Apicomplexa parasites in the brains of road-killed wild animals in the State of Paraná, Brazil

Abstract

The use of run-over wild animals is an efficient strategy for scientific research of pathogens. The aim of this study was to detect DNA from phylum Apicomplexa in the brain of road-killed wild animals from the North-Central and North Pioneer mesoregions of Paraná, Brazil. Pre-established transects were run weekly; when found, animals were packed into individual packages and sent for autopsy. The brain fragments were collected and kept at -20 °C until processing. The DNA extracted from the samples was amplified by nested-PCR for the 18S rDNA gene from the phylum Apicomplexa. All positive samples were submitted to DNA sequencing to define the species. A total of 90 animals were collected, however, only 68 animals (75.6%) that had integrity of the brain were included in the study. It was possible to identify the species by DNA sequencing in four samples: Sarcocystis spp. was identified in one Colaptes melanochloros (Green-barred woodpecker) and one Mazama gouazoubira (Gray brocket). Neospora caninum was observed in a Leopardus pardalis (Ocelot) and T. gondii was present in Didelphis albiventris (white-eared opossum). The results indicated that parasites with economic and public health relevance were present in wild animals, which may favor infection of humans and animals.