Endoparasitosis in cougar (Puma concolor) from the Southern region of Brazil

Abstract

The cougar (Puma concolor) is a feline found in various ecological zones of the Americas, including Brazil. In cougar it has been reported parasitism by ticks Ixodidae and endoparasites of different genera and species. However, researches involving the Brazilian wild fauna are still few. Therefore, this research study aimed at evaluating the gastrointestinal parasitism in P. concolor kept in captivity in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul state. Fecal samples of an adult cougar were analyzed by the direct smear method, centrifugal flotation technique with zinc sulfate and kinyon staining method. Mixed infection by oocysts of Cryptosporidium sp. and eggs of Trichuris sp. were observed. Moreover, the samples showed oocysts of coccidea suggestive of Toxoplasma gondii or Besnoitia sp. Based on the results, one can conclude that the cougar is a potential host of these parasites, presenting with asymptomatic. However, future studies are needed to determine the true role of the feline in environment related to the spread of these parasites. Keywords: Cryptosporidium, Toxoplasma gondii, Besnoitia, Trichuris.