First pathological report of parasitic gastric ulceration in Humboldt penguin(Spheniscus humboldti)along the coast of south-central Chile

Ciro Oyarzún; katherine Alveal; Meyling Rivas; Cristhian Rodríguez; Hernan Gonzalez; Miguel Mansilla; Ariel Valenzuela; Víctor Campos V; Italo Fernández; Francisco Yáñez

Abstract

This report offers a macroscopic and histological description of ulcerative gastric lesions in Humboldt penguins associated with the presence of Contracaecum pelagicum. Parasites of this genus have been isolated from different species of marine mammals and birds, including penguins, demonstrating its capacity to generate ulcerative lesions in the gastrointestinal tracts of many hosts. A bibliographic review revealed no publications on gastric ulceration by nematodes in Humboldt penguins. Studies carried out in Chile concerning gastrointestinal parasitism by nematodes of the Contracaecum genus in S. humboldti only established the parasite's taxonomy. This is the first pathological description of a parasitic ulcerative manifestation in the stomach of S. humboldti in the world. The Humboldt penguin is a vulnerable species. Therefore, this study is relevant as it offers a better understanding of the diseases that affect S. humboldti and facilitates the development of strategies intended to recover the population.

Más información

Título según SCIELO: First pathological report of parasitic gastric ulceration in Humboldt penguin(Spheniscus humboldti)along the coast of south-central Chile
Título de la Revista: LATIN AMERICAN JOURNAL OF AQUATIC RESEARCH
Volumen: 40
Número: 2
Editorial: UNIV CATOLICA DE VALPARAISO
Fecha de publicación: 2012
Página de inicio: 448
Página final: 452
Idioma: en
DOI:

10.3856/vol40-issue2-fi1lltext-20

Notas: SCIELO