Publications by authors named "Rafael A N Ramos"

Cutaneous myiasis caused by various Calliphoridae dipteran species is prevalent worldwide and is of particular veterinary and public health concern. Recently, in a scientific exploration of the Guinea Worm Eradication Program to Chad, Africa, we observed that dogs with mutilated ears, based on local awareness, were caused by cutaneous myiasis. In this study, we analyzed epidemiological, morphological, and molecular data on cutaneous myiasis in dogs from Chad.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • The study focuses on detecting filarial nematodes in wild carnivores in Texas, examining archived blood samples from 2014-2023.
  • Researchers tested 202 samples from various species, including coyotes, raccoons, gray foxes, bobcats, and a striped skunk, using genetic sequencing methods.
  • Results show that coyotes serve as a significant reservoir for the nematodes, with some instances found in raccoons and a single bobcat, highlighting the need for more research on these parasites in wildlife.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Purpose: Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus is one the most significant ectoparasite in cattle farming in tropical and subtropical regions, causing problems to livestock health worldwide. The control of this ectoparasite primarily relies on the use of synthetic acaricides. However, the emergence of acaricide resistance has stimulated the search for new control alternatives, including phytocompounds with acaricidal and insecticidal potential.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Purpose: Medical and veterinary filarial nematodes are transmitted by blood-feeding vectors. In dogs, these parasites are mainly represented by nematodes in which microfilariae dwell in the blood (Dirofilaria spp. and Acanthocheilonema spp.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • The study focused on the distribution of triatomines, which are associated with Chagas disease, in an endemic area.
  • A total of 7,257 specimens were collected over nine years, with most found inside homes rather than outside.
  • The analysis showed varying distribution patterns of triatomines across different municipalities, with some testing positive for the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

In this study, we report a rare case of tick paralysis in a cat induced by Otobius megnini infestation. An 11-month-old female cat was admitted to a private veterinary clinic in Luling Texas, USA presenting with depression, tachycardia, and flaccid paralysis of the entire body. The four recovered ticks were morphologically and molecularly identified as O.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The winter tick, (Ixodidae), commonly infests a wide variety of wild and domestic ungulates throughout North America. This one-host-tick infests animals from October to April, with moose () particularly affected. Animals highly infested may present with anemia, tick-induced alopecia, and alterations in thermoregulation, often resulting in death Mortality from winter tick infestation has been reported in free-ranging woodland caribou () and captive reindeer in Alberta, Canada.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

In this report we described a case of aural hematomas in three lambs associated with Otobius megnini (Ixodida: Argasidae) infestation. From April to May 2021, five 3-month-old Hampshire cross lambs presented with unilateral aural hematomas. Upon otoscopic examination, engorged soft ticks (O.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Filarioids of the genus Cercopithifilaria are little studied, yet widespread parasites, that are relatively unique in being one of the very few nematodes transmitted by hard ticks. These filarioids live in the subcutis while microfilariae are found in the dermis. Definitive hosts include domestic dogs as well as a wide range of vertebrates, such as ruminants, non-human primates, murids, marsupials, porcupines, viverrids, bears and lagomorphs.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • Leishmaniases are tropical diseases caused by protozoa transmitted by sandflies, showing a concerning spread to non-endemic regions despite global control efforts.
  • This study analyzed the occurrence of Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) and Tegumentary Leishmaniasis (TL) in a tropical region of Brazil from 2009 to 2019, using demographic and case data to create spatial maps of infections.
  • A total of 116 cases were recorded, predominantly in men from rural areas, with strategies for prevention and control suggested to stop further spread.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Species of (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) are parasitoid wasps whose immature forms develop inside ixodid and argasid ticks (Acari: Ixodida). Following oviposition by adult female wasps into the idiosoma of ticks, larvae hatch and start feeding on their internal contents, eventually emerging as adult wasps from the body of the dead ticks. Species of have been reported as parasitoids of 21 species of ticks distributed across 7 genera.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Canine visceral leishmaniasis is a disease caused by the protozoon Leishmania infantum, an important agent of zoonotic concern. In this study we determined the seroprevalence, risk factors and spatial distribution of infection by L. infantum among dogs in the Pajeú microregion of the Sertão region of Pernambuco, Brazil.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Canine Leishmaniasis (CanL) caused by the L. infantum species is one of the biggest threats to the health of the South American canine population. Chemotherapeutics currently used for the treatment of CanL fail to induce a total parasite clearance while inducing numerous side effects.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The aim of this study was to detect molecularly vector borne pathogens (VBPs) in domiciled cats tested for Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and Feline leukemia virus (FeLV). Blood samples (n = 119) were analyzed microscopically and molecularly through PCR and sequenced for the detection of the following pathogens: piroplasmids., Bartonella henselae, Cytauxzoon felis, Ehrlichia canis, Leishmania spp.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Ticks (Ixodida) are ecologically important ectoparasites that may impact human health and economic activities. Parasitoid wasps are natural enemies of ticks and a potential option for its biological control. In the present study, we recorded parasitism of the nymphs of the tick Amblyomma nodosum by the parasitoid wasp Ixodiphagus hookeri.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • Filarioid nematodes are important parasites in dogs, with some species having circulating microfilariae in the bloodstream and others residing in the skin, prompting increased scientific interest, especially concerning zoonotic implications.
  • In the US, while a specific filarioid is known as the primary threat, the movement of animals and the diversity of these parasites suggest that skin-dwelling species may be more prevalent than previously thought.
  • The review discusses the biology and clinical signs of various filarioid species, the diagnostic methods available, and the need for improved research and surveillance to address knowledge gaps and understand their impact on both canine and human health.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The FLOTAC technique was initially developed to detected infective stages of parasites in animal and human feces. Recently, its applicability has been extended by the use in pastures and vegetables for human consumption. However, its use for the detection of parasites in the soil has never been investigated.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The lungworm Dictyocaulus viviparus has an important role in cattle health and productivity worldwide, since infections can lead to substantial economic losses. Despite its importance, few studies investigating the epidemiological aspects of infection by this parasite have been conducted. The aim of this study was to report the occurrence of lungworm infection in beef cattle herds reared in an area of livestock production in the northeastern region of Brazil.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • * A study conducted between June 2016 and July 2017 analyzed 43 illegally traded wild animals in Brazil, focusing on detecting zoonotic parasites that can affect both human and animal health.
  • * Results showed that 55.8% of the animals tested positive for at least one type of parasite, indicating a significant health risk due to poor sanitation during their illegal trade and transport.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Many vector-borne pathogens (VBPs), including Ehrlichia canis and Dirofilaria immitis, may infect simultaneously dogs in areas where Leishmania infantum is endemic, especially in the tropics, where highly abundant arthropod vectors thrive. The aim of this study was to compare the frequency of simultaneous VBPs infection in Leishmania-positive and Leishmania-negative dogs. Animals enrolled in this study were divided in two groups (G1 and G2), G1 being comprised of L.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Eimeria species have importance to calves because of the economic losses. The aim of this study was to identify the species of Eimeria that affect calves and the risk factors associated with its natural infection. Fecal samples (387) were collected from dairy farms in the southern Agreste of Pernambuco.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

is the etiological agent of Chagas disease, a neglected tropical infection with great public health importance. This protozoan has triatomine insects as vector but may also be transmitted through blood transfusion, organ transplants, ingestion of contaminated food, or congenitally. It has a heterogeneous population classified into Discrete Typing Units (DTUs), TcI-TcVI and TcBat.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Lungworms such as Dictyocaulus spp. in cattle and small ruminants, and Muellerius capillaris and Protostrongylus rufescens in small ruminants are important pathogens, causing respiratory disease in these livestock species. Despite their veterinary importance, lungworms of livestock have been poorly studied in certain regions of the world, including Brazil.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

This research analysed the spatiotemporal distribution of triatomines infected by trypanosomatid parasites in an endemic region for Chagas disease, in the state of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil. The database included the total number of triatomines captured from intradomicile and peridomicile areas, as well as the infection rate (IR) by trypanosomatid. The by Getis-Ord method was used to statistically identify significant concentration clusters and the IR of triatomines by trypanosomatids.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF