Helminth parasites found in faecal samples of phocids from the Antarctic Peninsula

Information on helminth parasites in Antarctic phocids is scarce and fragmented. Anisakidae nematodes and Diphyllobothriidae cestodes have been reported in Antarctic and subantarctic phocids, although the prevalence and health significance remain unclear. In the present study, the presence of helminth parasites in faeces of Leptonychotes weddellii, Hydrurga leptonyx and Mirounga leonina has been investigated. Faecal samples were collected from different locations of the Antarctic Peninsula. Macroscopical inspection and standard flotation and migration techniques were used for faecal examination. Eggs, larvae and adult parasites of nematodes and cestodes were found in 76.9 % of samples analysed. Positive samples were recorded from all locations surveyed and species investigated. The prevalence was 71.3 % for M. leonina, 95.4 % for L. weddellii and 100 % for H. leptonyx. Anisakidae (eggs and worms), Metastrongyloidea (larvae) and Diphyllobothriidae (eggs) were identified in M. leonina and L. weddellii. Metastrongyloidea (larvae) and Diphyllobothriidae (eggs) were found in H. leptonyx. Molecular characterisation of some of the adult parasites found was useful for the identification of Anisakis simplex and Pseudoterranova sp. in M. leonina, and Contracaecum sp., Contracaecum osculatum, and Pseudoterranova sp. in L. weddellii.