An anatomopathological study of Hepatic coccidiosis (Calyptospora sp.) in the Acarà-Pixuna, Aequidens Plagiozonatus Kullander, 1984 from the Brazilian State of Parà

Abstract

The present study focuses on the anatomopathological alterations provoked by parasitism by Calyptospora sp. in 40 specimens of Aequidens plagiozonatus collected in Pará, Brazil. Examinations of the fresh material by compression of the hepatopancreas and histological sections showed immature forms and oocysts characteristic of the genus Calyptospora, in addition to a large quantity of melanomacrophagic centers spread throughout the organ. No significant inflammation of the hepatic tissue was observed. The melanomacrophagic centers and the compression of the hepatocytes are part of the response of the host to the parasite. This study represents the first record of parasitism by Calyptospora in A. plagiozonatus.