Capillaria hepatica (Bancroft, 1893) (Nematoda) among indigenous populations and wild mammals in the northwest of Mato Grosso State, Brazil, 2000

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Capillaria hepatica is a hepatotropic nematode that infects rodents and other mammals. In 2000, eggs of this helminth were identified in stool samples from the indigenous population in Northwestern Mato Grosso, Brazil. A parasitological survey was conducted in stool samples from 477 (76.6%) out of 622 Indians from six villages (Mamaindé, Kithaulu, Camararé, Negatoré, Nambiquara and Wassussu) located in the valleys of the Guaporé and Nambiquara rivers. Liver samples from wild animals were used by these Indians as a food source and were collected for histopathological and parasitological assessment. The results revealed the presence of C. hepatica eggs in the stool samples from 8.6% (41/477) of the individuals and revealed enteric parasitic protozoa and other helminths. Eggs of C. hepatica were also found in the livers of Tayassu pecari (white-lipped peccary) and Ateles paniscus (black spider monkey). The fecal elimination of C. hepatica eggs that was found among the Indians represented a spurious infection and was associated with the consumption of the viscera of wild animals that are considered to be reservoirs of C. hepatica in the investigated area. Additional clinical and epidemiological studies must be performed in this area because of the zoonotic potential of C. hepatica to cause hepatic capillariasis.