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Andr‚, M.R.; Adania, C.H.; Teixeira, R.H.F.; Vargas, G.H.; Falcade, M.; Sousa, L.; Salles, A.R.; Allegretti, S.M.; Felippe, P.A.N.; Machado, R.Z.
Molecular detection of _Hepatozoon_ spp. in Brazilian and exotic wild carnivores
2010 Veterinary Parasitology (173): 134-138
_Hepatozoon_ spp. are apicomplexan parasites that infect a wide variety of animals. The infection occurs through the ingestion of a hematophagous arthropod definitive host. Herein, we assessed the presence of _Hepatozoon_ spp. in 165 captive wild felids and 100 captive wild canids using molecular techniques. We found that 6 felids (4 little spotted cats, 1 jaguarondi, and 1 puma) and 5 canids (2 bush dogs, 1 fox, 1 crab-eating fox, and 1 maned wolf) were positive for _Hepatozoon_ spp. _Hepatozoon_ spp. may be a potential pathogen and an opportunistic parasite in immunocompromised animals or if occurring in concomitant infections. Because most Brazilian wild felids and canids are endangered, knowing whether _Hepatozoon_ infection represents a threat for these animals is crucial.
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