Cryptosporidium spp. (Tyzzer, 1907) em peixes-boi marinhos (Trichechus manatus) (Linnaeus, 1758) e peixes-boi amazônicos (Trichechus inunguis) (Natterer, 1883) no Brasil

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to verify the occurrence of oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. in Antillean manatees (Trichechus manatus) and Amazonian manatees (Trichechus inunguis) from Brazil, and also evaluate the hydric transmission of the coccidium and the influence between this pathogen and the staff involved directly in captive animal care and management. Fecal samples were collected from 34 Antillean manatees, 12 Amazonian manatees and also 21 employees involved in the management activities. Water samples, used to the manatees consumption and management were also collected. The fecal samples were processed by sedimentation in formol-ether and Kinyoun technique. Before the water samples were processed, this was submitted to a filtration process in membrane (diameter of 47 mm, porosity of 3 μm) under negative pressure. At the end of the analyzing operations, the positive samples were submitted to the Direct Immunoflorescence Test. The results obtained by light and fluorescence microscopy analysis showed alcohol-acid-resistant structures compatible with oocyst of Cryptosporidium spp. in 25% (34/136) and 4,30% (05/115) of thematerial proceeding from Antillean manatees and Amazonian manatees, respectively; 23,80% (10/42) of the material obtained from the employees; and 66,67% (04/06) of the water samples analyzed. The results showed the possibility of Antillean manatees and Amazonian manatees could become infected with Cryptosporidium spp., and participate in the epidemiology of this waterborne disease by eliminate of viable oocyst in water environment wich can infect man and a wide range of domestic and wild animals. The hand of the frequency of Cryptosporidium spp. in staff involved directly in captive animal care and management could be the way to prevent the infections the manatee’s species.