Ochetosoma heterocoelium (Digenea: Plagiorchiidae) in snakes from Colombia
Ochetosoma heterocoelium Travassos, 1921 is a parasite that has been identified in snakes from different locations in Colombia and is considered of veterinary importance. Here, we present a redescription based on morphological traits of juveniles and adults. Parasite burden of O. heterocoelium in the host varied between 3-207 individuals which were localized in the oral cavity of snakes, causing damage that range from small infections to mechanical obstruction of the esophagus and Jacobson's organ. The low levels of abundance and prevalence in the snakes Leptodeira septentrionalis, Bothriechis schlegelli, Bothrops asper and Porthidium nasutum coming from the localities of Maceo, Vegachí and Acandí regions, suggest that the parasite is not a threat to the snakes of Colombia. We propose a treatment program that consists of manual removal of Digenea as well as treating snakes with antihelminthics, the applaying of soft antiseptics and monitoring recovery. The prevalence of O. heterocoelium was established in new regions, namely Middle Magdalena, Valle de Aburrá, Urabá Chocoano and northern Colombia. This extends the known geographical distribution from Brazil and Venezuela. New hosts were also identified: Atractus lasallei, Bothriechis schlegelli, Bothrops asper, Chironius carinatus, Leptodeira septentrionalis, Leptophis ahaetulla and Porthidium nasutum.
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Digital revista |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Instituto de Biología
2009
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| Online Access: | http://www.scielo.org.mx/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1870-34532009000300003 |
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