Helmintofauna de Clyomys laticeps (Rodentia: Echimyidae)

Abstract

Host atributes and climate seasonality influence the parasitism rates between hosts. Little is known about the helminthofauna of Brazilian rodents, especially fossorial species, such as Clyomys laticeps. This work aims to describe the helminths infecting Clyomys laticeps, captured in Parque Estadual da Serra de Caldas Novas, Goiás. Prevalence, abundance and intensity of helminths were evaluated, and the following hypothesis were tested: 1) males present larger parasite prevalence and load than females, due to its greater body mass and mobility; 2) individuals with larger body mass present higher abundance of helminths; and 3) parasite prevalence and abundance vary according to climatic season. Fourteen C.laticeps individuals were collected, and the helminths found on their intestines were counted and identified. Only three helminths species were identified, probably due to the low density and semi-fossorial habits of C.laticeps. There was no effect of body mass or seasonality parasite rates, while there was a tendency for higher parasitism among the females. Such results seem associated with C.laticeps behavior. This is the first record of Subulura forcipata in mammals and of Fuellebornema almeidai in Cerrado, while Pterygodermatites (Paucipectines) sp. had its first record among Echymyidae.