Into the large ears: otitis externa associated with nematodes, mites, and bacteria in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus).

ABSTRACT:

Background

The Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), which is an endangered species, harbors several parasites. Among the ectoparasites that it harbors, ear mites of the genus Loxanoetus have the potential to cause external otitis, an inflammation that may also be associated with the presence of other microorganisms. We assessed the relationships between ear mites, nematodes, yeast, bacterial rods, and cocci sampled from the ears of captive Asian elephants in Thailand. In addition, we discuss the possibility that dust-bathing behavior may be triggered by ear mite infestation, and that this in turn may lead to contamination of the ears with soil microorganisms.

Methods

Legally owned captive Asian elephants (n = 64) were sampled. Ear swabs were individually collected from both ear

SUBMITTER: Bezerra-Santos MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9987081 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature