Ocorrência de microfilárias no mico-leão-da-cara-dourada (Leontopithecus chrysomelas) no Sul da Bahia, Brasil

Abstract

Hemoparasites such as microfilariae are present in primates from different regions of the world. Information on the consequences of these parasites on the health of non-human primates, especially those extinction threatened such as golden-headed lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysomelas) is scarce in the literature. Therefore, greater attention is necessary to contribute to species conservation actions and zoonotic control. The objective of the study, therefore, was to investigate the presence of microfilariae, through the evaluation of blood smears, in the golden-headed lion tamarin that lives in anthropically altered environments in southern Bahia, Brazil. Furthermore, the influence of these infections on the hematological parameters of the animals was evaluated. It was observed that 65% of the animals sampled had microfilariae. Animals positive for the parasite had higher hemoglobin than negative individuals. We conclude that microfilariae are circulating in the golden-headed lion tamarin in southern Bahia, which may have implications for the health of animals and also for public health, since some species of these parasites have zoonotic potential.