Descrição morfológica de ovos e larvas de parasitos em Lontras longicaudis (Offers, 1818) no Córrego Bom Jardim Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio Itabapoana, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Abstract

Studied fecal samples from neotropical otters (Lontra longicaudis Olfers, 1818) were collected in the Itabapoana River Hydrographic Basin, on a tributary of the middle stretch of the river, along the Rio de Janeiro state bank. This tributary is called the Bom Jardim stream, and collections were carried out over an approximately 1 km stretch between two sampling points; the stream is located in the municipality of Bom Jesus do Itabapoana, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. The study aimed to describe the intestinal parasites present in fecal samples of L. longicaudis, assessing their occurrence and potential associations with the species’ habits. For processing the fecal samples and subsequent individual laboratory analysis, routine qualitative coproparasitological methodologies were applied. Analyses were based on the Willis flotation technique and the spontaneous sedimentation method. A total of 61 samples were collected from the Bom Jardim stream: 8 macroscopic samples and 53 fecal specimens. Of these, 23 showed potential parasitic forms (oocysts, helminth eggs, or larvae). From this set, 15 samples were selected based on clear parasitic morphological characteristics. The selected samples were used for morphological description, in which 14 larvae, 10 eggs, and 1 oocyst were characterized. The detection of parasitic forms in the analyzed samples reinforces the relevance of morphological description for the study and reliable recording of these parasites in L. longicaudis.