DIVERSITY AND FREQUENCE OF HEMOPARASITES IN SNAKES OF THE FAMILY BOIDAE (GRAY, 1825) IN EX SITU AND IN SITU CONDITIONS IN BRAZIL

Lara Meyer; Gabriela Rocha Pires; Marcos Pereira da Silva Junior; Bruna de Azevedo Baêta; Claudia Bezerra da Silva

Título do Trabalho

Autores

Lara Meyer
Gabriela Rocha Pires
Marcos Pereira da Silva Junior
Bruna de Azevedo Baêta
Claudia Bezerra da Silva

Modalidade

Resumo Simples

Área temática

Outras áreas temáticas

Data de Publicação

22/05/2026

País da Publicação

Brasil

Idioma da Publicação

pt-BR

Página do Trabalho

https://www.even3.com.br/anais/x-simposio-internacional-ciencias-veterinarias/1430352-diversity-and-frequence-of-hemoparasites-in-snakes-of-the-family-boidae-(gray-1825)-in-ex-situ-and-in-situ-cond

ISBN

978-65-272-2456-3

Palavras-Chave

Parasite diversity, Molecular diagnosis, Apicomplexa, Herpetofauna

Resumo

Snakes (order Squamata) are a globally diverse group, and Brazil has high herpetological richness. Among the various families, it harbors the family Boidae, which includes different genera such as Boa, Epicrates, Corallus, and Eunectes. Conservation work uses both in situ and ex situ strategies, and studying ex situ populations is essential, as the higher concentration of specimens in a single location favors the emergence and transmission of significant pathogens to free-ranging populations. Hemoparasitoses exhibit high parasitological diversity and are common in reptiles, including snakes and their various groups. Among the many species of hemoparasites, the phylum Apicomplexa—particularly the subclass Coccidiasina, with genera such as Haemogregarina and Hepatozoon—is especially prevalent in these animals. This study aims to identify and analyze the occurrence of hemoparasites in snakes of the family Boidae from different origins (captivity and free-living) in Brazil. The specific objectives are to identify the hemoparasite species present in these snakes and their geographic distribution, calculate their frequency in different localities, and perform morphological, morphometric, and molecular characterization of the parasites found. This study will be submitted to CEUA-UFRRJ for methodological approval. Blood samples will be collected from snakes in ex situ facilities such as commercial breeding centers and zoological institutions, while in situ samples will be obtained from wildlife rehabilitation centers (CRAS and CETAS) throughout Brazil, with a focus on the southeastern region of the country. Blood will be collected via the caudal vein or cervical paravertebral sinus, with one portion stored in EDTA for molecular analysis and another used to prepare at least three fresh blood smears. Laboratory processing will involve two approaches: (1) blood smears stained with Giemsa will be examined under 1000× optical microscopy to identify the presence of parasites, calculate parasitemia, and conduct detailed morphometric analyses; and (2) DNA will be extracted from whole blood and subjected to PCR assays using primers specific for genera such as Hepatozoon, Haemogregarina, and Trypanosoma. Positive amplicons will be sequenced using the Sanger method for accurate identification. This research is expected to identify a wide variety of hemoparasites, potentially including new or unrecorded species, providing crucial data on their frequency and diversity in snakes of the family Boidae. Additionally, this project is expected to standardize efficient molecular diagnostic techniques for these pathogens, creating a valuable repository of information for future research. This knowledge will directly contribute to the development of sanitary protocols and effective management strategies, aiding in the conservation and health of these animals in both in situ and ex situ contexts.

Título do Evento: X Simpósio Internacional em Ciências Veterinárias | X International Symposium in Veterinary Sciences
Cidade do Evento: Seropédica
Título dos Anais do Evento: Anais do X Simpósio Internacional em Ciências Veterinárias (X SINCVET)
Nome da Editora: Even3
Meio de Divulgação: Meio Digital

Como citar

MEYER, Lara et al.. DIVERSITY AND FREQUENCE OF HEMOPARASITES IN SNAKES OF THE FAMILY BOIDAE (GRAY, 1825) IN EX SITU AND IN SITU CONDITIONS IN BRAZIL.. In: Anais do X Simpósio Internacional em Ciências Veterinárias (X SINCVET). Anais...Seropédica(RJ) UFRRJ, 2025. Disponível em: https//www.even3.com.br/anais/x-simposio-internacional-ciencias-veterinarias/1430352-DIVERSITY-AND-FREQUENCE-OF-HEMOPARASITES-IN-SNAKES-OF-THE-FAMILY-BOIDAE-(GRAY-1825)-IN-EX-SITU-AND-IN-SITU-COND. Acesso em: 06/11/2026