Gastrointestinal parasites of captive and free-ranging wild animals in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul

Abstract Wild animals are hosts for many species of parasites which act as opportunistic or primary agents of disease. This study investigated the presence of endoparasites in the gastrointestinal tracts of wild animals from the State of Mato Grosso do Sul in the Cerrado, Atlantic Forest, and Pantanal biomes. From October 2022 to June 2024, fecal samples were collected from wild animals at two locations: Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (CRAS) in Campo Grande and the Paragem Municipal Natural Park (PNMP) in Dourados. A total of 109 fecal samples were collected: 96 from CRAS and 13 from PNMP and techniques of flotation and sedimentation were used. The prevalence of parasitism was 51.04% and 23.07% in the captive and free-living animals, respectively. The parasites found were nematodes (Strongyloidea, Ancylostomatidae, Ascaridida, Ascaropsinae, Toxocara spp., Capillarinae, Trichuris spp., Ascaris suum, Oxyurida, and nematode larvae), cestodes (Dipylidium spp. and Spirometra spp.), trematodes (Paragonimus spp.), and protozoa (Entamoeba spp., Eimeria spp., Cystoisospora spp., and Coccidia). The highest prevalence was observed for helminths of the Strongyloidea and Ancylostomatidae, followed by Coccidia and Entamoeba spp.. We highlight the importance of such studies to better understand the circulation of etiological agents that may pose a risk to animal and human health.