PARASITIC GASTRITIS IN Cuniculus paca (RODENTIA: CUNICULIDAE)

Abstract

Parasitism by genus Physocephalus sp. is reported in two naturally infected species of paca from the eastern Amazon region. Four animals were necropsied and during inspection of the digestive tract nodules were observed in the greater curvature of the stomach. Inside these nodules, parasites of the genus Physocephalus sp. were found, (seven males and seven females) with an average of three nematodes fixed and infiltrated into the submucosa of each lesion. Histopathological examinationshowed congestion and interstitial hemorrhage in the submucosal region, associated with the presence of mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate, as well as nematodes at the lesion site. Despite previous descriptions of this pathogen in rodents, we are not aware of any reports of lesions caused by this parasite. The lesions caused by the action of this pathogen in the stomach mucosa may affect the digestive process of C. paca and lead the animal to present diminished food intake andconsequent inactivity and arrested growth and weight gain, compromising the health and welfare of wild species.