Checklist and state of knowledge of helminths in wild birds from Chile: an update

Helminths are an important component of biodiversity with over 24,000 species parasitising wild birds globally, with this figure on the rise given the growing interest in wildlife parasitology. The present study aimed to establish an updated baseline of the helminthological surveys on wild birds from Chile. Available publications were reviewed to build a parasite-host association checklist and also to discuss the state of knowledge regarding these parasites. A total of 92 publications were found between the years 1892 and 2019. Regarding helminth parasites, 174 taxa belonging to 3 phyla and 37 families were recorded, 114 taxa were identified at species level, with the rest remaining incompletely described. Also, 4 taxa corresponded to new genera and 16 to new at species for science. The most reported parasites were platyhelminthes (53.9%) followed by nematodes (36.2%) and acanthocephalans (9.2%). Sixty-five avian species from 19 orders have been recorded as hosts, with most of them having been studied only once (64.6%). Out of these, the order Charadriiformes had the highest number of publications (n=23). In the case of the avian species present in the country, 14.2% of native, 40% of endemic and 22.2% of exotic species have been recorded hosting helminths. Regarding heteroxenous parasites, only 2 species have had their life cycles elucidated. Among the methodologies used for parasitic identification, 48.9% of the studies used morphological tools, 5.4% used molecular tools and 4.3% used both tools. For that reason, there are evident gaps in the data concerning the hosts sampled, methodologies and issues related to the biology of parasites such as life cycles, among others. In this sense, the need for specialists and cooperative research becomes indispensable to improve our understanding of helminths

Pudú (Pudu puda) (Artiodactyla: Cervidae) como un hospedero adicional para Dictyocaulus eckerti (Strongylida: Dictyocaulidae)

Southern pudu (Pudu puda Molina, 1782) is the most austral native deer in South America, being distributed in Chile and Argentina, countries where it has conservation issues. Seven lungworms were isolated from the bronchi of one southern pudu from Los Ríos region. Such helminths were identified as adult females and males of Dictyocaulus eckerti Skrjabin, 1931, a lungworm isolated in wild and domestic deers from Europe, New Zealand and North America. There are previous reports of unidentified species of Dictyocaulus in P. puda from Southern Chile. However, this is the first record of P. puda acting as a natural host of D. eckerti. Due to the establishment of wild populations of European deers in Southern Chile, sharing grazing places between native and exotic deers could allow for the transmission of such parasites. Thus, the present report highlights the potential additional impact of exotic mammals over this threatened deer.El pudú (Puda puda Molina, 1782) es el ciervo nativo más austral de Sudamérica, se distribuye en Chile y Argentina y posee problemas de conservación. Se aislaron 7 nemátodos en los bronquios de un pudú proveniente de la región de Los Ríos. Los helmintos se identificaron como hembras y machos adultos de Dictyocaulus eckerti Skrjabin, 1931, un nemátodo pulmonar aislado en ciervos de Europa, Norteamérica y Nueva Zelanda. Existen reportes previos de especies no identificadas de Dictyocaulus en P. puda del Sur de Chile. Sin embargo, éste es el primer registro de P. puda actuando como hospedador de D. eckerti. Debido al establecimiento de poblaciones ferales de ciervos europeos en el Sur de Chile, se plantea que el compartir sitios de pastura permitiría la transmisión de dichos nemátodos. Es así como el presente trabajo entrega antecedentes sobre el potencial impacto adicional que poseen los mamíferos exóticos sobre este ciervo amenazado

Helminth fauna of the black-necked swan Cygnus melancoryphus (Aves: Anatidae) from Carlos Anwandter Nature Sanctuary, Valdivia, Chile

En Chile los estudios parasitológicos en Anseriformes son escasos, con sólo 2 trabajos realizados para el Cygnus melancoryphus Molina, 1792. El objetivo del presente trabajo es contribuir a dicho conocimiento con nuevos registros para este cisne. Se realizó la necropsia parasitaria de los sistemas digestivos de 46 C. melancoryphus recolectados en el Santuario de la Naturaleza Carlos Anwandter. Todas las aves examinadas resultaron positivas con al menos 1 especie de helminto. Las especies identificadas fueron Capillaria sp., Epomidiostomum vogelsangi Travassos, 1937, Hymenolepididae gen. sp., Catatropis verrucosa (Frölich, 1789) Odhner, 1905 y Echinostoma revolutum Frölich, 1802 sensu lato. Catatropis verrucosa y E. revolutum s. l. constituyen nuevos registros tanto para C. melancoryphus como para Chile. Los nemátodos registraron una mayor prevalencia respecto a los demás helmintos, probablemente por tener ciclos directos, facilitando su transmisión a los cisnes. Los céstodos y tremátodos recuperados requieren de invertebrados, renacuajos y peces como hospederos intermediarios. Sin embargo, C. melancoryphus al ser una ave estrictamente herbívora es probable que consuma dichos organismos de forma accidental. Finalmente, se hacen necesarios estudios adicionales que evalúen el impacto de los parásitos en la salud de este cisne amenazado en Chile.Parasitological studies in Anseriformes from Chile are scarce, with only 2 studies in the black-necked swan Cygnus melancoryphus Molina, 1792. Thus, the aim of the present survey was to contribute with new parasitic records for this swan. Necropsy was performed in the digestive tract of 46 C. melancoryphus collected at the Carlos Anwandter Nature Sanctuary. All examined birds were parasitized with at least 1 helminth species. The identified species were: Capillaria sp., Epomidiostomum vogelsangi Travassos, 1937, Hymenolepididae gen. sp., Catatropis verrucosa (Frölich, 1789) Odhner, 1905 and Echinostoma revolutum Frölich, 1802 sensu lato. Catatropis verrucosa and E. revolutum s. l. are new records for C. melancoryphus as well as for the Chilean helminth fauna. The nematodes registered a higher prevalence regarding the other helminths, probably because they have direct life cycles, facilitating their transmission to swans. The isolated cestodes and trematodes require invertebrates, tadpoles or fishes as intermediate hosts. However, C. melancoryphus, being a strictly herbivorous bird, is likely to consume these items accidentally. Finally, additional studies are necessary to assess the impact of these parasites on the health of this threatened swan in Chile

Helmintos e ectoparasitas do gavião-asa-de-telha (Accipitriformes: Parabuteo unicinctus) no Chile: Novas associações parasita-hospedeiro para os rapinantes neotropicais

Birds of prey harbor a wide spectrum of various parasites, mostly with a heteroxenous life cycle. However, most reports on their parasites come from Europe. Although the Harris’s hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus) is a widespread species in America, parasitological surveys on this hawk are mostly focused on coprological findings and ectoparasites, with poor attention paid to helminths. The aim of this study was to gather new and additional data on host-parasite associations for the Harris’s hawk. Twenty-nine birds from central and southern Chile were necropsied. Further, nine birds from a rehabilitation center and 22 museum specimens were inspected for ectoparasites. Sixty-eight percent of birds hosted at least one parasite species. Four lice species, one mite species and eight helminth species (five nematodes, two platyhelminthes and one acanthocephalan) were recorded. Parasitic lice Colpocephalum nanum and Nosopon chanabense, and a nematode Cyathostoma (Hovorkonema) americana were recorded for the first time in raptors from the Neotropics. A feather mite, Pseudalloptinus sp., nematodes, Physaloptera alata and Microtetrameres sp., and a trematode Neodiplostomim travassosi, were recorded for the first time in Chile. The presence of diverse heteroxenous helminths reported here in the Harris’s hawk could be explained by the generalist diet of this raptor.As aves de rapina representam uma fonte importante de parasitas heteroxenos. Porém, a maioria dos relatos são da Europa. O gavião-asa-de-telha (Parabuteo unicinctus) é uma espécie amplamente distribuída no continente Americano, porém estudos parasitológicos nessas aves têm documentado achados coprológicos e ectoparasitas, com poucos relatos sobre endoparasitas como helmintos. Por essa razão, o objetivo deste estudo foi descrever novas associações parasita-hospedeiro para o gavião-asa-de-telha e rapinantes neotropicais. Vinte nove aves provenientes do centro e sul do Chile foram submetidas à necropsia. Por outro lado, nove aves de um centro de reabilitação e 22 espécimes de museu foram inspecionados em busca de ectoparasitas. Do total de aves, 68,3% foram identificadas como portadoras de pelo menos uma espécie de parasita. Quatro espécies de piolhos, um ácaro e oito helmintos (cinco nematoides, dois platelmintos e um acantocéfalo) foram registrados. Os piolhos Colpocephalum nanum, Nosopon chanabense e o nematóide Cyathostoma (Hovorkonema) americana são reportados pela primeira vez em rapinantes neotropicais. Colpocephalum nanum, N. chanabense, Pseudalloptinus sp., Physaloptera alata, Microtetrameres sp., C. (H.) americana e Neodiplostomim travassosi, são reportados pela primeira vez no Chile. A diversidade de helmintos heteróxenos, identificados neste trabalho, poderia ser explicada devido à dieta geralista do gavião-asa-de-telha.Fil: Oyarzún Ruiz, Pablo. Universidad San Sebastián; ChileFil: Cifuentes Castro, Camila. Universidad de Concepción; ChileFil: Varas, Félix. Universidad de Concepción; ChileFil: Grandón Ojeda, Alexandra. University of Bristol; Reino UnidoFil: Cicchino, Armando Conrado. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Biotecnología; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata; ArgentinaFil: Mironov, Sergey. Russian Academy of Sciences; RusiaFil: Moreno, Lucila. Universidad de Concepción; Chil

Parasitos da biguá nannopterum (Phalacrocorax) brasilianus (aves, phalacrocoracidae) do Chile

The Neotropic cormorant Nannopterum (Phalacrocorax) brasilianus (Suliformes: Phalacrocoracidae) is widely distributed in Central and South America. In Chile, information about parasites for this species is limited to helminths and nematodes, and little is known about other parasite groups. This study documents the parasitic fauna present in 80 Neotropic cormorants’ carcasses collected from 2001 to 2008 in Antofagasta, Biobío, and Ñuble regions. Birds were externally inspected for ectoparasites and necropsies were performed to examine digestive and respiratory organs in search of endoparasites. Ectoparasites collected were cleared and mounted for identification under a microscope. Fecal samples were also evaluated to determine the presence of protozoan parasites employing a flotation technique. A total of 44 (42.5%) of birds were infested with at least one ectoparasite species, while 77 (96.25%) were carrying endoparasites. No protozoan forms were found after examination. Most prevalent endoparasite species found were Contracaecum rudolphii s. l. (72/80, 90%), followed by Pectinopygus gyroceras (33/80, 41.25%), and Profilicollis altmani (26/80, 32.5%). This is the first report of P. altmani, Baruscapillaria carbonis, Avioserpens sp., Cyathostoma (Cyathostoma) phenisci, and Eidmaniella pelucida in the Neotropic cormorant. These findings also expand the distributional range of Andracantha phalacrocoracis, Paradilepis caballeroi, Hysteromorpha triloba, and P. gyroceras to Chile.O Biguá Nannopterum (Phalacrocorax) brasilianus (Suliformes: Phalacrocoracidae) é amplamente distribuído na América Central e na do Sul. No Chile, as informações sobre parasitos para essa espécie são limitadas a helmintos e nematoides, e pouco se sabe sobre outros grupos de parasitos. Este estudo documenta a fauna parasitária presente em 80 biguás coletados de 2001 a 2008, nas regiões de Antofagasta, Biobío e Ñuble. As aves foram inspecionadas externamente em busca de ectoparasitas; adicionalmente, foram realizadas necropsias para examinar os órgãos digestivos e respiratórios em busca de endoparasitos. Os ectoparasitos coletados foram limpos e montados para identificação ao microscópio. As amostras de fezes também foram avaliadas para determinar a presença de parasitos protozoários, empregando-se uma técnica de flutuação. Um total de 44 (42,5%) aves estavam infectadas com pelo menos um ectoparasito, enquanto 77 (96,25%) estavam portando endoparasito. Nenhuma forma de protozoário foi encontrada após o exame. As espécies de endoparasitos mais prevalentes encontradas foram Contracaecum rudolphii (72/80, 90%), Pectinopygus gyroceras (33/80, 41.25%) e Profilicollis altmani (26/80, 32.5%). Este é o primeiro registro de P. altmani, Baruscapillaria carbonis, Avioserpens sp., Cyathostoma (Cyathostoma) phenisci e Eidmaniella pelucida no biguá. Esses resultados também expandem a distribuição de Andracantha phalacrocoracis, Paradilepis caballeroi, Ascocotyle felippei, Hysteromorpha triloba e P. gyroceras no Chile.Fil: González Acuña, Daniel. Universidad de Concepción; ChileFil: Llanos Soto, Sebastián. Universidad de Concepción; ChileFil: Oyarzún Ruiz, Pablo. Universidad de Concepción; ChileFil: Kinsella, John Mike. Helmwest Laboratory; Estados UnidosFil: Barrientos, Carlos. Universidad Santo Tomas, Santiago; ChileFil: Thomas, Richard. Universidad de Concepción; ChileFil: Cicchino, Armando Conrado. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Biotecnología. Grupo de Entomología Edáfica Bonaerense Suboriental - GENEBSO; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata; ArgentinaFil: Moreno, Lucila. Universidad de Concepción; Chil

Fauna parasítica do pardal invasor (Passer domesticus) da região de Ñuble, Chile: Um exemplo de parasitas co-introduzidos

Invasive species impact native wildlife in several ways, as they compete for resources and may transmit their specific pathogens. However, the potential consequences of co-introduced parasites are not fully understood. While the house sparrow (Passer domesticus) was introduced in Chile about a century ago, no data are available regarding its parasites. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine the parasitic fauna of this avian invader and to determine whether there are co-introduced/co-invasive parasites shared with native birds. One hundred and eight birds were collected from three different localities in the Ñuble region of Chile, and a complete parasitic necropsy was performed in the laboratory. Twenty-three (21.3%) were parasitized by six arthropod species and four (3.7%) were parasitized by two helminth species. Four out of eight taxa are reported for the first time in Chile; among them, three arthropod parasites and the tapeworm, Anonchotaenia globata, are considered as co-introduced parasites. Only A. globata is a potential co-invasive parasite given its low degree specificity in terms of its definitive hosts. Future research should examine whether additional co-introduced/co-invasive parasites have been brought by the house sparrow, and what their potential consequences might be on the health of native birds in Chile.As espécies invasoras de vertebrados competem com espécies nativas no uso de recursos e transmitem patógenos. Contudo as consequências da co-introdução de parasitos permanecem pouco estudadas. O pardal (Passer domesticus) foi introduzido há um século no Chile, porém não existem dados sobre seus parasitos. O objetivo do estudo foi investigar a fauna parasitária e avaliar se existem espécies co-introduzidas/co-invasivas compartilhadas com as espécies de aves nativas do Chile. Um total de 108 aves foram coletadas em diferentes localidades da região de Ñuble. Seis espécies de artrópodes parasitos foram coletadas de 23 (21,3%) aves. Quatro aves (3,7%) estavam parasitadas por duas espécies de helmintos. Quatro de um total de oito espécies de parasitos correspondem aos primeiros relatos para o Chile. Três artrópodes parasitos e o helminto Anonchotaenia globata são considerados parasitos co-introduzidos no país. Apenas A. globata possui potencial para ser considerada uma espécie co-invasiva, pois pode parasitar Passeriformes em geral. Pesquisas futuras devem investigar se os demais parasitos identificados neste estudo correspondem a espécies co-introduzidas ou co-invasoras e avaliar as possíveis consequências na saúde das aves nativas do país.Fil: Oyarzún Ruiz, Pablo. Universidad de Concepción; ChileFil: Cárdenas, Guissel. Universidad de Concepción; ChileFil: Silva De la Fuente, María Carolina. Universidad Austral de Chile; ChileFil: Martin, Nicolás. Universidad de Concepción; ChileFil: Mironov, Sergey. Russian Academy of Sciences; RusiaFil: Cicchino, Armando Conrado. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Biotecnología. Grupo de Entomología Edáfica Bonaerense Suboriental - GENEBSO; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata; ArgentinaFil: Kinsella, John Mike. Helm West Lab; Estados UnidosFil: Moreno, Lucila. Universidad de Concepción; ChileFil: González Acuña, Daniel. Universidad de Concepción; Chil

Survey and Molecular Characterization of Sarcocystidae protozoa in Wild Cricetid Rodents from Central and Southern Chile

In Chile, studies of parasites from the family Sarcocystidae (Apicomplexa) have mostly been related to domestic animals. We aimed to assess the presence of Sarcocystidae taxa in cricetid rodents from Central and Southern Chile. We studied 207 rodents, encompassing six species, from 13 localities. We isolated DNA from tissue samples, amplified the Sarcocystidae 18S rRNA gene with polymerase chain reaction, and performed phylogenetic analyses using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inferences. In addition, we examined blood smears and performed histological studies in organs from Sarcocystidae DNA-positive animals. Three specimens were DNA-positive and three genotypes were retrieved and named: Sarcocystis sp. P61, related to Sarcocystis strixi, was detected in two Abrothrix olivacea. Toxoplasmatinae gen. sp. P99 was retrieved from those same two specimens, and was related to Toxoplasma and other genera, although it branched independently. Besnoitia sp. R34 was detected in one Abrothrix hirta, and was clustered with congeneric species associated with rodents. No protozoa were found during microscopic studies; thus, it was not possible to confirm parasitic interactions rather than accidental encounters. However, the close relatedness of the retrieved genotypes to parasites of rodents supports the hypothesis of host–parasite associations. All three genotypes are suggested as potential new taxa, including a putative new genus.This research was funded by the ANID Programa Becas Doctorado Nacional under grant numbers 2019–21190078, 2020–21200182, and 2022-21220118; and Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico (FONDECYT) under grant number 11170294.Peer reviewe

SIBLING AGGRESSION IN A NEOTROPICAL RAPTOR, BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (GERANOAETUS MELANOLEUCUS): A FIRST REPORT FOR CHILE

Avian siblicide is the consequence of extreme sibling aggression in the nest. However, sibling rivalry does not always lead to brood reduction. Depending on the frequency of this behavior in the population and the results of the attacks, siblicide is classified as obligate or facultative. During one breeding season we observed the nests of two different pairs of Black-Chested Buzzard-Eagle in central Chile. The brood size of nests was of 2-3 chicks; then, 5-7 days after hatching, the first sibling aggression were observed in both nests, characterized by vigorous attacks from the both older and younger chick. This behavior extended up to 20-25 days after hatching with no brood reduction. This work represents the first detailed record of sibling aggression in a diurnal raptor in Chile, providing additional evidence for considering the Black-Chested Buzzard-Eagle as a facultative siblicide

Histopathological findings of Fasciola hepatica infection in non-native European hare (Lepus europaeus) in Southern Chile

Abstract Fasciola hepatica is a parasite introduced in America from Europe, being considered of concern for public health and animal production, especially in countries with endemic areas as occur in Chile. In this country, the research has been focused mainly in domestic ruminants, with native and introduced wildlife being largely ignored. Thus, the aim of this study was to report the infection by Fasciola hepatica in an introduced mammal, the European hare, which is distributed along a vast area of the country. One in 42 hares hunted showed histological lesions compatible with F. hepatica, and harbored a parasitic load of 6 liver flukes. This is the first report of this lagomorph acting as host of this helminth in the country and the third in South America. Yet, we found no previous reports regard the pathology of this fluke in the species. Thus, we emphasize the importance of more studies regarding introduced mammals which could be acting as reservoirs for this important fluke