Oncocercose eqüina: diagnóstico e verificação da hematofagia por simulídeos e culicóides, prováveis vetores no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Abstract

EQUINE ONCHOCERCIASIS: DIAGNOSnC AND VERlflCATION Of THE HAEMA-TOPHAGOUS BLACK fLlES AND BITING MIDGES CONSIDERED AS VECTORS IN RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL. Onchocerca cervicalis RailIiet & Henry, 1910 is a nematode that parasite equines. Its ocurrence has already been reported in the States of Mato Grosso and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Different diagnostic techniques were used in this study to establish the prevalence ofthe parasite in Rio de Janeiro State and the biting behaviour oflhe simuliid and ceratopogonid species suspected ofbeing vectors was studied. AlI ofthe biopsies made in the region ofthe withers, shoulder and umbilicus of 57 animais were negative. Necropsies carried outon 28 equines revealed 4 lo be positive forthe parasite; 2 for microfilariae and 2 for adults. Simuliid flies showed preference for biting the ventral region and ceratopogonids lhe lower paris of lhe legs of horses. It was concluded that a more detailed investigalion is required to determine a better diagnostic technique in order to verifY prevalence rates of lhe parasite in horses in lhe State.