Jan-Mar;79(1):100-103. doi: 10.1590/1519-6984.178609. Epub 2018 Apr 23.

Abstract

We investigated the infection by pulmonary parasites in the lizard Ameiva ameiva (Teiidae) inhabiting the Environmental Protection Area of Araripe (APA-Araripe). A total of 45 specimens were collected in three areas between the cities of Várzea Alegre and Barbalha. A Pentastomid species (Raillietiella mottae) was parasitizing (nine specimens) a male of A. ameiva with a prevalence of 2.22% considering all lizards collected in the region and prevalence of 50% considering only rainforest environment. The Pentastomids infection rates shown in this study are similar to data found for infections of other insectivorous lizards. Raillietiella mottae is considered a generalist parasite, which uses insects as intermediate hosts. The results of this study represent the first record of a Pentastomid infecting this species of lizard in South America.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Lizards*
  • Lung Diseases, Parasitic / epidemiology
  • Lung Diseases, Parasitic / parasitology
  • Lung Diseases, Parasitic / veterinary*
  • Male
  • Parasitic Diseases, Animal / epidemiology*
  • Parasitic Diseases, Animal / parasitology
  • Pentastomida / physiology*
  • Prevalence