Coprologic survey of parasites of spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) in the Masai Mara National Reserve,Kenya

Seventy fecal samples from spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) in the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya were examined for parasite eggs and oocysts using sugar flotation. A total of nine parasite genera were identified, and all samples were positive for at least one parasite species. Most individuals were infected with Ancylostoma sp. and Spirometra sp., and these species had the highest median intensity of infection. Other parasites identified include Isospora sp., Taeniidae, Spirurida, Toxocara sp., Mesocestoides sp., Dipylidium sp., and Trichuris sp.     

Prevalence of endoparasites in dog faecal deposits in Jordan.

Of 756 dog faecal deposits collected from the road side and public places in five Jordanian Governorates 466 (61.6%) harboured parasite ova, oocysts and/or larvae. Of these, 67.7%, 26.8%, 4.1% and 1.4% revealed one, two, three and four different types of parasite ova, oocysts or larvae in the same sample, respectively. Examination of the infected samples revealed that 44.1% contained taeniid ova, 19.8% Dipylidium caninum, 19% Toxocara canis, 8% Sarcocystis spp. oocysts, 5% hookworm larvae, 1.5% Diphyllobothrium latum, 0.1% Capillaria spp, and 0.1% Trichuri vulpis eggs.     

A COPROLOGICAL SURVEY OF HELMINTH PARASITES OF THE HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL FROM THE NORTHWESTERN HAWAIIAN ISLANDS

In conjunction with an Hawaiian monk seal, Monachus schauinslandi , breeding enhancement program, fecal samples were examined for the presence of helminth parasite products (eggs, larvae, and proglottids). Eighty-two samples were examined from four island groups in the northwestern Hawaiian Islands: 38 from Kure Atoll, 32 from French Frigate Shoals, 11 from Laysan Island, and one from Lisianski Island. Identified helminth products include those of Diphyllobothrium sp., D. cameroni, Contracaecum turgidum, Anisakis sp., Corynosoma rauschi , and Trematoda. In addition, eggs from Halarachne laysanae (Atari) were found in 3 samples. Eggs of C. turgidum were present in the highest percentage (>64%) of samples from all locations. Eggs of Anisakis sp. and Trematoda are reported from this host for the first time.     

藏羚集群产羔与其胃肠道寄生虫传播和感染的风险

食草动物集群有利于降低被捕食的风险,同时集群也会增加感染和传播寄生物的风险。可可西里卓乃湖地区是雌性藏羚的重要产羔地,集群时间主要集中在6月上旬至7月上旬,停留时间不足30 d。区域内温度、湿度等气候因子对其粪便中的寄生虫卵发育到感染期可能存在重要影响。本研究于2018年6月9日在卓乃湖产羔地建立微气候观测仪收集当地气象数据的同时,收集新鲜藏羚粪便在当地室外分别放置0 d、10 d、15 d、20 d、25 d、30 d、35 d和约300 d,应用漂浮法检测35 d内不同时间段虫卵发育状况和放置近一年的存活幼虫数量。初步研究了卓乃湖区域内集群藏羚粪便中的优势寄生虫卵的发育及其越冬存活,探讨藏羚产羔地是否会增加藏羚胃肠道寄生虫传播和感染的风险。结果表明：(1) 6月9日至7月14日,藏羚产羔地平均温度为5℃,平均相对湿度81%;(2) 藏羚在卓乃湖产羔地集群期间,其粪便中的优势寄生虫卵不能发育到感染期 (第三期幼虫),如粪便中的优势线虫卵毛园属线虫 (Trichostrongylus sp.)、马歇尔属线虫 (Marshallagia sp.) 和细颈属线虫 (Nematodirus sp.) 在30 d内发育仅停留在第一期幼虫;优势种藏羚艾美耳球虫 (Eimeria pantholopensis) 和五道梁艾美耳球虫 (E.wudaoliangensis) 卵在25 d、30 d、35 d的孢子化率分别是0、18.9%、54.0%和0、13.5%、30.4%;(3) 很少有寄生虫卵能够越冬存活至第二年,在卓乃湖产羔地放置近一年的粪便中仅发现极少的马歇尔属线虫和细颈属线虫幼虫。研究认为藏羚在卓乃湖集群时发生胃肠道寄生虫传播和感染的风险较低,藏羚对产羔地的短时利用和迅速回迁是其避免增加胃肠道寄生虫病感染风险的重要行为策略,且产羔地的低温等气候环境利于对寄生虫的自然净化。     

Seasonal and biogeographical patterns of gastrointestinal parasites in large carnivores: wolves in a coastal archipelago

Parasites are increasingly recognized for their profound influences on individual, population and ecosystem health. We provide the first report of gastrointestinal parasites in gray wolves from the central and north coasts of British Columbia, Canada. Across 60 000 km(2), wolf feces were collected from 34 packs in 2005-2008. At a smaller spatial scale (3300 km(2)), 8 packs were sampled in spring and autumn. Parasite eggs, larvae, and cysts were identified using standard flotation techniques and morphology. A subset of samples was analysed by PCR and sequencing to identify tapeworm eggs (n=9) and Giardia cysts (n=14). We detected ≥14 parasite taxa in 1558 fecal samples. Sarcocystis sporocysts occurred most frequently in feces (43·7%), followed by taeniid eggs (23·9%), Diphyllobothrium eggs (9·1%), Giardia cysts (6·8%), Toxocara canis eggs (2·1%), and Cryptosporidium oocysts (1·7%). Other parasites occurred in ≤1% of feces. Genetic analyses revealed Echinococcus canadensis strains G8 and G10, Taenia ovis krabbei, Diphyllobothrium nehonkaiense, and Giardia duodenalis assemblages A and B. Parasite prevalence differed between seasons and island/mainland sites. Patterns in parasite prevalence reflect seasonal and spatial resource use by wolves and wolf-salmon associations. These data provide a unique, extensive and solid baseline for monitoring parasite community structure in relation to environmental change.     

Coprologic evidence of gastrointestinal helminths of forest baboons, Papio anubis, in Kibale National Park, Uganda

The gastrointestinal parasites of baboons have been well characterized from savannah and desert habitats, but little is known about their gastrointestinal parasites in forest habitats. From May to June 2004, we collected 41 fecal samples from free-ranging olive baboons (Papio anubis) within the forested Kibale National Park, Uganda. Samples were examined to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in this forest dwelling population of olive baboons. The prevalence of nematodes identified from fecal flotation was Oesophagostomum sp. (85%), Trichostrongylus sp. (22%), Trichuris sp. (46%), Strongyloides sp. (44%), Ternidens sp. (5%), Abbreviata sp. (2%), and Molineus sp. (2%). Flotation techniques also recovered unidentified eggs, probably of hookworm origin (22%). No parasite eggs were recovered by sedimentation of eight samples. Coproculture techniques using 13 of the 41 samples recovered larvae from Oesophagostomum sp., Strongyloides sp., and Trichostrongylus sp. The high prevalence of nematodes recovered in this study seems to support previous theories of high nematode infections in forested habits.     

Coccidian parasites (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from insectivores. IV. Four new species in Talpa europaea from England

Moles from England were examined for coccidian oocysts and all 64 Talpa europaea were infected; of 64 infected hosts, 56 (88%) had multiple infections representing two to six coccidian species when examined. Oocysts in 31 of the 64 samples remainedunsporulated. Three eimerians and one isosporan were studied from the 33 fecal samples that had sporulated oocysts and these are described as new species; Cyclospora talpae Pellérdy & Tanyi, 1968, and Isospora sofiae (Golemansky, 1978) Levine & Ivens, 1979, are redescribed; and Cyclospora sp., similar to C. talpae, is discussed. Sporulated oocysts of C. talpae are ellipsoidal, 14.3 X 9.6 (12-19 X 6-13) microns with sporocysts ovoid, 9.4 X 5.7 (6-13 X 4-8) microns; it was found in 21 of the 33 (63.6%) sporulated samples. Sporulated oocysts of Cyclospora sp. are subspheroidal to ellipsoidal, 12.5 X 8.9 (10-14 X 6-12) microns with sporocysts ovoid, 8.6 X 5.3 (6-10 X 4-6) microns; it was found in 21 of the 33 (63.6%) sporulated samples. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria avonensis n. sp. are elongate-ellipsoidal, 15.0 X 9.6 (13-20 X 7-12) microns with sporocysts ovoid, 6.6 X 3.6 (5-9 X 3-7) microns; it was found in 15 of the 33 (45.5%) sporulated samples. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria berea n. sp. are subspheroidal, 12.1 X 10.5 (10-15 X 8-14) microns with sporocysts ovoid, 6.3 X 3.9 (5-10 X 2-5) microns; it was found in 8 of the 33 (24.2%) sporulated samples.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Gastrointestinal parasites of the guenons of western Uganda

From January 1998 to December 2002, we collected 293 fecal samples from free-ranging individuals of the 4 guenon species of western Uganda, i.e., redtail guenons (Cercopithecus ascanius), blue monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis), l'hoesti monkeys (Cercopithecus lhoesti), and vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops), to quantify the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites. Helminth eggs, larvae, and protozoan cysts were isolated by sodium nitrate flotation and fecal sedimentation. Helminth parasites were identified, and infection prevalence was determined for all 4 guenon species. Coprocultures facilitated identification of strongylate nematodes. For the most common species, the redtail guenon, we documented prevalence of protozoan parasites and examined the effect of season and host sex on infection prevalence. Six nematodes (Strongyloidesfulleborni, Oesophagostomum sp., unidentified strongyle, Trichuris sp., Streptopharagus sp., and Enterobius sp.), 1 cestode (Bertiella sp.), 1 trematode (Dicrocoeliidae), and 5 protozoans (Entamoeba coli, Entamoeba histolytica, lodameoba butschlii, Giardia lamblia, and Chilomastix mesnili) were detected. Seasonal patterns of infection were not readily apparent for any parasite species infecting redtail guenons. Although prevalence never differed between male and female guenons, only adult females were infected with Oesophagostomum sp. and S. fulleborni.     

Diseases and parasites in wolves of the Riding Mountain National Park region, Manitoba, Canada

We examined wolf (Canis lupus) blood and fecal samples from the Riding Mountain National Park (RMNP) region of Manitoba, Canada. In 601 fecal samples collected during two study periods in RMNP and the Duck Mountain Provincial Park and Forest (DMPPF) we found gastrointestinal helminth eggs from Alaria sp. (15.5%), Capillaria sp. (1.0%), taeniid tapeworms (30.8%), Toxascaris sp. (1.7%), Toxocara sp. (0.2%), Trichuris sp. (2.2%), and Moniezia sp. (0.5%). In addition, we found Demodex sp. (0.2%) and the protozoal cysts/oocysts of Sarcocystis sp. (37.3%), Cryptosporidium sp. (1.2%), coccidia (Isospora sp. or Eimeria sp.) (1.7%), and Giardia sp. (29.5%). No fecal shedding of canine parvovirus (CPV, n=387) was detected. All 18 blood samples collected in RMNP showed CPV exposure and eight of 18 blood samples indicated canine distemper virus (CDV) exposure. One wolf died from CDV. Our results are consistent with previous findings on pathogens affecting wolves and with high Giardia sp. prevalence in wolves inhabiting agricultural regions.     

Distribution of Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infection in Domestic Pigs in the Republic of Korea: Nationwide Survey from 2020–2021

This study aimed to examine the distribution of gastrointestinal parasitic infections in domestic pigs in the Republic of Korea. From May 2020 to October 2021, 364 pig fecal samples were collected from 75 farms in 7 Provinces and microscopically examined. A total of 170 (46.7%) pigs were infected with at least one of the following parasites: Balantioides coli, strongyles, Ascaris suum, Trichuris suis, and coccidia. By parasite species, B. coli, strongyles, A. suum, T. suis, and coccidia oocysts or eggs were detected in 144 (39.6%), 24 (6.6%), 14 (3.8%), 4 (1.1%), and 1 (0.3%) samples, respectively. One hundred fifty-four, 15, and 1 cases showed single, double, and triple infections, respectively. Of the swine fecal samples from 75 farms, 69 specimens (92.0%) were infected with 1 or more parasites. All surveyed farms across the country exhibited a positive rate of over 30%, among which the highest positive rate was 65.0% in Chungcheongnam-do, and Jeollabuk-do was followed by 61.9%. Winter showed a statistically lower prevalence than other seasons. This study showed that gastrointestinal parasites are prevalent in pigs in Korea, although the diversity of parasites is low.     

Coccidian Parasites (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Insectivores. IV. Four New Species in Talpa europaea from England1

ABSTRACT. Moles from England were examined for coccidian oocysts and all 64 Talpa europaea were infected; of 64 infected hosts, 56 (88%) had multiple infections representing two to six coccidian species when examined. Oocysts in 31 of the 64 samples remained unsporulated. Three eimerians and one isosporan were studied from the 33 fecal samples that had sporulated oocysts and these are described as new species; Cyclospora talpae Pellérdy & Tanyi, 1968, and Isospora sofiae (Golemansky, 1978) Levine & Ivens, 1979, are redescribed; and Cyclospora sp., similar to C. talpae, is discussed. Sporulated oocysts of C. talpae are ellipsoidal, 14.3 × 9.6 (12–19 × 6–13) μm with sporocysts ovoid, 9.4 × 5.7 (6–13 × 4–8) μm; it was found in 21 of the 33 (63.6%) sporulated samples. Sporulated oocysts of Cyclospora sp. are subspheroidal to ellipsoidal, 12.5 × 8.9 (10–14 × 6–12) μm with sporocysts ovoid, 8.6 × 5.3 (6–10 × 4–6) μm; it was found in 21 of the 33 (63.6%) sporulated samples. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria avonensis n. sp. are elongate-ellipsoidal, 15.0 × 9.6 (13–20 × 7–12) μm with sporocysts ovoid, 6.6 × 3.6 (5–9 × 3–7) μm; it was found in 15 of the 33 (45.5%) sporulated samples. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria berea n. sp. are subspheroidal, 12.1 × 10.5 (10–15 × 8–14) μm with sporocysts ovoid, 6.3 × 3.9 (5–10 × 2–5) μm; it was found in 8 of the 33 (24.2%) sporulated samples. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria globula n. sp. are spheroidal, 20.9 × 19.9 (19–24 × 17–21) μm with sporocysts elongate-ovoid, 11.5 × 6.9 (9–16 × 6–9) μm; it was found in 3 of the 33 (9.1%) sporulated samples. Sporulated oocysts of Isospora sporopointaea n. sp. are subellipsoidal to ellipsoidal, 17.1 × 11.4 (13–21 × 8–14) μm with sporocysts ellipsoidal with both ends pointed, 11.9 × 5.9 (9–16 × 4–8) μm; it was found in 27 of the 33 (81.8%) sporulated samples. Sporulated oocysts of I. sofiae are spheroidal to subspheroidal, 12.2 × 11.0 (9–16 × 8–15) μm with sporocysts ovoid, 9.1 × 5.2 (6–13 × 3–8) μm; it was found in 25 of the 33 (75.8%) sporulated samples. To date, the coccidian parasites of talpids include two cyclosporans, 12 eimerians, and six isosporans, exclusive of the four new species described here.     

Endoparasites in the endangered Fennoscandian population of arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus)

The Fennoscandian arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) population is endangered due to overharvest and competition with the larger red fox (Vulpes vulpes). In this study, we have screened the population in Sweden for endoparasites by analysis of non-invasively faecal samples collected at reproductive dens during two summers, one with low food abundance (2008) and the other with high food abundance (2010). Eggs, larvae and oocysts of a total of 14 different endoparasites were identified with a species richness per inhabited den of 3.2 (CI95% ± 0.48) in 2008 and 2.7 (CI95% ± 0.72) in 2010. Capillariidae-like eggs was identified at 59% of the dens in 2008 and 57% in 2010 and Toxocara canis with 7% (2008) and 30% (2010); Toxascaris leonina with 93% (2008) and 65% (2010); Uncinaria stenocephala 65% (2008) and 39% (2010); Crenosoma vulpis 3% (2008) and 4% (2010); Trichuris sp. 7% (2008) and 4% (2010); Cystoisospora canis-like oocysts 28% (2008) and 26% (2010); Cystoisospora ohiensis-like oocysts 38% (2008) and 4% (2010); Eimeria sp. 7% (2008) and 9% (2010); Sarcocystis sp. 3% (2008) and 9% (2010); Taenia sp. 10% (2008) and 4% (2010); Mesocestoides sp. 3% (2008) and 0% (2010); Balantidium sp. 0% (2008) and 9% (2010) and Spiruroidea-like eggs 0% (2008) and 4% (2010). To our knowledge, Balantidium sp., Sarcocystis sp. and Trichuris sp. has never been described before in wild arctic foxes.     

Coccidian parasites (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from two species of caimans, Caiman yacare daudin and Caiman latirostris daudin (Alligatoridae), from Paraguay

From October 1986 to January 1987, feces from 119 Caiman yacare and 12 Caiman latirostris were collected in Paraguay and later examined for coccidian oocysts; 69 of 119 (58%) samples from C. yacare and 3 of 12 (25%) samples from C. latirostris contained coccidian oocysts. Two eimerians infected C. yacare and both are described as new species. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria paraguayensis n. sp. are ellipsoid, 34.0 x 23.6 (26-38 x 20-29) microns with sporocysts ovoid, 14.0 x 7.1 (10-19 x 6-10) microns. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria caimani n. sp. are spheroid, 22.4 (19-29) microns with sporocysts ovoidal, 12.9 x 6.5 (8-17 x 5-8) microns. Isospora jacarei infected C. latirostris and is redescribed. Sporulated oocysts of I. jacarei are sub-spheroid, 13.2 x 12.1 (10-18 x 10-15) microns with sporocysts ellipsoid, 10.4 x 5.8 (7-13 x 4-11) microns. To date, members of the Eimeriidae found in Crocodylia include 5 species of Eimeria and 2 of Isospora including the new species described here.     

Gastrointestinal parasites of the colobus monkeys of Uganda

From August 1997 to July 2003, we collected 2,103 fecal samples from free-ranging individuals of the 3 colobus monkey species of Uganda-the endangered red colobus (Piliocolobus tephrosceles), the eastern black-and-white colobus (Colobus guereza), and the Angolan black-and-white colobus (C. angolensis)--to identify and determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites. Helminth eggs, larvae, and protozoan cysts were isolated by sodium nitrate flotation and fecal sedimentation. Coprocultures facilitated identification of helminths. Seven nematodes (Strongyloides fulleborni, S. stercoralis, Oesophagostomum sp., an unidentified strongyle, Trichuris sp., Ascaris sp., and Colobenterobius sp.), 1 cestode (Bertiella sp.), 1 trematode (Dicrocoeliidae), and 3 protozoans (Entamoeba coli, E. histolytica, and Giardia lamblia) were detected. Seasonal patterns of infection were not apparent for any parasite species infecting colobus monkeys. Prevalence of S. fulleborni was higher in adult male compared to adult female red colobus, but prevalence did not differ for any other shared parasite species between age and sex classes.     

Lymphotropha tribolii gen. nov., sp. nov., Neogregarinida, Schizocystidae, from the Haemocoele of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst)

SYNOPSIS. Lymphotropha tribolii gen. nov., sp. nov. (Neogregarinida, Schizocystidae) is described from the haemocoele of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae). The trophozoites are large, ovoid and uninucleate with distinct longitudinal striae. Schizogony occurs in one type of cycle only, each schizont giving rise to up to 8 merozoites. Gametocytes are uninucleate when they associate. Up to 16 oocysts each with 8 sporozoites are formed in each gametocyst. The oocysts are lemon-shaped, and sporozoites emerge from the poles.
The parasite causes considerable mortality in young larvae, though its pathogenicity is probably inferior to that of Farinocystis tribolii Weiser.     

Annual follow-up of the gastrointestinal parasitosis of the tepezcuintle,Agouti paca (Rodentia: Agoutidae) in captivity in the Mexican tropic

Previous reports showed that the tepezcuintle (Agouti paca) is commonly infested by gastrointestinal parasites (GIP), mainly Eucoccidiida and helminths. However, there is no available information on the frequency of those parasites and their faecal egg excretions at different moments during the year. These information would provide a valuable baseline for the establishment of control strategies against GIP in tepezcuintles under captivity. The objectives of the present study were to determine the prevalence of GIP orders and genera that infest tepezcuintles under captivity and, to describe the dynamics of faecal egg and oocyst excretion in a year. Ten tepezcuintles were sampled (faeces) twice every month for twelve months. The faecal samples were processed by the flotation and McMaster techniques. Two orders of parasites were determined: Strongylida and Eucoccidiida. Two genera of nematodes were also determined: Strongyloides and Trichuris. The prevalence of Strongylida eggs, Eucoccidiida oocysts and Trichuris sp. eggs reached 10-20% of animals in certain months. The most important genus was Strongyloides, found in 60 to 100% of the animals year round. The average excretion of eggs in the group was 45 to 372 eggs per gram. Tepezcuintles kept under captivity in Yucatan are parasited with Strongyloides sp throughout the year, but only occasionally had oocysts of Eucoccidiida and eggs of Strongylida and Trichuris sp.     

Identification of Cryptosporidium oocysts in river water.

Water samples were collected from four rivers in Washington State and two rivers in California and examined for the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts. Oocyst-sized particles were concentrated from 20-liter samples of water by membrane filtration, centrifugation, and differential sedimentation. The particle concentrate was then deposited on a 25-mm-diameter membrane filter for oocyst identification by indirect immunofluorescence assay. The identification procedure had a limit of detection of about five oocysts per liter. Cryptosporidium oocysts were found in each of 11 river water samples examined. Concentrations ranged from 2 to 112 oocysts per liter. The finding of Cryptosporidium oocysts in all samples examined from six western rivers is noteworthy in light of recent reports indicating that Cryptosporidium sp. is a significant agent of human and animal disease. This finding suggests that waterborne oocysts of this parasite are more important than was previously recognized. More detailed studies are needed to define geographical and temporal distribution, to assess the viability of waterborne oocysts, and to determine the importance of water as a means of transmission.     

Identification of Cryptosporidium oocysts in river water

Water samples were collected from four rivers in Washington State and two rivers in California and examined for the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts. Oocyst-sized particles were concentrated from 20-liter samples of water by membrane filtration, centrifugation, and differential sedimentation. The particle concentrate was then deposited on a 25-mm-diameter membrane filter for oocyst identification by indirect immunofluorescence assay. The identification procedure had a limit of detection of about five oocysts per liter. Cryptosporidium oocysts were found in each of 11 river water samples examined. Concentrations ranged from 2 to 112 oocysts per liter. The finding of Cryptosporidium oocysts in all samples examined from six western rivers is noteworthy in light of recent reports indicating that Cryptosporidium sp. is a significant agent of human and animal disease. This finding suggests that waterborne oocysts of this parasite are more important than was previously recognized. More detailed studies are needed to define geographical and temporal distribution, to assess the viability of waterborne oocysts, and to determine the importance of water as a means of transmission.     

Paleoparasitological finding of eggs of nematodes in rodent coprolites dated at the early Holocene from the archaeological site Cerro Casa de Piedra 7, Santa Cruz, Argentina

The aim of the present study was to examine the parasite remains present in rodent coprolites collected from the archaeological site Cerro Casa de Piedra 7 (CCP7), located in the Perito Moreno National Park (47°57'S, 72°05'W), Santa Cruz Province, Argentina. Eight coprolites obtained from the layer 17, dated at 10,620 ± 40 to 9,390 ± 40 yr B.P., were examined for parasites. Feces were processed whole, rehydrated, homogenized, subjected to spontaneous sedimentation, and examined via light microscopy. Eggs of parasites were measured and photographed. Seven of 8 coprolites possessed 199 eggs of 2, probably new, species of nematodes, including 43 eggs of Heteroxynema sp. Hall, 1916 (Cavioxyura sp. Quentin, 1975) (Oxyurida, Heteroxynematidae), and 156 eggs of Trichuris sp. Roederer, 1761 (Trichinellida, Trichuridae). Heteroxynema sp. is cited for the first time from ancient material worldwide. The finding of Trichuris spp. in both rodents and other host samples from the area under study is indicative of the stability of the biological and environmental conditions for this nematode genus to establish in the Patagonian Early Holocene. The rodent host was assigned to an unknown species of Caviomorpha (Hystricognathi) that lived during the Pleistocenic transition in Patagonia.     

A coprological survey of parasites of wild mantled howling monkeys, Alouatta palliata palliata

Fecal samples from 155 mantled howling monkeys (Alouatta palliata palliata) examined at Centro Ecologico La Pacifica, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica, revealed 75 (48%) had parasitic infections. A sampling of nine howling monkeys from Santa Rosa National Park. Costa Rica indicated only one infected animal (11%). Only three of 19 (16%) spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) also from Santa Rosa were infected. Controrchis biliophilus, Trypanoxyuris minutus, unidentified strongylid eggs and Isospora sp. oocysts were found. Three monkeys from La Pacifica died and were examined for adult helminths. They were infected with Ascaris lumbricoides, C. biliophilus and T. minutus.