Encephalitozoon intestinalis infection in free-ranging giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) and armadillo species (Priodontes maximus, Euphractus sexcinctus, Cabassous squamicaudis).

ABSTRACT: Microsporidia are emerging, opportunistic fungi that infect a diverse population of vertebrates and invertebrates. Mammals of the superorder Xenarthra can harbor and transmit several pathogens, acting as important sources of infection for spreading various zoonoses. Microsporidia have not yet been described in this group of animals, the aim of this study was to analyze the occurrence of the zoonotic microsporidian Encephalitozoon intestinalis, Encephalitozoon cuniculi and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in the feces of giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) and armadillo species (Priodontes maximus, Euphractus sexcinctus, Dasypus novemcinctus, Cabassous squamicaudis) monitored by Wild Animal Conservation Institute (ICAS) in Brazil. Fecal samples (n=127) were subjected to DNA extraction with the

SUBMITTER: Carvalho BRR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11903348 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature